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N15class

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  1. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (8)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    Today I have finished the sides and tack soldered them back onto the footplate. I added a bit of scrap etch to represent the tank inner, But when assembled it was hardly needed. They can on stay I photographed them before adding the handrail. Mainly due to I was unsure of what to do as it is above the coping and handrail knobs need a bigger hole than the thickness of the sides. I came up with filing the shank on them in half and then soldering to the inside edge of the side. It worked well and looks the part from outside and fairly tidy inside.
     
     


     
     
    I then finished off the heavy work to the bunker, hopper tops, beading and the corner infill. Just things like lamp irons etc which will be done when there is less handling. I also did the inside or some of the inside of the bunker front and floor, which runs out in the middle of the cab, Does anyone know if the side tanks came into the cab? It would be a great help to me if they did.
    I have to work out what I can do in the front it is rather empty, even with the backhead the wheels and rails will be seen.
     
     




     
     
    Here we are again test fitting the boiler but this time with the spectacle plate in place. Just a little adjustment of the right tank, and the cab front, an it will be sitting well. I then think I should solder some bits together permanently. The only awkward bit still to do is the centre cylinder covers and the steam pipes. Will be down hill then as far as the body is concerned.
     
     


  2. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (7)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    As we were at the house over the weekend I managed to get a little time at the bench. I made a start on the body for the loco.
     
    I made up the smokebox which was ready rolled, but needed a bit of tweaking. The boiler again was prerolled but needed quite a bit of pushing and shoving to get round, There was only a disc for the smokebox front, so I made a couple for the boiler.
     
    Having the smoke box prerolled limits what locos can be built, as all the BR ones have riveted ones. I find unrolling riveting and re rolling does not work.
     


     
     
    The Bunker was next up. Here the bend line dimension in the instructions was wrong but soon amended. The cab front, rear and bunker front were all to narrow, this was cure by soldering a wire down either side and flattening off. The assembly was good I just need to add the slopes which are to small in the kit. the sides were also folded and test fitted after the two halves of the footplate were joined. Some details have been added, with some still to do.
     
     




     
     
    When trying the boiler unit I found it had a too large a diameter. I took apart and adjusted and reassembled. The space allowed for it between the tanks is a bit tight. as you can see, Once adjusted it started to look like a loco. I have some checking to do as I not happy with a couple of bits. The front splashers have also been put on.
     
     




     
     
     
    I thought the 2mt was a large tank loco, but next to the V1/3 it positively looks small.
     
     

     
     
    Next session on this I will do the checks needed then solder everything up solid. I have decided to do this as one of the last batch the V3's. It will be in post 1946 livery so will go right into early BR I think the last one to get its BR number was in 1950. I was thinking of early BR but I need a riveted smokebox, and I do not want to waste brass on a new one. Plus I have a lack of BR transfers. Must order more.
  3. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (6)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    I did better than I thought I would today with only a short time at the bench.
     
    I manged to get the cylinders done aswell as I could with what is in the kit. I just need to add the drain cocks. I need to study some photo's for that though. It needs a little bit of adjustment and fixing tho the frames. I feel this is a major hurdle past and should or feels like I have cracked the kit.
     
     



     
     
    I have also managed to replace the frame extensions. I also reshaped them ready to take the pony slasher/mudguards. A little more work and I will join the two footplate halves together. I can then start the body, while I sort out final details on the frames and assemble the valve gear.
     
     


     
     
     
    Today was good so I am hoping with a good day tomorrow I can make a bigger dent in the assembly.
  4. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (5)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    Whilst scratching my head, I thought I ought to do something.
     
    I made up the brake gear, this was fairly straight forward but quite basic. I will be adding some plastic to the rear of the shoes, one to give them some thickness and to insulate from the wheels.
     
     


     
     
    Now back to the problem in hand. I needed to remake the cylinders. I marked out the new ones on a couple of bits of 0.030" brass. once cut out I made up a u shaped spacer and new wrappers.
     
