Bongo Breaks Down - at Peter’s Railway

[@DaveFiggley]

It's always fascinating to watch an experienced lathe operator at work. Thanks Peter.

[@PetersRailway]

It is all part of a fabulous hobby!.. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

fabulous work fixing the hotbox and flat.

[@PetersRailway]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@Y2k_Godly9559]

1:07 "famous last words" i love it 😂

[@PetersRailway]

There are too many famous last words. I hope mine are "That was fun"... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@lachlandean8826]

Another excellent video. I was so concerned when I saw that flat spot, but the lathe cleared it up quite well. I thought that you might have to machine the other wheels as well, but your clear and succinct explanations of the engineering educated me on that. I would love to see more content from you, I would watch anything that you put out here. I loved reading all of your books as a teenager, and they definitely inspired me to go to university to learn engineering. Thank you for sharing this with us out here.

[@PetersRailway]

Hi Lachlan, Thank you for your wonderful comment - it is fun writing the books, but knowing that young people have enjoyed them (and even been encouraged by them) is a real honour. I hope you have an amazing career in engineering; it is so much more interesting than so many other jobs!! All best wishes, Chris.

[@cedarcam]

Just like the real thing Poor Bongo. Really interesting video and I never thought about how the brakeforce is equalised across each wheel.

[@PetersRailway]

Yes, the miniature behaves much like the full size machines. Unfortunately this time!! It is a cunning system for equalising the braking across the tender wheels. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@thequietestengine]

I remember reading a Thomas annual with Henry developing flats on his wheels, seeing the real deal really puts it into perspective what an issue it would be. I'm glad Bongo's issue was able to be resolved, thank you for sharing with us!

[@PetersRailway]

I think that the older or original Thomas stories were quite well based in fact. Not so the more recent ones!! Glad you enjoyed seeing the repair: It took longer to edit the video than it did to mend the engine! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@thequietestengine]

@@PetersRailway Thank you! I have a little nephew that would love to read these stories, and that gives me an excuse to buy a few and read them myself ;) Thank you so much for letting me know, and all the best to you and your engines.

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you for that! It is the wonder of KZbin. Over the last 18 months we have reached some 2 million viewers. There is no way I can achieve that with normal advertising. If you buy from our website, don't forget to put your nephew's name in the dedication box, and anything special you would like me to write in the front of books. Thank you in advance, Chris.

[@pacers1231]

I have been watching for the last few weeks what a awesome channel I love steam trains my favourite has to be flying Scotsman

[@bernard2fos52]

Merci pour cette vidéo de réparation qui semble garantie pour encore 30 ans..!!!😊😊😊

[@PetersRailway]

Merci de l'avoir regardé - On croise les doigts pour 30 ans... Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@davidgekler]

Thank you for sharing, so much knowledge is necessary for having your own railway!

[@PetersRailway]

I enjoy making the videos, so it is great that people enjoy them too! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@baztyrrell3569]

Nice repair, when i was an apprentice if i'd have used the lathe with unbuttoned cuffs i'd have been cuffed round the ear. 😅

[@PetersRailway]

Yes. You were not meant to notice that!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@stuntmanwill]

Another fantastic and informative video, thank you so much! 🙏

[@PetersRailway]

My pleasure! Now I must make some more before the weather turns even wetter.. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@kaibroeking9968]

The standard of engineering you have achieved in Bongo is really a joy to behold. That last shot of the tender axle on the road while the locomotive is moving could just as well have been one taken of the real thing!

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you! Part of the fun is to see if you can make a model which gets better as you get closer... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@CliffordDive]

I found these by accident. Wonderful videos and wonderful machine. For someone who grew up with a Meccano gears outfit this is glorious. This is what kids should be watching. Thank-you! 🙂

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the great comment. I also grew up with Meccano, but found it never looked like a finished machine - unless you were building a crane!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@CliffordDive]

@@PetersRailway I was never interested in making it look finished - give it a differential, gearbox, suspension and steering mechanism, and then put a steam engine on the rolling chassis and all is good. PS. Found the books. They look great!

[@PetersRailway]

Interesting! I always wanted to get the mechanical parts to work but then to make it look good too. Lego was the other option, but the mechanical parts were not so good. Mind you it has all changed now. Meccano is nasty plastic stuff and Lego have more gears than you can shake a stick at!! Thanks for looking at the books, if you do buy anything, please do fill in the dedication box so I can sign it to someone, it's all part of the fun.. Chris.

