Removing the tandem axles on the rear of the rail truck only took a few minutes. I cut off the bolts, ground everything smooth and then welded in the new ones. Mounting the single axle was then quick and easy. Having a workshop filled with all the right tools helped a great deal! I picked up a new longer chain this afternoon which I'll install tomorrow. I decided the back inner fender area looks a little plain, as does the front fender area but I had a cure in mind. After a little online research of period train suspension I designed an arch bar suspension for the front axle and a heavy duty leaf suspension system for the rear are in order. I took some careful measurements and then designed the many pieces. The drawing below shows the pieces for one side of the rail truck. Tomorrow I'll plasma cut the many bits out of 3/8" thick plate steel and begin assembly. I love this kind of task! Stay tuned...
Structure done
We've completed all of the structural modifications to the display booth which means we can begin the cosmetic changes and additions. Over the last days we have added the numerous rivets and textured primer. I fastened the two 25th anniversary medallions (our company is twenty five years old) in place and Becke began the painting. It is looking great already!
First test drive
After mounting the Johnson bar to the running board of the rail truck I decided it was time for a little test drive. Phoebe was eager to join me as she has waited twelve long years to give it a whirl. I started the motor and we jumped in. I gingerly eased the Johnson bar foward and we were on our way. My plan was to do a couple of test laps up and down the driveway, then do a video pass which I would post here tonight. But, it turns out there still need to be some small adjustments. The chain drive jumped the sprockets twice as we made our way to the front of the yard. I knew the chain was a little loose but I thought it would still work. Now I know differently. As we approached the first curve it quickly became apparent that the truck's wheelbase with two rear axles was far too long for the tight radius of our pike. The second axle on the rear of the truck was binding badly as we went through the curve. When I tried to back the truck out of the curve it threw the chain once more which meant we had to push the truck back to the shop. Phoebe cheerfully took it all in stride for she knew I would come up with a fix.
After a little thinking I came up with a solution. One of the rear axles will have to be removed to allow the truck to properly navigate the corners. While I'm at it I'll center the remaining axle in the rear fender well and make everything look better too. I'll remove a link or two from the chain and put in a much stronger spring to create more tension on the throttle cables. A kill switch definitely needs to be wired into the cab of the truck as well. And Phoebe needs a proper seat in the sidecar. The whistle is still not mounted nor is the bell. It's back into the shop for some needed tweaks.
