How to Make A Cone Union

[builder01]

As there seems to be no "beginners area", this section of the forum seemed to be an appropriate place for my post since my locomotive is a Super Simplex.

I have recently added a page to my website. This page was prompted by folks that seemed to always be asking, "where can I buy this or that connector". The purpose of this post is to show that it is not really that hard to make connectors and fittings yourself. (I rather enjoy it!) These types of connectors can always be made in much less time than it takes to order them and wait for them to arrive. Also, the connectors and fittings you make yourself can be customized in any way you can imagine.

For a PDF copy of my Union Specification, scroll to the bottom of the page and right click on the large button.

Here's the link to the page: How to Make A Cone Union

supersimplex.yolasite.com/How-to-Make-A-Cone-Union.php

Here's a photo of some of the unions and connectors I have made using the techniques described on my website. This is the underside of the cab of my Super Simplex, most of this pipe work is hidden.

DSCN1704 - resized by Builder16, on Flickr

[atgordon]

Well done Builder! you have put together a great Simplex resource site!

You are right in pointing out that the ME articles and the Simplex book do not cover pipework in any detail. Your work on the pipework construction and layout (as well as the machining of unions) will be of great help to those are novice builders (such as me!).

Your Simplex Build site contains a wealth of useful information for the builder, well set out and easy to follow.

Since I'm going down the 4 3/4" path (I'm in Wilmington NC), I really should make a trip up to your club, and maybe get to see your Simplex in the "flesh"!

[builder01]

Thanks so much for the kind words Atgordon!

I am glad to hear that you have found the information at my website useful.

I see you are in North Carolina, excellent! I am in North West Pennsylvania and am a member of the Finger Lakes Live Steamers in New York. They have an amazing 4-3/4" track. FLLS 4-3/4" track With the switches set correctly, it takes about 9 minutes to make the entire circuit of the track. Here's a video of the me taking a trip around the track. Video - Around the FLLS 4-3/4" gauge track.

I run at all of the open house events and several of the other events. PM me and I would enjoy visiting with you at the track some weekend.

What stage of construction is your Simplex? Any photos?

David

[atgordon]

Jun 27, 2018 20:13:56 GMT builder01 said:

What stage of construction is your Simplex? Any photos?

David

Hi David,  I realized after replying to your most helpful post that we have been in touch via email (well, a while ago).  Julian had suggested that I got in touch a while back, and you kindly replied.

I own a CNC machine shop that has moved slowly from hobby to prototype production work, and so work on the Super Simplex is being pushed back somewhat by other projects.  I plan a start in early 2019, and have all the castings (CI), partially constructed boiler (an ebay steal while in the UK - throat plate is for 5" though ... ) and some other odds and ends.

I am still trying to find a 3/4" track in North Carolina ... the model engineering world doesn't seem to run to larger gauges in my corner of NC!

Cheers, Tony

[builder01]

Hi Tony,
Yes, Julian is a most helpful guy. He gave me several construction suggestions as I was building my Super Simplex. It must have been a while ago when you and I last communicated. Sounds like you are pretty busy. Hopefully you will start your "fun" projects someday soon. Don't wait too long.

David