formerparatrooper's video: 04 June first firing of the Mogul

04 June 2016, we steamed up Mike's 2-6-0 Mogul for the first time. There were a few steam leaks and adjustments but the engine is running. The engine is a tad slippery but with good control of the throttle we are able to make the trip all around our modest railroad. The sharp curves we have, (30" radius) are no problem for the little 2-6-0. The engine is now a facsimile of an Louisville and Nashville 2-6-0 number 547. Maybe one day I can get a pair of round top domes turned and install them, but for now we are leaving the engine as it is. It is an Allen Mogul, well built with a very nice boiler. The valve timing is slightly off and we plan to do some adjusting on those touchy parts in the near future. Rain on the rails soon dampened our playing--but it was extremely satisfying to see the engine running, the smell of hot valve oil, coal smoke, and steam really brings out a lot of nostalgia for me, the memories of being around the Soo Line depot at Glenwood MN back in the 40s and 50s when steam was still running. Apparently, one never forgets the smells such as these, I certainly haven't. The NC&St.L boxcar and the tender have Tom Bee brakes installed. I also installed a remote compressor in the boxcar and an actuating valve on the tender lid so the brakes can be applied from the engineers seat. The boxcar will always be behind the engine for this reason. It is also the tool box and spare parts car. The L&N caboose will be tied on when the track isn't wet so we can get some more videos. RG