Nigel Lawton OO9 Simplex part 2 - preparing the chassis frames.

The first job is to seperate the two side frames from the etch, open out the bearing holes slightly with a 5 sided broach and solder in the axle bearings.

The cosmetic spring/hornguide etches can now be added to the frame sides. These need to be tinned, whilst still attached to the main etch, before being soldered in place. I used my RSU, set to 2 volts, the perfect tool for the job as the RSU's probe can be used to hold the part in place as heat is applied. Two spare parts are supplied;

Then there's 4 axlebox covers to be soldered over the bearing ends, again these were tinned on the etch before being soldered in place, another job for the RSU;

I'm pleased to say that twice as many covers as needed are supplied, and I'm even more pleased to say that I didn't need any of the spares. I used 188 degree solder wire and my 25w Antex for tinning.

Now the frames can be folded to shape. To do this I used nothing more complicated than a good quality pair of fine-nosed pliers;

All folds are strengthened with a fillet of solder (188 again).
The frames are held together by a pair of brass spacers, bolted onto the frames with 12BA screws. At this stage I couldn't resist assembling the chassis with the wheels in place, next the 1p piece to give an idea of size;

The next job is to install the motor, assemble the various drive shafts and make the thing work!

Paul.