30368

Hi Phil, Most SR engines had, I think, the usual leading (leaning forward at wheel bottom dead centre) return crank angle of around 10 degrees. I know the N15X and, having looked at the images, the U1 has a trailing (leaning backwards) return crank angle of around 10 degrees. I think all the 2-6-0s and the "W" 2-6-4T are trailing. All the ex LSWR 4-6-0 designs, including Maunsell's modified versions, were leading. A quick survey! Kind regards, Richard

I am truly pleased that you pointed this out Michael. I usually check such things against a drawing, however I don't have one for the U1. I should though have looked at the many images more carefully. They make it clear. I have built a U class 2-6-0 and had no such trouble but stupidly forgot that that was based on a SEF kit! Anyway the situation is redeemable and the cylinders have been removed intact with the application of Gluebuster and a Stanley knife. Pleased I did not solder them into position. In any case with that thickness of mainframe so much heat would have had to be applied leading to whitemetal meltdown. Phil, Sorry for the cock-up! I will try harder... Gluebuster is also a good paint stripper! A further update - all re-assembled and connecting rods, well, connected! LH cylinder casting unmodified RH modified by removing 2.2mm so that it sits lower in the frame slot. Allowing for the angle of the chassis, piston rod in line with wheel centres. Ready to assemble the rest of the valve gear. Kind regards, Richard

I agree that Michael is correct. The result will, as you said, creat a large gap between cylinder top and footplate valence. I will try to gently remove cylinders from mainframes (Glue buster), reduce the bottom of the spigot and then re-glue. Thanks for your agreement. Kind regards, Richard

They are a bit too high Michael, about 2mm. However this is governed by the verticle slot in the frames and the corresponding "spigot" on the cylinder casting. I was not too keen to chop it about since it is not my kit. Making it up for a friend. I will see what can be done. Always happy to take advice and guidance. Thanks. Kind regards, Richard

Working on the connecting rods and crossheads today. Firstly the main components. I have soldered an 0.8mm brass pin for the drop link/union link. A 14BA set screw has been soldered to each connecting rod to secure same to crosshead. Connecting rod and crosshead temporarily assembled. Fortunately I noticed the not deliberate mistake. Yes the con rods are upside down..... Connecting rods assembled and awaiting the rest of the valve gear. Assembly runs easily with no sticking points. Kind regards, Richard PS They do look fat but they are smaller than those fitted to the U class, 16" instead of 19".

Started to assemble the valve gear today. Firstly the connecting rods to the crossheads and slide bars. The crosshead casting needed careful cleaning up having large amounts of casting flash. Now that the cylinders have been partially assembled we start to see Phil's "ugly bug" front end. All the cylinder and crosshead parts ready for assembly. Note that I seem to have left in place a nib on the connecting rod big end oil reservior. This is intentional - there was a large cork stopper on top and the nib represents that. KInd regards, Richard

I really enjoyed the Manchester show. Visted the Judith Edge stand and chatted with Mike - I thought the Maunsell SR 350 HP Diesel Shunter looked superb I am lookingb forward to building one. My first job after leaving the Apprentice Training School at Eastleigh was to help carry out an "A" Exam on 15201 at Eastleigh Diesel Depot. I also bought a Fowler 3P 2-6-2 tank kit - my first non-SR/WR loco "spotted" was 40022 at St Pancras back in 1960. Nostalgia...... Kind regards, 30368

Today's update. The frames and wheels are now painted and re-assembled and then checked that all is well with some track running. The cylinder castings are glued in position and the motion plate is ready for soldering into the frames. As is usually the case with DJH kits it all goes together well, so far.... A small extra addition from me - the shields over the brake block hanger upper pivot. The U1 has a solid slidebar and not the slotted version fitted to the U class and most LNER outside cylindered locomotives. Kind regards, Richard

