Hi Peter. Probably teaching you to suck eggs here.  I straighten wire, round or half round, by clamping one end in the vice and a good grip on the opposite in pliers and snap pull it straight. Works a treat every time. (Best done before you cut to short lengths obviously)

 

Great way to make those lamp irons BTW.

Thanks Ken.

I just pull, but snatching sounds much better. Must mount the vice better though before trying.

Hi Peter; I heartily agree, those lamp irons are superb and well worth the work in making them. I'm really enjoying your build. I also fondly remember the Train Shop at Warwick, I reckon it must have closed about 20 years ago, we often used to go to the Curry House round the corner from it!

 

Also, my supply of half-round wire has recently run out and I've been unable to find more. Could you tell me where you source yours?

 

Cheers

Simon

Thanks Simon

My wire is from Metalsmiths I think they have 3 sizes. By far the best I have used.

I think The Train sop close longer ago than that. I left the area in 87 and at that time they were closed but had things going on with SMP track. Doesn't time fly. I used to meet my uncle there when he was involved with Models and Leisure kits.

Once the chassis side frames were modified (which involves shortening them, reducing material from the top edges of the frames and also 'flattening out' the front wheel 'hump', they were assembled together and the wheels added etc.

Having established that we had a viable 'rolling chassis', the wheels were removed, pending a trial fit of the motor and gearbox. This is the cardboard tray that I now use. Once I've got a nicely running chassis, I now try to ensure that each wheel, axle spacer and axle are kept in the same configuration as that which initially worked!

Running the motor and gearbox in on the bench:

Running the motor and gearbox in, once located in the chassis:

The completed chassis with brake gear attached:

And with the loco body on top:

Front buffers were also added, to ensure that the ride height was satisfactory, when buffered up against other stock.

More to follow.

Undergoing 'clearance trials' on Bethesda Sidings, the unpowered chassis is propelled by one of my panniers:

Well having finished a SEF G6 kit for Jack Benson and his proposed mini layout (Meldon Quarry I think) I remembered that I had a Alan Gibson G6 kit, complete with wheels and motor etc so what better time to build another G6. The Alan Gibson kit though is a very different proposition from the SEF kit consisting of a large number of brass and nickel silver etches. 

Anyway, a start has been made:

I have also started to put together a wheels/motor/gearbox package for a London Road Models K2/2 kit for the Bentley Model Railway Group.

Kind regards,

Richard B