Bill Oberpriller's Minnie

Minnie 2 is a freelance 2-4-2 live steam locomotive designed by Bill Oberpriller.

Bill Oberpriller and his Minnie II

Bret Kueber

Bret Kueber published the following photos of his version of Minnie-2 in 2000.

Bill Oberpriller provided us with fantastic tech support via Email, and his products are first rate. Allen Models, What can I say, Gene has been extremely helpful, and my order ALWAYS arrived promptly. We never had a problem with any of the castings we purchased from him.

# 13 (2-4-2) Coal Fired Columbia Class steam locomotive (Built 5/1999)

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  Engine #13's "Official" Builder's Photo (S/N 1001 Russell Locomotive Works). This is based on Bill Oberpriller's "Minnie-2" design.

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  Bret Keuber's Minnie-2 Number 13. Fall running at Frosty Hollow on the P. D. C. R. R.

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Jim Cook

Jim Cook published the following build log for his Minnie-2 in 2002.

Frame

This design first appealed to me because of its general shape. To me, it looks as if it is an engine from the last half of the 1800's. The diamond stack, large headlight and cow catcher gives it character.

From a first time builder's point of view, the 2-4-2 configuration fits well. All the castings will be from the tried and true Allen Models. The designer is attempting to reduce the number of parts. This should help keep the cost and time necessary to build the engine down.

I purchased the first kit. It is for the frame. The quality of the punched parts is very good. I was able to put both side rail together during a Saturday. The rear bearing housing, front bearing housing and equalizer and the front and back frame spacers have been received and completed. In the first picture you can see the front axle mounted in the equalizer bearing boxes.

Minnie 2 front frame assembly.

The second picture shows the rear axle in their bearing boxes. These boxes are attached directly to the frame.

Minnie 2 rear axle assembly.

Note that the the axles (1 inch diameter) were machined on the ends to accept the drivers at this time.

I ordered the four driver bearing assemblies from a local bearing supplier and received them within a few days. The castings were ordered from Allen Models. I received all the wheels and valve rough castings by the end of October.

This is a view of the frame as of the end of the second week in December. The drivers have been machined and mounted on the axles. This is taken from the rear right.

Minnie 2 frame assembly.

I am now working on the valve gear. I have not finished the four eccentrics and straps. I have a Sherline lathe and mill that I use for the small stuff. I just got a 9 inch swing Jet lathe and I'm setting this up for the larger items.

To give you an idea of scale, the main drivers are 8.5 inches in diameter. I was able to turn these on my friend Jerry Johnson's large lathe. He also helped me broach the key slot and quarter the wheels.

The trailing truck has a nice set of spoked wheels whose axle runs in Oilite bearings. There is plenty of movement, left and right and up and down.

Boiler

Here the boiler has been set in place. There is a plate welded to the front face of the fire box that anchors it to the frame. The front portion of the boiler has a sliding fit into the smoke box. This allows movement of the boiler as it expands and contracts.

Note the fittings at each lower corner of the firebox. This will allow proper cleaning of the mud ring.

The smoke stack has been mounted but the top half has not been machined.

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Video

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External Links

• Jim Cook's Minnie Page Archive.org
• Bret Kuebar's PDCRR page