4mm valvegear rivets,-an alternative method.

Discussion in 'Hints & Tips' started by Keith M, Mar 19, 2018.

  1. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    As I'm currently involved in building a BR/SR "W" Class tank loco, I've now reached the point where it's time to start putting the valvegear linkages together. Whilst it's perhaps not such a fiddly job in 7mm scale, it's a nightmare bordering on the impossible in 4mm, at least with my eyesight at nearly 71, so here is an alternative that's not only easier, but stronger too.
    You'll need some brass 'Lacemakers pins' of suitable diameter to go through the linkage holes, so start by putting the pin through the outermost link, then with the pin point upward on the bench, push a small piece of thin paper (newspaper will be fine) onto the pin, then fit the inner link onto the pin. It's better if you slightly countersink the hole at the rear of the inner link first, as there will be more room for the small amount of solder which you then apply to the pin and link. Once soldered and cooled, snip off the excess pin length, file the remainder flat, pull out the bit of paper, which gives the necessary clearance between the links, and that's it, job done!
    Compared to the job of trying to work with, hold and actually peen over rivets (which I at least can barely see!), this makes it a doddle. All that remains then is to touch in the pin heads with suitably coloured paint to match the linkages being worked on.
    You should be able to get hold of brass 'Lacemakers pins' from local sewing shops, though I found mine on Ebay, 1000 pins for around £4 and no trips to "Specsavers" required!:giggle:
     
    jakesdad13, Ron and Rob Pulham like this.

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