Isn't there a way to darken the actual metal wheels as well? Back in the 80's, I think I used some product for getting rid of the "Shiny" metal.
Or use a stiff bristle toothbrush. Small paint brushes normally have softer bristles than toothbrushes.
Wow, June 28th was the last post. Time slips by. Well Covid recovery has allowed me some time to work on this again. I worked on the smokebox extension. I cut a ring from brass tube, tapered a second smaller tube to fit into the smokebox and inside the ring. Soldered the two together (rusty soldering skills), and cleaned up the result. This will be epoxied into the smokebox. To solder the ring onto the tube at the right depth, I modified my trusty piece of wood, by cutting a slot, added some Sure tape, and used a paper clip to hold the tube. Scott
Joe,Hemi, and Jim, Thanks for the positive comments! Put in some productive bits of time in these last two evenings. I didn't like how the patches turned out on the cab, so I redid them. I shaped the cab roof edges using round nose pliers to fit the cab better. I wanted to securely attach the domes and bases, so I drilled holes to pin them with. You can see the .043 brass rod sticking up thru the boiler. Massaged the fit of the smokebox cover to fit the smokebox extension. The boiler needed some more details removed, so I filed them off and sanded it smooth. Next step is to fill holes and drill stanchion holes. Scott
Squeezed in some more time. I did a bunch of drilling with an .040 bit. Drilled the centers of the domes, drilled holes in the Belpaire boiler and running board patches, for a better bond with epoxy. Drilled the .078 hole for the whistle and valve on the Belpaire boiler, Cut out a rectangle from .040 thick aluminum, and CA'd it to the roof, to create a hatch. Filled in holes on the boiler, running boards, and smokebox, with JB Weld. Scott
Put some time in here and there this week. Drilled all the holes for the railing stanchions using a #80 drill(.0135"). Epoxied domes to brass rod to pin to the dome bases and boiler. I left the rod long so I can chuck them up to turn the domes. Epoxied the firebox front to the smokebox extension and the cab to the Belpaire boiler. Scott
Ain’t nothing wrong with taking time Scott. I’m enjoying the progress. Still impressed with old school style you use. Almost a lost skill these days!
I spend a lot of time on projects too, but I get maximum satisfaction when I put the extra time in. Just keep plugging, a few minutes a week and it will get done. And if something don't please you, rework it and continue. Lots of hobby fun that way.
Thanks guys! Joe, I work with what I have, my hobbies have budget limits. I use my drill press as a lathe and a milling machine. I also like working with my hands. Rob, I am a slow worker, and being employed and having ADHD doesn't help. But I agree, putting in bits of time, taking my time, and doing it until I'm happy with it is more enjoyable. Scott
Epoxied on the smokebox extension.(looks better already) Worked on the cab. Filled in the patch seams with epoxy and cleaned up the front windows. I had to redo one side when a patch panel came off. The cast domes were a bit too big, so I turned them down on the drill press with files and sand paper. I still need to adjust the height of the sand dome. Next up, whistle/valve turret, hole for generator, holes for builder plates, hand holes, and smokebox supports. Scott
Also looks like you got the front end visually sized up too. Real nice! What’s next blacken the wheels? Front pilot?
Joe, I need to do some more boiler details first. Then I need to figure out exactly hoe I am going to attach the Belpaire section to the front boiler section. I'm still undecided on which pilot I am going to use. I like the weight of the bigger Mikado one. Scott