All quiet on this then?
So no ones built a Javelin loco kit?
Just wondered what they are like as there's so much discussion on various other kits?????
Regards
Michael
Michael,
You can build any kit to S7 standards, it just depends on how committed to the final model you are and how close to actual scale you want your model to be!
All kits designed for 0 gauge have compromised dimensions to fit with the narrower than scale gauge and wheel standards. To build in S7 you have to work out how to un-make these compromises! You need to look out for splashers made to a larger radius than scale to accommodate oversize flanges and some designers stretch the wheelbase for the same reason.
Inside cylindered locomotives are probably the easiest to tackle and you may be able to get away with using the original frames and making new spacers giving the correct spacing. Some of the more thoughtful kit makers include S7 spacers in their kits, however they tend to just be an extra 1mm wider showing that the designers know little about the standard.
Outside cylinder locos can be a bit more difficult because the motion brackets need to be fixed to the frames and thus stretched to reach narrow 0 gauge dimensions. Etched components are easily remade or cut back but where nice castings are supplied it can be a bit more complex and sometimes easier starting from scratch.
If you only take one piece of advice I suggest that you obtain a good accurate drawing of your prototype and compare the kit dimensions against it before assembling anything.
Ian.
