D51-200 Tender Locomotive 2-8-2

[J.L.]

Hi Chris,

Yes, you are right. The arm cast on the end of the axle box goes up past the frame and is fastened to the reinforcing band surrounding the leaf springs.

Thanks for asking.

 I agree. This kit has been very carefully thought out.

[J.L.]

After scratching my head awhile  ,and  crawling around on the floor looking for bushings, I think I am ready to try a third install of the coupling rods.

Each one is unique and it's easy to get the parts mixed up.

[J.L.]

Connected!

[derekwarner]

JL...just digressing...are these kit bushes ....Sintered Bronze Bushes....[Oil-lite?] - [Sinterlloy?] or any one of the manufactures names...

We also see what I believe is an oil hole in top of the the motion arm, which would serve as the oiling point cup

If so, and going forward ....have you read the directions as to the recommended Grade of oil to be used?

Derek

[J.L.]

Hi Derek,
You are way over the top with your assumptions. The oil holes were never meant to be there.They are just cosmetic,  I knew the projections cast were meant to be oil boxes so I drilled a dummy hole in them for appearance. I think the bushes are simply brass - and they wouldn't work anyway with oil, because there is no hole driled into them.

The purpose of the bushes is to provide clearance on each side of the rods to avoid binding when the bolts are drawn up tightly.
John

[J.L.]

Here are a series of sequential shots showing the installation of a connecting rod to the third wheel
1. The end of connceting rod is lying on the wheel and the brass pin is waiting for a bush.
2. A  flanged bush is on the pin.
3. The connecting rod is placed on the pin.
4. It now receives a brass bush.
5. An eccentric arm is fastened to the pin securing all parts.
6. The connected connecting rod.

[J.L.]

This is indeed a complex part of the engine's construction. The instruction booklet simply advises looking at the diagram for right and left side and use it to assemble the many parts - that would be combination lever; connecting link; hanging link, piston valve spindle and expansion links.
 

[J.L.]

Now, for someone who knows nothing about where this linkage goes, it's time to get this gear in place...
       

[J.L.]

Actually, the parts went into place quite easily.

[crueby]

Great looking mechanism, they did a great job making that kit.   

[b.lindsey]

Amazing how fast this is going together John. It's really looking great.

Bill

[J.L.]

Thanks Bill,

You must remember though that every hole is drilled and if necessary tapped for screws (metric). Every curve in sheet metal parts have been rolled to the correct radius.

Everything fits together like a glove.

I've got to slow down. I'm enjoying it too much and don't want to stop when I get going! My wife says I'm obsessed with it.

With spring activities outdoors and general deck paint touch-ups, maybe I can be distracted for awhile.

But then there's that boiler... 

[J.L.]

With some of my machinery gone in the basement now, I decided to repaint the floor.
Rather than sit there and watch it dry, I had a look at the first boiler shell. When I saw it in its plastic receptical, I thought it would  just be thin sheet brass. But when I lifted it out, it was heavy.

The vernier caliper measured it at .74mm.

Note: You can see that gravity got the better of my caliper last year. It has been replaced but this one was close at hand, Still works!

[b.lindsey]

Not to digress John, but what did you paint your floor with? Something I still need to do in the near future.

Bill

[J.L.]

Hi Bill,

The paint is a Solignnum product. It is called Solignum Concrete & Garage Floor Paint (3.78L). It is advertized as being the ultimate coating for a tough and durable finish.
I really like the way it went on. You feel a pull on the roller as it lays down a rich, thick coating. I think one coat is going to do it for me. And that's even over bare patches scrapped away from previous coatings with a putty knife.

Best of all, I avoided painting myself into a corner!

Cheers...John