Paul Washburn's AT&SF 2-8-2

Paul Washburn has started to build an AT&SF 2-8-2 class 3129 Mikado. All photos are copyright © Paul Washburn; used by permission.

Update: Paul has decided to take a break from this project, so it may be some time before we see more photos. Nonetheless, what he has shared with us is still inspirational and helpful.

Parts Preparation

Paul started by fabricating patterns for the frame, starting with the Rushton trailing truck. He cast the truck in resin in three parts. The second photo shows the parts loosely put together.

He also fabricated the patterns for the driver spring.

The two parts in their relative position on the locomotive drawing.

To fabricate the sand domes, Paul glued two sections of 1/8"-thick styrene together and then glued them to a section of 7/8" PVC pipe.

He then put that assembly in his lathe. At slow speed, he used various tools to carefully shape the top of the dome.

He used a PVC coupling for the skirt for the front dome.

Here is a photo of the cast-resin domes, with the bottom of one formed to match the circumference of the boiler.

Next are the Baker valve gear, pilot, and side rods subassemblies.

More to come in the future. Stay tuned!