Adaptable 4-4-0 chassis and tender drive - any interest?

[Dorsetmike]

As I entioned in an earlier post, let's start with one simple chassis, particularly one for which there is very little RTR, and that is teh 4 coupled, if that goes well then by all means move on to 6 coupled.

With 6 coupled there are more variables in wheeel spacing and sizes, that would complicate matters for whoever is making the chassis, with a 4 coupled the majority will be covered by 9' or 10' spacing, OK there are some at 9'6" but for starters I suggest that 1mm out or 6" scale can probably be overlooked. Also I believe some atlantics had closer than 9' spacing, but again I say let's start with the commoner ones, if someone can come up with a significant number of 9'6" spacing it may be necessary to revise the plans.

Off to my Area group now, Cya l8er

[Stevie DC]

As I entioned in an earlier post, let's start with one simple chassis, particularly one for which there is very little RTR, and that is teh 4 coupled, if that goes well then by all means move on to 6 coupled.

With 6 coupled there are more variables in wheeel spacing and sizes, that would complicate matters for whoever is making the chassis, with a 4 coupled the majority will be covered by 9' or 10' spacing, OK there are some at 9'6" but for starters I suggest that 1mm out or 6" scale can probably be overlooked. Also I believe some atlantics had closer than 9' spacing, but again I say let's start with the commoner ones, if someone can come up with a significant number of 9'6" spacing it may be necessary to revise the plans.

Off to my Area group now, Cya l8er

That's fair enough Mike. With regard to Atlantics most of the LNER ones would have had a coupled wheelbase of 7' or less - still this falls outside of the initial remit.

With regard to a possible future 0-6-0 chassis I would guess that many would fall into one of three general wheelbases:

8' - 8'6
7'3 - 8'3
7'3 - 9'

I could well be wrong though...

[EtchedPixels]

Once you get into 0-6-0 its probably much more sensible to just assume the kit builder would provide the chassis "block" - as part of a 3D print or even a simple fold up etch, and the con-rods. That might be a better idea in general.

Making axles available and the tender and screws for the rods gives you

2-2-2, 4-2-2, 2-4-0, 4-4-0, 0-6-0 etc

much also depends upon the wheel sizes available. You can fiddle a bit in N with them (in fact you often have to because of the flanges and stuff)

[Stevie DC]

Mike, I hope you enjoyed your evening at your area group!

Once you get into 0-6-0 its probably much more sensible to just assume the kit builder would provide the chassis "block" - as part of a 3D print or even a simple fold up etch, and the con-rods. That might be a better idea in general.

Making axles available and the tender and screws for the rods gives you

2-2-2, 4-2-2, 2-4-0, 4-4-0, 0-6-0 etc

much also depends upon the wheel sizes available. You can fiddle a bit in N with them (in fact you often have to because of the flanges and stuff)

I would assume that for those with CAD skills this wouldn't be a problem. However, there are still some 'traditional' kit manufactures out there that this might prove not to be such an easy task for.

[EtchedPixels]

I would assume that for those with CAD skills this wouldn't be a problem. However, there are still some 'traditional' kit manufactures out there that this might prove not to be such an easy task for.

What do you define as a "traditional" kit manufacturer and where do you find one who doesn't know CAD and can't use a vertical drill ?

Either its coming off CAD or its coming off handmade masters. In the latter case a chassis block master for casting is usually a block of plastic with two vertically drilled holes in it, then potentially filed out to provide access and a keeper plate.

I don't believe that's beyond anyone who is going to make a loco master for resin or white metal casting It's also ten minutes work for someone who does CAD to produce a block or fold up etch bit to the size they want !

Alan

[Stevie DC]

Fair enough Etch, your knowledge in these matters is better than mine. I will happily concede the point. 

[ToothFairy]

For what it's worth (which might be precious little  ), I acquired a set of Castle wheels from BR Lines to match up with a Worsley Works Schools Class. One driven axle too many, but that's easy to fix. A chassis to provide the connection between the wheels and the Worsley would be just the job - I think . . . Still working on it; where's the crossed fingers smiley when you need it?

- Michael