Let's Build a Locomotive! Pennsylvania A3 Switcher, Part 1

[@Kim-kl5jh]

I have just updated my Pennsy Switcher BOM. It's still in the same place as Quinn links to (at the end of the first post in my A3 Pennsy Switcher build log) but it now has Rev B attached. I corrected a few dozen errors so it's not dramatically different. Undoubtedly it still has errors, but hopefully fewer now. And of course, you'll want to choose the material that YOU want to use, rather than what I have been using. The BOM spreadsheet is available for your personal use as a starting point for your materials list. But as always, use at your own risk :)

[@Blondihacks]

Awesome! Thanks for the update!

[@johnmccoy9653]

"These high-tech materials don't just grow on trees..." Great line, expertly delivered!

[@vannoo67]

Yep, she's giving ToT a run for his money

[@petedepledge3359]

Carbon based fibres bonded in a resin? These really are some high tech materials.

[@spehropefhany]

Glad I didn't have a mouthful of coffee.

[@index7787]

O.A.K. is some crazy newfangled stuff for a hobby machinist, modern technology is truly extraordinary.

[@ianmillard1604]

As a train nerd and a long time viewer with no room for any machining tools, I am so looking forward to this! I will love vicariously through you Quinn!

[@TheModerateNewb]

Quinn and ThisOldTony are my inspirations. I want a plus sized hobby shop if that makes sense…

[@lassebong3902]

You took the words out of my mouth! I also have no room for any machines, so I just work with handtools and W.O.O.D. materials that are softer than O.A.K.. Needless to say that all my projects have little of this "precision" people are always on about. I tend to speak of "character" . Anyway, I love watching people like Quinn , Tony and Ron machine and build. I loved the stationary engines and getting to see a full steam engine build is an absolute treat! @Quinn: I already love this series! Thank you so much!

[@mattpurdy3384]

You could build this engine with a good set of files and a drill press, minus some brazing you may need to borrow a torch for. Milling machines are a convenience, don't let a lack of space stop you from building cool stuff.

[@johngillon6969]

@@mattpurdy3384 so easy to say. you could build this engine with a god set of files and a drill press and 200 years. Indeed.

[@mattpurdy3384]

@@johngillon6969 Definitely not 200 years. I've been working on this engine; I have CNC machines and yet I still find myself cutting parts with hack saws and filing to finished shape, even for customers. I bet you could finish this engine the way Kozo described in less than 500 hours without a mill. You need to turn parts, so I should backtrack and say you need a lathe. Mine's a Sheldon; it's 100+ years old and fits on a bench, costed me $350 in 2018. I've had a Logan 9 and a Southbend 8, both I paid under $500 for, so to say lathes are too expensive or too big; they're not free and you need a bench to put it on, but it'd fit in a laundry room. Still, you can buy hardware to the tolerances you need for most of these parts, milled to shape with files.

[@Blondihacks]

A quick note on the fire tubes- since this was recorded I have learned that the .787 dimension on the main boiler drawing is actually an error, and Kozo intended .750 there anyway. So that worked out well. There are not many errors in his books, but this was one.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

I love watching CPR freights come through revelstoke BC

[@GregryCM]

Hi Quinn. I am 'close' to Boiler Fabrication for my A3a and was not aware of the fire tube diameter errata. Where did you find that info? Do you have a link? Thanks!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks very much.... Shoe🇺🇸

[@mattpurdy3384]

There's a few more errors in the linkage; well documented in the home machinist forums I think. When I was scoping out a project for a Canadian Pacific G5C, I was hunting down drawings. The Ingenium Museum in Toronto has all of them, including the ones for the engine you want to build. I was able to take pictures of all the drawings so I could make 3D models. They were incredibly accommodating, and an email to the curators would probably land you a tour of their warehouse, which is awesome. It was like the storage facility in Indiana Jones; they have the worlds fastest snowmobile on display, so the second fastest goes in the warehouse. Worth a visit.

[@SkeeterPondRC]

Im here for the Blondihacks. You could be showing us how to plant Brussel sprouts and Id be like "well that deserves a thumbs up" You deliver really awesome content and it is your commentary that makes every project that much more interesting.

