Wayne Spence - myLargescale.com

Here are 3 examples of side-mounted steps with cast on NBW detail.
Time to add those great looking
turnbuckles to the truss rods. These are
very visible on a flatcar and I think they
are worth installing, as they add that
interesting “lows-lung” detail that I love
on narrow gauge cars. Take four of those
left over deck planks and temporary
clamp them across the truss rods as
shown. These clamps will help keep the
rods in place while they are being cut to
allow for the installation of the tensioning
turnbuckles. Using a felt-tipped marking
pen, mark the centre of the truss rods, i.e.:
centre point between the queen posts.
Mark the section to be removed, 4.5mm out each side of the centre line mark for cutting. Using
side cutting pliers or a cutting wheel in a Dremel tool, cut the outer rods only. Leave the centre
rods straight through for now, this helps to keep the rods in alignment.
Next, apply 5-min. epoxy to both ends of
the cut truss rod and slide the Ozark
slotted turnbuckle into place. When you
are satisfied with its location, squeeze the
ends closed using thumb and forefinger
pressure only. Cut the other outer rod and
install the turnbuckle. Make sure that all
the slots line up with each other. When the
epoxy has set up, cut the inner rods and
repeat the turnbuckle installation. The
reason I only cut 2 rods at one time, is that
the rods tend to flex out of alignment if all
4 rods were to be cut at once. The
turnbuckles are very visible and must be
installed as straight as possible. Latter on, we will slide a length of lumber through all of the
turnbuckles, in real life, this practice prevents the turnbuckles from vibrating loose. The plank is
usually wired in place.
Note: Hartford Products, Trackside Details and others, also offer turnbuckles in varying styles.