[@gganqokb]

This is brilliant, your knowledge of maintaining your loco is absolutely exceptional! Keep it up!!

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you! Now I must make some more videos... At the moment I am overhauling, and repainting, the little tank locomotive. You can see that in the How to build a railway turning loop video - the tank engine hauling the brick train. Hope that will be interesting when I manage to edit all the footage into some sort of story... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@JimmyProductions]

Very neat! I am only 14, nearly 15, and live in the states. I'm not sure if they even have this here, but after watching your videos, I would absolutely love to build a small locomotive one day!

[@welshpete12]

There are a great deal in the US . I just found this one for you. Firing up and Running Northern Live Steam Locomotive 402 | Marshall Steam Museum Enjoy ! :-)

[@PetersRailway]

Great that you love the idea of Model (and maybe full size) engineering!! Yes, you will find that there are plenty of Model Engineering clubs around the US. I think they should be very welcoming if you go along and show that you are interested. If they are not friendly, then find another club which is!!! It is a good ambition to make a small loco, but you can have a lot of fun making small stationary steam engines first. They are much simpler and there is a much greater chance that it will get finished and give you a lot of satisfaction. Again, an ME Club will give you lots of information and guidance... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@SteamengineerPW]

Hello Christopher - I think a stout biscuit tin may be on the list for the loco shed mess room? Excellent video clearly explaining, showing and going on to complete the repair of the problem.

[@PetersRailway]

That is another cunning suggestion, and one which I might act upon. Or, just eat all the biscuits! Maybe that is why the tender bearing failed - I've got too fat!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@WayneCook306]

Good job well done, 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you for many thumbs up!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@mrmrst9020]

Hi Chris Fantastic video and well explained 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you for the great comment! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@FlyingScotsman-vv1jh]

It was lovely seeing you Chris at the NYMR Gala on the 28th of September! You signed my books. Great video as always. Looking forward to the next😊. Ben

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the great comment and hope to see you at an event again. Incidentally, did you know about the event at the ravenglass and eskdale at the end of the month?.. all best, Chris

[@JPoulAndersson]

Wonderful engine and well done for fixing the axleboxes! May I ask what gauge it is? Rgds from Holland, Joachim

[@PetersRailway]

Hi Joachim. The engine is 7.25 inches gauge - about the smallest which is comfortable to operate at ground level. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@randomfpv22]

That looks like incredible fun!

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for your great comment - yes it is!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@NoelShelley]

OH DEAR ! Good old Myford saves the day. Bongo lives to see another day. Best wishes.

[@PetersRailway]

Hi Noel, Great to hear from you! Yes, the Myford is an excellent machine. You will have noticed some chatter marks on the wheel treads: I think this is because the wheels on an axle are nothing like as rigid as when bolted to a faceplate. They will wear off soon enough!! Sorry I won't be at the MEX this year, but hope to catch up with you soon... All best, Chris.

[@spodface12]

thanks for a great video. Ive just got my first engine, and one of our club members said to me dont forget to oil the tender axleboxes! ( not saying you didn't obviously lol )

[@PetersRailway]

Good advice and enjoy your loco! I always had slight doubts about the little wick type oiler under the axle. I think the wick it probably a bit too tight a fit in the hole, so I wonder if it was pressed up onto the axle, especially after a bit of wear which would move the axle away from the wick. Every day is a school day... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@helmuthhaass3631]

Always a pleasure to watch your work and how you present everything. I wish you were my neighbour 👌

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you for your lovely comment. You might not wish to be my neighbour as I suspect you might get invited to do a lot of hard work on the railway!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@mayhemmayo]

THANK YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks, I will have to make some more videos... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@BufferBoi]

Poor old bongo :( glad she’s better now, thinking about coming to see you at the ravenglass!

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the comment, Bongo is much better now!! Yes, please do come and visit me at the Ravenglass event, I hope you will enjoy it... Bets wishes, Chris.

[@LancashireAndYorkshire]

Love Bongo, love the books, love this video!

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the lovely comment of the day! All best wishes, Chris.

