michaeld

Got my 03 chassis up and running,have to say rather chuffed at my first effort....... All went together very well,hardest thing I found was getting the motor mounted,worm in, still not 100% right, instead of using Nigel Lawton's special motor shaft sleeves, I used a bit of 1.5mm outside diameter,1mm inside diameter tube,maybe its not quite concentric? and gives off a bit of motor vibration? Just the crankshaft and brakes to fit to finish off... IMG_1501.MOV

Yes the pictures I posted are of the chassis designed by Chris,and even unfinished it transforms the Farish body which sits on top. Ive not got a good record when it comes to building chassis,but this one gave me the confidence that it is possible (shame about the cradle/jig not working on the first etches but will be put right). The only thing I added to the original design was a vertical strengthening spacer near the gearbox,just to give it a bit more rigidity. But these are really good for newcomers to the scale. Anyone thinking about 2FS go for it,the society offers so much in parts and possibilities. I've stuck to re-wheeling diesels in the past but I can see I can develop my locos further now......

Just thought id post a couple of photos of progress so far, it all went together very well,I didn't use the cradle or try and adapt it to work,but instead some vertical holes drilled in a piece of MDF to match the axle centres and the chassis built on that did the trick. Got a really smooth running chassis without power,Now worm and motor............. Incidentally I can thoroughly recommend the association wheel quartering tool,not only does it do what it says but really handy for keeping the gaps consistent between frame and wheels and muff and chassis sides- clever bit of kit! Onwards............

Yep I think you're right David, I'm going to try some adapter tube- the hardest thing seems to get the motor shaft to adhere to the worm I've managed to lock one up solid so far - its so much easier just pushing the shaft into the worm .... But thank you David for your advice best wishes michael

Can someone offer some advice- I've got my 03 chassis to the point of fitting the motor. This is really a very clever and simple design that (cradle issues aside) put these etches at the leading edge and the association as probobly the best one! Now the motor im using the recommended association shop 8mm- but the worm shaft is not long enough to go through both points of the gearbox???? What's the answer please? Have the motors changed shaft length?? Thanks in advance ...

The idea behind these chassis and the design is absolutely first class and all credit to Chris and the association. I have no doubt it will be resolved to say its not important it happened in the first place I think is very wrong. It should not have happened at all......

I was really looking forward to this product coming out,truly inventive and a great idea.What better way to give someone who hasn't had too much success in loco chassis building to easily build a square and true set of frames- all the hard work done,gears should mesh,wheels square brilliant idea. But there is a problem with this batch of productions etches for the 04 and J94. You cannot build a square chassis with the jig that is how much of a "small error" there is. The answer Chris built with the test etch and not a production etch explains it all, there quite a way out. There is a significant difference between the two sides of the cradle sadly.If you open up the vertical slots to the degree Chris suggests then more problems occur.But if you file an angle in the vertical slots then yes it works but it does defeat the purpose of the original idea surely?? After all by the time you've purchased the chassis wheels gears etc you are looking at not much chance out of £100. So maybe the comment "for the impatient" is not quite what is needed.....

Any chance (if I ask nicely) if the CAD drawing of the chassis be made available to 2FS members,im trying to sum up the courage to have a go at a chassis and this looks to be an excellent idea and incentive to have a go.......... thanks in advance Michael