Gone for a year

[Markds]

I missed quite a bit in the last year and it is good to be back. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts. Cant tell you how much I missed being on here but my life was interrupted by a divorce. I still have the steam addiction and it is rebounding with a vengeance.

My ten year old has contracted my interest in steam because now he has things to play with that other children don't have. I learned he was amazed with a group here called Flywheelers. Those are the tractor variety but its still steam. Now I will be looking for recommendations for my first paddlewheel build and I have much to learn. I know nothing about RC equipment. I hope all of you are patient when I begin to ask stupid questions.

Speaking of stupid questions, lets get the first one out of the way. Here it is.......I understand the reason behind the steam gland but......what on God's green earth were they made out of? All I can imagine at this point is picking up a few rawhide treats for dogs and cutting out disks, and soaking these in mineral oil. I have looked, and perhaps I looked in all the wrong places for info on packing materials used in different areas. Thank you all in advance. :-)     

[R.G.Y.]

Viton O rings or graffiti string.

[Markds]

Thank you!