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

Ahh the memorys Always wanted to have a mini railway of my own . Always have and always will want one . Especially seeing the kids driving the engines . Always wanted to do that . But knowing me I would cause a RUNAWAY or something silly like that . Tho lucky that y’all get do live my dream . Least someone dose .😊 Anyways I do voilenteer at a railway . Standard gauge . And hope to eventually do the same with the 2foot 3inch talylln one day . Anyways safe travels and dry rails for the engines . Bye 👋🏽

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the lovely comment: Yes, miniature railways are a superb hobby. Enjoy volunteering on a large railway and I hope you do manage to do that with the Talyllyn one day - the people there are very friendly. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@stephennewman6872]

Great video Chris

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks, Steve!! C

[@lakesiderailwayco2484]

Chris, if you had some spare time you could try to make bongo a little headboard out of wood, just sone that says ‘peter’s railway’ or something like that. Great video though :) keep it up!

[@PetersRailway]

That is a great idea - thank you for it! It would make an idea for a very short video to link the books with the engine. A cunning plan if ever there was one!! Thanks for watching, Chris.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@BeansModelTrainRoom]

1:33 😂😂 he can finally do his exercises now. 😂😂😂

[@PetersRailway]

I just go and do some track maintenance to get my exercise!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@JWTrainboy]

Top notch video chris, very interesting to see how you would fix a wheel with a laive! (I don't know how to spell it) all the best. Jay

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you! The machine is written as a lathe - but I have no idea where that name comes from. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@yannickawan3394]

I loved watching this. I could almost smell the oil.

[@PetersRailway]

Yes, my wife says she can definitely smell the oil when I come in from the railway - apparently this is not good! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@taxalterror]

Nice one top job, Cheers

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you! Cheers! Now I must make some more videos... Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@LordPhobos6502]

6:20 there's no such thing as 'doing things quickly' on a lathe, without risking safety. My first lesson on a lathe in the workshop was, "if the foreman comes around and tells you to go faster, you press that button (e stop), down tools and go home."

[@PetersRailway]

I had a different type of foreman. He told me to go faster on a huge lathe, "it isn't a bloody myford". Next time he came past I had a 1 inch depth of cut and the lathe was starting to jump up and down. He said nothing and walked off! Chris.

[@ruairidhfleming5546]

where did the locomotive come from did you build it up from a kit or did you build it as a scratch build?

[@PetersRailway]

Hi, I built the loco, from scratch. The original design in 7.25" gauge was Roedeer by Martin Evans. However, there is very little of his design left in the finished engine: I was given access to one of the two remaining B1s, and also was given some BR drawings. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@nightw4tchman]

12:25 Can I just say that is an amazing Le Shuttle tea pot! Bet they don't make them anymore.

[@PetersRailway]

Thank you! I have never seen a Le Shuttle tea pot, either before or after I found it at a steam railway junk sale. It must be very valuable??!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@lakesiderailwayco2484]

Hey chris, me again, just wondering, does bongo ever visit other miniature railways?

[@PetersRailway]

Good question! Yes, Bongo has visited other railways in the past. However, now it is rather landlocked on the railway here and takes too much effort to move elsewhere. All best, Chris. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@bigliftm]

Question : Why are there no ball bearings in the axle boxes ? my thinking would say that they would turn forever with lifetime lubrication. Perhaps a silly question but never asked is never learned anything.

[@PetersRailway]

Good question: it took a long time for roller bearings to start to displace plain bearings. Rolling bearings were more expensive but less maintenance as you say. Interestingly, the friction from a properly designed and lubricated plain bearing can be less than for rolling. If this wasn’t true then all car crankshafts would run in rolling bearings!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@V100-e5q]

14:30 Perhaps you can place a wooden beam on the tracks that is holding the axle a little bit below its final position. But high enough so that the axle (bearing) holders are high enough to let the screws catch. That beam should look like half a ladder. With a cutout long enough so that you can hold the axle with one hand through the slot while the beam is moved under the axle. The beam is positioned so the axle will pass the end. Once you have the axle up against the hornblocks the other hand can slide the beam under the axle up to the sleepers in front of the axle. It will then support the axle and you can easily adjust the bearing blocks and thread them into the hornblocks. That way you have not to deal with the axle's weight. A more sophisticated method would be using a seesaw. Two cantlevered beams connected to each other laid down with one end on the sleepers and the other on the floor. Where the axle will be there is a holder (two screws at least or a block with a V-shaped cutout where the axle goes) to hold the axle in place on the beam. The high end being supported by a block so it keeps its position. Once the axle is positioned on the lower end the other end on the sleepers will get a weight that (slightly more than) counterbalances the axle. So you can lift the axle to the hornshoes. Will probably not slide in right away. But then you can crawl under and adjust the bearing blocks with ease. Just be careful not to load the seesaw to much so the bearings don't bang into the slots (and possibly squeeze you fingers).

