Sound advice. I thought I posted this yesterday, but it makes one respect them "back in the day" builders who had to know and learn this stuff, since there weren't many other options.
Mark in Oregon
Thanks, Bob. Fortunately my mechanism is very smooth on the Pacific (well, after the trouble with the bearings binding), but I'm sure I'll need that advice down the road.
Bob2,
Glad it was a simple fix. Knowing what to look for and what to do when you find it are keys to making steam locomotives run well. Yes, the AN engines are robust but they don’t build themselves. I put too much faith in the “self quartering” keyed drivers. I’ve learned a few more “tricks”. Thanks. Best wishes
Lee Gustafson
Just a small update - I've added an ashpan under the firebox. It does a good job at concealing the motor and filling up some of the gap between the firebox and frame. I formed it out of a sheet of brass and then mounted it with 4 0-80 screws.
And here's a picture of the whole locomotive now - it's coming along slowly.
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John, very nice!
Dan Weinhold
It's hard to think it's been almost a year since I posted an update on this project, but I'm finally back at it. Since I last posted, I've done a ton of work to add a lot more detail than it used to have, and over time, I've gained the skill to tackle jobs on it that I wouldn't have attempted before. My goal with the project now is to detail it as nicely as I can while staying true to what a hobbyist in the 40s could have done. The only modern detail part I've added is the coal pusher, which I'd like to replace with something more authentic if possible.
In this first picture you can see many of the new pipes I've added - due to difficulties soldering to the boiler, they're all mounted using 0-80 screws.
I wasn't happy with the generic GMC air compressor, so I cut off the intake filter and mounted it under the running board and added a small pipe connecting the two.
As for the cab, I've since cut off the rear corners of the roof, added a cab apron (is that the right term?) between the engine and tender, and soldered toe boards, a window sill, and fillers for the gaps on the front.
While it may not look like much, I scratch built this little toolbox out of brass stock - it's the first fully scratch built part I've made. A year ago I wouldn't have even considered tackling it, but now after a lot of practice working with brass, I'm really happy with how it turned out.
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Wow John, that's looking great!
Mark in Oregon 🎄
The overall build, and tool box individually, look great
Thanks for sharing
Sir,
This topic is great! I have few of these AN kits I need to construct.
This info will be very helpful.
Rob
