one sixteenth size kind of a Case

[jhainline]

Attached are a couple of pictures of a little traction engine I built for my Dad in the early '70's. It was from plans designed by Rudy Kouhoupt and published in Popular Mechanics in '71. It was my first machine project after I acquired my lathe so don't giggle. It did turn out to have some oomph as it would pull me (~190 lbs) in the neighbor kids little red wagon on a smooth level sidewalk. All with a .5 bore and 35 lbs. on the steam gauge.

[JBoogie]

cool model. thats incredible that it could pull you! i bought the drawings and plans for this model and lost the damn directions im sure there around. not bad for a first project.

[Allen]

I've got one of these cute little beasties, too... well most of one. The builder elected not to make a working boiler, instead it has provision for an air hose to hook to the throttle. I'd love to have a working boiler for this thing, but just don't have the time to do it...so for now it just sits in an empty 10 gallon fish tank (for a display case)

[Bill Kober]

Nice model, I am in the process of building one of these. Can I ask you what type of pump you used to fill the boiler?

Thanks for the info.

[gbritnell]

It looks pretty good to me. I wonder how many of these got built over the years? I found the article several years after it came out and built one too. Years later I went back and put a clutch and reverse on it just like the full sized Case. This was one of my first attemts at miniature engines also.
gbritnell

[Allen]

Is anybody interested in building a proper boiler for mine? As I said before, I don't have the equipment anymore.

[gbritnell]

Hi Allen, Actually the boiler for this thing is a simple boiler that sits inside the outer shell. It's not built like a traditional traction engine. With a piece of copper tubing, some end caps and some silver solder it would be quite easy to build one.
gbritnell

[Allen]

Yes, but unfortunately in a second floor apartment things like torches are kinda verboten

[Bill Wehrman]

Hi everybody, are the plans still available for this little engine? Thanks, Bill

[KevinS]

I have a chance to buy one of these. Exactly like the one pictured but without a canopy. It's mostly complete and will move on compressed air. Needs a boiler I think. I just need a few ballpark numbers on how much I should spend to get it. Thanks.

[obie003]

This looks like a nice little tractor to build, so if anyone has a copy of the prints I would like to build one for myself, Thanks.

[Allen]

The price of a model depends a LOT upon the workmanship put into it. (And how bad you want it.) Mine was complete except for the boiler, but with a lousy paint job, I payed $300 for it....

[Bill Wehrman]

I just bought the plans and prints for this engine on E-bay, it was an E-bay store type deal so I think he has them all the time.

[Jim Mutnansky]

Hello, this is my first post on SmokeStak. My name is Jim and I'm looking for a little bit of information. I built my first steam tractor seven years ago off of Rudy's Prints. I never got it to run. In 2003, I talked to Rudy at a steam show. He said there was a mistake in the steam box in the original plans, which is what I have. Since I didn't have the plans with me, I was never able to find out what it was. Would anybody out there know? I'm building another one now out of solid brass and I'd like to be able to make them both run. ANY information would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Bill Kober]

Originally Posted by Jim Mutnansky

Hello, this is my first post on SmokeStak. My name is Jim and I'm looking for a little bit of information. I built my first steam tractor seven years ago off of Rudy's Prints. I never got it to run. In 2003, I talked to Rudy at a steam show. He said there was a mistake in the steam box in the original plans, which is what I have. Since I didn't have the plans with me, I was never able to find out what it was. Would anybody out there know? I'm building another one now out of solid brass and I'd like to be able to make them both run. ANY information would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hello Jim, I am just finishing up on this model. I also had a few problems getting my to run. The first thing is timing of the slide valve to the piston. I removed the cover from the steam chest and installed bolts to hold the chest in place, this way I could view the slide valve as it moved. The other real touchy situation is the esentric collar. I had to remove it several times and file the flats to accomidate the proper length in rotation. If it is not correct the timing is affected. Have fun.
Bill

[PTSideshow]

First off real nice job for a first. Yes the plansin book style will be out sometime this summer/fall With Rudy passing on to the big lot in the sky they had to work on the details with his heirs. They have a corrected version that was sold at NAMES and other shows he attended With The Village Press people for Live steam and outdoor RR magazine as it is now called they are including more full size steam in the issues. Since the dollar is tightening for hobbies and magazines. They will have a spread on Rollag some time in June or July. http://bbs.livesteam.net/
http://www.livesteam.net/
Also check out the threads on books for other info and the palns.
Since nobody was suppose to be printing and selling them other than Rudy. the stuff on Ebay may be somebody coping the items and selling it. As it seems to happen with a lot of plans, DVD's and CD's of info.
glen

[Bill Kober]

Hello, I was wondering if your engine had a constant blowby through the exhaust when air or steam was applied to the steam chest? The one I built runs well, but there is always a steady hiss coming out of the exhaust?

Thank you,

Bill

[Jim Mutnansky]

Hi all!
Thanks again to Bill for the information on timing the engine. Haven't done it yet, but will as soon as I finish assembling the brass one. It all makes sense. Is the gentleman out there who needs a boiler still looking for one? In going through my stuff I found two extras. They haven't been pressure tested, but they should be fine. Hope to have pictures to post of both very soon. For anyone else who's interested, I have a full set of drilling templates for all the body work. That's all for now. Have a good one!
~Jim