Continuing on~,

So with the main gearbox cover on (with the United builders plate) a nice inspection/access port allows for occasional as-needed oiling without having to take off the cover.



Here you can see the bottom of the trucks with the gearbox covers on and paint out.



Here you can see the custom-built copper all-wheel wiper pickups on both sides for best conductivity. {Note; the wiper is set for the outer edge of the tire} and soldered into place.



Another electrical challenge was how do I connect the frame wires (pickups, motor & ash pan flicker) to the top box where the decoder rests.



The way I finally decided (it took 4 tries with connectors small enough) was to take an old 8-pin male connector and cut up in half and then half again and super glue 6 across and wire in a pattern that (if) the plug is reversed, nothing will blow. just not work is all.



For the boiler firebox site door flicker. Another 2-pin micro connector was added.




The top box shell received the custom-made glued 6 across female micro connectors (which was wired to match the bottom connectors.




Here is how the final connections lay with the frame and boiler together.



Yes, the only way once the top shell is on (with a little opening at the rear) tweezers are needed to connect/disconnect. This was the only way at the time I could figure out how to connect everything without having any wire connections visible through the windows.

Now the 1st rule of working with electronics is to be comfortable before you start. Researching and understanding are key.

More later. Thanx Thom...

Continuing on~,

Turning attention to the weathering and detailing of the sub-assemblies.

The boiler section (which won't be easily seen once the box shell is on (at least the overall main details will be seen when either the lights are on or the windows are open). My thoughts here were this is a sweaty/steamy Grimmy dusty area. A lot of piping and such up to the top of the roof is more/less implied because no need to add a dozen valves and pipes up inside an area we don't really see. However, we do see 4 of the 5 man crew (a fifth crewman is the fireman glued in the window of the box shell).



This view shows the engineer working the backhead (his legs had to be cut off because they interfered with the main connector.



This view shows the brakeman & trainman ready to work the switches, car brakes & stop traffic in tight areas, etc.



The frame section is basic (I didn't go too nuts with adding more underframe details). The prototype had plenty to add, but I've spent way too many hours on this already.




Next, we see the box shell sporting the UFRR (Union Freight Railroad) lettering. Note the fireman glued in the window waving to you.


Note the rear coal load (with real coal). It seems this fireman doesn't have a lot of coal to shovel in a city trip.



This view shows the interesting " OBSERVE RULE 810" on the front.



This view shows the working slide door in the open position.



And bringing up the rear of this very cool engine is the climax water tender (with all-wheel pickup and working rear headlight). Note; the deck has a bell, an extra air hose, a vehicle tire, a hose, and a big wrench with some clips (all details just for possible conversations/interest over a boring bare deck.





And of course the rear sand tanks. Notice the uncoupler lift bar chain. (neat detail).


More Later... Thanx Thom...

Continuing on~,

BELOW: are some final pics of this interesting custom build. I hope you enjoyed this pictorial and either learned something or have ideas for your build of a City Box Cab Locomotive.






Time to close the door and get down the track on this rare build. I hope you enjoyed it ~ Thanx Thom...

Out standing work Thom. I'm very impressed with your work in brass.

Bernd

Way cool project, Thom!!
(and, I'd still be trying to disassemble things...)

Outstanding Thom!

Thank you brother! I'm glad you liked. Thanx Thom...

Ha-ha, your not mechanical huh. Thank you Big Bill. Thanx Thom...

Thank you Jim, glad you enjoyed the build. Thanx Thom...

To all who viewed. https://youtu.be/Ke_jBskveos Thanx Thom...