Introduction
The kits are designed to be as simple to assemble as possible – I expect to assemble far more ready-to-run than I produce as kits, hence they need to go together with the minimum of fuss and time.
They are designed to go together with simple hand tools and soft solder and/or adhesive (Loctite AA326 recommended) – most parts are bolted together, even where they are later soldered, the bolts hold the parts in place for soldering or gluing. This is unfortunately not possible with the smaller parts, but even so, assembly is simple. Location tabs are used wherever practical.
No machining is required on your part – just light filing of assembled parts, and possibly clearing out some holes with drills or reamers. Some tapping of holes in etches required.
Note – Transfers for fancy lining are provided – customised for your loco number. These are intended to cover complete colour panels, reducing the amount of painting required.
Kit contents
The kits have been designed to make assembling a steam locomotive kit as easy as possible – as easy as assembling an electrically powered loco or even an etched brass coach kit. The only complicated bit is setting up of the valvegear.
You will get:-
All silver soldering already done –
Boiler with all fittings – tested on air–
smokebox silver soldered
lubricator
gas version:-
gas tank assembled (silver soldered) and tested
gas burner silver soldered
meths version:-
meths burner silver soldered
Fully assembled and tested cylinder assembly
Reversible Southern valvegear or Stephenson’s for inside valvegear/outside cylinder locos
2 sheets of highly detailed etches – more for large locos, possibly less for some tank locos
16 wheels finished to your requirements – fine or coarse scale standard – again the number varies to suit the loco
Over 30 lost-wax brass castings – no white-metal is used in this kit
A large assortment of machined parts
Computerised radio control system – user to supply mobile phone or tablet for controller
All nuts, bolts and springs required to assemble the loco
No tapping or threading is required – it is already done. Exception here is that some holes in the etches require tapping.
Detailed instructions and 3D exploded drawings
The only things missing from the kit are the paint, solder/adhesive, tools & skill.
This list is probably incomplete.
Kit – reduced price option
For customers requiring a lower price and no valve setting up – a twin cylinder, double acting, oscillating steam motor can be supplied.
Tools etc. required
Tools & materials required for building the loco (not supplied):-
Soldering iron(s) Minimum 50W preferred, resistance soldering kit if you have got one
Soft solder & flux Fireproof fingers would be good!
ALTERNATIVE – glue together with Loctite AA326 adhesive – I have just started to experiment with this – see NEWS for latest progress
Plain white toothpaste (+ brush) to prevent solder sticking where you do not want it.
Carr’s do a special flux for stainless steel which is recommended for any stainless steel parts
Screwdrivers
Spanners
Files – Needle or riffler – for cleaning finished joints & removing excess solder
8BA and 10BA taps for tapping etched sheets
Masking tape or clamps to hold parts together
Cutters for trimming rod to length
Sealer for the tank if you are not soldering it together
Paint, brushes, airbrush etc for finishing
400 grit paper for abrading the etches prior to assembly (essential to get acid etch primer to stick properly)
You will also require fuel (butane or meths depending on your loco version) and lime free water to run it on.
This list is also probably incomplete, and the exact tools you will use will depend upon both what you have got and what you feel comfortable with.