This is going to be boring, so you are warned. 

 

Christmas tree stumps that you see at the stands each year, they toss for firewood.  Well this is designer firewood.  The real dad left this little boy before birth and the mother.  She has since found another good guy in the Coast Guard who loves them both.  She is also attending nursing school.  Just wanted the little fellow to know that we all love him.  Starting at the beginning.  

 

 

 

You can see where the tree stand was inserted in this one.  Sides cut and ready to square up. 

 

 

Truing the bed. 

 

 

Needs some help.  As Steve Neuman says, we have ways.  

 

 

 

 

As you can see, cut it apart to make clean cuts for the wheels and leave the top for the boiler.  

Edited November 3, 20214 yr by FlGatorwood

 

Time to turn boiler tank.

Turned on a Shopsmith.  With high speed steel skew chisel.  

 

 

 

 

Cut cab and forgot to show that it was cut on a bandsaw.  

 

 

 

Turned stack and water port.  

 

 

 

Holes bored for water port and stack.  

Edited November 3, 20214 yr by FlGatorwood

 

Unsanded parts dry fit.

 

I got this out of sequence.  There is always a time for wheel layout, how many, where and what size.  

 

 

 

Pilot holes drilled.  

 

Water port and stack screwed to the tank.  Holes recessed so as not to interfere with curious little fingers.  At the cow catcher, the hole is bored to receive the knot of the pull string.  

Edited November 3, 20214 yr by FlGatorwood

Water based Minwax poly applied.  Initial sanding was 220, the graduated to 600 grit.  

 

 

Stack has a slight list to it.  The old man must not be able to see as well as he once did.  

 

 

 

 

Need a ball for the tow rope.  I thought this was oak, but after turning with a skew chisel, it appears to be mahogony.  

 

 

 

Pretty much ready.  I don't recommend this rope from Michaels.  I had to use glue to get it to thread through the holes.  

 

 

 

My abnormal signature with date and made in USA.  Going to give it to the grandparents tonight.  Need another coat or 2 of wipe on poly.  

Edited November 3, 20214 yr by FlGatorwood

Awesome job Gator. Not only on the steam engine but the why behind the what.

You'll be blessed beyond measure for your concern and kindness.

Thanks for sharing the build and the story.

That is some beautiful work...

 

Love the story and the little engine that could. 

Nicely done.  Great process and reuse of old tree.

That is all around great Steve, thanks for sharing with us.

Beautiful train Steve & ready for many years of enjoyment.

Great Job!  What a great lesson on being an ambassador of good will!  Sometimes things like this just stick with a person and informs their life for the betterment of all down the road.  One never really knows the outcome when seeds like this are planted. 

 

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That was a great photo tutorial. Felt like I was right there. My grandson is beyond that age but I made a couple plans for him .

Nice work, Steve. All around!

Thanks, everyone.  I did the tutorial so you can see how I did it.  It would be easy to improve on the process.  And, you can change anything you like.  Going to teach my grandson how to build one.  He is now 14 and may have children someday and I want him to know how to make one for his child(ren).  It will be gifted tomorrow.  The grandparents next door was sent a picture today and they can hardly wait to give it to their grandson.  Yes it is a blessing to give with no returns expected or desired.  Just to see the joy in the face of a child or anyone is well worth it all.  Thank you again for your kind words.  They are very much appreciated.  

Very nice job and your photos are great.  Engine is really cute.

Moved post from Tips to General Woodworking.

Florida Gator. That is one lucky child! Not just getting this work of art but that the little guy will know there are people who loves him. 
 

You are a good guy!

Thank you, John.  I thought I had put it in general woodworking.  It was certainly not to be any tips.  Sorry for my mistake.  

 

Thanks, Kevin.  As one looks at it, you can see what changes you would like to make.  So this is a very basic design but the boy is only 8 months old.  That toothless smile is worth it all.  

A good job, by a good man!

Thank you, Artie.  Waiting on you to get out those EWT chisels and try something.  Shoot, I took out a No. 5 Jack plane and for the first time I got shavings.  It was sooooo cool.  Will post the box tomorrow.