UP 4-12-2 Build

[superturbine]

Well here it goes
Big Boys, Challengers, FEF's , Mountains.......
You can't be a real U.P. modeler without atleast a couple of U.P. types on your railroad!  For me its time to stop procrastinating and putting off the big
UNION PACIFIC 4-12-2.

With this engine build I will show the updates of the progress which began today... Dec 8 2012.   Several compromises will be made..
        1st -The lead driver will not be offset, kick forward to allow for the cranked axel for the 3rd cylinder rod .  This would lead to Major difficulties in the build and I would likely end up with a poor running model.
        2nd- Using a Kato Mikado mechanism the drivers are not perfect in size.
Shown are the parts of the frames to be combined to turn the 2-8-2 into a 4-12-2.  Many of you have received my frame castings and so these steps might be interesting.  Of note: for a 2-10-0 or 2-10-2 it will not be necessary to remove the rear frame screw and box.
[IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img189/6228/frameparts.jpg">>

Well here is the work for the first day... the frame is built and everything has been measures out and found to be within tolerance.

[mike_lawyer]

Interesting!  One question - are you going to blind more than one driver set?  I know with my PRR I-1 2-10-0 build, the middle driver has to be blinded for movement around curves.

With 6 drivers, I'm wondering if there will be problems going around curves without blinding two sets of drivers.

[superturbine]

I dont think I will blind any to begin with.  My Kato mike/ 2-10-2 articulates with room to spare around the layout.  But I do have a min 27 inch radius. 

[peteski]

Looks like you're off to a good start Jason!
One question: With your frame extension looking to be a single piece and the original frame being split, have you allowed any way of removing the motor (for lubrication/cleaning/replacement) without having to result to breaking apart everything?  You know Murphy's law...

BTW, thanks for the pipe hangers etchings - they arrived in the mail today!  They are very delicate!

[Chris333]

My 2-10-2 goes around 15" curve without a blinded driver.

[superturbine]

Looks like you're off to a good start Jason!
One question: With your frame extension looking to be a single piece and the original frame being split, have you allowed any way of removing the motor (for lubrication/cleaning/replacement) without having to result to breaking apart everything?  You know Murphy's law...

BTW, thanks for the pipe hangers etchings - they arrived in the mail today!  They are very delicate!

Your welcome. 
Yes that is compromise #3.  The benifit is that the frame is much easier to align and get square.  The motor and worm gear is still able  be removed.  Its one of those situations.... dont screw it up.  I built my 2-10-2 the same way.

[superturbine]

Well, was able to get a little more work done on the engine before bed.  The drivers and 4-12-2 beautiful rods by Loren Perry of Gold Medal Models are installed.  The mech has been test run and has had a successful trip around the layout and through multiple atlas code 55 switches. I was relieved to see the engine easily articulated the curves around the layout. 

[chessie system fan]

Nice work!  I'm very curious how you're going to build the boiler.

[mmagliaro]

Wow, Jason.  You work fast.  I'm on vacation and reading this on my phone, so I can't see the pics in a large size.  How are holding the cast part onto the back of the Mikado frame?  Epoxy or something?

Looks like fine work.  And getting all 6 drivers with the rods to work is a major hurdle.  Congratulations!

I do enjoy these steam-loco-step-by-step threads.  I think it's great to watch the thought process and all of the nitty gritty it takes to build these things.

I'm sure we all await the next step!

[up1950s]

Holy crap batman , what are you some sort of a wizard ? The worst is over on this for you . Hangers and rods for me too , just let me know .

[billvassar45]

my gosh superturbine slow down and take a breath you are killing us. very nice work i am impressed. i wish i had one tenth your talent!

[Cajonpassfan]

Yeah Jason, what they said! You're FAST! Amazing.....
I didn't think you'd have a problem with your wide curves, but how does it do on say #6 or 7 turnouts and crossovers? Did you make any extra provisions for lateral play for the outside drivers? I'm also curious how you plan to install the four wheel leading truck....it too will need wide sway under the cylinders and that will be a challenge.

Speaking of cylinders, way back when, I used the old Atlas IHB 0-8-0 three cylinder assembly complete with the nicely cast rocker arm connecting all three heads...it's a very nice detail. I looked through my junk this morning thinking I had another to send you, but I unfortunately I don't. But, there are a lot of these 0-8-0's around in other people's junk boxes, maybe one of the guys can send you one?
I also used the Delta truck off the Trix K4, I assume you'll use one of the castings?

Keep the pics coming, this is fun stuff, without any work on our part
Best, Otto K.

[strummer]

Wow, Jason.  You work fast.
I do enjoy these steam-loco-step-by-step threads.  I think it's great to watch the thought process and all of the nitty gritty it takes to build these things.
I'm sure we all await the next step!

I agree on all counts...

Mark in Oregon

[pnolan48]

Wonderful work, Jason!

How is the frame and the extension joined? A simple butt joint?

[Nato]

     "Wozzers!" Beautiful work so far,I'am sure we will never get a brass 4-12-2 and if we did we would pay a fortune for it. Can't wait to see the end results. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.