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Maybe you can help me sleep.  I've been working on these engines but I'm sweating the dumbest things.  I feel it is so hard (for me) to get the grab irons 100% symmetrical.  When you look at this picture, do you also see that the right side differs a bit from the left?  Looking at the pic, to me it looks like the right side is more slanted or horizontal than the left.  If mine aren't 100%, would it almost be more prototypical that way??

Thanks!Screenshot_2016-04-30-21-51-01

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Larry, I'm no expert but I don't think they had someone at the roundhouse in charge of making sure handrails were symmetrical and pipes were straight (unlike us).  There were no automatic tools, so everything was made by men and no two engines were totally identical.  After a few years on the road and several shoppings, I'm sure things were bent, twisted and replaced by other parts.

Bottom line - get some sleep.

Larry

Unlike many other roads, the PRR standardized a large number of components, especially related to the smokebox fronts.  Major mods (like the modernized front end) were done during scheduled backshop maintenance cycles and there were PRR drawings  (available through the PRRT&HS archieve)  that specified the location of components and materials to be used.  I would expect the handrail posts would be installed symmetrically about the centerline unless there was an obstruction.  It is important to note that the PRR did not use smooth end handrail posts common to other railroads, but instead used distinctive clevis style posts that came in several standard lengths.  PSC offers very nice lost wax castin s for the PRR handrail posts. 

 

Last edited by Keystoned Ed

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
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