     


     
     
    As you can see there is quite a difference between the two.
     



     
    The new ones need fitting properly at the correct angle still. But onward we must go. I split the slide bars so the top and outside were folded and the insde was soldered on after fitting the crosshead. Which comes a feeble whitemetal casting or an etch that would never work in a month of Sundays. I built new ones but I did utilize the etches. I put tube through the cylinders for the piston rods to run in, I still need to find something to use as a piston rod. added a little detail, then soldered the crossheads on. The motion brackets were added to the other end. I still need to figure out what or how these are supposed to frames. I need to fix the cylinders first though. Next problem are the valve guides. There is an etch and a casting for then but no covers for then to fit to.
     
     


     
     
    The valve gear needs a little work as the holes are all a bit large. As you can see I am holding a 1mm wire in one of the holes and there is still plenty of slack around it. Hopefully I have something to fill them. I will also need to laminate all the parts up as it is all single layers. I like forked joints.
     
     

     
    Food shopping day tomorrow so time is a bit shorter at the bench. But things are goingg better so hopefully a little more tomorrow.
  5. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (4)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    Well managed to do some with this the last couple of days, but with interruptions and problems with the kit it has been hard to make progress.
     
    It seems that each bit needs thinking about. Maybe once I have the frames done I may find it easier to get enthused in the build.
     
    I have almost finished the footplate, which when done I can start the body, but more over I can check the frames which will need quit a lot of checking.
     

     
     
    Niggling things are wrong at each turn, unless I can't make models anymore. The front drop irons were different so the front drop down on one needed cutting off and remaking. The join between the two footplates, is fine You get the drop radius right for the tank, and the drop iron curve is wrong, This should bend thought. The rear one the other side is the right length the one this side is too long.
     
     

     
     
    Back to the frames, I thought I out to make a start with the detailing. Cylinders are the first to be done. The set up for thes is a little odd to be but make them and see how we go. Can anyone spot the difference between them?
     
     

     
     
    I will start new ones on Monday I think.
     
    I then went onto the brakes, the holes in the frames must be 1.5mm, and in the wrong place, but not as far out as the holes thay I presume are for plunger pickups. Which I will not be using. After drilling the new holes and cleaning up all the parts I had no time to do anything so that will be next post.
     
    I think the lack of motivation stems from having 4 locos on the bench and wanting to do the 2 that are for me. I need to finish something, to get the mojo in full flow again. I need something to show for 2 1/2 months work.
  6. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (3)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    I was good yesterday I managed to keep away from my G6 build.
     
    First job was to untack the rear bushes enlarge the frame holes and solder them to the side beams. I may have to do them the other way around, I will see how it all goes. I also added a narrow bit of etch to all the side beams as there was far to much flex in them. The pony was assembled next, the hole in the spacer was moved and then a nut added. This will have a spring wire added to give downward pressure and side control.
     
     


     
     
    I experimented with the spring for the radial axle, it seems to work well, I just need to adjust the radial box a little, as it binds on full lock on one side.
     

     
     
    I thought before I got to far I ought to do the footplate, so I can check the fixing holes etc. Then when I do the cylinders etc I can make sure all is OK
    As with the Ivatt the footplate comes in two parts. I started with the front. The smokebox saddle went together very well. Then things went down hill slightly. You will see on each side there are slots and half etched lines to fold up the cylinder casting. Well it will not work as there will be gaps and it is too long, it should be narrower than the saddle. Next option in the kit, small triangles to replace the fold up ones. Still to long and large flat will still not reach saddle. Next up there is a pair of cast steam pipes and slope. Slope too short and too low. Looks like I need to a little scratch building.
     

     
    The front step down folded up and fitted nicely. Buffer beam will be next.
     

     
    The front frames where they come through the footplate were next, except they too small. Another replacement job.
     

     
    I will get these sorted out and add the footplate valance, then have a look at the rear half. Then back to the frames for a rest I hope.
     
