Sherline Lathe and Wheels

All,

I had the Sherline initiation ceremony this evening. While I’m a novice, I can certainly say that it is a fantastic machine to use.

I worked on some 1/8 inch solid brass bar, which will be used for the axlse. The axels need to be 1/8 inch to fit into the High Level Kits standard size bearings.

However, a shoulder will be machined on the axle stubs for the wheel centre to be pushed on to (ie 2.5mm in diameter to represent the prototypical 8.5 inch seat on the face of the wheel).

For its part, the Sherline worked a treat. I actually managed to quickly and accurately create the 2.5mm seat, and push on a wheel centre. The shoulder was slightly larger than 1.6mm and the seat was equally under size Nonetheless, I was amazed at how quickly this was achieved.

I purchased some ¾ inch stainless steel solid bar this evening, which will be machined into tires. I’ll turn my attention to these after I receive the P87 for tool from Australia and the axles are fabricated.

Julian

Possie Hits the Hood

All,

Some of the local Vancouver  ‘Proto87 Possie’ boys came around to my place recently help me with my layout. Thanks Jim and Andrew!

Andrew put together the baseboards, which are a work of art. (I was almost too scare to do anything to them.) The design is based on the Barry Norman-inspired method of construction. They are strong but low weight.

As can be seen, we managed to get some cork bed (draw liner with an adhesive backing) down to correct VR width. I’ve cleaned up the ‘spare’ room, which has been commandeered as the layout ‘den’! The next step is to lay ties and some sleeper plates from Proto87 Stores.

Julian

18.37mm Wheels Meet Broad Gauge Frame

All,

The modified Proto87 wheel sets arrived today. Cheers, Pete.

They fit well but need a little work to ensure that the horn blocks move a little more freely.

Next will be the counter weights, installing the motion gear, and having it move smoothly under its own power.

Julian

Vallejo Primer

All,

My wheel wright has dispatched the P87 broad gauge wheels frm Australia. Unfortunately, the wheel have not yet arrive - I'm expecting them sometime this week.

Consequently, I've carried on with the construction of the second broad gauge frame and front pony truck.

I have also given the two tenders a coat of Vallejo acrylic grey primer, which has left a nice finish.

Julian

Where The Wild Things Are

All,

My apologies for the lack of updates in the last few weeks. I've got my back to the wall with work and it isn’t about to let up too soon.

I'm off to the arctic circle for three weeks tomorrow. While I'd like to take a soldering iron and some bits and pieces, I'm told that I'll be too busy keeping a look out for bears, wolves, and warm places to be. Just so you get the picture, this was taken late last week:

See you in mid-May,

Julian

Update

Hello from Linlithgow!

I find myself in a lovely Scottish village this weekend, preparing for a good friend’s wedding today (in a castle, no less)!

Anyway, I’ve attached some photos that I had intended to post many days ago. A busy work schedule and a poor internet connection put paid to that! So here they (finally) are:

Tender Frames, fresh from paint shop with undercoat.

Pony truck frames.

Frames, with air tanks and rear headstock (note that the new frames were design to accept standard High Level Kits 1/8 inch bearings and associated hornblock).

Julian

And so it goes.

A package landed on my door step yesterday. It contained the modified Steam Era Models frame etch. Tony Crennan of Model Etch has again provided some fantastic work.

The steam chest and motion gear bracket had a party this evening. It's starting to look like a steam locomotive now. (Please excuse the grotty items - they were yet to take a wash in the ultrasonic bath at the time of photographing.)

Jules