Another A1 Models diesel - part 3 footplate.

As I've scratchbuilt my own chassis rather than using the recommended Kato tram unit I've had to make up a replacement footplate. This does gave me the opportunity to slightly shorten the loco, hopefully improving the proportions. One thing that I was keen on from the start was that the loco would be inside framed, purely because I want to see the wheels on the train go round and round. Well, I did make them myself! And it gives the loco a slightly continental look, which I like.

The main footplate and the bufferbeams are cut from 1" x .016" brass strip, chosen simply because I had some in stock. Side and inner plates are from 8mm x .3mm strip.

I decided to cut out footsteps in the rear sideplates, which I made 4mm x 2mm, a scale 12" x 6", hopefully adequate for a 4mm scale foot to use safely. I first marked out the step, drilled a couple of 1.8mm holes then used square and triangular needle files to open out the steps to the correct size, checking all the time with a jewellers loupe. I did this before cutting the part from the strip of brass. It took no less than 4 attempts to make 2 that I was happy with. I didn't bother with front footsteps...
Valences are 1mm square brass strip, for strength.

I don't enjoy trying to solder brass nuts to footplates, so instead I used 2mm x 3mm brass strip, cut to 8mm long, drilled and tapped 10BA. The drilling and tapping was done before the piece was cut to length. There's more metal, which makes a better join, and its much easier than messing about with nuts and cocktail sticks...
Footplate and chassis together;

All soldering done with my trusty Antex XS25, 188 degree solder, and Eileen's Strong Flux.

Cab next.

Paul.