Class 15 - one of mine.

I always use 145 degree solder for most assemblies and with a good heat sink I managed to fabricate small assemblies without other pieces falling off. The secret I find is a quick in out using a hot iron and withdrawing the iron when you hear the flux starting to fizz, remember heat will still be there for a few extra seconds once the iron is withdrawn which will allow solder to continue to flow where it is needed, a solid fix will then be made.

 

Yes but your big skill gift is disseminating information by transferring 2D visuals into a wirework which is then the tool to create 3D objects, something I wouldn't know where to even start, I've been kit building of various different types and making things all my life, that's a hands on skill and process which comes as second nature to me.

 

Hi Steve.
If, as on the left hand bogie in your pic, the motor is 'outboard' of it, won't this interfere with the loco's cab? If not, then at least both motors will drive in the same direction at the same time. When I built my 00 gauge 'Golden Arrow Models' Bulleid "Leader" model, the two motors were built in between the bogies themselves rather than above as on your model, so each had to be wired so that they drove in opposite direction of rotation to one another (as the bogies were opposing ends) so that both bogies drove the loco in the same direction at the same time.
Keith.

 

The gear ratio I employ in your diesel range are 20:1 supplied by Roxey Mouldings, before I went with this arrangement I'd fitted 26:1 gearing in the Class 24 bogies, a good conversation about which gearing ratio was best with the chap at Roxey concluded the 20:1 as suitable because he fitted these in his Southern Region EMU range. So from that advice 20:1 gearing is standard in my mainline diesel builds and the redundant 26:1 gear sets from the Class 24 build I propose to use in certain other steam builds. I haven't proved performance difference between the both as yet but am informed the 20:1 offers a slightly quicker acceleration which is more prototypical to diesel traction. The motors fitted are from Taff Vale Models near Cardiff and the Delrin chains and cogs I use are from Swift Sixteen because these supplier prices are better competitive and represent great value for money plus I'm supporting small businesses which in this day and age is quite important I believe.

Of course one can always pay £27 plus for a second hand Mashima 1833 from an on line auction site or £35 for an unused one and be told these are as rare as finding a golden studded Iron Age broach or are the very last few stock items available and once they are gone are gone.