News, 1 October 2023
News, 1 October 2023
This update is one photo from last week and three from this week. The first photo is the no. 1 end of the loco after the final grill had been welded in. There's only a grille on one side at this end, this and the cant rail grille shown a few weeks ago are for the boiler air supply. There won't be a boiler on this loco (updates passim) but the external appearance has to be correct, hence the holes / grilles / etc. The red laser line at the lower body position is the nominal position of the change in colour for when it's painted. It was being shone onto the loco to make sure that everything looked right - nothing would look more silly than something which is so easily referenced on old photos being in the wrong place.
We think it looks OK.
On the same theme of looking right, this is a (fake) boiler water tank filler door. It's a hole cut into the bodyside with a plate welded back in complete with a gap so it looks like a door. Also, there's space for a thumb catch (not fitted yet) to keep the fake door from coming open.
This door and it's brother on the other side of the loco have been a massive time sponge this week. I estimated half a day to make and fit both of them and after two days I'd made two but only fitted one. Hooray.
Tiny details, this is no. 1 end Second Man's side with the 'fire pull' surround bolted on temporarily to check the fit. It looks good, so we left it on......
