The locomotive is completely dismantled for the drilling the last holes for fixing of the final parts. The guard irons, brake rod bearings and some angle profile for strengthening had to be fixed.
It takes about two evenings, for only taking the loco apart; and every corner of the workshop is now full with loco parts.
The rear guard iron in position; bend of 3 mm steel plate
The frame standing on the four guard irons. Being a German loco, everything has to be painted bright red.
At the rear of the frame an extra 10 x 10 x 2 angle profile was riveted. On the real loco this gives extra strength to the frame; on the model I do not think it is of any real advantage, but making a model it's nice to include these details
For seven and a quarter locomotives ground level driving is the standard in Europe mainland. Although most tracks are level and in good condition, derailments do sometimes occur on this gauge. Because the cylinder drain-cocks are relative low to the top of the rail, damage is likely in case of a derailment, even with the guard irons on the frame.
To prevent this, a sturdy extra detachable guard iron was designed and produced of 30 x 10 mm steel bar. This can be screwed with 4 high strength M4 Allan screws to the frame.
The extra heavy guard iron, on the frame (in transparent mode)
The guard iron attached under the frame.
Extra supports silver soldered to the guard iron, so it can withstand some impact force in case of a derailment. Also for loading and unloading in the car, this guard iron will make sure that the loco is not damaged..... but if the car will like this? :-(
For operation of the drain-cocks a set of levers are made of mild steel.
Operating is now possible from the top of the frame, to the underside of the cylinder. The last few levers will be made coming weeks.
After that I can start to paint and build up the frame. (and there are many parts)