[@brianhaygood183]

I'm suddenly realizing I don't actually know how one grows Brussels sprouts, and feel a sudden need for this knowledge? Quinn? Sprocket? We need this content!

[@spacehooliganzack7429]

Ok but now that you mention it, I am curious about the brussels sprouts growing process

[@steeleleestele]

I find her videos a joy to watch, no matter the subject.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

@@brianhaygood183 I'm with you! LoL 🤣😆

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

Not quite sure how they will manage to go off on the interesting Engineering or machining related Sidebars on that one... I very much hope to one day find out!

[@studyourheart]

This is one of the most exciting builds happening on KZbin right now. Seeing a live steam engine built by one of the most approachable and intelligent hobby modelers is like a dream come true. Thank you for sharing this build with us!

[@SenorGonzo]

Just when you think it cant get any better!

[@ShamWerks]

0:45 : thank you for that Sampson Boat Co plug in, Leo's deserves all the love!

[@andrewdalgarno5322]

Loved the difficult to find O.A.K. product!!! If only it grew on trees and was easy to find! Andrew

[@timothyball3144]

I was amazed at how the manufacturer was able replicate the look of a similar product called oak.

[@brianstrong292]

O.A.K. is the common name for that material, but technically it's known as "hydro-carbon fiber" - very hi-tech stuff in the natural world. 😁

[@phiwise_9489]

Oh man it's happening! Feels like we've been building up to this for years! What a journey this is going to be, even from the sidelines.

[@oakdeneforestry1965]

Brilliant thing about you building this engine is you're going to be with us for the next 10 years. Looking forward to the next instalment you brave lass.

[@mathewmolk2089]

@@julianstafford7071 Make that the senile sock puppet in the White House, there, Bunky. He causes 3X the amount of hell by accidental screw ups then Rootin' Tootin' does on purpose.

[@BarelyAwake]

I am SO looking forward to this project. You could do a hundred episodes in a row on this and not lose me.

[@danielschellhardt4736]

Hi Quinn. I’m a long time viewer, first time commenter. I suspected this was coming, and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for this project. Though I have no prior machining experience, last year after watching all your lathe skills videos, I made the decision to purchase a PM 1030V lathe, specifically with the goal of building this very locomotive. I still have a long way to go in developing my skills, not to mention saving up to buy a mill, but thank you for the inspiration and motivation. Best of luck to you on this project!

[@feudiable]

14:11 "These high tech materials don't grow on trees" :D

[@arloames4517]

I started down this path on a 7.5 inch gauge union pacific 4400. I was still working my day job and my dad and I were working on it together. He drove real steam engines. I did 80 percent of the CAD work and 5 percent of the machining before running out of time. We had to CNC a lot of it to get the parts to look good. My dad was sick and I didn't have enough calendar time to get it running. Bought a kit for an electric loco, built it, and build some rolling stock. Got to take Dad to Train Mountain before he passed, and took him to Riverside Live Steamers to see their Big Boy (dad drove Big Boy locos). It's a path forward when the steamer seems too big a mountain to climb. I'll finish the switcher some day, but didn't have to get it all done too fast.

[@halfstep67]

I have a cheap Lionel Midnight Flyer train set I bought at a yard sale. I have it set up on my workbench right now. Every time I go out to the shop, I plug it in and let it roll. It sure is good therapy to sit and watch the little train go around and round.

[@vendter]

OMG! I was terrified watching her cut wood, oh the danger!

[@minibigs5259]

Love that Quinn watches Tally Ho!!

[@TheDaf95xf]

In a man’s world it’s really refreshing seeing a lady make a steam locomotive 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@shazam6274]

Irony: New, fancy, thoroughly planned, well equipped shop with matching bench surface heights: saw cuts on floor :).

[@richardmahan4197]

Your steam builds are my favorites. Looking forward to this build. Please don't make us wait too long between episodes of this build.

[@matthewlee8917]

A live steam locomotive is a magnum opus for most hobby machinists. Something tells me you won't stop here though. Thank you for taking us along for the ride. I'm pumped!