Phil, It will be a little faster as it goes through its running in phase. As to adding lead, I'm not sure you will need to it will be very heavy anyway with massive frames and a white metal body. Lets see what it will pull when finished. There should be access, via the boiler cut away, to the smokebox for the decoder. Richard

That's a pity - think of all those on the top deck looking for the odd cop! Always assuming it was a double decker. Kind regards, 30368

The pickup boards have now been fitted into place and trimmed to fit and then glued to the brass chassis cover plate which has been screwed into place. The chassis is now undergoing initial running in. It is very, very silent and the fairly large flywheel gives it a nice prototype like stop. Very pleased with this build so far. The brake gear should fit in very easily. As mentioned above, it runs very smoothly although the gearing is low so this will not be a very fast loco but with all that weight should be able to pull 12 + coaches. I now plan to partially dismantle and paint the frames and wheels. Kind regards, Richard

Back to Phil's U1 2-6-0. Brake gear assembled and will be fitted in position after pick-ups fitted and painting completed. Also in picture are the two mounting bords for the pickups. I shall probably glue these to the removable brass chassis cover plate. This will facilitate maintenance of the pickups. Kind regards, Richard

I rather like both shots. The second highlighting one of those typical small areas that "butt up" to the railway. The images would, perhaps, be improved by some signs of staining or puddles in the foreground (The bycycle is great). I know the flanks of the 9F is in shadow but steam engines always have signs of oil and water stains on the boiler and on the cylinder casings. In these views the 9F looks a little inert with no variation in tone/texture. I should add Gilbert that all your images far exceed anything that I have achieved! Kind regards, 30368

Thanks Michael, I can correct with washer adjustment and thanks for the comment, much appreciated. All being well will see you on Saturday at the Manchester show. Kind regards, Richard

Final look at T6 No. 681. It now carries enough lead to improve traction and is capable of lifting three coaches with little trouble. It is unlikely to be asked to pull much more! Not one of my best builds but not too bad given where we started. Yes the bogie is off the track accounting for that hound dog look. Kind regards, 30368

Many thanks Phil - nice to know that our hobby is at the forefront of recycling, in this case, Bullfrog Snot. I hope we are not exploiting Lithobates catesbeiana as a result of this discovery? Kind regards, Richard

Agree rowanj, Paul at PDK works very hard to please his customers. Without these small, often one person bands, our hobby would be very much the poorer. I can think of a good few more that fall into this category such as Judith Edge Kits, HighLevel, Alan Gibson, Branchlines etc.. to name just a few. What is more these guys take the time to listen in to our meanderings on this website and offer us all much help and support. Kind regards, 30368

Reverted to the T6 build today - I have been busy connecting up the tender and finding spaces to insert chunks of lead in the T6 body and chassis. It is having the desired effect in that 681 can slip and then get away 3 coaches. The thing still needs a lot more lead to improve the very limited traction. The lining on 681 is rather poor and incomplete. The first time that I have used a lining pen and it shows. I have asked if one of the fairly well known transfer suppliers can produce some bespoke lining transfers - we shall see. Around 35 years development between these two prototypes. Kind regards, 30368

That was in 2016. 30368

Thanks Paul, looking forward to it. Kind regards, Richard Bullard (30368)

I have one Phil - but a very old Bachmann version. 30368

Hi Paul, Customer service up to your usual very high standard. Kind regards 30368 PS How is the T14 kit going?

Many thanks and much appreciated 65179. I have a 4mm B7 kit to build so this information will be very helpful. Your 2mm GC loco's are so very good, well done! Kind regards, 30368

Good news Phil. A very good day, axle sideplay as requested. Coupling rods made up and fitted. The chassis runs silently and smoothly despite there being very little clearnce between coupling rods and crankpins. Very pleasing. The two outer coupling rod holes are elongated as supplied so these were closed up by soldering a brass washer on the underside. Coupling rods in two halves. Balance weights fitted too. Ran first time very smoothly with no easing of crankpin holes in coupling rods. Jig assembly always worth the extra effort. Kind regards, Richard

Grand!