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Foreman
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 Posted - 15 Nov 2006 : 13:57:57
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Based upon a tip from Bob Pope, I swapped several e-mails with Mike Krionderis, the fellow who is making the new Crickets. He advised that mine should be here in mid-December. (#4 on the list, I think.)
Between our communications and what Bob learned from Purkeys, it appears that things are coming along nicely, that Purkeys has at least one working sample in hand, and that Mike will produce at least the anticipated 45 engines before stepping back to assess whether he wants to do any more.
I am not sure if there are any reservations left, but if you are interested and haven't reserved, contact Purkeys.
And, with any luck at all, I'll be showing off my new green Cricket at Diamondhead. Join us if you've got one (old production or new) and we'll see how many we can line up. Maybe we can organize a Cricket migration after the Shay-up?
Regards, Mike |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 15 Nov 2006 : 15:12:47
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Mike,
Purkey's told me that each engine is taking 50 hours to complete. To me, that is a lot of value for the price. And no deposit required!
I'll be looking for my Black Cricket around January/February.
Bob
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Foreman
United Kingdom
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Posted - 20 Nov 2006 : 10:20:27
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Whoa!
did i miss something here?!
Someone is making crickets? Like the old BLW model?
How much, and ehre from? |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Foreman
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Posted - 09 Dec 2006 : 15:39:48
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Yeehaw!
I talked to Purkey's today. My Cricket (#4 on the list) is complete, presently being run in a little. (At my request -- don't have the temperment to deal with problems like some of the recent on this board). She'll be home for Christmas!
Now how do I let my wife know what she got for me? Could be coal in the stocking again. Guess she'll have to get me something that burns that next year.
P.S. Purkeys has two (2) reservation slots left in the initial run. He seemed to think that Mike Krionderis would probably go for a further run, but noted that it would be more complicated than the first one -- no more parts from the original manufacturer.
Regards and burnt figners to all, Mike |
Edited by - on 09 Dec 2006 15:41:55 |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 09 Dec 2006 : 16:55:48
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Boy.....there's a lota Mikes in this mix! Mike O'Rourke, Mike Simpson, and Mike Kironderis!
Maybe, when the parts do run out, Mike K. will form Accucraft USA like Ian (Accucraft UK, Edrig) and Loren (Accucraft Europe, Saxionan) did and then commission Bing and company to produce Crickets at a near Ruby price. The Cricket has a higher parts count, and is more tedious to assemble than Ruby, so the cost would be higher in both a kit or built-up version.
Actually Mike O. did look into this many moons ago, but then some trust issues crept in to the mix (it was around the same time as the Legend Locomotive affair) and he decided to soldier on alone only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
KO-5 |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 09 Dec 2006 : 17:57:44
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Here are some images of Crickets from the past:
Yea...I know it's not a Cricket, but it is the first locomotive produced by Berkeley Locomotive Works (one each; only) and it gave the impetus to Mike O'Rourke to go ahead and develop the Cricket. I refurbushed it in 2001, added a ceramic burner, and operate it regularly.
This is an example of an "Economic" model Cricket. Notice that it has an oscillating, reversing, single acting cylinder.
Kevin Schindler owns this side tanked red beauty.
Gary Browder operates this "T" boilered version.
I built, not bashed, this French Cricket ("Le Cricket") for Vickie-Marie Parker-Ward seven years ago. Yes...it is riddled with Frank S. parts like the front and rear buffers, flag standards, smokebox door latch, and headlight. There is an Aster Mogul safety valve fitted and the stack is configured with a steam exhaust tube milled and brazed into the rear stack wall so that the gasses of combustion (it's a "J" tube flue) don't mix with the exhausted steam. This prevents steam re-heat and produces a killer con-trail. The decorating is pure "V-Ree" all the way.
What are you other 44 guys going to do with your new Crickets?
KO-5 |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 12 Dec 2006 : 18:40:10
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quote:
Originally posted by CDR
What are you other 44 guys going to do with your new Crickets?
KO-5
Kevin, for one thing I'll be adding side tanks. I also would like to add some definition to the flat surface of the frame, tanks and cab sides, something like this prototype picture:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL92/797386/8934777/212995686.jpg
That's if I can figure out how to do it.
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Foreman
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Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 10:10:04
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Kevin--
I'll be smiling like a proud grandparent, basking in the trifling accomplishments while pretending I am actually responsible for them, while ingesting comforting libations. I see Cricket pulling a couple of open passenger cars up the hilly streets of where ever, or maybe a short string of ore cars. (Is it fair to call it a "pocket Shay?")