[@g.tucker8682]

I really appreciate the detailed discussion of boiler modelling options, very informative. One thing I'd add is that many jurisdictions have regulations governing the operation of any boiler. Anyone considering a similar project would do well to join their nearest live steam society for guidance on the relevant regulations, liabilities, and certification processes.

[@peterc2248]

As many others have said, I am so looking forward to this build. I'm not a model engineer but I appreciate the levels of skill, the quality of the content and the excellent presentation.

[@TheFarCobra]

We held a car meet at the Train museum by Fort Saskatchewan Alberta. They fired up a big steam locomotive for the occasion … it was really frickin cool! They look like machines, but in their presence they are almost certainly alive.

[@reallifeistoflat]

I'm so excited for this project

[@brettcaldwell3278]

SO excited for this project!

[@kenbtheman]

I bought that same book quite a few years ago. I do have a small machine shop at my home and my intentions were to build that engine but there have been other things that got in the way. I've given in to the fact that I will never build it. I'm very happy to see you take this project on. I wish you all the luck with your build and will be following the progress. 👍

[@jerryolson3408]

My paternal grandfather was a machinist for the NH railroad in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and my maternal grandfather was a sheet metal worker in the same period and NH facility just outside Boston. Both were making full scale steam locomotives 😊 I’m really going to enjoy this build.

[@cerealport2726]

I can see myself watching the final video in this series and marvelling at what little I have achieved in my life in the intervening time period. Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your creativity.

[@dieseldabberdoug8285]

I studied machinist work in high school, and was a Seabee utilities man in the navy working on boilers. This sounds amazing!

[@oregonexpat]

Well Quinn, I am just chuffed at your new project. A bit of steam , but lots of machining. Don’t worry that we are getting tireed of your projects, because we aren’t.

[@michaelandersen7535]

I appreciated the section on silver solder vs other materials! Thanks for explaining all of that

[@vincemeyer7968]

I am very excited to see this. I have owned this book for some time but have slowly been trying to get some smaller projects done first before diving into this. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@robertburns2415]

Sounds like a great project. As for chips concerned I saw some chips but there wasn't any dip.

[@andrewplumb6189]

What a brilliant episode. I think I've learned more about silver soldering in that 1/2 hour than I have in reading 45 years of reading model engineer.

[@carlwilson1772]

That's because Model Engineer is crap.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

You ever thought of teaching engineers, ( from all disciplines ), how to compile a project brief or instruction manual? Your articulate, erudite and succinct commentary is a pleasure to listen to. Oh yes, I'm also looking forward to this build....Cheers and thanks

[@modtwentyeight]

All RIGHT! Here we go. Should be both interesting and an education! 👍

[@TheFreshmanWIT]

Urgh... as a long term viewer of the channel: This is the coolest project I've ever seen, and I hope your "only checking in occasionally" means "we will see every moment of this project.

[@Preso58]

I used Australian Eucalypt hardwood for hammer forms. It's very dense and hard but I also screwed 1/8" hot rolled steel to the top face of the form and radiused the edge. It's the edge that takes most of the punishment from the hammer and the copper stock. Good move to start on the boiler. I've seen so many advertisements for "complete rolling 5" gauge locomotive chassis. Just needs boiler!"

[@Blondihacks]

Australia has all the best woods. 😄

[@tzkelley]

I've had that book for more than a decade--glad you're going first! Maybe it'll give me the motivation to start it myself.

[@laserfloyd]

Glad to see you're firmly _rooted_ in the use of exotic materials such as O.A.K. It just _leaves_ all the others behind.

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

The boiler is probably the most important part of any steam project, but because you’ve made a great job of your last boiler this project is well within your ability. Like you said it’ll take as long as it takes, quality is what counts in the end. Looking forward watching this build.

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

@@etherealbolweevil6268 yes I agree that doubling up on any project will have huge benefits but I think she's going to do it alone and any mistakes she makes will be pointed out to help others.

