Hi
I am wondering what tools are needed to build a 3 1/2 inch guage locomotive. I am young so have a limited access to tools but could possibly borrow a lathe from a friend if needed. I know this sounds like a long shot but I have found castings at a cheap price so if anybody could advise me I would be most thankful.
Having Said all above, I realize your question was what do you need to build a small locomotive on a budget.
Mostly you need time as no locomotive project will be built in a short period. It will take on a life of its own and give you many hours of enjoyment. It will never stick to a schedule. Be patient, the tools will come as you need them.
The book by Building the A-3 Switcher by Mr Kozo Hiaroko would be a great place for you to start. Money well spent for a beginner.
Otherwise start with this list.
1. A place to work and keep your tools, My first was a one car garage that no car ever saw.
2. Hand tools/wrenches/Screwdrivers/scales/saws and such (look for estate sales and yard sales, buy the old well stored and cared for tools.
3. Drill Press- Bench or Floor model. LOOK FOR OLD DRILL BITS. THEY CAN BE SHARPENED
4. Tools to Silver Solder/Torch
5. Metal Cutting Band Saw will be more fun than using a hacksaw, but I did not buy one till I was 50 years old.
6. A 6 to 9 inch lathe. Do not just buy a lathe (Speaking from experience here). A lathe without tooling is a glorified paperweight. Look for that used one that comes with chucks, tool post, live centers, drill chucks, collets, dial indicators and such. Hold out for one that has a quick change gearbox for threading. Stack gears are a pain. On the other hand. If an old member gives you one, take it and make do. Many small locomotives can be built with a lathe that has a milling attachment mounted on the carriage.
Bottom line is to buy the tools you need when you understand the need for it. When you get much older you will have tools in the corner that you cannot remember why or when you bought them.
This is me on a Little Engines "American" in 1986. It was built by a very good friend between 1969 and 1978 in a cabin located on a mountain in Colorado. His only big tools were a floor Drill Press and a 9 inch Logan lathe with a milling attachment. He did not own a Mill at the time.
Like Keith, I believe the only thing Mr. Kombrink could no do, was to put wheels on a miscarriage and patch the crack of dawn. This casting set is still available from Little Engines in Pennsylvania USA by the way and you can buy it piece at a time.
I would end up buying the 9 inch Logan when Larry went to a 12 inch South Bend. I ended up buying the engine from Larry's Estate in 2015 to restore and still have it today. If the wife sees this and asks, "I paid $20.00 for it".