Started a new project, making a brass whaleback tender for my SP Berkshire. I built one from styrene a few years ago and it was pretty shabby. Decided that brass was the way to go this time. started with .015 brass sheet and a 3/4 wood dowel to form the tank. I used brass wire for the water tank separating lines vice rivets, I just couldn’t get consistent rivet sizes in the brass. This will suffice.
I tried working with sheet brass once. It was not my idea of fun. Had to buy some hydrogen peroxide to handle all the cuts on my hands. I am no glue by any means but from then on, I stick to plastic.
I decided to give brass a go on this project after finishing a P-8 last spring. I’ve found it to be much more forgiving than plastic for certain projects. A good pair of thin gloves helps when working with the thin sheets.
I have to mill the sides of the tender floor to recess them more and to install the tool boxes. I’ll also mill off the front bolster and extend the truck pickup slots to move it back a smidge. I also need to figure out what to use on some piping to simulate wrapped insulation, thinking about thin strip of masking tape.
Handrails done. Front walkway, ladders and grabs to go. Honestly, the brake wheel was one of the hardest parts.
Front step and piping. Calling it quits for the night. lost the brake wheel in the process, will redo that last due to it’s fragility.
