USATC S100

[spikey faz]

My kit came with two sets of valve-gear etchings. Both slightly different. Which was really handy as it allowed me to experiment with different components to get something workable.



I've still had to modify some of the etchings to try to maintain a visually pleasing if not wholly accurate setup. This is where I am at the moment. Still very much a work on progress, but it does all seem to run ok. Phew!





Mike

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

I never even spotted the flaws with the valve gear and in my niavety pressed on regardless.

After gaining more experience over the intervening years I could undo it after your observations but as the model runs sweetly I'll be loathed to do so. Otherwise it'll end up being pushed back further in the shelf queen queue - as it is I've yet to finish the cab interior and piping.

 

[spikey faz]

I never even spotted the flaws with the valve gear and in my niavety pressed on regardless.

After gaining more experience over the intervening years I could undo it after your observations but as the model runs sweetly I'll be loathed to do so. Otherwise it'll end up being pushed back further in the shelf queen queue - as it is I've yet to finish the cab interior and piping.

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Yours looks absolutely fine to me Dave. I certainly wouldn't be dismantling it at this stage, especially if you've got it running nicely.

I shortened the combination lever a little bit as well. Ironically it measured well against the drawing, but in relation to my model it was a tiny bit too long.

The rest of the valve gear has been hacked about a bit to suit my requirements. But whether it looks any better? Hmm.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Apart from some minor tweaking I consider the valve-gear done.




The lubricator drive is a work-in-progress.


Mike

 

[spikey faz]

I am also pleased to report that the Slaters gearbox/motor combination is working well. I added a bit of Labelle 102 gear lubricant to the gearbox when I first got it as it seemed a little dry. Initially it sounded a bit noisy, but since it's been trundling up and down my bit of track it's settled down quite nicely.

The Gibson OO plunger pickups are also working well with no adjustments necessary.

The overall result is reliable running with no stalling. I can now breath a sigh of relief and get on with finishing off the body.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Bars have now been added to the cab rear windows.


I've also attached the steps around the smokebox.


Trial fit of dome, sanding domes (not fitted properly yet) and chimney.


The whitemetal castings are good in some areas but not so good in others. Meaning lots of remedial filing and fettling.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

I've also noticed that once the body is attached to the chassis, the motor/gearbox sounds a bit noisy. I obviously need to add some sort of soundproofing to the inside of the body. Any suggestions as to what might work?

Cheers
Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Domes and chimney now fixed into place. Operating linkages for sanders also cobbled together.



Mike

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

I've also noticed that once the body is attached to the chassis, the motor/gearbox sounds a bit noisy. I obviously need to add some sort of soundproofing to the inside of the body. Any suggestions as to what might work?

I assume the sound is resonating in the boiler/smokebox.

Do you intend fitting a sound decoder?

If not, initially I'd try stuffing a sheet of kitchen roll in the empty space, or line the inside with a cardboard tube or fabricate a cardboard baffle to sit in the boiler at the end of the motor. Some of the noise could be from the gearbox if it hasn't bedded in yet.

 

[spikey faz]

I assume the sound is resonating in the boiler/smokebox.

Do you intend fitting a sound decoder?

If not, initially I'd try stuffing a sheet of kitchen roll in the empty space, or line the inside with a cardboard tube or fabricate a cardboard baffle to sit in the boiler at the end of the motor. Some of the noise could be from the gearbox if it hasn't bedded in yet.

No, I'm not fitting sound. Hadn't considered it to be honest. Maybe something to explore in the future.

Yes, I think some foam or baffle will do the job. Just got to experiment.

Mike

 

[chigley]

try draught excluder on the inside of the tanks

Ken

 

[spikey faz]

Cab controls are done. I've simplified some of the components to save my sanity! It should look OK once the roof is on. Cab doors will be shut on this model to hide some of the worst of my bodgery!!



Mike

 

[Rob R]

That's looking good.
Silk ears and sows purses and all that....

 

[spikey faz]

That's looking good.
Silk ears and sows purses and all that....

Thanks Rob.

I think my next project is going to be a scratchbuild. At least that way I only have myself to blame if it all goes wrong!

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Seeing as Minerva have been releasing pictures of their forthcoming S100 in grey, I'll do the same.

Clearly mine requires remedial work to hide some of my poorer construction methods!



I'll just be glad to get the injectors, paint/lettering done.

Mike

 

[Osgood]

Just checking through next year's planned releases from the RTR stables and struggling to work out which one is your next project, Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Just checking through next year's planned releases from the RTR stables and struggling to work out which one is your next project, Mike

I don't see any RTR crane locos being released!

Mike

 

[chigley]

I thought that was a Minerva one

 

[spikey faz]

I thought that was a Minerva one

I wish!

 

[Ian@StEnochs]

I wish!

No you don’t! Yours is a one off built by YOUR blood sweat and tears while the Minerva one is one of hundreds made in a faceless Chinese factory by robots.