Good Morning All and Happy Thanksgiving.
I spent half a day trying to get one of the iconic items (the Handrail/flag stantions) for the Chessie Steam Special completed. The problem I had was, It would be in the way of the cooler on the front of the Loco. So, I opted to move the "cow catcher" forward about 1/4". This allowed me access to the forward handrail that the stantions were welded too. I did this by removing the 4-40 screw underneath, adding a longer 4-40 screw, Then using 3 nuts (one on each side and one centered underneath) I was able to get the correct spacing I needed. I laid in some scotch weld under the cooler and screwed the assembly back together and I allowed that to set up.
So, while that was setting up and curing, I proceeded to build the forward handrail and stantions out of 3/64" brass tubing. Once I got it this far, I needed to make small adjustments to get everything to line up with the handrail holes. I had to drill a third hole in the center for the center brace.
When the scotch weld was setup enough I removed the 4-40 screw and nuts. I then put more scotch weld in the gap as a filler on each side (one at a time, had to stand it on end). Once the scotch weld was setup enough (about 3/4 hardness) I was able to use a razor blade and cut the scotch weld flush, This saves hours of sanding. I used blue masking tape to hold the scotch weld in place until it setup. If it didn't tune out like I wanted...I just added more to it until I got a smooth finish.
I got the handrail finished, and painted it silver (could be white, hard to tell) like the real loco. I plan on getting the front painted black this weekend. If all works out, I'll get the gray mixed up and hopefully get the boiler front and boiler painted as well. I'm going to be mixing Smoke Box Gray and Primer Gray in the Scalecoat ll. I opted for the Eire Lackawanna Gray, but didn't, in hindsight I should have went with it.
If you wondering what the white thing is on top of the cooler...It's the tool box. I used part of a Home Depot paint stick, cut and sanded to size, then added 2 each .020 wire handles. If this is in the way of the headlight, it will be disappearing and not returning.
So, This is where I am currently. There will be more to follow from this weekend.
I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please be safe in your travels today.
Chris