Put your name down for MMP Class 08 S7 Axles have arrived

[lnerjp]

Right, I see there could be a market for these. As you may or not be aware there are know S7 outside crank axles available for the MMP class 08, the ones currently being produced by slaters not being suitable for this particular kit. The axles I had where made for me by a O gauge kit manufacturer who I am friendly with, and he made them as a favour, which is why I'd rather not say who it was yet, if however there are a few WTH's who would like to purchase some axles I will approach this chap and see if he is interested in manufacturing a batch, but no promises that would be up to him I can only ask.

J.P.

 

[Pugsley]

I'll have a set if it goes ahead.

 

[Dog Star]

Um, yes please, at least three axles for another Cl.08.

How many depends upon price and whether I can find a drawing of the GWR axles and cranks for the 4-4-0 O/F engines.

regards, Graham

 

[Locomodels]

Yes please, I would like a set too. Just for one 08.

 

[mickoo]

Two sets for me please, IE 6 axles, one small request, please ensure that the RH crank leads when the D is formed for the 08 axles.

Kindest Michael

 

[richard carr]

JP

I would like set please

Richard

 

[lnerjp]

Update, the chap in question is S. Kay of Esaybuild whose day job is a machinist for the RAF. I spoke to him last night, and he is considering it, but needs to work out how long it would take to make each axle over how much he could realistically charge. I also need to produce a drawing, so it could be a couple of weeks before I have a answer, please be patient.

Two sets for me please, IE 6 axles, one small request, please ensure that the RH crank leads when the D is formed for the 08 axles.

There is no need for the axles to be quartered as the etched cranks in the kit are at 90Degrees to each other.

J.P.

 

[mickoo]

There is no need for the axles to be quartered as the etched cranks in the kit are at 90Degrees to each other.

J.P.

Agreed on the axles (which are round for the Slaters wheel) but the D flat on the end of the axle for the etched crank needs to be quartered correctly, does that clarify the request any better?.

It will of course be necessary to ensure the wheels are in the correct orientation to the cranks for the balance weights to be in the right position, but being a tight round shaft should present no problems in moving to the correct position.

Kindest

 

[lnerjp]

Agreed on the axles (which are round for the Slaters wheel) but the D flat on the end of the axle for the etched crank needs to be quartered correctly, does that clarify the request any better?.

The D on the axle ends needs to be inline, there are two cranks in the kit parts 12 & 13 they have the D at 90 Degrees to each other which takes care of the quartering.

J.P.

 

[Wagonman]

JP

The S7G Newsletter is about to go to the printers.... Do you want me to mention this possibility?


Richard

 

[lnerjp]

JP

The S7G Newsletter is about to go to the printers.... Do you want me to mention this possibility?


Richard

Hi Richard

As it stands Shawn made 2 sets for me about 2 years ago as a favour, I have now approached Shawn and asked if he would like to make some as a comercial venture as there is obviously a demand there. He cannot remember what was involved in making them and has requested I give him a drawing, he will then work out how long they will take to make versus what he could reasonably charge, before he says yes. I would rather not put anything in the S7 newsletter just yet in case he decides he does not want to do them, and it would just leave more people dissapointed. I don't think having a few more orders would make any differance as to whether or not he decides to make them , as there would still be nowhere near the amount to justify using CNC, and they are all going to have to be hand made.

J.P.

 

[Wagonman]

Hi Richard

As it stands Shawn made 2 sets for me about 2 years ago as a favour, I have now approached Shawn and asked if he would like to make some as a comercial venture as there is obviously a demand there. He cannot remember what was involved in making them and has requested I give him a drawing, he will then work out how long they will take to make versus what he could reasonably charge, before he says yes. I would rather not put anything in the S7 newsletter just yet in case he decides he does not want to do them, and it would just leave more people dissapointed. I don't think having a few more orders would make any differance as to whether or not he decides to make them , as there would still be nowhere near the amount to justify using CNC, and they are all going to have to be hand made.

J.P.

OK, I'll stay shtum!

 

[lnerjp]

Update, I have not used Shawn as he was going to have to stand at a lathe and make each axle himself, I have managed call in another favour from someone else who has CNC equipment. I have passed on a drawing today, so they are progressing, and as long as my drawing is correct and the manufactures tolerances are good, we are in buisness. I have orderd 60 enough for 20 class 08's and the estimated cost is between 3 to 6 pounds per axle.

J.P.

 

[Dog Star]

Hi Jonpaul,

This is good news and the price seems reasonable.

Please post a copy of the drawing so that we can see details of the wheel seat (taper length especially), the length of axle outside of the wheel centre and the method of quartering / retaining the outside crank.

Given that the Slater's wheels for O/F engines are press-fit... what chance that some axles can be made to include a telescopic joint thereby allowing insertion / removal of a motor-and-gearbox assembly? If that is not possible, then can we purchase (say) four axles for an 0-6-0 frame so that one telescopic axle can be made from two plain axles?

regards, Graham

regards, Graham

 

[lnerjp]

Hi Graham

Without thinking I handed over the only copy of the drawing to the manufacturer, you have now made me see the error of my ways. But they will be the same as the ones I already swapped with you i.e. 2 Degree tapper with press fit wheels and D ends for the crank with the flats in line.

You can has as many or as few as you want, you can even have half a one if you so wish.

Regards
J.P.

 

[Dog Star]

Hi Jonpaul,

There are some of us who need S7 axles for "kettles" with O/Fs, for example me (GWR Bulldog 4-4-0) and Adrian Marks (MR tanks for working over the Widened Lines of the Met. Rly.), hence the importance of the questions in regard to Adrian and I deciding if the S7 axles (offered by you) are suitable for steam engines.

regards, Graham

 

[Dog Star]

... they will be the same as the ones I already swapped with you i.e. 2 Degree taper...

Jonpaul, I asked David White about the taper of the current Slater's axle, maybe 12 months back, and he said three degrees. What do you think about me checking with him?

regards, Graham

 

[lnerjp]

No problem, I do remeber Shawn telling me before that it was 2 degrees, I wounder if it works out to be closer to 2 with the larger back to back?

J.P.

 

[Dog Star]

Um, no, the taper ought to be constant and independent of the B2B of the wheelset. I asked about the length of the wheel seat so that I can check that dimension against Slater's wheels as supplied and as re-profiled. Re-profiling of Slater's wheels can reduce the thickness through the boss / wheel centre, the thickness of the wheel may be important in ensuring that the wheel does press onto the axle until the wheel meets the B2B shoulder.

regarxds, Graham

 

[Dog Star]

Jonpaul,

I spoke to David White of Slater's Plastikard this morning... he assures me that the taper of the wheel seat is 3 degrees.

regards, Graham