Hi
The ring has a groove cut in with a parting tool. My parting tool is 2mm wide
Drill the holes
I found the easiest way to hold the ring was to clamp a lump of scrap wood in the bandsaw vise and use large screws to hold it rigid
Which gave me this
In the mill and machine the 1/8" slot
Followed by machining the profile
You may have noticed that the plans call for 4 brake blocks. The ring yielded 8. Its unlikely that I will wear out a set of brake blocks and need to fit the 4 spares so they will go into stock and maybe fit a future loco.
Next up is the brake shaft. Not much to explain here, only that I have used stainless steel for the shaft
The brake column next. Start by machining a bit of 7/8" brass and thread 3/8" x 26tpi
Drilling through by starting with a centre drill then a short drill followed by a long drill. I only have a 3/16" long drill but the shaft fits through nicely
Drill and tap a bit of scrap ally 3/8" x 26tpi
Screw the brass into the ally and machine to length.
Knock the top slide over a little and machine the taper. My myford doesn't have enough travel to machine the full length so I machined as much as possible then finished with a file and emery paper
The shaft I have made from stainless steel. Turn the little top piece and drill and tap from some 7/16" stainless steel. cross drill 3/32". Thread the top of the shaft
Screw the 2 pieces tightly together with a drop of loctite on the thread. then cross drill
A bronze collar and thrust washer. Bend a bit of 3/32" stainless steel for the handle
Cheers
Rich