FOURTRACK MODELS - NOTES

Loco Kits

Our aim with the locomotive kits in our range is to try to produce the kits to a consistent standard: that is not to say that they are all as hard or as easy as each other to assemble. This last point is largely dictated by how complex or straight forward the prototype was or is.

What we have tried to do is to include the same level of design and build options into the kits, if it is possible to include all the options that the prototype had then we try to do so. For example with alternative cabs, tenders, boiler fittings, etc. As far as design goes all the chassis both loco, and tender inside frames are either designed to be compensated or they have half etch cut-outs and jointed coupling rods to make it easy to compensate them.

Motor, gears, wheels and couplings are needed to complete each kit. All the kit instructions make specific recommendations as to which motor gears and wheels to use. They also include comprehensive historical notes, detailed instructions and assembly drawing where appropriate. Generally speaking however, a Mashima 1833 will suit all our 7mm kits and we have therefore produced a motorising pack, together with a range of "Extended Drive Motormounts" to enable the motor to be more easily located within the firebox/boiler. Alternatively the large Portescap motor/gearbox can be used, although at greater cost.

Finally there are a number of components parts that we always include in every Kit: these are sprung buffers, axle bearings, brass/nickel silver wire, nuts, bolts, handrail knobs, and the usual sundry parts needed to complete the locomotive. We don't include pick-ups we we find this is an area where  personal preference plays a very large part. We can supply Slaters sprung plunger pickups if required. In the case of the MR/LMS 3F  and the MR/LMS 378 CLASS hornblocks are also required, see catalogue for our superb brass version. These two kits have been temporarily removed from our normal range as it our intention to upgrade them towards current standards, particularly the chassis. We may well be able to supply one if you really do want an example, please contact us to determine availability and kit content.

Castings

The castings are mostly from our own moulds and we are able to make them available individually.

In order to fit the castings relatively neatly onto the page we have had to reproduce them in varying scales so we have put a guide scale beside each image to provide an indication of their relative size.

In our description of the castings we have included an indication as to which kit or kits they are used in. In many cases this isn't the only vehicle that the item is appropriate for, it may be available for many others.

Soldering Materials and Tools

144 Solder
The ideal solder for assembling etched brass and nickel silver kits, FTM solder has a melting point of approx. 144 desgrees C. and is supplied in the form of 1.0 mm diameter wire in lengths of approx 3 metre. Use with our Phosflux 12 flux.

Low Melt (70 degree) Solder
For assembling whitemetal kits or additing whitemetal detail to etched kits. This solder is supplied in stick form and metls at aprox 70 degrees C. Use with our Phosflux 6 flux.
When used for adding whitemetal detail to etched kits, the brass or nickel silver should be tinned with 144 solder before fixing the whitemetal detail with 70 degree Low Melt Solder.

60/40 Resin Cored Solder
Primarily intended for electrical work, this solder has a resin flux core to reduce the need for separate flux when used on clean surfaces. It is supplied in the form of 1.2mm diameter wire in lengths of approximately 5 metre. If additional flux is required use a non acidic flux such as Carrs Orange label.

Phosphoric Acid Fluxes
For use with FTM or other "non cored" solders requiring a flux. Phosflux includes a wetting agent to increase it's effectiveness and is readily washed off and neutralised after use. The containers have safety lids.

Phosflux 12
A 12 percent phosphoric acid flux for use with 144 degree solders to assemble etched brass and nickel silver.

Phosflux 6
A 6 percent phosphoric acid flux for use with Low Melt 70 degree solders to assemble white metal kits.

Solder Paint
Ideal for use with our RSU. The solder paint is placed between the two layers tobe joined and heat is applied either with a dry soldering iron or an RSU probe. Melting point is in the range 175-200C. The solder is suspended in an active zinc chloride flux.