Southern Pacific 4-10-2 Valve Gear Action

Computer Assisted Animation shows all of the moving parts!

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We are always amazed at how intricate these classic steam engines were to design and build.

All of the moving parts have to be machined perfectly for it all to work together. No small task, given that all of the steam locomotives were built long before the computer came along!

Here we have a computer assisted simulation of the gears involved in a mock up of a 7 1/2 inch gauge Southern Pacific 4-10-2 live steamer model to be used in building the locomotive.

Some of the moving parts you see are:

• Driver Wheels
• Connecting rods
• Crank pins
• Main rods
• Valve Rods
• Piston Rod
• Cylinder Body

Let us know if you have ever undertaken building a live steamer replica of one of these great locomotives! We would love learn from your experience!