Thanks all for the kind words.
I did not have much luck with my early modeling attempts (for several years), and got quite discouraged.
I didn't know how to machine, build engines, do 3D modeling, or do much of anything like that.
I literally failed at every attempt to make a drawing, 3D model, or machined part.
I was scratching my head saying "Dang, how do these folks do it; they make it look so easy".
There was many a day when I thought "perhaps I should just go fishing and give this hobby up".
I struggled with learning 3D modeling for an entire year, and swore it off many times before I finally got the hang of it.
It was one of those things were as I finally was able to succeed at getting through one door, then I would try the door after that, and I just kept opening doors to see where it all went.
I never really expected to get to where I am; it is rather a shock to me that I have been able to pull off what I have.
Perhaps it is a good lesson in not giving up too easily.
It certainly was for me.
So now after learning many new skills, it is like "Wow, I could build a lot of cool stuff", and hopefully one day I can make more engines.
At this point, I have everything I need, except time. Work is very busy these days, which is a good problem to have.
I am working on alloying some lead-free bearing bronze, and hope to cast up a batch of that this year some time.
Base metal prices are going through the roof, but I think I can make my own cheaper than purchasing it.
Copper prices are still somewhat reasonable, I guess if you call $11.00 per pound reasonable.
Some alloys such as tin are perhaps $30.00 per pound. I should have stocked up a few years ago; I would be rich now.
The idea is to cast some steam engine parts in bearing bronze, such as rod ends, etc.
Lead-Free Bearing Bronze C89835, Bismust Tin Bronze
(Copper=87%, Zinc=3%, Tin=6.7%, Bismuth=2.2%, Antimony=0.35%, Iron=0.2%, Lead=0.09%, Nickel=1%, Phosphorus=0.1%, Silicon=0.005%, Sulfur=0.08%)
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