Hey Mike that's not a resto. He built every inch of that thing from scratch, using old photos, and a big book of Cat casting pattern drawings. The rub is those drawings had no reference. He had to compare the drawings to old photos to figure out which patterns to use.
I saw the engine (also built from scratch) run on compressed air a few months ago. At that time he also had the frame, tracks, undercarriage and front wheel done. The progress he has made is amazing.
If ACMOC has any kind of medal to award he should get it as well as a comp life membership. We should probably pass a hat as well.
Its a good thing he's not interested in trains...
CS

Looks great. I can't wait to see it in person and in action.

I take it the boiler was custom made also?

AQnd to think that some guys made fun of the D11 having stairs to get on the machine when this model had them all these years ago.
What do you think the monkey DO GOODERS that try to save us from ourselves would think of all those exposed gears chains and cylinders.

Yes Brian the boiler was custom made. Apparently there was a delay getting his done because they were building a boiler for one of the locos at Disneyland..
Another issue was bad castings, and having them re-cast. He showed us some that looked like swiss cheese, and they were for the engine!
CS

wow!!
compliments for the builder!
i am having enough promblems just to rebuild a caterpillar, he just makes a "new"one!
realy amazing

Spoke to Don today and I mentioned all the kind words here, he is grateful for the support.

The boilermaker has moved on to other projects, leaving Don to figure out all the details such as insulation, jacket, reliefs, injectors, burners etc that Don was hoping he would either do or consult on. He says the construction is easy it's all the research that needs to be done first that takes the time/energy. Also needs to look into water treatment options.

He knows he will fire with diesel but does not have a burner system yet so I will pass along any input you may have.

He was able to tour the loco shops at Knott's, and they let him poke around the engines. He has also talked with Dean from steam traction row at Vista and some others back east so he is starting to get an idea of how he wants to do things.

He made a point we can all identify with- you ask the same question to five guys and get five answers.

He's going back east in about a month start Steam School and try to get a certification.

CS

That is a fantastic achievement I know how hard it is from my own efforts to build a 1/4 scale case steamer.Time patience and more of the same gets you there, the mistakes and backtracking are the most frustrating.
I find great difficulty writing the words to express my admiration. Truly magnificent.
Cheers from Aus wimmera farmer

I've been around several of Don Hunter Restoration projects. They are not the run of the mill tractor restorations. When Don does a project it's better than new. People that come to the Best Show on Tracks in Woodland this June 21-22 will get to see several examples of his work/hobby, not to mention meeting Don. He is quintessential collector, showing his equipment, and sharing his vast knowledge. I'm consider myself luckey to know Don.

Jess

Heres one of his fine pieces that he has let us use to promote or Best Show on Tracks

We are amateurs at what we do when compared to this creator and his creation! Its hard to not be envious of his talent though we all possess the same talent just not the patience and vision to see it through to completion.
I hope he is able to build more of his beauties and or take someone under his tutelage to carry on his work.