Scale7 JB Workbench.

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks chaps, just so frustrating that it's taking so long to get such a simple chassis running properly..!

JB.
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks, will get there in the end.. It's getting a lot better with a little fettling over the weekend.

Quite keen now to get this wagon finished before back on the F5 running. Couple of evenings should see it done and dusted. Currently ready for testing on Crosscombe tomorrow night.

image.jpeg

JB.
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Small breakthrough last night. Running on a half flat AA battery...

Got it to a reasonable running quality, though still got a bit of a kick that I can't source. Not that it will do it once its on the track with the two radial trucks.

I had to replace the brass axle boxes, and adjust the spacing of the horn cheeks, and also clear out all the old detritus from the motion and gearbox with a good spray of WD40.

The front left axle seems to have some wear in it, but this isn't going to be rectified without building a new crank axle.


JB.
 

Dikitriki

Flying Squad
Hi JB,

I assume your motor/gearbox is an ABC unit. If that is the case, I would recommend that you flush all the WD40 off the gearbox, and relubricate with clock oil or similar. Brian Clapperton tells me that he has a good recurring business stripping down gearboxes that have had WD40 used as a lubricant.

Richard
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks for the heads up Richard, I'd heard something similar and that WD40 polishes the metal and causes failure, something to do with the silicone perhaps?

I've not worked out a way to flush it out but had tissue in there to take it off until the gears were dry and then re-oiled.

I've yet to strip the chassis down again to spray, so if there is a better method I shall give it a go. Definitely made a difference to the running though, as it was making some horrible noises previously.

JB.
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Now that the F5 is running far better (a little extra stretching of the coupling rod castings was required), I'm back to stock building..

Progress. It's not 100% right, but the Laurie Griffin Spring hangars are a great improvement on the flat etched versions in the kit. Other mods have had to be done to get the chassis sprung.

image.jpeg

JB.
 

Yorkshire Dave

Western Thunderer
I've not worked out a way to flush it out but had tissue in there to take it off until the gears were dry and then re-oiled.

I've yet to strip the chassis down again to spray, so if there is a better method I shall give it a go. Definitely made a difference to the running though, as it was making some horrible noises previously.

I use Maguairs automotive super degreaser. Even on completed chassis with wheels and bearings!

For a completed chassis where it is difficult to remove the wheels and gearbox I use the degreaser diluted with warm water in a bowl/container large enough to roll the chassis at least one driving wheel revolution and a toothbrush to scrub. During the process I roll the chassis back and forth to get the degreaser into the bearings. Once the grease/oil has been removed I rinse in hot water and leave to dry. I've even used a hairdryer around the bearings to dissipate any remaining degreaser/water.
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Thanks Dave, I was thinking more just the ABC gearbox flushing, but may give it a go for the chassis, although it'll be tricky in a 4th floor flat with little man running around.

Come to think of it, is that the same as brake cleaner??

I also know someone with a large ultrasonic bath who's arm I may be able to bend to use. Can anyone recommend a cleaner to add to the water to use in the ultrasonic bath to get the metal extra clean, especially for hard or impossible to reach places..

JB.
 

Steph Dale

Western Thunderer
I was thinking more just the ABC gearbox flushing, but may give it a go for the chassis, although it'll be tricky in a 4th floor flat with little man running around.

Switch cleaner, then follow up with quality lubricant. It's the same trick I use to get smooth running inside motion. Run with Brasso, blast out with WD40, Blast out with switch cleaner. Lubricate. Forget about about it except for the occasional 'ooo' or 'aah'...

http://cpc.farnell.com/servisol/100...MIx4reyoiQ2wIVwrztCh2qAgyeEAQYASABEgJ1q_D_BwE

Steph

Edited for clarity - don't put Brasso in a gearbox! I only do that with valve gear...!
 
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P A D

Western Thunderer
What about just taking the box off the motor and dunking in white spirit?

I had one brand new box that after running ok, suddenly developed a fault which I traced to a piece of swarf in a groove in one of the gears. I removed it with a pin and it was the ok. As a belt and braces approach I dunked it in white spirt. The amount of crap that came out was unbelievable. I did it a couple more times until the white spirit was clear of particles, dried it with tissue and finished off with a blast from the hairdryer. Reoiled with sewing machine oil and it was perfect.

I now do that with all ABC boxes when I receive them whether they are running well or not. Not had one as bad since then but there is always some swarf washed out.

Cheers,
Peter
 

Steph Dale

Western Thunderer
Peter, JB,

I don't really like that idea. The ABC motor/ gearbox units are jig - assembled to ensure the accuracy of the primary gear mesh so taking the motor off raises some concerns. And i know Brian would help you out if you got into trouble, but i still wouldn't do it; it's not really fair on him if you found you needed his help.

Added to which, I'm not sure of any interactions between white spirit and any likely lubricant. Either that already on there or any new applied might be affected. It's entirely possible that the 'swarf' that's coming out is actually a lubricant additive that reacted with the solvent - they can easily become 'gritty' in appearance and texture.

If you really feel the need to clean out a gearbox use a cleaner which you know won't cause damage to the gearbox or lubrication issues. White spirit is not suitable and may well lead to longer term damage.

Steph
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Quite a few stones left over Mick, as we were taking down a 100+ year old wall and rebuilding with the old stone and some new.

Was a tricky one as the stones were far from user friendly!! You can see the difference between our part of the wall and the previous session, which had some beautifully dressed stones to work with.

JB.
 

P A D

Western Thunderer
If somebody takes a stone from the bottom, as from a baked bean tin stack, does the whole lot come down? :( Whoops!
 
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