Hi guys,
I began altering my mallet way back in 2010. I mostly finished revising the tender back then. For a bunch of reasons, it was set aside until recently. This winter I resolved to wrap it up.
I had added the front air compressors, marker lights, and the new number plate back in 2010. The bell is new too, being a 3D printed model from Shapeways. This winter I made some new pilot steps out of brass - here’s one:
Next began the painful work of the steam and air piping for the air compressors. The air compressors are from Precision Scale, as are the filters and pipe fittings:
A new whistle was added, also from Shapeways. Also a new generator and exhaust vent:
A new bell cord has been added and some air piping. Another smokebox inspection port was added, also a 3D print from Shapeways. The builder’s plates are from Robert Dustin. The air tanks were added back in 2010:
Here are the two smokebox number boards lying on a print of an example of the prototype. They are 3D prints from Shapeways. I still had to make some brass brackets for them. For the number boards I used clear plastic, painted the backs black and then added numeral decals:
From last night. The number boards have been added, along with a bunch of electrical conduit. I made an additional smokebox step from brass to match the prototype. The steam line for the air compressors has been added - its insulation is Johnson & Johnson cloth medical tape:
Other than adding an air compressor regulator (due to arrive from Shapeways on Monday), I am done with the detailing portion of this project. Today I will add an Airwire receiver and battery, and a sound system from Train Control Systems. I bought a Visiton FRS 8 speaker for the sound system - should sound Grande. With a minimal amount of muttering and swearing, I should be able to take this thing for a test drive later today.
Cheers,
Matt