C57 Japanese 4-6-2 Locomotive and Tender

[J.L.]

The base of the model is taking shape.

[J.L.]

One last look at the cab before the engine is mounted onto its substructure.

I decided to put a driver in the driver's seat.

[J.L.]

Tomorrow things come together.

The moment of truth will come when we throw the switch.

I've manually rotated the worm gear and things just might be a go.

[J.L.]

The smoke deflectors on this engine are quite distinctive. They are also very cleverly and robustly designed.

Their cast frames are sandwiched in place by what is called a Bypass Valve Inspection Lid.  It's a superb example of this kit's die casting. These photos show how its pins engage the deflecor's frame.

A sheet of steel attaches the lid from under the running board.

Once these deflectors are in place, the engine will be attached to its undercarriage.

[J.L.]

One of the distinguishing features of the C57 that caught my eye when I first saw it in kit form, was the shape of the deflectors. Ironically, if you go on the internet and search for pictures of the C57, you will note that the deflectors have all been altered to a solid, full sheet of metal right down to the running boards - like the D51.

Perhaps they found the smaller deflectors ineffective and converted them for efficiency.

I still like their look.

[J.L.]

The knuckles at the front of the engine and the back of the tender are functional. Removing the pin allows their jaws to open.

It looks as though this fellow is quite taken with the one at the back of the tender.

[Admiral_dk]

Looks like you are on the last stretch on this build John.

I notiched him taking photos of your previous build too 

[J.L.]

Yes Per, this lad gets around.

You are right. The closing chapter of this thread and this site for me is just about done.

I liked the added detail on this tender of the light above the signage.

I was not happy at al with the simulated cast coal parts or their colouring for the tender however. I threw them out!

A friend of mine runs a narrow gauge railroad and has bags of coal. I prevailed upon him to spare a baggie of it for me.  Now the lumps are rather large and out of 1:24 scale, but a ball peen hammer should make short work of that issue.

[J.L.]

My friend must have known exactly how much this tender would carry!

[Kim]

That looks amazing, John!

Are you going to glue the coal in place to keep it from spreading around and making a mess?  Some clear sealer type glue or something?

Great work as always.
Kim

[kvom]

The pin for the knuckle at the rear should be attached to the bar above it to allow the lever to raise it.  Was there a chain supposed to be included? 

[J.L.]

Hi Kim,
Yes, I was at one point thinking of stabilizing the coal with a clear sealer, but decided not to do that. Any sealer I have used has taken the edge off the crisp, sparkle of the material - especially a product like this coal. The tender is a static display item and will be under an acrylic cover.

Hi Kirk,
You are right. The chain could be raised and lowered by grabbing either end of the horizontal bar that has a bump out for the chain to be directly above the eye of the pin. No, no chain is included in either kit. I have lots of scaled chain, but never felt the need to add the few links needed.

Observant of you.

[J.L.]

Before I show two final pictures of the completed C57, I would like to show where it all began - the building of the brass D51.

[J.L.]

The last shots. A little darker for drama.

You will see the oversight of not removing the making tape from the earlier broken air hose. 

[J.L.]

Well, I couldn't leave this thread without removing that piece of green tape.