    Well wife is on Easter break, so we had a good break from model making today, spending best part of the day at a restaurant, by a lake swimming eating and canoeing.
  7. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK (2)

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    Had some success today.
     
    I got the frames together very easily. I needed a bit of fettling to get the radial axle in place. I look forward to testing it through some Peco points in a day or so.
     



     
    The coupling rods where then joined and the holes opened up so that I could set up the side frames and bearings set up for compensation. I have added the central pivot on the rear axle, I still need to make a support for the front. Once this is done I can untack the bearings and then solder them to the side pivot arms.
     
    I also need to set the side play of the wheels ready for checking the clearances through point work.
     






     
     
    I am pleased with the way this is going. The assembly is going far easier that I expected. There was a bit of tweaking to get the bushes and coupling rods lined up. But I have had far worse. Apart from the side play I should get the front pony made, and then on with the cylinders and valve gear which I have not even looked at.
  8. N15class

    LNER V1/3 2-6-2 TANK

    By N15class,


    LNER V3
    Here is the start of something different. Another 2-6-2 tank. I will do bits on the Ivatt but I need the castings from Laurie who seems to of gone AWOL!!!!
     
    Well it is a kit marketed by Ace Models. It is a bit of a mongrel, there are some etches done by William and there are some by Mcgowens, and a couple I am not sure about.
     
    Checking against a drawing it seems to be about the right size in all directions.
     
    Now it would be unlike me to build it straight out of the box. The rear axle is a radial not a pony so I thought lets try and build a radial axle box. Well it should work OK. I just need to spring it so the wheels stay on the rails.
     


     
     
     
    Next was sort out the frames these were soldered together to make sure they are the same and to cut out the hoke for the radial axle.
    The coupling rods are a pain because they are to have a fork joint but provision in the etching for it. so out with the files and make the half etches. One down one to go. The knuckle hole is a little large for my liking but never mind.
     
    As a break from the coupling rods I marked out the compensation side beams. The rear will rock across the body held in position by end pivoted side beams rather than horns and guides, and the front two axles will me on side beams. with the motor on the centre axle.
     


     
    Thats where I am at the moment. I am looking forward to seeing how the radial axle works.
  9. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (18)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I think we have made a land mark with this.
     
    The Frames as far as I can tell are finished except for painting, and reassembly. the jobs done today were adding the white metal castings, this was fairly straight forward apart from the main springs. These were a squeeze between not fowling the compensation or the wheels. You will also see in the pictures the centralising springs for the ponies, these also apply a little downward pressure. I just need to do a bit more cleaning and smoothing of ant spots of solder etc.
     
    Here are the parts apart from the valve gear that co to make up the bottom half of this loco.
     







     
    The next two pictures are of the finished ponies, one of which was changed after I was given some information from Bill Bedford. I changed one to a swing link pony, I just hope my representation will not look to bad under the depth of the frames. You will also see the bit of tube soldered on top to mate with the centralising spring.
     


  10. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (17)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    Just a short update.
     
    I got on with the valve gear today. I was not overly impressed with it. But I got it all to work in the end. Some of the pivot holes were etched 1.2mm. I Had a couple of cast eccentrics which are better than the etched ones supplied.
     
    I am looking forward to putting the motor in and seeing if it works as it should.
     
    Each time I look at this loco I find something else that needs making or adding.
     


     
     
    Both sides are done just I only had time to sort out these poorly taken ones.
  11. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (16)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I have gone back to the chassis. There is a lot of bits that needed to be added.
     
    I fitted Laurie Griffins injectors and scratch built water filters. Once these were in place I could add the rear sandboxes and pipes.
     


     
     
    It was then on with the front platform to which I added the front steps and hand rail. The two small oilers were also fitted aswell as the lamp irons. The front sanding pipe.
     



     
    I think apart from the spring wires for ponies it is down to some white metal castings and then to the paint shop. Must remember the buffer bodies.
     
     
    I have hat this fellow hanging around the garden, he must be getting used to me an know that I mean no harm as he comes to within a couple of feet of my workshop room.

