A cab full of tungsten

The challenge with the 4-4-0 wheel arrangement is to move the weight distribution to the rear of the engine, toward the drivers. As I found previously, I need to squeeze a lot of weight into the cab. This weight takes the form of tungsten, 74% denser than lead and conveniently available from Woodland Scenics’ Pinecar […]

Firebox weight

As with most other parts of 622, I wound up making the firebox weight twice. The first time was pretty bad due to an incomplete burnout of the wax or poor flow of the lead. The second one turned out passably well, and only took one attempt to carve the wax! As you can see, […]

Firebox weight patterns

Little eight wheelers like 622 are mostly air. So, I need to fill every nook and cranny with weight. The firebox looks like a good place for weight, but it is unfortunately rather full of gearbox and other mechanical or electrical gubbins. The forward end has a little space, and so, I carved these two […]

Hard stuff!

When Al Feguson stopped by the other night, he was treated to a view of the locomotive without its tender tank (and associated weight), and with the cab roof off and a piece of tungsten sticking out. The extra weight really helps, but it’s not satisfying to have it sticking out like that. So, I […]