I plan to kitbash some IHC steam locomotives to make them look a little more realistic. One of the things I planned on doing was to remove the plastic seam on top of the boilers. However, I was reading an article on steam locomotive kitbashing and the author said the seam should stay because it would have existed on the prototype (do not ask me which author I have read so many articles now on steam locomotive kitbashing that I can not remember). Is this true? I find it hard to believe. I have seen plenty of side views of steam locomotives, but never one from the top to see if this seam is indeed viewable.
JPD, The part of a steam loco boiler that you see is just a sheet metal cover over the boiler insulation. So in most cases there are seams at the top and at various locations along the length. Sometimes these are overlaped seems, somtimes metal bands covering the joint. In any case, there would be some kind of seem along the top of most boilers - especally on bigger more modern steamers were the size of the sheets of metal would require more joints for easy removal.
This outer covering would be removed and replaced/reintalled a number of times over the life of the loco. Sometimes repaires or rebuilding may require removing it all, sometimes only a few sections. Some piping was “burried” in the insulation on some locos, so even simple repairs could easily require its partial removal.
Unless you have specific prototype info, leave the seam, it most likely is correct.
Sheldon
Thanks Sheldon for the confirmation. I must say it makes sense the way you explain it, but I am still surprised. Well at least this is one less thing I have to worry about removing.
sheldon hit the nail on the head about the seam on the top of the boiler jacket. there was no seam though on the domes, stack, or cab roof. you can smooth these areas easily by scraping with a knife blade or chisel. i like to use a dental scraper and then finish off with some fine emory paper wrapped around a piece of strip wood.
grizlump