I am fortunate the Orange Empire Railroad Museum has a collection of old machine tools and the “Brass Hats” allow me to operate them. I, and my friend Ian, use these machine tools to repair worn- out parts, and sometime make new parts, for everything on the museum’s property – and I do mean everything! I made a bathroom stall door lock pin to replace the one too short to engage and lock. Many new parts for our 2-6-2 operating steam locomotive have been made, as well as complicated tooling for the air brake room. It is my intention to document this work for the simple reason the work is interesting to me. You, the reader, may also find something interesting as well.
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- HORIZONTAL MILLING MACHINE
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- 33 INCH LATHE
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- 16 INCH LATHE
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- UNIVERSAL GRINDING MACHINE
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- CNC VERTICAL MILLING MACHINE
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- VERTICAL MILLING MACHINE
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- RADIAL ARM DRILL PRESS
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- SHAPER
THE OLD MACHINIST AT WORK 
Mel, thanks for everything you showed me yesterday. I was amazed at everything you’ve done and all the stories you had to tell. I really enjoyed the slide show and all of the blogs you’ve created! Everything about you is very fascinating.
I just wanted to tell you I enjoyed the time we spent together and am looking forward to going to the museum with you some day soon! One more thing, please tell Patricia I had a very good time and that the food was amazing! I look forward to more dinners with The Old Machinist and your lovely wife! Take Care Mel 🙂
I have ran all those old machines in old job job shops in mempis. 40 yrs ago. CNC and cad . Today I miss the good old days. But got to keep up with the times and CHINA.