As it suggests my long awaited MOK Q1 has been restocked and one is on it's way as we speak The usual photos will be posted up when it arrives and once I remember how to upload an image. ( it's been a while ). I'm more looking forward to reading the instructions as the images provided on the MOK website have given me some ideas as to soldering techniques that can maybe be utilised that will keep cleaning to a minimum. Especially around the firebox and boiler area. I'm not sure how good access to the inside of these areas is with a soldering iron from the underneath when soldering the boiler wraps in place is. I am also thinking where possible on drawing pre- tinned solder through joints rather than applying solder directly to an externally visible surface. Not rocket science but it pays to have these ideas primed in your mind for use in appropriate areas prior to diving in with a monster soldering iron and two ton of solder. Jesus ...... maybe I have learned something on here through the years after all. Anyway, a bit premature until the kit comes but fingers crossed. I'll update as soon as the kit arrives. Toto
I got mine through the post recently and I’m sure you’re be pleased with it when you get yours, especially if it’s the MkII version which has no white metal castings. You will also probably find the MOK instructions a good reference at times when you build the ACE version?
You can build a tremendous amount of sub assemblies just by slightly twisting the tabs before going any where near it with solder. This allows you to check that you have it right before committing yourself.
Reading the instructions and now you want commitment, damn Toto this is a serious build you're getting into , I'm sure you're going to enjoy this - or else ........... Paul
Thanks all. It is the mark two version Torry. I'm interested in what the instructions say about the boiler and firebox part of the build in particular. A preview would be nice ..... Toto
Phoned MOK, A set of destructions are being emailed to give me a read whilst waiting for the kit. Toto
Instructions received. Mmmmm. Loco body ..... fairly straight forward. Tender body and chassis ...... a little trickier. Loco chassis ....... OMG Slowly does it, a bit at a time. Still an amazing looking kit. Looking forward to it arriving. Toto
I'd make it quick as the conversation that I had with Dave Sharp left me with the impression that the Q1 is about to be depleted again. I'm not sure about the other kits though. Toto
Looking at the photo's on the site, I don't think you will need to add much ballast to the chassis, there is a lot of castings on that chassis. What's the song I hear you humming - Please Mr Postman Patience Grasshopper
Toto asked me offline for my thoughts on soldering irons The short answer is yes, but.... While a 40 watt iron would quite adequately solder the tags, the difference between 80 watts and 40 watts is more than physical size it's about heat transfer and recovery time. For example an 80 watt iron with a small tipped bit would perform better than a 40 iron with a bigger tipped bit. Although generally the bigger the bit the more heat it retains. when using smaller wattage irons the heat is transferred quickly away from the tip to the work and having less wattage takes much longer to regain the heat. This is usually apparent when you start soldering and the first touch of the iron the solder flows nicely then all of a sudden it starts to look like bird droppings. This is because the heat is being drawn into the work faster than the iron can generate it. With an 80 watt iron even with a small tipped bit there is the power behind it to recover the heat and feed it into the work piece as you need it. I hope that this makes sense? Based on experience, personally I would look for some finer tips for your 80 watt iron and stick with it practice makes perfect. Regards Rob
Hi Rob, Makes perfect sense. I may have some smaller tips for my 80 watt iron. The quicker re overy time out benefits the clumsier size provided access is possible I suppose. Cheers Toto
Ok Postie has arrived, couldn't get near the door to answer it for my stiffy. Finally got there and low and behold ..... one Bulleid Q1. Now the fun commences. A couple of domestics to do, the shed to clear a workable space in ..... then we are off. I'll also run through the frets and bags of castings to familiarise myself with the identification of the various items. ...... sounds like a wise thing to do given the quantity of the parts. Happy camper Toto
Oh boy here we go ...... when you post up piccies, please keep the stiffy out of shot, it's an image that cannot be unseen. Enjoy Paul
Hi Seb, I usually do everything photo heavy on here so there will be loads to see. I'm not the most experienced in kit building unfortunately so its guaranteed there will be a few dramas along the way. However ...... all part of the learning curve. You'll soon work out the threads to follow for the more impressive builds, I suggest Rob Pulham and York paul. Also Keith, Jake's dad and Kimbo. Kimbo built a Q1 from the ACE stable if kits and is worth acread in the kit build section. The ACE kits dont carry the same reputation as the MOK kits but the thread I mention is a classic example of someone making a silk purse out of a pigs ear. Kimbo's build has to ge one of the best IMHO. Have a read of it. You won't regret it. I have a shed tidying exercise to do first to make some decent workbench space as I have been out of play for a wee while lately but things will start moving shortly. I hope you enjoy watching an amateurs endeavours of building a kit through to either completion....... or destruction. Cheers for now. ( now ..... back to making the home made soup ..... Lentil and ham ) . J have to earn brownie points somehow. Toto
Looking forward to this build Toto, take your time and you will be fine. If the chassis looks the most testing to build, personally, I would start with that. Even if it takes an age to get right, the rest should be a doddle compared. Cheers, Pete.