[PRR-talk] Kitbashing the N2sa was Interesting N2sa Variations

[Gary Mittner]

List,

    Bruce and I had talked about this a fews weeks ago. How best to
install a Belpaire firebox on a radial stay boiler. I am used to scratch
building, not kit bashing. But looking into this further I would prep
the Walthers/Lifelike 2-10-2 boiler making sure all that would get in
the way with a new Belpaire section was removed. Now, how to build the
new belpaire. I would build it in place, first using test patterns of
paper, thin cardboard or styrene. I think what I would do (after all
known dimenions are acquired) is to take a razor saw and slice thru the
boiler, at the proper point, just deep enough to place a test pattern of
the front of the belpaire. Being sure it is a square cut. Once you have
a slit opened up place a test pattern into position and once satisfied
with the height and shape of that front piece, place  a test pattern for
the top section, from the new front belpaire section to the front of the
cab. To get enough down slope from front to rear of the belpaire, you
actually may need to remove a top portion of the radial stay firebox at
the point from the new front piece of the belpaire to the face of the
cab. This will mean this kitbash gets more involved!. Either way, once
you have the front section and top section patterns inplace, place the
side patterns in position. Not knowing where the lower sides of the
belpaire would blend in with the side of the present firebox on the
N2sa, be sure you check this out ahead of time too. My guess is you will
have to take the sides all the way down to the top of the running
boards.  Once you have the 4 new test pattern pieces of the belpaire,
transfer them to sheet styrene. I am assuming .020 in thickness is
suffeicient. Once fabricated together and test fitted to be sure it is
what is needed, glue some reinforcement strip styrene pieces on the
INSIDE of seams where the sides join the top. This would ensure enough
thickness when rounding off the outside edges to the proper contour.
Once that is done, glue it in place then blend the sides of the new
firebox to the present sides if needed. Putty always helps fill voids!
Drill for some washout plugs, place all the needed PRR details, take an
exacto knife and inscribe some seams on the belpaire shoulder and
Tahdah.........A PRR N2sa. If you mess up, remember, you didn't get this
from me. But, that is what I would do....Gary        





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