These two contraptions began long ago, after I built the Graham Industries engines from kits, then set them up with two others, using a standard aquarium gang valve to power them all from a single air source. They were a lot of fun to play around with, the gang valves allowing for almost inifinite variations in running speed among the four engines - everything from running them all very slowly, or shutting down all but one, and everything in between! But I could never decide on an appropriate permanent platform to mount them on.
Years passed, my interests drifted, and I never made any further progress on the project. Then, I got back into steam engines again, and came across the Weeden Steam website. There, I found a section entitled "Weeden Odds and Mods", showing some engines that had been modified. I was instantly inspired to mount my gang-valve project onto an old Weeden - specifically a salvaged 647 model. Seemed the perfect choice, with the antique Weeden adding yet another engine to the group, and providing a very handsome antique base.
With that project successfully completed, I decided to make yet another, matching (sort of) gang-valve engine project, using a model 648 instead. Partially motivated by the simple fact that I had one more identical piece of ribbed wood to use as a base for mounting the engines on the 648. So, I decided to name the first "Odd", and the second "Mod!"
I have come to approach them with the view that they can almost be used as crude musical intruments, the music of course made by the engines all working together in harmony at various speeds.
Anyway, I thought I would share some photos here in case anyone is equally crazy enough to want to make thier own version. My only suggestions would be to go with a 648 instead of a 647 (due to the completely enclosed firebox, and the heavy iron base on the 648), and to use a metal (not plastic) gang valve. The metal ones are a bit harder to come by, but they are far more durable and look much better than the plastic valves.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Very cool setups! Some clever thinking there!
Here posting two more photos, one showing the rear of both engines - I don't know why my initial post included two of the second photos, guess I goofed at some point!
Thanks for the compliment Mike!
Cheers - Greg [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Love it!
The bases are very common spares, and sure make a neat way to display your miniatures