Tower Models White Metal kit Class 02 diesel in O Gauge

I was out in the shed and disassembled the cab desk from the footplate as I had no confidence in the 70 degree solder .... or the position it was sitting in.

Decided to try the 100 degree solder which I had tried before but which was not taking to well to the white metal for some reason.

I racked the temperature up to 310 degrees, in with the flux and then in and out with a dolop of 100 degree solder.

not pretty but not seen either. instantly heard the sizzle and flooded the join and surrounding are with solder.

then I turned to the outside edges of the cast which are inside the cab. Again flooded with flux but this time just a small blob of 100 degree solder.

In quick, touched the cast and drew it quickly along the join .........

Success ...... and no damage. ..... much stronger joint ...... and much happier chappy.

I bolstered up the other joints on the bonnet, cab and exterior tool boxes using the same method and 100 degree solder. I am confident that they are now solid.

I can now get back and progress the chassis again.

cheers for now

toto

 

I tend to agree Keith. I dont think I'll be using it elsewhere going forward.

Toto

 

Interesting Robb.

I was actually managing yo make joints but there was not a lit of strength in them. I think my problem is that I still need some experience under my belt and I'm not doing it often enough to maintain consistency. However, I am more in the zone these last few days so hopefully I can continue with it and get some norms set.

Fingers crossed.

Toto

 

One stage closer to a working chassis.

Motor, gearbox, wheels and spacers fitted.

spot the dirty big whitemetal spacers between the rear of the wheel and the side of the chassis.

A clearer photo...

and from the top .....

and the last one for tonight .....

I have soldered up the bronze strip pickup to the circuit board but need super glue to set it in position.

I am half thinking about maybe using plunger pick ups which I have in stock but need to check they will be suitable as the chassis does look a bit narrower than usual. may be wrong. If they are any good then i'll strip it down again and make a couple of holes in the chassis to take the pick ups.

more on that tomorrow.

cheers

toto

 

Just ordered some superglue for most of the remaining small white metal castings to be added. should be here tomorrow.

fingers crossed.

toto

 

Getting there slowly..... as usual. The welding kit may not be a bad idea.

 

No worries Rob, they are not soldered in as yet. In fact, I did not think they needed soldered but if they do ..... it shall be done.

I will reassess their fit with the axle but I'm sure they were free moving. I'll double check tonight. Thanks for the heads up.

Another query whilst I'm on. What is your experience " supergluing white metal to white metal or plastic circuit board to brass chassis ?

 

Fair enough Rob,

Some of the white metal casts are tiny and I was concerned I may fry them. I'll suck it and see.

Cheers

Toto

 

Thanks Torey,

Great video and well explained. Thanks for posting up.

Toto

 

I'm currently trying to find a way to use sprung pickups.

The chassis is very narrow and the pickups wont reach the back of the tyre. I dont really fancy the bronze pickups as they are a bit flimsy and in my mind not reliable enough.

I'm looking to see if there is any way I can create a little brass bracket to attach to the side of the chassis and behind the wheel from which to attach the sprung pickup to. We'll see, it may be the phosphor bronze strip if all else fails.

Toto