Steel prep - September 7, 2013



In the last work session, the large angle steel

 has been fitted to the end sill on the east end of the car and bolted in place.

In this session, the pieces of steel for the X-
bracing on the ends of the car were prepped
for welding.  They will be butt welded together, and the outer (accessible) corners were ground down to form a "V" to accommodate the welding material.








Then the two molding pieces separating the upper

and lower paneling on the end of the car were

grooved to allow the steel to be flush with the
framing.

This photo shows the X-bracing ready to be
installed next to the needle beams.  Lenny
cut them prior to my grinding them for
welding.  We hope to be welding them all
together next session.

The needle beams provide support for the
center of the car, and have been reinforced
with steel.









This photo is of a drawing of the car showing
the needle beams under the car, on end,
crossing side to side under the sills.  The
queen posts extend down to a truss rod that
runs almost the entire length of the car,
which when tensioned, will tend to elevate
the needle beams and support the middle
of the car.  (Click on photo to enlarge.)