Early Period #6, Thick Rimmed, Progress

One source may be Joe Mania. He produces the most accurate reproductions of early period engines and you can see them at http://www.jlmtrains.com/stdlocos.htm

 

He may be able to provide you with the roof and steam chest parts.

 

Not sure if any of the normal parts guys will have that, but if you want to give it a try, I'd contact Jeff Kane or George Tebolt. However, I doubt that they will have what you're looking for. But it is worth a shot.

 

If you can't get the motor to run, I suggest Bob Hannon. He'll get it running well for another 100 years.

Nice project.
Look in to Evapo-Rust rust removal chemical to soak the rust off that frame and motor. It'll turn the rust to black carbon then you can rub it off. Don't blast or tumble the frame as it will make it very susceptible to rusting all over.
Same with the blued boiler...Some Evapo-Rust on the rust spots should clean or darken them without hurting what's left of the original blue finish.
Looks like you need a pickup show plus bolts and the insulating washers.

MrNabisco, at the bottom of my first picture is the pickup shoe parts I have.  Two plates that appear to fit together, two recessed screws, two triangular shaped fibre pieces.

 

It appears a spring may be missing that fits between the two plates.

 

Only one shoe was used on these engines.

 

Thanks for the tip on Evapo-Rust.  Is it similar to old Naval Jelly?

Didn't see those parts... Yep, that's the pickup shoe. For sure I'd get a new one of those for better current pickup. New one should have spring.

Evapo-Rust is much better than Naval Jelly. Removes a lot more rust and is easier to use. Instead of a paste it is a chemical bath. You just keep soaking the parts until the rust is gone. I'll soak a part until the black residue builds up, pull it and scrape the black stuff off then soak it some more until it's "done". Maybe switching the parts to fresh fluid, it does wear out as it converts the rust.

Don't know what actual chemical is the active agent and there is another brand of the same stuff who's name I forget now... Found out about if from somebody over on the 3-rail forum. Can't live without it now!

http://www.evaporust.com/

Don't forget to use gloves.

Here's progress on the #6.  Cleaned, polished, serviced and assembled (minus the cab roof and steam chest cylinder wrap).

 

All parts are original including all the wood.  I added new wiring, a thumb nut for the passenger car wiring and a pickup spring.  The cab roof and cyinder wrap are coming from Joseph Mania.

 

I wanted to keep the engine as original as possible so you do see 100 year old wear and tear.  No refinishing.

 

Yes, it does run.

 

Now to find a tender.

 

Wow.  I am very impressed, sir.  That is the way to do a restoration, respecting the originality, but giving it new life.  That's a lot of careful work and something to be proud of.  More "restorations" should be like this - paint is the last thing that old girl needs, she's perfect the way she is!  

 

You'll be glad you got the needed parts from Joe Mania - the most authentic you can find.  

Congratulations, really - it makes me happy to see this.

Very nice work. It's great you were able to keep it original and have it looking decent. Should be beautiful cruising on your standard layout.

 

   Looks great! I appreciate the patina and the fact that you did not alter it more than necessary. Its only original once. An old time collector used to tell us to "L.I.T.F.A." I will let you figure out what it stands for. 

Nice work.
I can respect the leave it alone attitude.

From a conservation standpoint I do like to encourage elimination of rust where possible. Some dabbing of Evapo-Rust on the drivers and other parts should help keep the rust from expanding. I would especially try to stabilize the rust on the boiler to protect that original bluing. But I know...It's more work.

Very nice to see the old #6 saved and running again.