John Isherwood

If you would like authentic axleboxes / springs, they were ex-MR tender fittings, supplied by BR. Slaters can supply correct glass-filled nylon mouldings. CJI.

The additional weight will have to be VERY carefully centralised; any eccentricity whatsoever will very quickly wear out the motor bearings - particularly the front one. Better would be a replacement flywheel - if there is space; the existing one should yield to a gear-puller. CJI.

I shan't bother, thanks. I strongly suspect that a little lubrication, and some more running-in, will mitigate the sound - but I am more than happy with the model as it is. I mentioned the whine only because a couple of other posts mentioned it - but it is not a significant problem for me. Congratulations on an excellent model! John Isherwood.

If ever there was a non-problem, this is it! It amazes me that it has generated so much debate. CJI.

Well - having now had the chance to test run 7810, I am more than happy! No in-transit damage. Starting and stopping - in DC - is smooth, no jerks; slow running and backing onto a train is equally smooth; upper haulage limit is twelve coaches. There is a noticeable whine at all speeds, increasing in frequency as speed picks up. I can live with this, but will see if a little lubrication is needed to quieten it down. Nonetheless, it is noticeably noisier than most of my RTR and kit-built locos. If Accurascale can address the whine in future steam-outline models, they are definitely on the right road. John Isherwood.

Have you got the manual that comes with the Unimat 3? Absolutely invaluable! Also, https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/the-book-of-the-unimat/product/HD_301246002?pscid=ps_ggl_OOS - Performance Max - ROAS (Books)_&crm_event_code=20REUWWS08&gad_source=4&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds is well worth having. Using these two, and starting from zero machine knowledge, I scratchbuilt from brass and steel a 4mm. scale BR chassis for the Airfix Booth (Rodley) PW crane. The working stabilising beams are milled from steel, and have working brass / steel bottle-jacks at their ends. It was a baptism of fire but, together with a scratchbuilt brass, double-motored DELTIC chassis, complete with cardan shafts and prototypical roar from the transmission, I quickly learned most of the machine skills that I still use for my model-building. John Isherwood.

https://www.nielsmachines.com/en/emco-sold-emco-unimat-3-vertical-fine-feed-attachm.html There is available a worm / pinion fine feed attachment for the vertical drill / mill of the Unimat 3. It feeds 1.0mm. per revolution and, in my experience, works extremely well; absolutely essential if you wish to do any milling or controlled depth drilling. John Isherwood.

The second word after the photo might be a clue - or not? CJI.

I am advised by Accurascale that they are in the process of transferring their deliveries from DHL to another courier. CJI.

Announced here at the end of August - what are you expecting after two months? Are we to have demands for updates every few minutes? CJI.

You were relatively lucky - my package was misdelivered by half-a-mile! It is only due to the honesty of that householder, who redelivered the package, that I now have my model; (parcel yet to be opened). John Isherwood.

The Depositied Plans are invaluable to anyone wishing to build a model. They are to a large scale, and show the centreline of the track superimposed on the then-current large scale OS map, plus the limits of deviation in detail. One could almost use them as the basis of building the line at 1:1 today - except that any Parlimentary consent will have expired! CJI.

DHL reckon mine will arrive during a late afternoon slot today. My dear wife will have to accept it, as I'll be down the pub! 😃 CJI.

Indeed they are - my 7820 is in transit. CJI.

Nope - personal visit to the Cambridgeshire Records at Shire Hall, Cambridge; no facilities for printing copies at the time I made my copies - may have changed in the last 30 - 40 years. CJI.

The deposited plans are at the Cambridgeshire Records Office - I copied them years ago. John Isherwood.

I have found that spreading the axleguards with a temporary prop - a couple of millimetres longer than the pinpoint axle - whilst the Mekpak dries, will counteract the 'spring inwards' tendency. When you get it right, the wheels / axles are a perfect fit. CJI.

That was my point - more staff equals more expense equals can't do! CJI.

Just trying to be helpful. CJI.

Would there not be significant staffing issues? CJI.

Only until the College told them to 'Stop it'! ...... then they just used the LH-facing version on both sides. CJI.

Those whose eyes are offended by the incorrect proportions of the Ratio kit, and the Mainline / Bachmann RTR iron ore hoppers, will be delighted to learn that Jonathan Duffett - 'IronMink' at Thingiverse - has just uploaded a correct 3D print design for the BR / PO Charles Roberts 24T 1/162 iron ore / chalk / sand hopper wagon. Following imminently is the ash ballast version with raised sides and ends. I can supply, via Cambridge Custom Transfers, Sheet BL46, which covers these widespread and popular wagons. John Isherwood, Cambridge Custom Transfers.

Perhaps those who know more of the subject than you or I know that the industry is not yet at a stage of development when standards can be set down. CJI.

The addiction to cheapo solutions is a very hard one to 'kick'- like more noxious addictions, the effects are evident even after the primary cause has been removed! CJI.

That was not the way that 'things were done' back then - one respected the authority of bodies with which one engaged; one did not try to circumvent them. Not the done thing at all, old boy! CJI.