For the next locomotive

Construction Notes

• Wrap the boiler from end to end, rather than fitting the taper course between the two cylindrical courses.
• Fold the sides of the cab core up first, then the ends.
• Align classification lights with the ends of the handrails.

Design Improvements

Boiler

• Make boiler front slightly oversize to accommodate inaccuracy in boiler wrapper.
• Etch all the number boards I will ever need.
• Measure hole for headlight more accurately.
• Print headlight and platform together.
• Reduce diameter of the weight at the wagon top.
• Redesign the T-slot at the saddle; remove the hole through the stack.
• Design a fixture to improve accuracy of boiler weight – running board fit.
• Etch running board supports.
• Make reliefs in boiler weight for handrail stanchions, cleanout plugs, running board supports, other holes.
• Incorporate part of the front of cab into the boiler to support the ends of all the pipes that pierce the front of the cab.
• Etch holes for boiler feed pipe supports and air line into running boards.
• Design a jig to facilitate soldering the supports for the boiler feed pipes. Can the supports themselves be etched?
• Print cores for domes and stack. Maybe as a single piece so they guaranteed to be aligned.
• Consider designing a jig to facilitate drilling holes in boiler jacket.
• Etch the safety valve lever
• Etch the sanding lever
• Print the air pump together with its bracket; can the pipes be printed too?
• Consider printing the check valves.

Cab

• Redesign the front to to allow a recess for the front plate that supports the boiler pipes.
• Print an interior front wall that supports the front of the cab until the backhead is installed.
• Etch holes for handrails.
• Correct sides for steel (vs wood).
• Cricut the smoke lifter.

Chassis

• Improve chassis core folding by fully etching parts of the narrow fold.
• Print the front brakes together with the ashpan to facilitate fitting of pull rods.
• Incorporate front brake hanger brackets into the chassis etch.
• Make keyholes in ashpan slightly larger.
• Print supports inside the steam chests for the ends of the valve spindles.
• Print oil cups and valve glands onto steam chests.
• Redesign how Stephenson’s gear attaches to chassis as modified.
• Print cylinders, including cylinder cocks.
• Etch the rear cylinder heads.
• Etch most of the isolation gap in the firebox.
• Etch holes in the house brackets for all the pipes that need to terminate there.
• Etch brackets/clips for heavy pipes into house brackets.
• Etch relief in the house brackets for wheels.
• Etch at least one layer of the rear diagonal frame member.
• Redesign isolation gap in the frame to allow more positive isolation.
• Etch pattern for cab steps.
• Create jig to help get cab steps straight.
• Create a jig to help with feedwater pipes.
• Brackets for bottom end of feedwater overflow pipes.
• Positive location for springs and bottom of spring hangers.
• Attempt to print pilot deck with air lines and hoses.
• Allow for front boiler stays to pierce front end beam, rather than lying flat on the end beam (as prototype). Incorporate flat part of boiler stays into printed boiler deck.
• Try not to etch the chassis backwards this time!
• Try out new wheel design.
• Try out new crankpin design.
• Make running board "nuts" longer so the screw heads are completely within the nut surface.
• Design a jig to help bend the front boiler stays.
• Design a jig to help position the sanders.

Tender Chassis

• Print sideframes along with end beams.
• Correct rear end beam
• Incorporate safety chain hangers and coupler lift rod brackets into top layer of frame etch.
• Etch extra layer for tender coupling screw holes.
• Cricut the tender deck, including holes for tender tank clips, hole for wires.
• Tender should be longer and narrower.
• Consider printing the botom layer of the tender frame and incorporating brake cylinder etc.
• Cricut the front tender deck.
• Redesign how wiring will work; consider using the tender coupling to feed motor and light power, instead of track power.
• Try out new wheel design.
• Etch coupler lift hanger

Tender Tank

• Should be narrower and longer.
• Print tool boxes and water filler hatch.
• Maybe just print the whole thing.