What is this steam locomotive thing? (small port on smokebox side)

[Chris333]

Chris,
The flexible beading needles are just a couple of fine wires twisted together from what I can see.  Am I missing something?

It is what David used and looks very fine.

[Mike C]

 The N & W Pacific at the Ohio Railway Museum has one of these little caps also , I remember it when I helped paint it the last time . I think it may have been maybe 8 " in diameter and it was maybe 1/2 a turn to remove it . I think the chain was smaller than 1" more like 1/2 "  I could check this Sunday and get a pic if you need it ........Mike

[u18b]

   I'll hate myself for saying this, but there are some things that are just too small to actually model in N Scale.

..... and DKS chuckles to himself.   

[mmagliaro]

The N & W Pacific at the Ohio Railway Museum has one of these little caps also , I remember it when I helped paint it the last time . I think it may have been maybe 8 " in diameter and it was maybe 1/2 a turn to remove it . I think the chain was smaller than 1" more like 1/2 "  I could check this Sunday and get a pic if you need it ........Mike

Thanks, Mike.  But that will not be necssary.  I have a pretty good handle on what it looks like.  And for something that is only 1/16" across, it doesn't have to be precise down to the last inch.

[Lemosteam]

Thanks, Mike.  But that will not be necssary.  I have a pretty good handle on what it looks like.  And for something that is only 1/16" across, it doesn't have to be precise down to the last inch.

Says the man who fashioned his own driver spokes and tender trucks.  Don't let up now mister!