JLRT 45/55xx Build in S7

[jc2001]

I realise it's been a long time since my previous progress report. The reality is there has been no progress as I got distracted with a commission to build the track for Lynton in O14 and then got a new fulltime job.

Details on the Lynton project can be found on my blog here: Pentewan Light Railway: Lynton in O14

Well this week I did a status check on the project. I have a running chassis, I had got the motion working well and had started to fit the brakegear. The trouble is there is a significant wobble in two of the wheels (see earlier posts about this). Inspection shows that the cause of the wobble on the central RH wheel is actually down to the axle which flexes on one of the glued joints. New axles have been ordered today to remake it - this time I am considering using milliput instead of epoxy and with a metal strengthening rod within it. I think the other wheel may be the wheel itself so it may mean a new wheel and re-profiling if I can't tempt it back into line.

John

 

[Steph Dale]

John,

In some applications I use lengths of epoxy - coated 2mm silver steel instead of the GRP rod when making the split axles.

Also, watch what adhesive you use, there is a reason I use Devcon 2-ton...

Steph

 

[jc2001]

Hi Steph

I did use Devcon 2-ton but perhaps the GRP rod was not stiff enough. I was planning to use some silver steel rod with the milliput - which is a lot less messy if it works.

John

 

[jc2001]

The milliput with a piece of steel rod within worked really well. On the previous (failed) axle I isolated either side of the central gear but I realised I only need to do one side as the gearbox is isolated from the motor and chassis. Both wheels now run true on the central axle and I think I've corrected the set on the remaining wobbly wheel but am leaving it mounted in my lathe for a long weekend to be sure.

John

 

[jc2001]

Looking back at this thread I realise this whole project has been a series of fits and starts. Since I last posted my six grandchildren have been born and I've moved to Devon to a house that needed serious work (and still does). However, the layout is installed and progressing slowly. Last weekend my son and five-year old grandson challenged me to complete the prairie by Christmas. It's unlikely but I have started yet again.

I'm going to try and finish the detailing of the chassis first then move onto the body. I seem to be short of cylinder draincock castings so have ordered some in. This evening I'm trying to fathom out the valve gear cranks etc. The instructions really don't make it clear what bits are what, and I'm not really clear on the prototype so I may be asking for some help.

John

 

[richard carr]

Good luck John

I've just gone back to building three 9fs after a 3 yer break from them after catching a serious case of US railways.

Richard

 

[jc2001]

Since my last post I've made slow but good progress. I added the cylinder draincocks, the bottom halves of the valve rods and the vacuum pump. I've decided to leave the injectors, sand pots and brake rods until I've completed the body.

I then moved on to the body. It all went well until after I added the cab front, rear bunker, inner sides of the tanks and the floor as per the instructions. These then said to add detail to the bunker and rear cab sheet. This was really tricky with everything fixed. It made me realise that detailing the rest of the cab and backhead was going to be nigh-on impossible with it similarly fixed in place. Furthermore it was clear the space allowed for the backhead was too narrow and some surgery would be required. I then decided to try and separate (desolder) the cab front and floor so it can be completed together with all the detail and only then being fixed in place. It was a bit fiddly getting the bits apart and then joined with some extra strips but I now think it will work.

John