The only real accomplishment I can claim here is having enough sense not to let Cricket get away again. I was just a little too late into the hobby (1999)to get one the first time they came out. And having some idea how much work goes into one of these beasts, I am confident the price will escalate sharply if there is another run.
One the other hand, Kevin, do you have a source for the #3 Calor jets for the Ruiby burners? (I think that's what you recommended before?)
Regards, Mike |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 14:44:19
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Hi Mike,
At the last Garden Railway Convention here in Sacramento I ran a Cricket on the rug through the room in which I was delivering the live steam seminar. I ran it right down the center isle, and then someone in the back turned it around for the return trip; ya hadda been dare to preciate it!
I order up my Calor jets from Sulphur Springs Steam Models. As I remember they go for about six bucks American each. E-mail is a problem with them, so what I do is look in an old catalog (I understand that they now have a brand new issue on the street as I type), figure the price of wat I want, add some ammount for shipping plus 5% for inflation, write them a check, and mail the order off to them. If you over subscribe they will mail you a check for the difference back with your order.
If you know the thread that you need for your particular locomotove, ask Tom to turn and cut it for you. I don't do that because I have a shop, and the dies to do it here. I would think that another five dollar bill would cover the bill for the labor since they are selling you the jet.
Best regards,
KO-5 |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 14 Dec 2006 : 06:07:28
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| KO-5 |
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Foreman
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Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 19:16:32
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Regards to all.
My Cricket arrived today. I have frequently missed the boat in life, in arenas too numerous to mention. This time I got it right.
Nice, hard paint job. Delicate steam and gas lines, as well as valves, throttle, whistle (I think). Seriously improved design (wait until you see the keeper on the smokebox door.) Boiler bands. Pressure gauge. Ample spares. Steam and gear oil. Tools. 26 page manual.
Mike Krionderes has busted his rear end to do this right and deserves a round of applause. And if you were thinking about it and missed the boat, shame on you.
I will run Cricket very soon and post a report. Or come see us at Diamondhead. We'll be one of the couples with the wall to wall grins.
Best to all, Mike Simpson |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 20:59:01
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Mike just stopped by with his new Cricket, and wow - what a first class locomotive. I'm glad I have one on the way!
Bob |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 26 Mar 2007 : 07:45:23
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quote:
Originally posted by msimpson
Regards to all.
My Cricket arrived today. I have frequently missed the boat in life, in arenas too numerous to mention. This time I got it right.
Nice, hard paint job. Delicate steam and gas lines, as well as valves, throttle, whistle (I think). Seriously improved design (wait until you see the keeper on the smokebox door.) Boiler bands. Pressure gauge. Ample spares. Steam and gear oil. Tools. 26 page manual.
Mike Krionderes has busted his rear end to do this right and deserves a round of applause. And if you were thinking about it and missed the boat, shame on you.
I will run Cricket very soon and post a report. Or come see us at Diamondhead. We'll be one of the couples with the wall to wall grins.
Best to all, Mike Simpson
It's been awhile Mike....for those of us that didn't get to DH this year, how about some pictures of your Cricket and a report on how she runs.
I'm sure others would appreciate getting your report, I know I would.
Thanks in advance.
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Foreman
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Posted - 26 Mar 2007 : 08:16:03
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Hi Howard,
There should be a full review in the next Steam in the Garden. I don't want to give too much away of the story in advance, but suffice it to say that I am very pleased with Cricket. A few issues that had to be addressed but nothing that was beyond even my poor talents.
I am now getting 17-18-19 minute runs and expect to break 20 soon. I have run her on a variety of tracks, including the two foot radius I had on the planter at Diamondhead. Except, I threw it down on a 10 or 15 degree slope, with weeds growing up between the rails. Cricket don't care, she likes to run.
I have several adornments to add (air tank, headlight, "coal bin" cover for gas tank). Regrettably, work and other necessities have been cutting into my play time.
I think this is a great, funky little engine. So much so that I am back on the lsit for a second one in red. I am going to use it to try to seduce my seven year-old grandson into steaming. (Failing that, oh well, I'm stuck with another steam engine ;>)
Hope this is enough to keep your interest up, Mike |
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Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 26 Mar 2007 : 14:31:10
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Mike - I called Purkey's and I've been bumped up to number 10 and should be hearing from them soon.
It took a little longer for mine since I picked the coal-fired version.
Just kidding.
Bob |
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