Vertical Steam Engine Model, Part Three, Steam Chest

The steam chest components are for the most part finished. The photo shows parts for two engines, with one flipped over so you can see both sides. I have yet to drill the holes in the steam chest that will allow fasteners to pass through the chest and its' cover, holding both to the cylinder. That's because I have yet to locate the fasteners I intend to use. I also have to make the packing nut that will screw onto the brass bushing at the bottom of the chest. I don't have hex brass stock, and will have to buy or make some first. The brass bushings at the top and bottom of the steam chest were a lot of trouble. They are threaded and screw into the chest. Figuring out how to hold them while they were being threaded without crushing them or tearing them up was a challenge. No, I didn't thread them on the lathe. I wish I were that skilled. I used dies to cut the threads. Once everything was made, I had to spend some time filing and fitting to get everything to work smoothly, but they eventually did. My son informs me that I'm on standby this weekend for more pen turning. Woot!