[:D] I just put together my first set of valve gear! (and it works!) A few months ago I bid on and won my first steam engine kit. ( a Mantua 0-4-0 pony engine ) I haven’t been able to assemble it because I didn’t have a center punch and a small anvil (for doing the rivet work on the valve gear) So I finally ordered them. When they arrived I was rather aprihensive about starting because the valve parts where so small. Tonight I sat down and did it, it wasn’t that hard. I made a few mistakes and almost ran out of rivets but I got it done! (next time I think I’ll get some of those magnifying lenses)
Next I’ll have to disassemble the engine, grind off some of the molded in pipes, detail and paint it. I’ll keep you posted.
way to go ! i just started an old MDC 2-6-0 kit , haven’t got to those hard parts yet . at least the MDC kit doen’t require the use of an anvil and rivets [:D]
I’m thinking that I should tackle a kit, both for that experience, but also to learn super-detailing which, in turn, would force me to get to know steam locomotives a lot better.
Good for you for going for it, for your determination, and your spirit. I hope you get lots of pleasurable hours out of that little feller.
For the valve gear rivets, try to get hold of a Bowser rivet tool. It looks like a center punch on the end, but with a cup around the point that will flare the rivet over properly. I found these MUCH easier to use on these than the standard center punch. Also, if you can find a nice flat piece of steel, it will allow you to lay out the pieces and assemble them on a flat surface and use it as a hammer block, sort of the equivalent of the bucking bar for real riveting.
I have been using a thin layer of PLAY_DOH® to hold the linkages & rivets, ect…, while assembling/hammering them (clean -off any residue of course…). While building Bowser’s Big Boy.
Like mentioned above about Bowser’s riveting tool, try to get one… IT will make life alot easier.
I’m going to try to ad some pictures. I hope this works.
The bowser punch sounds great. I’m presently using a jewelers center punch that you just push down on and it flares the rivet, then I flatten it with a flat punch.
COOL!!! I’m doing a Mikado right now. I’ve been putting off the running gear till I feel more comfortable with my skills. What does that tool consist of? Is it basically a fine point metal punch? I got a great painting tip here for these kits. Use Krylon satin black on the metel parts. Let them dry completely, and then bake the metal parts in your oven at 300F about an hour. Bowser probably has a slew of details parts for you kit.
Good luck!
I’m not sure how old the kit is. I got it off e-bay for about $35. It’s a Mantua Kit. It doesn’t have a slope back tender. Just a regular square one. One of the mods I’m planning is to change the shape of the tender.
The punch I’m using is a Jewelers center punch that I baught from Micro Tools. But the Bowser punch mentioned above sounds like it may be even easier to use.
