@Yvonne, there is no "little envelope" by my name. Is it because I'm using Windows 7? Also, are you related to Bobby Cole? Hal
@Hal Pollner It's known as Baker Valve Gear, invented in about 1906 by Abner Baker. It features only pivoting pins, no links like Walschaert's, no extra eccentrics like Stephenson's, Gooch, Allen, or Joy. No motion at all inside of the frame, thus maintenance-enhanced. All pivot points are supported by sealed ball bearings. I believe it was New York Central that favored Baker gear on a lot of their locomotives. Reason I employed it was the prototype, built by the CBQ RR itself, had used it. There was another valve gear distinctly all it's own: Southern RR. I never took the time to study it, but it is said to give excellent steam distribution. Frank
I didn't think so...I was being facetious! Anyway, I don't think I'd be interested in Private Messaging after all. Harry
@Hal Pollner Somewhere here-abouts, you asked about my trackage. I cannot find your post but wanted to answer your question. I bought 1500 feet of 10-foot lengths of extruded aluminum 1" high rail, and used my table saw to make ties. Each 2X8 used, or larger, was cut into narrow pieces lengthwise, about 1-3/16" wide (by 1-1/2 thick, of course), then "snipped off" at 9-1/2 inch lengths. I figured I made about 7,500 of those ties; it took weeks. I then hand-bent the curved pieces following a chalkline on my shop floor. Not true "railroad curves". I fastened the rail to the ties using #12 self-tapping screws. My layout, as I said earlier, was about 750 feet in perimeter. Don't think I've posted this pic before, it shows pretty much the whole perimeter.
Adding to my several hobbies and Interests, I just bought a Trumpet in "C", just to amuse myself. All trumpets in school bands and marching bands are B-Flat instruments, meaning they play notes that are a WHOLE STEP LOWER than Concert Pitch, meaning if you read a C, think a C, finger a C, and blow a C, it comes out a B-Flat! My "C" trumpet plays in Concert Pitch, meaning if you read, think, finger, and blow a C, you'll GET a C! This also means you can read and play along with Pianists, Violinists, all Non-Transposing instruments and Vocalists, and it will sound as it should. The photo shows me with an E-Flat Tenor Horn, which requires transposing to sound in Concert Pitch. That's it... Hal
Congrat on the new horn @Hal Pollner but here I thought you might be a Flugelhorn man! It’s a B flat instrument for the most part but there are some which are in C hanging around. At any rate, have fun man! Oh you ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing....doo wop, doo wop..........
Flugelhorns are fine in bands with a variety of Brass, but as a solo instrument, they're too dark. "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!" Duke Ellington Thanks for the come-back, Bobby! My Trumpet should arrive tomorrow! Are you an instrumentalist? Hal
No, Holly... I played in a Senior Citizens band a few years ago, playing Rhythm Guitar and Bass, occasionally sitting in on Piano and Drums. I quit the band when a new leader took over. I didn't like him, although he was an excellent Lead Guitarist and Vocalist. He was also blind, and I just didn't get along with him. Here are pictures of me on Electric Bass. Ted, the Pianist was 100 years old! He was a good leader. The Drummer was an Englishman. Everyone in the picture except myself and the female vocalist, are now dead. Hal
I feel it's a pity you're no longer in a Band given your talent and love of music. Not sure why you couldn't get along with a Blind person tho'....
That blind man had a Superiority Complex...trying to make you feel like you're unworthy. I had the most fun and fellowship during the 5 years or so when I was with this original band! Hal
@Hal Pollner I have a question: Can a trumpet (or any brass instrument) ever get out of tune, like a piano or a guitar?