  12. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (15)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    It has been slow progress mainly because detailing is like that.
     
     
    Here are some of the parts. First off is the injectors. It helps to do a left and right instead of two lefts.
     


     
    The next is the steam exhaust ejector. This I found is too long. It needs the pipe between the elbow and the ejector about half it's length.
     
     

     
    Then it is the two small oil pots fro the front platform step. Also there is a pear shaped fitting for the smoke box, I think it is to do with the superheater, Not a very good photo of it.
     

     
    I have put the pipes onto the platform oilers. I just need to make a representation of I think the atomiser that you will see later sat between the larger one and the smokebox.
     

     
     
    The next are the tank front oil boxes.
     

     
     
    The first to be added to the body were the tank front boxes mainly as they are easy to do. A bit of practice. The eagle eyed of you will of noticed the tank steps have been changed the originals were to small. They are now at the front step up.
     

     
    The left and right platform oilers were next and took some time to do. I do not know if it is right but looks better than nothing. I want to get back to the Victorian locos without all this visible nonsense.
     




     
    The final photos are of the tender rear with all but the vacuum pipe in place.
     
     


     
    Hopefully some more progress tomorrow.
  13. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (14)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    Had a go at the final piece of major fabrication. The roof which needs to be removable.
     
    First problem which is my fault for not checking. The cab front and rear were different to each other and each side was also different. I normally check bits like this with each other before assembly. I made a pair of formers and adjusted the cab front and rear to fit better. The formers were assembled with two bits of tube and a bar of nickel silver.
    The gutter was made from 0,8mm wire, and the vent is modified from the one in the kit.
     

     
     
    The inside is not particularly tidy. I will get it tidied a little before painting.
     

     
     
    The rest of the time has been getting the smaller details sorted out. I started with the steps and promptly dropped a step on the floor. I have a tiled floor, that is swept daily and hoovered weekly. Could I find it, no. Decided to check the bucket of scrap to see if I had anything on old etched, and there it was in the bottom. I quickly soldered them together and put them in the parts box. I have added the brace to the rear of them which I have made to fit on the underside of the footplates, as the front one would be in the way of the pony, and the cab one because the frames are too far away.
     
     

     
     
    I also cleaned up the tank fittings that I have. After the episode with the step. I soldered these on before thinks went missing. I have got the tank stays, vents and the water gauge on order from Laurie Griffin.
     
     

     
     
    It is all beginning to take shape I still have a bit of scratch building to do on the small bits that are not in the kit.
     
     
     


     
     
     
    I then started on the bunker detailing. Half round beading was added to the top. A step from the scrap box for the rear, there was a half etched position for one but nothing in the kit. I also made one for the slope on the side. I made up the ladder which has been altered so that it will fit. I just need to make the mounting brackets before it can be added. There is a little flat of footplate over the rear buffer that is not in the kit. I added a bit of brass angle to make this the soldered the buffer plank under that. I think it looks much better now. It would of bugged me not having quite a noticeable part missing.
     
     

     
    The ladder just rested in place.
     

     
     
    I am getting close to needing the parts that are on order. I may press on with the frames and get it running ready for when they arrive. Although there is still the cab internals to do. As well as some of the pipe work oilers etc.
  14. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (13)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    You have a couple of extra hours at the bench and you seem to get loads more done.
     
    First thing I did today was to tack in place the inner parts of the tanks. These made the whole thing a bit more rigid as the attach to both front and rear footplates.
    It was then a case of fitting the firebox in place, this then meant I could check the fit of the boiler, and the smokebox on the front of the saddle. Once all was level, I built the rest of the saddle.
     



     
     
    Then I joined the boiler to the firebox. I have made the firebox, boiler, and smoke box unit detachable at the moment. Hopefully I can keep it that way, as it will be easier to attach the lined boiler bands. It all seems to line up nicely. It also gave the old mojo a big boost. I can now see where we are going.
     