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

@@etherealbolweevil6268 yes definitely! Fixture making can sometimes take longer to make than the components.

[@donkey76]

Quinn thank you for bringing a smile to my face. Its been a year since my step father passed and he was a very insane train nut. I have many of his brass HO scale models now at my house and they bring me great joy every time i see him. I poured through many of his books to see if CPR ever used a 040 and unfortunately never found the info. I did find a Northern Alberta Railway 040 tender as well as a BCrail 040. I am so glad to see your hobby branching into the love of trains.n I wish you the best on this project and look forward to seeing it progress.

[@donkey76]

as an addendum my Christmas present to myself this year is a PM940M. I look forward to receiving this machine in the new year and cruising through your videos for help learning to use it.

[@chrisduncan2626]

Aint gonna lie. I think i just found my new hobby lol. Im a boilermaker by trade, welder of condensers and pressure vessels. And ive gotta ride around my 6 acres on a model train 🤣

[@realsonnysullivan]

ever since you started with the steam stuff, I've been here for the steam stuff.

[@steamsearcher]

KOZO set out to design without castings and an ability to build his locomotives in an apartment in Japan. Also, the ability to scale up to any gauge. WOW the books are expensive BUT they do hold all the drawings and superb instructions. I have a friend here in England who is pondering a large SHAY. Love David and Lily.

[@ardyzink7928]

I got that book by Kozo as a teen-ager, years ago .... but never got the skill or time to do it. It's nice to see someone actually take on the project. It looks do-able. Also a great way to honor Kozo's memory. He did a lot of locomotive projects published in Live Steam magazines. Mr. Silver Solder.

[@Blondihacks]

He’s still alive and well, publishing articles in Live Steam magazine most months, and releasing new books. Part two of his two-book K27 build is out soon.

[@ashcla]

Here I was having just finished rewatching the model steam engine and vertical firetube boiler builds, and hoping that the steam plant project would be coming up next. Oh, the joys of being wrong! Looking forward to the next 10 years of Blondihacks 😌

[@geraldchristensen2826]

I'm using P.I.N.E. for a project right now. Easy to machine, but maybe not so durable, McMaster Carr treats my little shop just like it was a Fortune 500 outfit. Been a fan for ages...

[@pedalcarguy]

Oh, a steam locomotive! Now you're talkin'! I think O.A.K is organically acquired komposite. 😁

[@WatchmakerErik]

Great video, and I am glad you didn't stop the video until we had some actual chips, even if they were that O.A.K. stuff. I don't get modern composites 🤷

[@daverichardson5861]

Looking forward to this one for next 2 years or 2 years Quinn. Good luck.

[@JulieanGalak]

Please do as many videos on this project. I, at least, want to see as much as possible.

[@sigung01]

It gives me great pleasure as a machinist / woodworker and also one of your staunchest “silent” fans to point out the fact that you are, in point of fact, doing woodworking now, and are now a woodworker. Do I need to elaborate? ALL makers, no matter what their chosen discipline, are intelligent, creative forces that elevate and enrich our world, and should be respected. Clough42 needs to learn this lesson as well.

[@JOEMAMA_534]

I never knew about the A3s, i always thought there was just the A5s. I love Pennsy switchers!

[@davidtaylor6124]

Also, that arched bridge is epic.

[@ADBBuild]

I love McMaster. We use them a TON at work, so they give us priority shipping. As long as I order before 6PM, it will show up the next day before 10AM. It's nuts and has spoiled me rotten.

[@johnhenderson1760]

If every video for the next 10 years was this locomotive build, I would be quite happy and eagerly wait for every one.

[@cerealport2726]

That OAK product looks biodegradable. Amazing innovations in technology.

[@garywalters4286]

Really liked you explanation on how to use the silver solder,best ever!

[@walterbeech]

Looking forward to this, there was a retired guy in Kansas that built a model of Mason Bogie and he did it on 2foot gauge as the local park used it for their circle. There was something pretty cool to be able to sit inside the cab, you just didn't want to eat anything in there because you might not get out, ha ha.

[@riderstrano783]

I love Kozo’s books! I’ve always wanted to build his K27!!

