An additional bit of detail. Many years ago, these types of main horns were supplied as 'hot pressings' rather than castings. The hot pressings were quite nicely done with nice fine webs. If you buy castings from the usual suppliers, they might come along as perfectly functional but far less refined shapes with very thick webs.

If ever I build another engine, I will definitely go down the road of fabricated steel horns. I believe the fabricated route is far cheaper and actually far easier to machine and fit. Also, the horns are usually positioned out of view on the inside of the locomotive frames. The fabricated route might be worth considering?

Jason,

I have access to quite a few locomotive drawing sets and none of them show the hole positions – either on the frames or the horns. There is usually just a vague note saying 3/32" rivets and that is it.

I assume it is partly because the castings are quite variable and if you drill the holes from the frame drawings, the rivet head will probably end up too close to a web. That reason combined with the fact that 3/32" rivets are way over scale size for most engines anyway plus most horns are out of view, so the detail doesn't matter.

Its obviously a different case for tender horns where the rivet heads are clearly visible but again, the drawings don't go into details for those either.

It all seems to be a model locomotiveism.

Phil H

Hi Noah

As has already been stated the webs on the horns depend on whoever supplies the casting, if this is the 2 1/2" gauge Eagle, the 2 1/2" gauge association supplies castings at very reasonable prices. It would be very worthwhile for you to join the association the club magazine is worth the modest subscription on it's own, they are a friendly lot and very helpful ( I used to be membership secretary and the recruiting gene never leaves you!).

Also very worthwhile looking at John Baguley's website, to see great photo's and descriptions of the building of engines in this scale. His Helen Longish won the Curly bowl a few years ago, there is some inspiring stuff on there, I admit to pinching lots of his ideas.

Dave

There's a picture of my part built Horwich Crab in 2 1/2" gauge in my album, just retired so hoping to get on with finishing it now.

Edited By Dave Wootton on 25/04/2020 19:07:19