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Posted - April 13 2013 : 09:13:09 AM
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I'm building a custom steam soon and need to join some frames together. What can I do? I thought of something like a 4-sided bracket that does a 360 degree wrap of the frame and secured with screws. Maybe a pair of plates that run along the frame and joins up my other sections. Anybody else have a better idea?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
Edited by - Redneck Justin on April 13 2013 09:14:27 AM
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Posted - April 13 2013 : 11:16:47 AM
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Hi Justin, I have been following your custom build. I have no experience doing exactly what you're doing but I did do a frame repair on an Athearn diesel a while back. It was basically a broken frame. I did what you are thinking. I took some strap metal and cut a couple of pieces; maybe 3/8" x 1/2" or so. Then I drilled 3/32" holes in the 2 brackets and then matching holes in the frame and tapped them for #2-56 screws. It seemed to work well. Just whatever you do, always consider what else will be in the neighborhood of the splice plates. You don't want to get done with the splices and find out that they interfere with something else.
Randy
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Posted - April 13 2013 : 11:47:31 AM
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I'll use a screw smaller than a 2-56 more than likely. Who knows, this 4-10-0 is a ways off. I'm doing the boiler and tender first (least complex) and then the frame and motor/mech will be last.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - May 18 2013 : 01:40:49 AM
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Justin, How far along are you on this project? I ask as you might want to hold off on the boiler.........
ITS MUCH easier to make the frame, and then size the boiler to fit the frame then to size the frame to fit the boiler!
Let me know and I'll help you on this one as I've done it a bunch of times I just can do a lot of machine work right now but I can walk you through it to make it happen with verbal help!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid... 
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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