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Casting Iron:
Old new member here.

I was here in what seems like eons ago, and lost contact quite a while back.

With a little help from a friend, I am here once again.

So much has transpired over the years, and I don't even know where I left off.

I do recall posting here that I was diligently trying to learn how to do foundry and machining work, and learn how to make engine castings, but had not yet figured it all out.

I got a wild hair one day in 2019, and told my wife "I need to attend NAMES, because what if something happens, and NAMES just suddenly goes away forever ?".
Most prophetic statement.
I had a blast at NAMES, and was looking forward to attending again.

COVID has changed a lot.
My wife got seriously ill two years ago, and luckily is in remission now; this has been rather life changing for us.

I suddenly found myself swamped in work projects, about 2.5 years ago, and so swamped that the foundry and physical engine work have been put on hold.

I have made some nice 3D models, with the intent of casting a few engines.
The latest is the 3D model for a Ball Hopper Monitor, which was created from prints in an old Baker brochure, and with a number of photos and measurements sent to me by a full sized 4hp Ball Hopper Monitor owner.

I struggled with learning foundry work for a number of years, and have finally mastered the art of casting gray iron (some say you don't "master" iron, but I can cast it successfully, without defects or hard spots).
I had to build a 2nd lower mass furnace, and learn how to tune an oil burner for optimum heat.

I finished the green twin oscillator that I worked on for so many years.
I had to learn 3D modeling, 3D pattern printing, and casting work before I could even start on this engine.
I made most of the patterns for this engine (had one pattern 3D printed commercially), and cast the parts in aluminum 356 and gray iron for the flywheel.
And I lucked out and got it published in a six part series in Live Steam Magazine.

So I have come a long way in the hobby, and have much to share if there is an interest.

JasonB has been a constant resource for me for many years, and gotten me out of more than a few tight spots in engine design (thanks Jason for all the help).

My goals in life are to promote the model engine hobby, promote home foundry work, and stay alive long enough to retire, so I can get back to making some engines.


Pat J

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crueby:
Welcom back!  I remember enjoying that article on the Green Twin!

Dave Otto:
Welcome back Pat!

Dave

Kim:
Hi Pat,
Welcome back!
I remember that series too.  Well done!  :ThumbsUp: :popcorn:

Kim

Art K:
Pat,
Welcome back, Baker still is just down the road from me in Evansville Wi.
Art

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