RMI Prairie Step 4 - Tender Sides

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   The sheet metal sides for the Prairie tender are preformed, laser cut steel.  All of the rivet holes are cut and there are some laser scribed marks on the inside that work as guides for the stiffeners that will be riveted in place. 

Below shows the predrilled holes as well as the scribe marks with the center stiffener in view.

The laser scribed lines make positioning of the bars very easy.

First I installed the top angle steel support, making sure that the rounded end faced the front of the tender. It was clamped in place using general purpose clamps at each end and in the middle and then drilled with a 1/8" titanium drill bit using the sheet metal as the guide.

Cleco clamps were installed once every 3 holes to hold the support in place.

 The bottome support was clamped into place and then the side was flipped over to begin drilling the rivet holes.

Then the bottom support was positioned even with the bottom of the sheet metal and flush with the front. 

The center support was then added. It also was positioned flush to the front and brought down to the laser scribed line.

Before calmping and drilling, I confirmed that the precut divider supports would fit properly. Ultimately these guides will be welded into place.

Here is a close up of where it will be welded.

The laser lines were right on and everything fit like a glove. Just perfect. The support was clamped in place along the front edge with the general purpose clamp however the throat of the calmps were too short to clamp the other end so I used a piece of wood and clamped it like this.

After it was clamped in place. I turned it over and drilled a few holes at the the end. I then installed some Clecos to make sure the support did not shift.

This is a view of the inside of the right side of the tender shell all ready for riveting. All supports are held in pace using Cleco clamps.

This shows the side of the tender in place on the tender chassis.

All ready to go, now all I need is a rivet gun.

More to follow.

Edited by PhilC - Aug 23 2009 at 4:42pm

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PhilC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: Nov 03 2008 Location: Torrance Status: Offline Points: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote PhilC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: RMI Prairie Step 4 - Tender Sides Posted: Aug 23 2009 at 4:35pm
	The sheet metal sides for the Prairie tender are preformed, laser cut steel. All of the rivet holes are cut and there are some laser scribed marks on the inside that work as guides for the stiffeners that will be riveted in place. Below shows the predrilled holes as well as the scribe marks with the center stiffener in view. The laser scribed lines make positioning of the bars very easy. First I installed the top angle steel support, making sure that the rounded end faced the front of the tender. It was clamped in place using general purpose clamps at each end and in the middle and then drilled with a 1/8" titanium drill bit using the sheet metal as the guide. Cleco clamps were installed once every 3 holes to hold the support in place. The bottome support was clamped into place and then the side was flipped over to begin drilling the rivet holes. Then the bottom support was positioned even with the bottom of the sheet metal and flush with the front. The center support was then added. It also was positioned flush to the front and brought down to the laser scribed line. Before calmping and drilling, I confirmed that the precut divider supports would fit properly. Ultimately these guides will be welded into place. Here is a close up of where it will be welded. The laser lines were right on and everything fit like a glove. Just perfect. The support was clamped in place along the front edge with the general purpose clamp however the throat of the calmps were too short to clamp the other end so I used a piece of wood and clamped it like this. After it was clamped in place. I turned it over and drilled a few holes at the the end. I then installed some Clecos to make sure the support did not shift. This is a view of the inside of the right side of the tender shell all ready for riveting. All supports are held in pace using Cleco clamps. This shows the side of the tender in place on the tender chassis. All ready to go, now all I need is a rivet gun. More to follow. Edited by PhilC - Aug 23 2009 at 4:42pm
	I used to be a rocket scientist, now I am just a space cadet. ------------------------------ You only need three tools in life - WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Hammer. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

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PhilC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: Nov 03 2008 Location: Torrance Status: Offline Points: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote PhilC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 07 2009 at 6:22pm
	The other side was placed on the chassis and the vertical strip that joins the 2 sides was attached and held in place with more Clecos. The remaining holes were drilled in the internal supports to get them ready for riveting.
	I used to be a rocket scientist, now I am just a space cadet. ------------------------------ You only need three tools in life - WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Hammer. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.