     
     
    I then thought I ought to add the bunker unit. So I fitted the cab handrails as it would be almost impossible with the 2 parts in place. This needed a little fettling and careful alignment to get looking right. I think I got it in the end though. Can you see what it is yet??
     
     



     
    The only real bit of fabrication left is the cab roof. These are not my favourite shape to form. But you just need to get on and do it. Maybe that is tomorrows challenge. Then it is adding the arty bits.
  15. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (12)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I have done some more to the body. It seems to be going ok at the moment the only problem I can see coming up is the roof is too small. When the bunker section is attached I will see if I need to make a new one or if I can extend the one in the kit.
     
    The bunker went together quite well I tack it and will run the solder joints later. The footplate was a little wide for the bunker back plate, or that was slightly small, a couple of rubs with the file sorted it anyway. The cab front and rear were also too wide, but that is easy to sort than them being too narrow.
     



     
    I then made up and added the cabinets to the cab rear. The floor was also cut down as it was a little too long. I need to modify the cab entrance sides a little and ad the hand rails before I fix the bunker unit to the footplate.
     

     
     
    Next up was the firebox. Which went together very nicely once I did the top curves. It is of the old fashioned type that you need to file the front shoulders. I folded some 1/16^ brass wire and soldered this inside the front and wrapper join, to make sure I did not end up filing holes in the corners. I think I may need to do a little more but will check when the boiler end is cleaned up and adjusted to fit.
     
     


     
     
    A temporary fit to see how things are coming on. I think it is beging to look as it should.
     
     




     
     
    I suddenly realised this little tank loco is not as small as I thought. Here it is against my 0395. I hope I have built them both in the same scale.
     
     


     
    Yes I am pleased with the progress I would like to get most of the big soldering on the body done tomorrow, but lets see. I have ordered a few bits From Laurie Griffen tonight, so I should get then in a moth or so. I will when it comes to the time in the build when I need them it will have to be put aside.
     
    Something different next, another 2-6-2 tank but this will be from the LNER.
  16. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (11)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    After finishing the second pony on Friday. I spent the rest of my time sorting out most of the body etches. I had already done the side. But the rest needed the awful riveting redoing.
     
     
    I needed to ease the frames for the ponies to swing properly along with a bit of adjustment to get the wheels in the right place. I just need to add wire spring to centralize and add a little downward pressure.
     



     
     
    The bunker etches had no provision for rivet detail, so I thought as the tanks have so many it would look odd with a rivet free bunker so with a bit of photo searching I came up with this.
     

     
    I rolled the boiler and smokebox. and with a little fettling they were tacked together, they will be joined properly when checked on the body and firebox.
     

     
    I then started to attach the tanks to the footplates. Getting this right is a nightmare. The front is ok but you still need to get the footplate level with the bottom of the tank.
     
    The rear footplate is located by the cab front. You then need to get the cab sides and footplate level from this. At the moment it is all tacked together until I do the bunker and check squareness etc on the frames.
     





     
     
    I am pleased so far, and feel better now it is actually taking shape. I not sure if my parts from Laurie Griffin will get to me before I need them for finishing the job. He seems to of gone awol at the moment.
     
    Hopefully tomorrows time at the bench will be just as productive.
  17. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (10)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    We have had some success today. I tackled the ponies the front one is done and the rear one is almost there.
     
    Needless to say the first one took most of the morning the other about half an hour so far. During the process I did come up with a way of making two springs that look the same. It also turned out to be as quick as making them the way I used to.
     
    The Ponies are pretty basic, in this kit, whether the newer ones are different I do not know, this is what I had. The same for each end. As you can see not a lot to them. the casting for the springs is not so hot.
     
     

     
     
     
    I made a top plate and then soldered the newly made springs between the top and bottom. I then added the front plate from the kit. and made an extension for the bottom with the guard irons on. I also made up some detail on the front plate very similar to the detail on the 2MT I built. It may not be totally correct but it looks better than nothing. There is only so much time I can allow for the build.
     
