B1 - 61159

[Dave Holt]

Whilst waiting for some custom detailing parts for the Ivatt tank, I've made a start on a Dave Bradwell chassis for a B1 loco.
So far, I've prepared some etched parts and folded up the inner chassis and positioned the outer frames, as shown below.

Construction will basically follow Dave's instructions but one deviation so far has been to double up the material thickness where holes have to be tapped 10BA. Not sure why such massive screws are used, 14BA would be more than adequate and less intrusive.
Dave.

 

[Dave Holt]

The main frame assembly is now completed.

According to the instructions, it's the cylinders and valve gear bracket next.
Dave.

 

[Dave Holt]

Cylinder frame and valvegear bracket formed and fixed.

Coupling rods and horns/axleboxes next.
Dave.

 

[Dave Holt]

Horn guides fitted using the coupling rods on extended axles.

Dave.

 

[Dave Holt]

The front bogie has been assembled to near completion and trial fitted under (or above, when upside down!) the frames.

The bogie work has allowed me to put off a couple of tricky aspects of the frames - the axlebox spring locators (fiddly) and slotting the horns to take the driving wheel spring wires (terrifying with the risk of wrecking the whole chassis). Won't be able to avoid these indefinitely if the loco is ever to run.
Dave.