Front Frame Extension

The mounting plate for the lead truck will be made next. It fits between the frame extensions.

I did not know what these parts were going to look like before I made them. I started with pieces of aluminum 3″ x 3/4″ x 18″. I cut and milled until it looked like it would function.

Sawing 3/4″ thick aluminum is very slow. I drilled a line of holes.

I then sawed along the holes.

Finally, I milled the rough line of half holes until the surface was smooth.

I have been using wood and plastic mock ups to design the front end of this engine, as I do not have any drawings – just some old photographs of the prototype.

This is a detail of a Central RR of New Jersey 4-8-0.