     



     
    That's it till Monday.I am pleased with today's progress, The day started very poorly as I knock my box of 8BA screws onto the floor, so my weekend task is to sort out over 1000 screws in 20 sizes.
     
     
    I must close the lid when not using them.
    I must close the lid when not using them.
    I must close the lid when not using them.
  18. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (9)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    Now the carnival is over and almost a week of not being near the bench. I managed to get the brakes for the loco sorted out.
     
    The hangers to my mind were too wide so I narrowed them a bit. I also had to move where they are hung. I also had to make up the linkage for the hand and power brake. You will see this in the photos. I am thinking of lining the shoes with plasticard one to close up the gap and the other to stop shorts.
    I also had to improvise the brake pulls as there is nothing in the kit. These may well of been with the castinggs that are not around any more.
     





     
     
     
     
     
    I then went back to the cylinders, crossheads, etc. As it was I did not have enough room for things to rotate. I for ease moved the slide bar casting out a tiny bit. This actually made the slide bars a better fit on the motion bracket, so whether it was my remake of the cylinders slightly out or the casting of the motion bracket. But the net result is I have the crossheads flying back and forth and the wheel rotating with nether meeting when they should not. I have for some reason got a tight spot which needs one axle bush moving the tiniest amount. I will do this when I next strip down the frames. I have been messing with the footplates such as the are to check the fit of it all so far. I still need to join all the valve gear together.
    I am actually struggling with inspiration on this build at the moment. Hopefully the mojo will come back, might need to do a wagon or something easy to finish.
     




     
     
     
    Lets see how it goes tomorrow, I may be more inspired if I get some decent time at the bench.

  19. N15class

    GWR 850 CLASS (18)

    By N15class,


    GWR 850 CLASS
    Well, finally reassembled. All in all there where no problems getting it running.
     
    The first job today was to fit the pickups, these are of the back scratching type made from some copperclad and phosphor bronze shim. It run very well on the rolling road and my short test track, the time spent sorting the washering of the gearbox paid dividends today.
     
    The back head and floor where finished while the chassis was being run in. It also still worked when the body was screwed down, so the gods were with me today.
     
    It was just a case then of adding the backhead and floor, then screwing the bunker in place. Then bobs your uncle etc etc, one finished loco.
     
    Here are the piccies of the finished item.








     
    Well thats it for builds until I restock over Christmas, Now lots of time to do things for me. So the 0395 may get to a nearer completed state before our holiday.
  20. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (8 )

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I finally feel as though I am getting somewhere at last. I am actually doing more putting together than taking apart. As you will know from the last post, I said I had the motion bracket too high, well, it was the cylinder angle not the motion bracket. Once that was remedied, everything went together very.
     
    As you will see I have got both the crossheads and valve supports in place aswell as the motion brackets. These needed a little more work to clear the screws.
     


     
     
    These next pictures show the front end off of the main frames. I have also added the step between the front frames and the smokebox saddle.
     


     
    I made a start on the brake gear today but could not do much in the hour I had at the bench today. hopefully tomorrow I can get it finished. It is a bit of a fiddle as I am making it removable. Why do I always complicate things?
  21. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (7)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I had a good day today. I have assembled all the valve gear I even managed to make two rods that do not belong to to the 2mt even though they were on the fret.
    I just need to put it all together in a manner that works.
     


     
     
    The motion brackets were cleaned up on Friday, They are not too bad I still need to repair the hole in one of them. I was lucky as they are slightly different to each other, fortunately I was checking all the time whilst filing or I would of been putting metal back
     
     


     
     
    I added two stripes of spare fret to either side of the frames attached to the cylinders with a length of angle for strength and a couple of 12BA screws to hold in place against the frames this will make the motion brackets detatch with the cylinders and front end.
     

     
    I have tacked one slide bar and bracket in place. I have the bracket too high but ran out of so will hopefully get it sorted in the morning. But it shows how the whole idea works. I did find that the connecting rods are about 4mm too long. They would of pushed the crossheads into the cylinder. I did then check all the other rods but they are fine.
     

