Grabs and steps done. Blasting complete. Ready for paint after I drill a hole for the brake wheel which gets installed when I’m done.
machined the pickup slots longer and removed the stock bolster. Drilled the new one further back as per prototype.
There was still some flux in a couple of nooks so I’m going to soak in 91% for a while and rescrub later.
And here I'm still riding the high of the time I successfully soldered some brass handrails. Brass is a whole 'nother art, and this is shaping up to be a masterpiece!
Soooo, I forgot about the 4 small steps. Installed now, back in the alcohol because there’s a lot more flux.
In the event anyone is wondering, I’m referencing pictures of both the N scale Key AC-1/2 and balboa SP B-1 Berkshire pics. SP reworked these tenders a bit when they scrapped the earlier AC series and then put them behind other motive power on their line to include their Berkshires and some Mikados. They are a marvelously ugly tender. I’ve got a MK5 mikado that may earn one of these since I’m stealing its tender for a brass P-10, my next project.
A pox upon you! There is no such thing as an ugly whaleback tender! Just like there is no ugly Vandy tenders. The only ugly tenders are rectangular and carry coal (meaning most tenders that are made for N scale).
DeaconKC, thank you. Some tedious work went into it. I used Tamiya fine surface primer, will see how it holds up. I had previously used some automotive grade etching primer on brass, but it went on too thick and obscured some details.
this project has made me start work on my Western Railcraft whaleback! I hope that mine will look half as good as yours
A bit of paint. Getting closer. Have to finish the tender floor, work out the pickups, install the toolboxes, and letter it.
That is amazing tender there! Wondering where I can come up with an excuse to make one that looks half as good as yours!