[@joeybobbie1]

Hi Blondi from Texas. I can’t wait to follow along while you Build this. I have always wanted to make a Marine Steam Engine to Power a Small Skiff. So watching you Build your Locomotive ,will really help me get the Fundamentals. I have been following you for at least 2-3 Years, and really Learned a lot of what I’m able to do, from you. I really like the way you really explain why you do it this way, or that way. Love your Videos. Please don’t ever stop making them.👍❤️

[@traitorouskin7492]

I'm so looking forward to this series Quinn. no matter how long it takes. cheers ta.

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

To editor Quinn at 1 minute in: all the content is entertaining and educational, whether steam related or otherwise; please just keep up the mix.

[@davem3789]

Great clarification on the silver solder points! I was wondering myself.

[@resiggy13]

Kozo's A3 is a superb starter locomotive - great choice! I built this several years ago. My build took just over 1,800 hours of labor spread over 4.5 years. I note you commented on the supply of various metals you will need but there is another thing that will suck the cash right out of your wallet: Fasteners! I've got a 10 lifetime supply of scores of the different small screw sizes and types needed for the build that McMaster only sells in boxes of 50 or 100 pcs. I can't wait to see your progress. Good luck!

[@pkwork]

Happy, Happy!! I am a train lover, former working machinist, 50 years a silversmith and I love your channel!! I loved watching the boiler build and, well really everything. I am just starting hobby machining. You are my inspiration!

[@LadyDewBuild]

As a boat builder, You say a boat anchor like that is a bad thing ;) Thanks for sharing all you do

[@spinyuk]

Enjoyed the 'boo/yay' at the imperial choice :) (i'm on the boo team :) )

[@bishopcorva]

A great uncle I had, built a small locomotive. I forget much about it since it's been nearly thirty years since he passed away and he finished it about three years before he died. But anyway, I remember that it sat on a short length of track that he fixed to a dedicated table instead of having to move and measure the gaging width constantly. Did the track of yen got the axels and carriage truck for the drivers sized then the rest was made and fitted. It was a working model of one of the engines that he remembered from his youth stopping at the depot in town until the last passenger train stopped I think in the 60's. I want to say that it got donated to the city museum but last I went I never saw it on display.

[@evanbarnes9984]

This is so cool! The level of complexity is awesome, I'm really excited to see how this all works. This reminds me of a patient of my dad's that I met when I was maybe 8. We went over to his house to check out the model ships that he made. They were old Age of Sail designs, and maybe 2' to 8' long. He hand made every part, and they were built in the traditional construction style, so he made each wooden beam and built them like real shipwrights would have. They were often the work of a decade or more, apparently. It made a huge impression on me, it's one of my clearer memories from that quarter century ago. I think the fact that they were models, something I thought of as plastic kits that dad and I made in an afternoon or two, made the years of work that had gone into them tangible to me in a way that I had never been able to contemplate before in my young life. The thought that someone could work on something for longer than I had been alive and make something so beautiful was mind-blowing! Looking forward to seeing what you make of this project.

[@davefrench3608]

Looks a great project. Can’t wait for parts 2 - 1247

[@WatchmakerErik]

One of the beautiful things about model railroading is that you don't have to stick to the historic script. Some of my favorite model railroad layouts are anachronisms, phantom railways or "What if"s. I'm really excited for this project!

[@paulrainsford1953]

Looking forward to this series very much indeed.

[@Creativecoverz]

oh yessss!!! very very very exciting

[@MrLukealbanese]

Aaaah, miniature railways...perfect.

[@susan-parker]

Apologies. Looking forward to your progress videos, always inspirational and encouraging to make time to spend in the shop.

[@markhelseth253]

Very much looking forward to the CPR A3 build. Just watching you machine anything is a joy.

[@greggmundkowsky5798]

This locomotive has been a dream of mine for close to 35 years, I have had the book twice during that time. I started taking machine tool technology classes three years ago to learn how to use the equipment, that is also when I found your channel, I will follow along with great interest.

