Parker Steam Engines

IMO- this has been the most interesting thread, and with a series of great photos with details about something than is not 100% a Parker shotgun. I think I am on safe ground when I say that the majority of the PGCA membership loves mechanical devices of all types, their history.

Rich- you are 100% right about the square cut (or punched) holes in the treads and stress- a circle or arc distributes stress- segue to early LC Smiths for an example- first series Syracuse guns had a rectangular with 90% corners lug that mated into the receiver slot- later they radiused the front corners to relieve stress--

Old timers trick in welding up a crack or fracture-- from each end of the crack- move about 1/4" back and drill a small pilot hole through the metal- skip and back-step the weld, and weld up the holes last-plus proper pre-heat and post-weld heat wrap to slow down the air cooling--

I think we all owe these PGCA brothers a big stand up round of either: (a) applause, or better yet (2) drinks of their choice for this great thread--and it might lead into a future article for PP- Parker & Snow vises, Parker steam engines-- etc!!

[edgarspencer]

Richard, In your travels around AK, did you ever see this?
My son took this on one of his many trips to Attu.

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Richard, In your travels around AK, did you ever see this?
My son took this on one of his many trips to Attu.

-- a some form of anti-aircraft gun-- my working knowledge of military weapons goes to the browning MG .50 cal and stops there- WW2 vintage??

[edgarspencer]

Yes, Japanese AA. The entire Island is covered with planes, UXBs, piles of ammo, and general military debris. Attu was one of the biggest Pacific battles. There are over 5000 Japanese graves, and since the CG closed it's Loran station there last year, there are virtually no residents left on the island. The Japanese Gov't came there last year and erected a memorial.
The guys at the Loran station picked up small bits and set up a mini museum, only seen by the C130 crews that came to supply the men. Most of the pics he sent me are too big to post, and I'm too stupid to figure out how to resize them.