  22. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (6)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    I actually had a good morning at the bench today.
     
    The frames now actually stand on their own two feet. Well six wheels really. I needed to do a bit of fitting to get the bushes to fit the coupling rods. First job was to solder a pin into the hinge on the coupling rods. The compensation works well. I also quite like the way I did like the way the front drivers pivot worked out, may well do it again it saves on expensive horn guides and blocks. From the photos you will see the arrangement I have used for the compensation beams etc. You will notice I have made the rear compensation beams into the dummy firebox bottom, I will add the ash pan to them later.
     



     
     
    I now have started on the slide bars, crossheads etc. I want to get these and the valve gear fitted and running before I get with too many of the other details on the frames.
     
    One crosshead and slide bar fitted together ready for fitting to the cylinders, the other partly done.

     
    The motion brackets and valve supports and slides ready for fettling. The kit has etched motion bracket, but I had this one in stock and it looks better than the etched one
     


     
    Hopefully some more progress soon.
  23. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (5)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    Struggling to get things done, yesterday was an odd day as the courts where SWMBO works had a new president sworn in. which meant I did not get much time at the house, and then today I had to collect her early as she is poorly, sick and not well.
     
     
    I did manage to get the frames back together with the cylinders and the front end. I will now solder all the necessary joints properly now. I am pleased how this has worked out. I have also remade but not fitted the cover between the front frames and the front of the smokebox saddle. It looks like I will be remaking the rest of the saddle too, as the sizes of the parts will be bigger.
     
    I tested the front footplate to see if the cylinders where in the right place vertically, I am happy that it looks about right to my eyes. Now I will be able to attach the slide bars and motion bracket with out to much worry.
     
    You will see from the overhead shot, the lining up marks on the footplate and see how much I have widened the frames in front of the cylinders. Although this is a pain, I think it will make the overall appearance much better. With the slide bars, wheels etc in the way it is not that easy to see the step.
     



     
    I also managed to start lining up the axle bushes. I have put the front ones into the holes as you would for a solid chassis except not soldered, The pivot arms are also in place. With some 3/16" rod in them I soldered in the centre pivot in place, now I will set up the other two axles now I know the front one is square and in the right place. Once they are done I can then enlarge the frame holes at the front so the compensation will work properly. Hopefully this will be tomorrows job after the supermarket run.
     
     

  24. N15class

    IVATT CLASS 2 TANK (4)

    By N15class,


    Ivatt 2mt tank
    Just a small update to show the re manufacture of the front end.
     
    I needed to remake the buffer as the original did not survive the re riveting. I have assembled the front frames, front footplate and the buffer beam. This will be fixed to the cylinders when I have them fitted to the main frames.
     

     
    Having made the cylinder profiles. I decided to make new covers as I did not like the etched ones with the kit. There were to many rivets, and the straps down each side are too wide.
    I also made a spacer. These were all formed and fitted together. Now they can be fitted to the frames.
     


     
     
    The next job will be adding the slide bars and motion bracket. The two parts so far fit together nicely though still to be soldered.
     

  25. N15class

    GWR 850 CLASS (17)

    By N15class,


    GWR 850 CLASS
    Started on the rebuilding of the frames today.
     
    Why do things that worked before stripping down fail to work on rebuilding? It is just so annoying. I was more fussy then usual with getting it all to work prior to painting.
     
    The motor and gears now run smoothly again, with rewashering. The compensation needed a little tweaking to operate properly. The dummy valve gear to me looks good now it is painted and back inbetween the frames.
     


     
     
    I did check to make sure the frames still went into the body alright. It was always a bit tight with the vacuum pipes etc in the way. I am pleased so far. I just want to get the pickups fitted and get it all running sweetly before I finish off the body.
     

     
    So why did I bother with all the stuf between the frames? I know on some locos there is a lot of daylight to fill but not here. Well, At least it it adds some adhesion weight.
     

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