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for the very cunning and detailed suggestions. I will look into them next time I need to drop a wheelset! There is always a balance between simplicity and ease of use - they don't always go hand in glove. The interesting thing for this operation is that I have only had to do it twice in 20 years, so taking a lot of time to create a more complex but better solution might not be worthwhile. However, as I get older, the idea of taking the weight of the wheels will get more attractive!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@V100-e5q]

@@PetersRailway Glad to help. As an engineer I know the dilemma. But then you have built this elaborate wheeldrop to be used twice? My first suggestion, just place a/two beams ready and slide them under the axle is the simplest way I could think of. No machining just careful selection of the beam's/beams' thickness. And given my age and abilities (close to 70) I could readily feel the pain if I had to do it myself. Your video just oozed out sweat and I would have had to deal with desperation in addition. I also see the joy in building a tool whether I will use it (immediately) or not. Just like builing a model. But given what you have to take care of the time might not simply be there. Or built it while firing up the loco?

[@PetersRailway]

I think that is the point of it being so simple. I was faced with dropping the wheels once, in the last few years. Maybe not again. So it only too a few minutes to make the MK1 version, punk though it is, to do the job much more safely than propping the tender up on some blocks. Next time, in another 10 year, I will have to make something better!! Yes, there is a pleasure in building tools, but I tend to only make them to do a job. If your hobby is making tools, then that is another matter altogether - and another splendid hobby!

[@V100-e5q]

@@PetersRailway Agree. If your pleasure comes from running trains everything has to follow that goal. And given your last takes on the video I can readily feel that satisfaction. I am no more in the business of running trains (even in H0). I concrentrate on detailing. But for other things, like building my solar powered electricity supply or replace my heavy garage door I take the same approach. Minimize the effort on tools but get the job done. Another idea popped up: The drop table could be attached to some levers on both sides with counterweights (adjustable by having them able to move to different positions. Perhaps with a hook and chain?). One day you might want to change a driving wheelset. I cannot imagine that with some mechanical help. First I though of a car jack or those pedestals to put under cars to have a ready solution.

[@PetersRailway]

I hope never to have to change or do any work on the driving wheels!! In fact, they are not much heavier than the tender wheels and, luckily, I can call on a son to assist if necessary. Enjoy the detailing in HO! All best, Chris.

[@declanbeard5672]

What would my first loco be for beginners

[@PetersRailway]

Good question! If you haven’t built any simple stationary engines then you would do well to start with one of those. If you have already built some small steam engines then something simple maybe an 040 locomotive with outside cylinders would be best. However the best thing to do is to join a model engineering club somewhere not too far from you enjoy a fabulous hobby, Chris

[@declanbeard5672]

@ thank u

[@SamJacob-si2cy]

What happened to the real bongo locomotive did it went to Barry scrapyard in 1968

[@PetersRailway]

Hi, I have a book which says that Bongo, 8306, was withdrawn in September 1962. It doesn't say where it was broken up, though I doubt if it was at Barry. (But I don't know!) Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@JintySteam1]

Is this 7 ¼?

[@PetersRailway]

Yes, that is exactly the gauge. It's a good size as it is big enough to operate on a ground level track. Also, not too large to build in a modest workshop. Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@joshhendley4437]

I’m sorry Christopher

[@PetersRailway]

No worries...

[@dwiharjanto5134]

Jadi ingin buat

[@PetersRailway]

Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.

[@LordPhobos6502]

/sings Theeee wheels on the tram go CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK ...All. day. Long. 😂😭

[@PetersRailway]

Not any more, they don't!!!! Thanks for watching! Best wishes, Chris. PS. If you would like to know about the books I write to teach children (age 3 to 90!) about railways, science and engineering, there’s lots of info here: petersrailway.com/ and we ship overseas.