Chassis spacers / Gibson wheel.

[sam.makins]

Hi all,
I'm currently trying to build my first loco (LRM coal tank) and plan to use split frame pick up and therefore need to make my own frame spacers.
So, is there a recommended width between frames? If not, what do people use? The prototype works out at 16.6mm to scale according to the works diagram but obviously has thinner frames and needs less side play.

My other question is: Do people remove the plastic raised boss from the centre of Gibson wheels, particularly when using etched shorting wires?

Thanks,

Sam

[Tim V]

I would not recommend the full width - plays havoc with the sideplay. I use 15mm between frames.

I take the boss of the back of Gibson wheels for split axles, a slight chamfer on the axle hole helps as well.

[sam.makins]

Tim,
Thanks for the reply. I might well use the same to allow for reasonably tight curves.

How do you remove the boss? Just careful knife work, or do you use the lathe?

Cheers,
Sam

[BryanJohnson]

Hi Sam,

You may like to put your dimensions through a spreadsheet I did for my own frame width calculations.

Downloadable from http://www.thurstaston.fsworld.co.uk/downloads.htm

Regards,

Bryan

[Andy W]

I'm a big fan of split chassis. Tim posted some time ago that you can use the S4 spacers in a kit if you back it with suitably gapped pcb strips. Then you can cut through the original spacer. I find it best to leave a neutral island in the centre.

[Tim V]

I do use a lathe to remove the boss.

If you don't have one, very carefully remove with a very sharp knife, to ensure it's evenly removed.

[sam.makins]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Bryan, that spreadsheet is brilliant, really useful, thanks very much.
Andy, so do I, so much neater.
Tim, no lathe unfortunately, might have to start saving for one! Sharp knife job it is.

Cheers,
Sam