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Boiler Modifications
The Aristocraft Pacific has a number of significant differences
in boiler setup as compared to the prototype.
There are differences in:
- Dome placement and shape - the sand dome is further back and closer
to the steam dome. Dome shapes are also different.
- Piping - Placement of piping and bands is different, partially
because of differences in dome placement.
- Running board - The running board goes straight to the rear of the
engine on the prototype, while it drops down on the Aristo Pacific.
- Handrail - Is straight on the prototype all the way to the front,
where it drops down to the front truck.
In addition, to these modifications, I wanted to super detail piping with brass wire and music
wire and replace the flimsy hand rail connectors on the Aristo engine.
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The project began by removing the boiler following the
instructions on the Engine Disassembly
page. The hand rails, bell, whistles, and hand rail connectors were
removed from the boiler and set aside for later use. |
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The two stock domes were popped out of their
recesses. I did so by drilling a hole in the bottom of each recess
from the bottom of the boiler. I then used a screwdriver to push
them out. All molded piping and bands were scraped off the boiler
with an Exacto knife. Bondo body filler was used to fill all holes
including the dome holes and the handrail holes. The boiler was then
sanded until all surfaces were smooth. This is how the boiler looked
after this step. Pretty ugly, isn't it? |
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