I was wondering if Silicon Bronze would be an approved material for a whistle bowl/valve casting for a FRA certified steam locomotive. The foundry where I deal pours with this bronze and I have had whistle bells poured there. I am aware of high pressure bronze and a foundry more distant which pours it, but if I can, I would like to deal with the foundry where I am more familiar if I can.

Bernie

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Kelly,

In a previous answer, you mentioned the Flury Foundry. How easy are they to deal with and do they take one offs? I could email them but I would like to know how you operate with them first. Can one walk in with a set of patterns or does one need an appointment. They are about three hours from here and I do not wish to make a wasted trip.

I made patterns for a B&M style bowl & valve for a certain Pacific in Maine and at first, would get one set cast and attempt to machine it to see how well it goes.

I am not in the whistle business, nor plan to be. If it goes well, I would like to make a few for friends and myself and that is it.


Bernie

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Kelly,

Thanx for all the information. I have been dealing with foundries for almost 50 years and I know what you are talking about when you say that each one has their own requirements for patterns.

When we needed high pressure castings for 113 we went to Active Brass and were completely satisfied. They stopped pouring that metal at last inquiry.

When we wanted iron castings we went to Williamsport Foundry and they always did a good job. They closed. It was enjoyable talking to one of the owners and I believe they enjoyed helping preservationists. Many castings for 113 came from there.

Yesterday I was at the Cattail Foundry and dropped off a pattern for the blind driver brake shoe for 113. That is an interesting place. Many castings for the WW&FRy in Maine were made there because one of the volunteers lives in Lancaster. I have visited them several times.

The patterns for the whistle bowl are all "loose". I don't know if Flury will accept them or if they have to be put on a match plate. Since this is all volunteer work, I wish to do this as cheaply as possible.

As an aside which has nothing to do with foundry work, when I mention to my wife that I am going to a particular foundry, she has favorite stores she likes to visit in that area. There is no complaining about my traveling as I will spend a few minutes at the foundry and the rest of the day shopping. Yesterday when we went to Cattail, along with my sister from the Reading area, we stopped at Shady Maple (yum), the hardware store there where I also got stuff and a school supply store in Leesport. She is always ready for a foundry trip.

Bernie