Making new flycranks for a Saltford Peckett.

As I've stated before, there's a problem with the Saltford Models Peckett in that the flycranks are oversize compared to the wheels and foul points and inset track. The simple solution would be to take a file to the outside of the cranks, but I decided to make up some new cranks on the Unimat.

Both cranks were made together at the same time. I turned some 5mm dia. brass down to 4.5mm dia (the wheels being 5.2mm dia.)., 6mm long (width of crank + parting off tool x 2) and drilled a 1.5mm hole to depth. The Saltford kit use 1/16" axles, I don't own a suitable drill so I'll open the cranks out with a cutting broach to suit before fitting.

Then the machine was set up as a drill press with the work held in a 3 jaw chuck mounted on the saddle. A 1mm dia. crankpin hole could then be drilled, this was positioned by eye as it doesn't need to be a precision job (not this time anyway);

To shape the cranks I held the job in the 3 jaw chuck mounted on the tailstock. I could have machined the flats, but I don't have a milling cutter handy so I just used a file and judged the shape by eye;

The cranks could then be parted off;

And here are the two cranks along with a Saltford cast crank;

Now they need some light fettling, but I couldn't resist trying one on the loco for size (remember that the loco is essentially a 2-2-0, therefore only one crank per side needed);

Crankpins will be made from 1mm rod, and the con. rods held in place with small sections of clear plastic sleeve (supplied with the kit). Unless I try to be clever...

Now I need to make another pair for my red Peckett.

Spindle speeds for turning and drilling were set at 2000rpm, and at 365rpm for parting off. Work was cut dry.

Paul.