[@andyfreeman660]

Love Leo's channel and Acorn to arrabella . Its also cool that so many channels I love ( and kept me sane over the last few years )refer to each other. I even saw Anne from Acorn to arrabella with a hand tool rescue T-shirt the other day. It makes you feel like you are part of the journey, not just watching a show, whether your restoring an old neglected tool, building a boat or a model steam engine. Thank you for your lovely channel Quinn❤

[@billofalltrades2633]

Looks like it's going to be a fun build.

[@adamsheffield4704]

Happy to see the progression on steam. I’ll stay tuned for sure. 👍

[@MrRailroadrunner]

I've owned a few engines now, and I have to say the Cli-Shay is definitely the easiest to work on and build. However, Walshaerts valve gear is so much better to work with from a reversing standpoint. My current project is a 7.5in gauge 2-4-0. The A3 should be a very good engine to get started in, I think you'll have a lot of luck with it.

[@adammada3418]

For the record I’m exclusively here for the steam stuff! Always loved model live steam. I have a few Jensen and wilesco engines

[@KevinAmatt]

Wonderful! Makes a change from metal workers restoring old machines. This could be your niche. Definitely sharing this video on every social platform out there.

[@chestermaharaj3646]

I am totally amazed seeing you work, thank you.

[@RobertBrown-lf8yq]

Hi Quinn 👋🏼 Been waiting for this event 👏👏 Going to be glued to every episode over the next couple of years. I’m almost done with the rolling chassis & suspension on my 5” gauge Baldwin 2-6-0. Some time in 2023 I’ll be starting on the boiler…. so I’m really looking forward to your progress. Thanks for sharing, Robert

[@MrChevelle83]

having no experience with such a project i 100% agree with building the boiler first as you said once you get it tested and ready to work the rest is not near as big a headache

[@joevostoch8768]

I really enjoyed your presentation on your interest in, preparations for, and final selection of, a model steam locomotive to make in your shop. As always your thinking was very clear and presented in an understandable way. I look forward to seeing the project develop. I am sure it will be a challenge and a great learning experience. My motto is: When in doubt always make two. You will learn from the first and the second will be perfect.

[@jamescaswell4434]

Loved the shout out to Leo. Can’t wait to see you run the locomotive.

[@Dgsincc]

Full steam ahead in the new shop it would seem, looking forward to this series!

[@jamesoddsends4483]

Great channel. Welcome back to the great white north. I am now going to have to "clean" up the old shop and add a metal lathe and mill to my woodworking machines. I might even have to delve into steam engines.

[@peteetienne5493]

You would enjoy his projects, he seems to be a watch maker as a hobby

[@Frostfly]

the Tally Ho Rebuild is fabulously fun to watch. Such a HUGE project.

[@johngillon6969]

I started one of these engines over30 years ago. a few years into it i started to get paying jobs so went in business, and continued working on the engine. I realized that i had too short an attention span and switched to building sterling engines and such things. I have the un completed engine and tender on display in my house and who knows, i am 73 years old and it. is there on the list of things to finish. will enjoy watching you. thanks. the book is my favorite book in the world. I was a machinist for many years and have never experienced such beautiful and ACCURATE blue prints. I started when live steam magazine started printing the prints. those are my working prints.

[@tombuffumjr1509]

Thank you you are a lot better than most of the locomotive builders out there and besides I will be forced to learn new and greater skills

[@gardentrainsgoolma2790]

First time comment but I couldn't resist, great choice of loco. You just cant go past Kozo's engines as a first choice. I started my machining learning (totally no experience in machining prior to this) by building his New Shay in 1 1/2 scale but gauged to run on 5 inch. I can guarantee that it is doable. Kozo's instructions and drawings are so comprehensive and well described that even a total newbie like me can follow them. My loco is finished but it did take about 7 years to complete. Thinking of doing his latest the K27 now but adapting it to 5" gauge.

[@GarretVanVorst]

Please share with us as you go along. I too am building this model. I am almost done with the tender and I like your approach to start with the boiler. I think I too will jump ahead to the boiler and follow along with you as you build the boiler. Thank you for your inspiration!