Mike the door was sanded off very slowly with a dremel tool. I made sure i had a good casting first of the door. This whole boiler use to be Hydrocal but they have since gone to resin. With a dremel tool and a I used a 1/8" grinding bit and I started cutting a little at a time. Once I was close I finished it off with 220 grit paper. I then traced the door in the normal location and then I cut about 1/32 inside the lines..I used a drill bit to drill through the 1/2 " resin in the four corners and then drilled holes all the way around inside the lines. then used my grinding tool to connect the holes. I finished it of the a Popsicle stick with 220 grit paper glued to it..
I then drill out the viewing hole in the door. very carefully... I then took a brass tube the same size of the hole and sharpened it from the outside to the inside edge. I put this in a drill and used this to cut out the clear plastic to make my viewing hole glass. I painted the plastic to simulate the metal in the viewing holes and then cut a piece of round toothpick to simulate the turning knob at the center..
Lowell at Anvil Models was very helpful. I think if I had sent him drawings it may have been closer. We were trying to work with something "off the shelf drawing" I think the problem was I told him how long I needed it and he scale it to that length. Plus I gave him dimensions of windows I am using and they are pretty large.
But to answer your question. I'll probably scratch build most of the rest.
Lowell Told me the name of a guy who he had done several 1:20.3 kits for but can't remember his name.. The laser cutting work was great. I did have him cut the wall framing work but to make it look right for me I am going to have to add wood for make the thickness correct for a more scale look..
Yeah, I have to add all that. The ash pit has not been permanently installed yet. I will add the ash and soot once it get the ground cover in placed around it.
One thing I've often wondered about these stationary boilers that are bricked in, is how they did inspection and maintenance? I know with steam locos, they have to keep an eye on the rivets and staybolts, and the tubes need replacing from time to time, etc. I'm assuming the stationary boilers would have needed the same kind of maintenance.
With the tops of the boiler structure removable, what is the purpose of the brick enclosure? Is it just to provide some insulation to retain additional heat in the boilder?
With the tops of the boiler structure removable, what is the purpose of the brick enclosure? Is it just to provide some insulation to retain additional heat in the boilder?
I think you right in saying it will retain the heat, but I think they would have it around it for the same reason you have covered bridges. It is designed to protect the item underneath from weather and elements.
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