January 2016, Started on getting parts for the new speeder. Got the wheels and axles from Plum Cove Studio and the motors from Alfa Wheels. The extra motor is going to be put in the 0-4-0 Profile Steamer.
February 2016, Got the bearings, sprockets & chains and the springs for the Speeder.
March 2016, Did not like the collet locking style of bearings so got new set screw style bearings. Machined down the ends of the axles to fit the bearings. Also cut the steel for the Speeder frame. Machined out the keyway slots on the axles.
April 2016, Machined the ends and the keyway slot on the stub shaft, cut the pieces for the speeder and the work car frames and drilled the holes in the frame pieces. Cut and drilled the bearing pads. Cut the keyways in some of the sprockets. Then made some jigs to weld the frames. Pressed the wheels on the axles. Welded up the frames and started to put the speeder frame together. Drilled and taped the motor mounting holes and installed the motor.
May 2016, Cut and installed the chain drives.
June 2016, not much getting done. Purchased some wheels and axles from Aaron Gonthier at the Mill Brook RR and put them together. Also, got some plastic plumbing parts and put together a set of wheels and axles.
July 2016, Did some work on the Box Cab Trucks. Installed larger O-ring drive belts and loosened up the bolster bolts to give the trucks more flex. Also, made some center bushings for the plastic plumbing wheels and put the steel wheels and axles on the speeder work car frame.
Aug 2016, Installed the center hubs in the plastic wheels with 5 minuet epoxy and started on the Train Station Shed out in the south yard.
Sept 2016, Continued on working on the Train Station Shed but did cut out the notches in the speeder end plates and cut the wood for the handles.
Oct 2016, Continued working on the Train Station Shed, plus welded up the frames for the speeder body.
Nov 2016, Continued on with building the Train Station Shed and working on the speeder and work car. Got the doors, bay windows, floor and battens installed on the station shed and some stain on. Also built two pockets and a draw bar for between the speeder and the work car.
Dec 2016, Still working on the Train Station Shed. Started on building a mock freight door, with a frame, for the station and got some more stain on the outside. Also got the frame and mock freight door stained. Got a new Christmas outdoor decoration for the railroad. It is a lighted steam engine and tender. Oh, and put the Mini GP9 and riding car in the station for the winter, just like planned.