Is a static display locomotive or live steam?
ANSWER:
The 90 Ton mikado is a 1.5" scale, 7.5" gauge live steam and fully functional
locomotive. The USRA is a 1.6" scale, 7 1/2" or 7 1/4" gauge live steam
and fully functional locomotive. Yes, the Engines do really run.
Both have operating pressure of 125 PSI of steam pressure. The display
units that I built use a Propane burners which are clean burning. Other methods
that can be used are Coal and Diesel fuel. Coal is fun because you
get to shovel it into the fire but it will make the engine dirty with the
soot. Diesel fuel is cleaner than coal.
Does the kit come with a certified boiler for
the engine?
ANSWER:
No, the kit does not include the boiler. It does include a boiler print
to take to a boiler maker for a quote. The
reason for this is each state may have their own boiler codes. It
is best to have the boiler made in that individual's state so the requirements
are met correctly. Also, the price is cheaper because you cut out the middle
man's price mark-up and save on shipping costs.
Are all the parts included in the kit to build
a running engine?
ANSWER:
No, there many parts shown in the prints that must be fabricated by the
builder. At this time they are rough casting kits. We hope to
offer machined parts in future. The castings are the major part of
the engine, but there are also many small detail parts. Plumbing such
as injectors, blow down valves, steam valves, side checks, safety valves,
whistle, lubricators is not included and can be purchased from vendors.
There is not a kit on the market that includes 'everything'. If you
think you found a kit that says 'everything included', make sure you get
it in writing and look it over.
What type of tools and equipment does it take
to build this engine?
ANSWER:
It is important for you to have the equipment to build the engine. You should
have or access to a 10" Lathe for the 90 TON KIT or a 12" Lathe for the Heavy
Mikado and Milling machine. If you have the knowledge or willingness
to learn to use these machines then the kit will not be difficult for you.
Hand tools, grinder, drill press, brazing capabilities would be additional
tools helpful in the construction.
Is this a machined kit?
ANSWER:
No, the castings in this kit are not machined. It is a rough casting
kit with some lost wax parts and laser cut parts. Machined parts may
be offered as an optional purchase. Check website for the list of machined
parts that are currently available.
How difficult a kit is this for a beginner?
ANSWER:
As far as difficulty, our kits compare with other kits on the market.
Because you are new to the Hobby, I strongly recommend finding the local
Live Steam club in your area. Visit the club and talk with some members.
You can look at some completed engines in person and see for yourself what
type of work is involved.
Does the price include shipping?
ANSWER:
No. The price does not include shipping. I will be happy to
quote shipping costs to you zip code.
What is the Advantage of the Blanchard frames,
Are they more or less done for you as far as cleanup?
ANSWER:
The Blanchard ground frames still require machining. The Blanchard
frames are ground down to the recommended thickness that is in the prints
+/- .003. Many of the dimensions of other castings are machined to coordinate
with the thickness of the frames. Most people have chosen to try to
machine the frames from 1/2" thick bar stock. This method requires
extensive changes in dimensions with the prints. I do not offer this
method in the drawings. You could machine the frames from 3/4" (90
ton) or 7/8" (Heavy Mikado) thick bar stock and then take them in yourself
to get blanchard ground and save yourself a lot of money. This method
would be the best for the budget, but takes much more time compared to CNC
steel cut frames.
What is the lead time, usually, between order
and shipment of parts?
ANSWER:
We try to maintain frames, parts and castings for 5 kits
at all times and provide excellent turnaround.
All parts are now available for both the 90 Ton and Heavy
USRA Mikado, we carry a fully stocked inventory. CNC steel cut frames
are now available for the 90 ton Mikado and the Heavy USRA Mikado.
From time to time we may be out of a particular part.
Usually it is only a 2-4 week turnaround for re-stocking.
How are the parts shipped?
ANSWER:
We use UPS to ship parts. A tracking number is provided to follow shipment.
All UPS shipments are automatically insured by Railroad Warehouse. Your parts
will automatically be replaced if damaged while being shipped by UPS. Overseas
large shipments go UPS air freight or USPS Airmail priority for smaller items.
Is there a warranty on parts?
ANSWER:
Defective Castings or Merchandise Guarantee Policy
A. MUST BE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF CASTING WITH CURRENT DATED INVOICE WITHIN 90 DAYS OF PURCHASE.
B. CUSTOMER MUST SHIP BACK DEFECTIVE CASTING WITH ORIGINAL DATED SALES INVOICE FROM RAILROAD WAREHOUSE.
C. RAILROAD WAREHOUSE WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT GUARANTEE ANY PARTS OR CASTINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SOLD BY THIRD PARTIES. NO RETURNS WILL BE HONORED.
D. RAILROAD WAREHOUSE WILL NOT REPLACE ANY CASTINGS OR PARTS THAT WERE NOT ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY US.
E. RAILROAD WAREHOUSE WILL NOT REPLACE CASTINGS OR PARTS THAT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE INCORRECTLY MACHINED BY CUSTOMER OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY.
F. DEFECTIVE MACHINED PARTS WILL BE REPAIRED, REPLACED OR ISSUED REFUND AT OUR DISCRETION.
Railroad Warehouse will normally replace the defective casting free
of charge upon customer returning defective casting as long as it is within
the policy guidelines listed above:
SALES POLICY
We are a direct supplier of parts for the Live Steam Hobby. There
are no authorized third party distributors of our products.
Products are intended to be sold directly to the hobbyist at a reasonable
price. I reserve the right to refuse service to individuals who have
the intentions of using my products for commercial resale.
90 TON LOGGING
MIKADO
OR
USRA
HEAVY MIKADO
