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Post by floydraser on Jan 4, 2024 13:51:02 GMT
If you look at drawing 6a top RH side next to section view says 1/4" ball with 1/32" lift. I think the closest O ring size you could use, assuming the piston and bore is as drawn, would be a BS108 size. this is nominally 1/4" bore x 3/32" cross section diameter. Hope this helps Thank you. It may have looked like a bit of a dumb question but having read about design faults and modifications I wondered if anything had changed. They're in the shopping basket.  |
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Post by floydraser on Feb 17, 2024 20:10:45 GMT
It's been a while but here's Episode 8. youtu.be/miOxVqOpAYgI still haven't rebuilt the axle pump because I was waiting on another source for things, which has let me down so now I'll order them as in plan a. I have a problem with BA threads in the boiler bushes: the 6BA threads around the steam dome and regulator bushes are very sloppy and so are the 4BA threads at the smoke box end of the regulator tube. I've even tried a tap in them and that is sloppy too. So sloppy that I fear that any amount of tension will pull the bolts out of the threads. I've tried 5BA and 3BA respectively but they won't fit. Obviously I don't want to make a mess of the boiler so I'm holding back on that one. In the video I mention mounting the boiler, I've now machined a couple of steel blocks to replace the MDF blanks. Having got Christmas out of the way I went down to Abbey Park in Leicester to elbow my way into the Leicester Society of Model Engineers. I had emailed them and I met the chairman who is a very freindly chap. I had a good tour of the place and promptly filled in my application and paid up. I'm still not a member as I have to be approved so unless they find some awful flaws in my character I should be in. I've been back again since then and introduced myself to a few more people including the boiler tester who turns out to be a good friend of my brother in law! I will in due course chuck everything to do with the loco into the back of my car and take it along to be thoroughly assessed by anyone who cares to take a look. I do like to share. One member has already offered me the loan of suitable taps to clean the all the threads in the boiler bushes; they look a bit mucky after the refurbishment. |
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uuu
Elder Statesman
your message here...
Posts: 2,856
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Post by uuu on Feb 17, 2024 21:14:17 GMT
Your new friends as the club are likely to have some ideas.
Me: I'd try making some studs out of slightly oversize rod, cut with a split die that's been stretched right out - see if it fits better.
Wilf
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Post by floydraser on Feb 18, 2024 10:17:42 GMT
Your new friends as the club are likely to have some ideas. Me: I'd try making some studs out of slightly oversize rod, cut with a split die that's been stretched right out - see if it fits better. Wilf And that'll give me something to do which will cost nothing, thank you Wilf! |
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Post by floydraser on Feb 28, 2024 21:43:28 GMT
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Polly Model - what a mess! Back in episode 4 of my video series I explained how I had fallen out with GS Model Supplies over them taking orders for stuff they didn't have in stock. Well it turns out Polly do the same! I'm new to this model engineering lark but I don't know why this is tolerated. I ordered stuff last Wednesday and today (Wednesday) it hadn't been delivered so I rang them. They said they are waiting for the 5BA nuts and bolts! Not only no communication but the order status says "completed" and every item is shown as being in stock. So it's not in stock and the order is not completed. Cancelled the order for a refund. I hardly dare try Blackgates!
In other news I've tried making an oversized bolt and it does fit better thanks. I'm holding back now until I've had a chance to show the lads at the club of which I am now a full member.
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Post by floydraser on Apr 8, 2024 14:40:41 GMT
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Post by Cro on Apr 15, 2024 7:39:40 GMT
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Polly Model - what a mess! Back in episode 4 of my video series I explained how I had fallen out with GS Model Supplies over them taking orders for stuff they didn't have in stock. Well it turns out Polly do the same! I'm new to this model engineering lark but I don't know why this is tolerated. I ordered stuff last Wednesday and today (Wednesday) it hadn't been delivered so I rang them. They said they are waiting for the 5BA nuts and bolts! Not only no communication but the order status says "completed" and every item is shown as being in stock. So it's not in stock and the order is not completed. Cancelled the order for a refund. I hardly dare try Blackgates! In other news I've tried making an oversized bolt and it does fit better thanks. I'm holding back now until I've had a chance to show the lads at the club of which I am now a full member. As an owner of a small model engineering company I will defend both GS and Polly. We can't keep stock of everything all the time, its just not financially viable. Communication can always be better no matter who you are but to cancel order just because people are having to get stock in doesn't help these companies move forward. Especially when they will have now ordered that stock based on your order and now you have cancelled on them. Model engineering doesn't happen over night so best to plan ahead! Adam |
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Post by floydraser on Apr 15, 2024 9:39:42 GMT
I welcome your reply but you haven't defended GS or Polly, just made a statement. How do you excuse the lack of an apology from GS? Just a common courtesy which may have resulted in a continuation of our relationship and more business for them. Obviously they feel they have enough business without little old me.
And you don't counter my argument that Polly must have known the stuff wasn't there when they marked the order as completed. In both cases how long would it have taken to email me to let me know there would be a delay and ask if I wanted to go ahead? Not a significant amount of time unless you keep very little or no stock and it happens all the time.
To "move forward" as you put it, and by that I take it to mean grow the business, you need to do good business. Anyone on the planet who comes anywhere near a customer service situation would do well to read "In search of Excellence" by Tom Peters. It takes hundreds of pages to explain what we all already know, that good customer service actually costs nothing but has a considerable influence on profits. Above are two clear examples where continued business could have resulted at zero cost to the businesses. Now the result is there loss, although small.
My point is that as long as we as customers tolerate it, it will become the norm.
As the owner of a small model engineering company you may be interested in getting youngsters involved in the hobby? Youngsters who are growing up with Amazon Prime next day deliveries and metric units?
I don't intend to become a consumer warrior I was just reporting what happened to me so others are aware. So anyone who's seen this will now be able to order stuff from GS or Polly and expect it when it comes. And as you say, plan ahead, but how far? Want it left with the neighbours or somewhere? Going on holiday in three weeks, will it be here before then? Is it up to me to ask them? Best to find someone reliable and who values me as a customer.
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Post by floydraser on Apr 30, 2024 22:10:16 GMT
Here is the next video, Episode 10: youtu.be/KOH9RRkryL4 It is almost entirely about the design and making of the ashpan. I would appreciate any constructive comments especially if it means making alterations, before I do too much work and it becomes harder or even impossible.Thanks in anticipation. I may let you have some of the chicken!  |
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