Avery short start to the J69 build. I had an hour to spare this afternoon so had a look again at the un-named kit I bought from Doncaster. I originally intended to start with the Connoisseur kit but chose this one instead, reasoning if there was something I wasn't sure about then I could compare parts from Jim's kit. Anyway I have assembled the boiler, smokebox wrapper and smokebox front. It was at this point I realised the smokebox door is missing. Not a problem I can get a replacement very easily. The solder is looking a bit messy but will clean up ok, any gaps I will fill with Milliput. Thats as far as I have got at the moment, I am trying to work out the next step. Without instructions I'm not sure of the sequence of assembly, but I will sort it. Cheer's, Pete.
Hi Pete, That looks like a good start. If you have a microflame, just waft the flame over it until the solder melts and it will be amazing how it settles so there is a lot left to clean up - if you do it gently a bit at a time you won't unsolder the seam. But if you are worried, you can always grip the seam in a pair of pliers which will act as a heat sink and prevent keep the heat away from the seam while holding it in place.
Been back in the shed and done a little more on the body and running plate. I took Rob P's advice and used my micro blow torch, not as fancy as some of I've seen but it really doe's work a treat. Any way some photos. First up the running plate, considering there are no indications as to where the buffers and sole bars go I think I've got things right. Then the body, using the same method. The boiler is just loose fitted at the moment, some cleaning up to do first. Thats all for now, I will try and get some more done tomorrow. Cheer's, Pete.
That's coming together nicely Pete. In time you will be able to get away with much less solder. I cut my solder with a scalpel and apply a tiny piece along with adding flux along the entire seam then use the flame to chase the solder along the seam as far as it will go before adding another piece of solder. with practice you end up with almost no solder to clean up just a bit of discoloration of the brass.
Sorted the photo duplications for you Pete. Now ..... To go back and read your thread. Looks good Toto
Its coming along really nicely. Just followed it through and I think you have nailed the sequence Pete. Top job Sir.
As mentioned earlier, I have started using my micro blow torch. Anyway, I have had it for years, since knee high to a grass hopper and the gas container is getting a bit low. So I went online and had a look on evilbay and Amazon and I could not believe how much they cost, best price £10.99! Just out of curiosity I had a look at the complete torch, £53.00!!!! So I had a look at micro torches on fleabay and found one I liked the look of for £6.99 inc' postage. And this is it, auto ignite, cigarette lighter gas refill, stand and flame lock. Jobs a guddun! Just as a comparison, this is my old one, do'es it look like £50 + worth? Cheer's for now, Pete.
Hi Pete, I must admit to being very wary of the type that had a gas can attached like that. Year's ago my dad was doing some soldering with one and it sprung a leak around the top of the can and flames were coming out. My dad very quickly tried to put it out under the tap but as you might imagine that didn't work so he opened the front door and threw it outside. It hadn't touched the ground before it exploded and we all had a very lucky escape. Aa few second later and I doubt if any of us would have escaped without burns at the very least - it was in a small cottage where the front door opened directly into the living room.
I think the old one has the value in the nozzle. A bit like the heavy duty versions that plumbers and gas fitter used to use. As Rob says though, I think I'd stick with the new one now. Maybe keep the old one as a reserve. I bought a proxxon one but have not used it yet. I'm sure it will eventually see good service though. Cheers Toto
Nice thread build Pete, sorry I haven't commented before but I've just found your loco build. Great start and a lovely little loco in the making.
Here you are Pete... you missed this one in the not such a bargain bin. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Microflame-Burner-Proxxon-MFB-E/183236042064?epid=22012075957&hash=item2aa9b81d50:gtUAAOSw-a1bAuqM
I hope nobody is unfortunate to hit the button on that by mistake. From memory I think I paid about £43.00 for mine. Toto
Forty three is about the going rate for these with economy postage included. I got the Proxxon modellers vice with 360 degree ball coupling and rubber protection grips recently for £26 something... pays to shop around a bit.
That brings back a not-so-pleasant memory of a similar situation way back in my apprentice days! My boss and I were doing an immersion heater install for a pair of elderly ladies and He was using the type of blowlamp with attached gas canister to solder the immersion heater threaded brass ring into the top of the hot water cylinder when (probably due to a poor thread on the canister) the blowlamp burst into flames around the top of the canister. Naturally, he dropped the blowlamp, which made the flames even worse, grabbed a large wet cloth and wrapped it around the whole lot whilst I quickly open the nearest window and he threw the lot out onto the patio. We though we'd had a lucky escape, but unfortunately for us, one of the elderly ladies had seen what was happening, panicked and dialled 999. Very shortly afterwards, we were joined by a team of firemen, 'blues & two's' going, so ended the day without any damage done, but rather red-faced. After that, we went for a proper plumbers torch and no more hassle! Keith.
A bit belated but a little progress made. I have managed to find some brass rings of an approx size for the spectacle plates. I have also made a wrapper with rivet detail punched in. That was a pig to solder in place, I resorted to my heavy duty soldering iron, then went over the solder with my torch and it tidied it up no end. I've soldered a 6ba nut inside the smoke box to attach the body to the running plate and the chassis. The chassis once assembled was found to be a little too long but was easy to file to length. I trial fitted it to the upper and discovered the frame spacer was over the front fastening hole, no worries, I will sort it. Thats all for now. Some tidying and cleaning up to do before progressing. Cheer's, Pete.
I hadn't realised it was so long since an update . We have been doing some steam rallies with our engine and as we have done the last one this year I thought I'd better get my finger out. Not a huge amount done to the J69 apart from fixing the boiler and the coal rails it's pretty much the same. I have soldered the nuts in for attaching the chassis to the body. The chimney and dome are just on for effect. Thats it for now. Cheer's, Pete.