I'm getting close...and so is Christmas

All,

I tried for one last blast to get the J running but work and Christmas (we're about to fly back to Australia) have intervened. As it turned out, the Mashima motor is cactus too... *rolls eyes*

Anyway, I'm getting closer (note that the boiler is only sitting on the frames - hence they appear a little wonky.)

Merry Christmas!

Julian

More progress

All,

I've been getting into the machining 'thing' and learning how to use the mini-lathe. After completing the trial tyre, I've moved into 'production’. I have machined the axles and wheel centres. The next step is to produce a batch of tyres.

Here are some axles - I've got another four of these suckers for the second kit.

The wheel centre, trial tyre, and axle 'combo'.

Here is the trial wheel (left) versus the original wheel (right).

Julian

J Class Tyre

Hi All,

An unhealthy combination of work, together with a far more healthy dose of family and holidays has put a ‘go slow’ on the J class.

I’ve been developing my machining skills over the last couple of weeks, which has resulted in the first trial J Class tyre profile. I was not able to machine the bore, as I need to purchase a drill bit.

As can be seen, I removed as much material (stainless steel) I could, leaving around 10 thou on the tread and flange. I then used the Proto87 form tool, I finished the tyre surface by slightly feeding in the tool and rotating the chuck by hand.

The Proto87 form tool takes up a considerable amount of room on either side of the tyre. I removed enough material to accommodate. However, this will be time consuming and wasteful when it comes to machining all wheels. Consequently, I am considering machining several tyres to the basic shape, followed by boring the centre, then parting off each unit. I can then mount each tyre on a mandrel and finish off with the Proto87 tool.

Jules

Proto 87 Broad Gauge Spoked Wheels

All,

A joint effort between South Australian Railways modeller, Nigel Gardener, and Victorian Railways modeller, Damian Chrystie, has resulted in prototypically correct 10 spoke Proto87 broad gauge wheel sets.

The wheel centres were supplied by Steam Era Models (SEM), while the tires were produced by Hargo Engineering, of Melbourne (manufactures of SEM's RP25-110 and RP25-88 tires).

Fitted to a SEM bar frame boggie, it can be seen that they certainly look the part. And, according to Nigel, run like a dream.

Julian

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