I know the feeling Dan. "Hey, that thing's great, I think I'd like one. They haven't been made in a long time? If they made it once, I can make another one now!"
Another hobby of mine is the restoration of vintage appliances (odd hobby, I know). Vintage washing machines, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators are filled with all sorts of parts which have been unavailable for decades. I'm always amazed by the craftsmanship of some of the members of the appliance club who can recreate some of these obsolete parts and get our machines running again. Right now, I'm restoring a 1958 Frigidaire washing machine (forget about parts availability!). A gentleman in the club has learned how to make some of the rubber / plastic parts for the first time in over 40 years. We're also working on knobs and other items. One day, it may be possible to build an appliance entirely from recreated parts.
An appliance is far smaller and simpler than an entire railroad car, but the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and patient diligence can yield similar quality results. Bravo for your work! It's a level of complexity I respect and appreciate, but I lack the skill set to replicate. It is a very impressive accomplishment. I hope to see Elsa & the Eureka as soon as I am able to be in the same place at the same time.
Dave
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/2019 08:42AM by Volvoguy87.