Construction of the Grasshopper
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This first view is the Grasshopper chassis with the two cylinders assembled and mounted. This consisted of total assembly of each cylinder including adding the piston, piston rings, top and bottom cylinder heads, slide bars, crossheads and cylinder covers. Adjustments were made to insure smooth non binding piston strokes. Total time of assembly to this point was approx. three hours. |
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This next view is a underside picture of the mounted gearbox, engine timing eccentrics, and timing arm cranks. Care had to be taken to make sure the housing stayed square while assembling. There were components that had to be assembled exactly as the directions dictated or the engine timing would not be correct and would either not run, or run poorly. A critical step for sure, but one that was not as complicated at you would expect because of fantastic assembly directions that came with the kit. |
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As the days past and the engine slowly came together, I forgot to take more pictures of the assembly process! The boiler was attached with the steam lines. The steam distribution block had to be lapped, assembled and installed. And finally for the mechanicals, the wheels were installed along with the connecting rods and beams. Each part of the assembly required a re-tweak of the pistons to make sure there wasn't any binding through the piston travel. Finally the dummy water tank, which conceals the oilier, ornamental parts, and burner were added. This engine is "meths" (alcohol) fired and has four wicks that had to be bundled and separately packed into each of the four burners. Air testing of the engine was done to ensure proper set up, and when I was satisfied with the air test and break-in on air, I fired her up for the first time with great results. She steamed up quickly, and ran smoothly at even very slow speeds. |
Coach Body and Chassis Assembly
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After cleaning up all of the pieces with
sandpaper, I dry fitted the coach, dissembled, and painted all of the
parts. Once the parts were dry to the touch they were reassembled
using carpenters glue and clamped together for drying.
Notice that the seats were painted black to resemble leather seating. |
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Here is the assembled coach with the luggage boards and decorative scroll irons attached. |
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Next was the assembly of the chassis. Pretty basic assembly that was for the most part bolted together with all the screws and bolts Loctited to insure they would not work themselves loose over time. |
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A different view of the nearly completed chassis. Notice the splash guards over the wheels. |
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Here are the carriage and chassis as they stood just before final assembly. Note that at this point the decorative brass side of the carriage was installed. Since the body has a slight outward bow to it, the brass had to be formed to match the contour. |
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Here is the finished and assembled coach. Sure does look pretty, but not too comfortable for the passengers I bet! |
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THE FINISHED PRODUCT! |
