YouTube – My Lil' Mule

September 28, 2026

New Machine Day! – South Bend Heavy 10 plus trip to ArnFest 2026

I took my annual trip to the Chicago, IL area to visit my friends Ron Grundy and Kyle Vanover as well as attend the ArnFest swap meet. Plus I brought home a new machine!

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
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September 20, 2026

1:8 Scale GP40 Locomotive Project – Adding couples and batteries and taking it for a test run

This was a big week for the GP40. Finally got it on the rails and under power! And I couldn’t be happier!

Thanks again to Power Queen for providing support for this project. Check out their line of LiFePO batteries here: https://ipowerqueen.com/?ref=MyLilMule
And use discount code MYLILMULE to save 6%! https://ipowerqueen.com/discount/MYLILMULE?ref=MyLilMule

Circuit diagram and source code for the test throttle is available, for free, on my Patreon page (see link below)

Powerqueen 320Ah battery: https://ipowerqueen.com/products/power-queen-12v-320ah-bluetooth-deep-cycle-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=MyLilMule
Battery charger: https://ipowerqueen.com/products/power-queen-29-2v-20a-lithium-lifepo4-battery-charger?ref=MyLilMule
Battery monitor: https://ipowerqueen.com/products/power-queen-500a-battery-monitor-with-shunt?ref=MyLilMule

Parts I used:

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

September 13, 2026

1:8 Scale GP40 Locomotive Project – Machining custom pins and finish welding the bolster plates.

Making more progress on the GP40, although slow progress. I machined custom bolster pins and finished welding the bolster plate so I can get the trucks mounted to the floor sheet.

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
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September 6, 2026

1:8 Scale GP40 Locomotive Project – More welding and adding some weight

I wrap up some minor welding, but the big job this week was to try and figure out how to add some weight to the locomotive.

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
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August 30, 2026

Odds and Ends – Episode 14 – Shop updates

Didn’t have time to get into the shop much, so here’s some obligatory filler content to keep the algorithm fed. 😉

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
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August 23, 2026

Black Diamond Drill Grinder Repair – Finishing the Pivoting Diamond Wheel Dresser

Made some progress and finished the pivoting diamond wheel dresser. Had to make a modification to the part I found on eBay, but it’s working and I can now dress the face of the wheel!

Anchorlube: https://amzn.to/3Y8LmLz

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
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August 17, 2026

1:8 Scale GP40 Locomotive Project – Fixing the warp in the floor sheet and welding up the pilot.

I figured out a way to flatten the floor sheet – mostly – and also get the coupler pockets and pilots welded into place.

https://www.arnfest.com
Vanover Machine: @VanoverMachineAndRepair

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

August 9, 2026

1:8 Scale GP40 Locomotive Project – Welding the Floor Sheet Bolster Plates and Center Ribs

I finally have a little time to start building the GP40 Locomotive. I’m starting off by welding up the bolster ribs and center plate. However, this exposes some issues with the floor sheet that is not easily corrected.

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

August 2, 2026

New Machine Day! ACMER P2 33W Laser Cutter/Engraver

The best day in the shop is new machine day!

I’ve been contemplating getting a laser cutter/engraver recently, and the timing was just right, when ACMER reached out and asked if I would be interested in evaluating their P2, 33 Watt laser cutter/engraver and I gladly accepted. ACMER has had no input on the content of this video, but they did send me the machine free of charge.

https://acmerlaser.com/products/acmer-p2-laser-engraver-cutter-machine

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/

July 26, 2026

Mill Creek Railroad Large Engine Meet 2026

The Central Ohio Area Live Steamers (COALS) held an open meet at The Mill Creek Central Railroad. It’s only a couple hours drive for me, so I met up with some fellow members of the Lake Shore Live Steamers for an afternoon of trains.

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Check out my blog: https://www.mylilmule.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylilmule/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my.lil.mule/