The next things to make were the levers that actually operate the brakes. These are two small (minimal unobtrusive) handles on each side of the wagon, below the doors. This way the brakes can be operated by a left of right handed driver.
An 8 mm rod is used to extend the levers under the side doors.
Some support plates keep the rod in position. Due to the lever construction, the maximum pulling force is only small.
Square ends were milled on the outer ends of the rod. The brake levers have a square hole filed in them.
A M3 bolt and thick washer are locking the lever to the rod.
A general view of the brake rigging
The hand operated brake almost completed. Some pins have to be turned to replace the temporary bolts. They will be turned from some nails.
The footrests are made of 12 mm stainless steel. They are inserted in a 16mm tube, that is fixed to the main frame. A tiny pin will click in the grove and lock the footrest in to position.
They can be pushed inside the tube when not needed (when the wagon is on the steaming bay or in the car for transport to the track)...
... and pulled out when needed for driving the locomotive. The footrest is 120 mm wide
A piece of leaf spring is used to hold the locking pin.
The sitting position was tested and we decided to put the seat box (from my 5" gauge driving wagon) on its side. This gives a lower position, and we think a better sight on the backhead of the locomotive while driving.
The small rounded end cap gives just enough grip to your shoes, so that you won't slide of when on the track.