Frames Assembly

The question is simple and i think i know the answer but just want to check up with you guys.

The frames are riveted to the buffer and drag bars. How are the stretchers fixed ? I can only think they are bolted because the material thickness is quarter inch and there are no angle brackets to rivet through.

That is my assumption anyway i hope you can guide me it the possible errors of my ways.

Michael

Hi Michael,

The question is simple but the answer depends on which loco you are building! Can you give us a clue

Neil

5" Nigel Gresley 2-8-0 by Martin Evans

Yes stretchers most likely tapped to take screw/bolt fixings.

You may also find that the angles on the buffers are only rivited to say the buffer but bolted through the frame which will allow for things to be taken apart at a later date if needed, not sure on that specific loco

.

Methinks the clue was in the subtitle.

[or has that been added later ?]

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 16/08/2016 13:28:12

On my build of 5" Nigel Gresley 2-8-0 (still a long way to go) the stretchers are drilled and tapped and fixed with countersunk cap screws. How far into the build are you?

Hi Michael;

I'm into 3-1/2" gauge, but should be the same. Yes, bolt the frames together, to angles on buffers, and directly into tapped holes in frame stretchers. One can braze/weld the frames together, but you need to be sure of your bracing when welding, and I don't think it saves much time, if any.

On my latest 2 builds, I use metric cap screws onto the buffer "angles" rather than modellers bolts, as I think one can tighten them up more, and less likely to break. After painting, and tucked underneath running boards, behind steps etc, they are hard to see.

If you don't like tapping into blind holes for the stretchers, one can drill holes (say, 6mm) across the plate, then drill in to the sides meeting these holes. That way, you can tap easily, and can see the tap coming through the drilled hole. I've not bothered, but the DB23 (3-1/2" gauge 2-6-2) plans from the Netherlands show this.

Looking at the drawings and actually loading the drawings into Autodesk Inventor 2016 so that i can make sure it all fits and works and that i am getting it right.

I also means i can see it built before i start doing any actual engineering.

However i started this model 28 years ago when at school and then sold it as i grew up

How i regret that !!

Guilty as charged, but there is no way to leave any evidence

I can say that the original posting had it within when it was created

Thanks, Jason

Neil's reputation is safe now

MichaelG.

Jason has been retconning ... ah, I see he has 'fessed up'.

Neil

Hi Michael,

You really need to get the full set of drawings and the construction series which was in in ME 1969-1970. I have the full set of MEs for this period if you have any queries.

It is pretty obvious from the drawings how the frames are assembled to everything else, and the frames are NOT rivetted to the buffer beam angle or the drag box.

Cheers,

Julian

Julian, I don't think it is obvious from the drawings how things are assembled, there are no holes shown in the ends of the stretchers, no holes shown in the angles where they fix to the frame. Although the frames show hole positions for angles and stretchers they don't give a size.

I also don't think a beginner could tell how the buffer angles are fixed to the frames even with the text as "the usual ones" does not really give much away. Granted there is a clue about how the stretchers fit in the text.

J

I have a full set of drawings and the construction series, the drawings are not that clear as to how the beams or stretchers are connected but the notes do mention the fixings for the beams.

Hi Michael, I just happen to have a Nigel Gresley in the loco shed, aka my dads workshop. I didn't build it so off the top of my head can't answer your question but can go early next week to have a look and let you know. Maybe in the mean time somebody else will answer the question Cheers Kerrin

Edited By Bob Brown 1 on 17/08/2016 10:58:04

Thanks very much to everyone and i am hoping to get going with it all very soon and even more so armed with the additional information.