Littlelocos Model Engineering

04/18/2026

Even though the mill is being repowered with a modern motor and controls, I wanted to stay in keeping with the original look. Both the original motor controller panel and switch housing are repurposed in the new setup.

04/15/2026

This is definitely on my list of this year's activities. Lots of history here.

04/13/2026

One problem with vintage machinery is that mid-20th-Century manufacturers were quick to adopt proprietary motors to power their machines. Gorton was no exception. In the case of this mill, the original motor had been removed and replaced with a small (washing machine?) motor mounted to a cast iron brake rotor. For its new power source I chose to go with a 90V shunt-wound DC motor to provide steady power, variable speeds, and dynamic spindle braking. (Note that this work was completed in 2020.)

04/12/2026

For tracking the progress on the 1/4-Scale New Holland, about a month ago I decided that I wanted to finish the prototype engines using my Gorton 8D milling machine. I purchased it 8 years ago and did the majority of the restoration work on it over the following 2 years. It's been stalled since. For the last month, I've been pushing hard on the final wiring and controls to get this amazing machine up and running. This will help enliven both projects as I'm excited to get back on the NH and excited to finally start using the Gorton mill!

04/12/2026

A little (informative) Railroad humor to brighten your day.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B5C7BXBBQ/

03/07/2026

It's nice to have been part of the making of these long-lost parts. I 3D scanned the original pieces and then used TurboCAD to determine the geometry of what looked like a complex curve. From there I worked a bit of forensic reverse engineering to produce the test piece and ultimately a new foundry pattern. Projects like this are why we've chosen to offer patternmaking services as part of our little business. Enjoy!

Baltimore Streetcar Museum, Inc.
Metalgod Casting LLC

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AgQFC1tiP/

03/05/2026

This is a very worthwhile cause and a place where I definitely need to spend some time! I've heard nothing but good things about them and have enjoyed a long term relationship with Jared and the whole gang at Cabin Fever Auctions & Expo! Enjoy!!

Good Evening Cabin Fever Followers ! If you are on our page then you likely enjoy Trains, Toys, Steam, and Technology. I’m Jared Schoenly – the owner here at Cabin Fever and I want to share with you a place that is special to me - Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights. The Friends for Auburn Heights care for a collection of Pre-War Lionel and other trains, a lovely 1/8 scale Steam Railroad, an Extensive collection of Stanley Steam Cars, a Beautiful Museum, and so much more. I started volunteering
on vehicles and trains there over 10 years ago and fell in love with the place.

For the next 24 hours, there is a fundraiser going on to help us service our wonderful operating collection there. I am an avid supporter of this Historic Place and will be donating myself, but I was more interested in simply sharing this hidden gem with you
for our shared interests and making you aware of events you may enjoy if you are ever in the area. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy the museum and its events. If you are ever in the area, follow Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights and check our events calendar to stop in for your own ride in one of our Stanley Steam Cars, Rauch and Lang Electric, Model T, or 1/8
scale ride on railroad. Or better yet – ride them all!
This is not a plea to donate, however if you feel so inclined – any small amount goes a long way towards helping us keep all these fascinating machines running!

https://www.domore24delaware.org/fundraisers/jared-schoen-ys

01/31/2026

This little beauty arrived in the mail today. It's the 1200 series KRF tool post. ... the first one I've ever seen on eBay or in person. The 600/900 Series on the South Bend 10k for comparison. It will work perfectly on my Sebastian Gold Seal 16" lathe. Eventually I'll be making a full set of tool holders based on this one and the smaller ones I've collected over the last 30 years or so. 😊

01/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19hAke1dhn/

01/18/2026

Todd W. Snouffer & Joy - then (2025) and now - Cabin Fever Auctions & Expo

We had a great show, met lots of wonderful people, and made it home safely. Can't ask for more than that!

01/15/2026

These are LARGE, 3D-printed nameplates to display with our Parsell & W**d and New Holland engines. (12" ruler for scale :-) )

The New Holland is coming together well (albeit slowly), and will not be available until Spring.

The Franklin Engine nameplate is my own design based on a Parsell & W**d advertisement from around 1900.

The New Holland nameplate was hand-traced into CAD from a photograph and includes many of the minute imperfections of the original.

We are gauging interest in laser-cut nameplates for our models. In miniature each is a little over an inch wide.