Pennsylvania A3 Switcher (Kozo)

[AdeV]

Now I know why British railways used a 3-link coupling and simple hooks!

VERY nice work - are you going to blacken them? I think they'd look properly gangsta blackened...

[Kim]

Thanks Ron and Ade! 

Yes, I will be making them black.  I'd kinda planned on powder coating them, just like everything else.  I'm not sure blackening will work on them since several different kinds of metal have been used in their construction.  It might work, but I think powder coating will look good and I don't think I'll lose any detail (at least, any that I care to see, that is )

Kim

[Admiral_dk]

Another great Tell and Show about a Part that is more complex to make than looks will reveal 

Per             

[ddmckee54]

Powder coating is a relatively thick process.  Any parts that need to move may need to be either masked off, or have the powder coating removed in order to work correctly.

[Kim]

Powder coating is a relatively thick process.  Any parts that need to move may need to be either masked off, or have the powder coating removed in order to work correctly.

Quite true, but I think I can make it work.  We'll see.  If I don't like it I can always strip off the paint and give something else a try.

Kim

[Kim]

Chapter 35.2 – Pins

Today was all about the pins.  None were very complex, but they did take some time.  Here’s one of the more complex pins being parted off.  As I said, not very complex.


Several of the pins had lifting lugs built into them. So I milled a section on the end of the pin to make the lifting lug then drilled a hole in the center.


Then I rounded the end using the belt sander.


Here are all the pins.  The larger two on the left are the coupler pins, the two on the top right are the knuckle pins, and the two on the lower right are the locking pins.


Kozo has you permanently affix the lock and knuckle pins to the coupler body with Loctite.  Hopefully, it will survive the powder coating.  If not, I’ll just have to reglue them!


And lastly, here’s what the coupler looks like when connected to the front of the engine.  Not bad, if I do say so myself! 


Now this is the last official part in Kozo’s A3 switcher book.  However, I realized that I still need to make the numbers for the sides of the cab.  For some reason, Kozo doesn’t mention those in the book.  They are shown in all of the pictures of the completed engine, but it isn’t mentioned in the chapter on the cab, or anywhere else that I can remember.  But I will be doing it regardless.  I think I’ll make the numbers and then use Loctite to attach them after the cab is painted.  I considered adding screws to hold them on, but that’s not the look I want for the numbers.  So, we’ll see how gluing works.

After I make those numbers, then I’ll start the painting job.  That ought to keep me occupied for a while!

Kim

[Dave Otto]

Hi Kim,

The couplers turned out real nice, there sure is a lot of work involved in them!
Surprising to hear that all the major parts are complete! It has been quite a ride, and I'm looking forward to the finishing operations.

Dave

[tzkelley]

Wow! The end of the book! I know you have a few more parts and finishing to do but it must feel really good to hit this milestone. Looks great!

[cnr6400]

 

[Kim]

Thanks Dave, Doug, and Jeff! 

Yes, it is very exciting to be so close to the end.  I've been working on this since 2018. It's been a LOT of fun, and I've learned so much.  But I'm ready to start contemplating my next project 

Kim

[crueby]

I can loan you some of Kozo's other books for more small projects...   

[Kim]

Thanks for the offer, Chris.    But I have most of his books.  And the ones I don't have will be arriving soon; Volume 2 of the K-27 build, and The New Shay.  I had to wait for them to reprint The New Shay.  And of course, for the original print of V2 of the K-27.  Good reading, even if I never build them!  But who knows? I may just do that 

Kim

[Admiral_dk]

Congratulations Kim 

And thank you for taking us along on your journey - I learned a lot just watching (wonder how much I remember over time ).

Per                           

[JCvdW]

Thank you Kim for your detailed log! And for keeping me/us inspired! I always first have a very good look at how you made a part before trying to make it myself.

[Kim]

Thanks Per and JC! 

Glad my learnings and foibles can be of use to you!  I have certainly learned a LOT from this build, and from all the help that the many generous members of this forum have provided over the years.

Kim