it`s been a bit of a while........
But I`m aiming to get this project built over the next six weeks....
So, with the loco chassis 90% complete and pending the fitting of replacement Slaters drivers I`m pushing on with the bodywork.
Like most modellers I`ve replaced those vulnerable white metal lampirons and loco whistle with lost wax castings from LGminiatures
At the same time I drilled all 40 odd holes in the mazak body casting. I us
There`s quite a lot of fetlting to do , but the parts are very accurate particularly the etches. The white metal parts are clean but the smaller detailed bits are some times not very well defined.
The axle springs are `mazak` castings so I have avoided soldering these to the frames as it can alter the mazak matrix and lead to `mazak rot`
After much thought I decided to change the Premier Components coupling rods to those provided for in the kit as I really don`t think much of milled
I used a basic axle alignment jig to position the main bearings.
The centre bearings have been shortened to accomodate the motor and gearbox.
I have used the Hatchette replacement wheels set, having shortened the length of the wheel retaining screws to give a stronger hold.
I aligned the wheels using the spokes to fine tune wheel quartering.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the etched coupling rods provided but to save some time I have
used those by Premier Compone
I was never interested in Hatchettes expensive offering that looks too small for a working model. So, being the tight fisted old modelling git that I am I came across a large Sagami motor and later a `Home of O Gauge` 36.1 ratio fold up gear box on ebay some time back £30 max.
The motor is about 1.5mm narrower than those cylindrical chassis spacers so I will have to modify the axle box detailing on my chosen driven axle.
Today I built it up and ran the gearing in.........................
