First loco

Hi all, after many years of reading the forum (joined in 2012) I’ve finally managed to set up my small workshop. My current project is LBSCs BAT for which I have the frames and castings from GLR Kenions , I’m a little unsure about cutting the 1/16” slots in the buffer beams as the frame thickness is 0.056” is would this be be to big a slot? Now I’ve finally started I’ll probably have loads more questions to ask.

Hopefully this project goes well then I can move on to a bigger scale😀

Hi Will,

Yes I think a slot that is .006" too wide does seem to be a bit slack but I am not familiar with the buffer beam assembly on Bat. I presume you are using a slitting saw on a mandrel? Thinner saws than 1/16" are available.

Phil H

Thanks Phil, as yet the only method I have to cut the slot accurately is a 1/16” slot drill, looks like I’ll have to make another investment.

I think LBSC would have cut a slot with a hacksaw, or a wider slot with two blades in the frame then a bit of work with a needle file.

No criticism but you have not chosen an 'easy' starter there !

If the frames are 0.056", that is how wide the slot needs to be.

And so on, throughout the build, it is close to watchmaking at that scale.

Hi, perhaps Will wants to get into watchmaking, so is practicing on something just a little bit bigger than a watch.

Regards Nick.

I thought i’d start small and work up! I’d love to build in 5” gauge but I just fancied ago at this particular engine . At least then I can persuade the household authorities I can build such things ! Oh and the utility room hasn’t been taken over by machinery for no reason 😇

As I recently discovered (possibly through this forum!) I think Bat was designed to be made during the blackout, so I'm sure it will be just fine. Best of luck.

The Bat wiki page is very basic at the moment, if you find anything of use that you think others could learn from then it would be great if you can record it here! Hopefully it will evolve over time anyway.

**LINK**

I’ll post some pictures as I go, so far I’ve drilled the frames and am awaiting delivery of a slitting saw to cut the buffer beam slots and the axle boxes.