On the left are the blanks that will be used for the smokebox door clamps. On the right is a plug that will be required for the smokebox door. September 8, 2024,
The disc on the left is the smokebox base with the previously complete exhaust nozzle inserted. At the right are the drilled and shaped smokebox door clamps. August 15, 2024.
This is a piece 0.080" brass that has been trimmed to 6.5" x 21+" for the smokebox shell. layout lines have been added for various holes that need to be drilled. September 21, 2024.
After annealing, the brass has been rolled into about a 6 - 1/4" diameter shell about 6.5" long. September 22, 2024.
The smokebox shell has been riveted and soldered together. Next will be the cutting of the openings for the stack and the exhaust. September 28, 2024.
The opening for the stack has been cut along with the opening smokebox base. Here we see the smokebox base and exhaust nozzle test fit. September 29, 2024.
This is the fixture and the blank that will be used to machine the lift pipe seat. The piece has to be turned to the inner diameter of the smokebox and will be soldered below the opening for the stack. September 29, 2024.
The lift pipe seat now has a radius cut into it to fit the inner radius of the smokebox shell. December 24, 2024.
Work is proceeding on the smokebox ring which is a 6.5" diameter by 0.75" ring. The front portion has been turned down to fit snugly inside the smokebox shell. December 24, 2024.
A view inside the smokebox shell at the smokebox ring still mounted in the lathe chuck. The ring started as a solid disk which was then cored with a 4" hole saw. There is more work to be completed on the ring to provide mounting holes and the far end will need to be shaped to fit the front of the boiler along with turning the outer diameter to size. December 21, 2024.
The finished smokebox ring has had the inner diameter turned to fit the front tube sheet and the mounting tabs shaped and drilled for the mounting screws. December 24, 2024.
The smokebox front plate with all holes drilled and tapped. Next it will be turned to match the diameter of the smokebox tube. February 16, 2025.
The smokebox front plate has been turned to diameter and smokebox door temporarily attached. The assembly has been set on the locomotive for an initial look at the smokebox assembly. March 2, 2025.
Drilling the dummy rivet holes using a rotary table on the milling machine. Twenty eight holes around the front and 56 near the rear. March 16, 2025.
All of the holes that can be drilled in the smokebox have been completed. Holes have been drilled for the dummy rivets, handrails, dummy superheater bolts, snow plow brackets and steam pipes. May 3, 2025.
The two hinge assemblies for the smokebox door. May 10, 2025.
The start of the number plate with the two mounting bosses soldered to the back of the plate. Next will be the addition of the half round border and trimming to the final size. May 11, 2025.
The four pieces for the outer frame have been cut to size and a 0.060" radius cut on the inner edges. These will be screwed on to the plate and then silver soldered before final trimming and cutting the radius in the outer edge. May 17, 2025.
The number plate has been trimmed to size and the 0.060" radius applied to the outer edges. We see it being test fit on the smokebox assembly. May 18, 2025.