Soldering Cab Roofs

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John Donnelly
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Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby John Donnelly » Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:49 pm

I'm almost at the stage where I need to solder the roof on to my ES1, something I've never done before. The roof has been curved and access is easy from underneath as the body and chassis are separate but I wonder where the best place to start the soldering is, is it best to start at one side and work across or start in the centre and work outwards?

John

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David B
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby David B » Thu Aug 23, 2018 9:36 pm

Start at the top of the curve in the middle and work outwards.

Sounds to me like a good opportunity for some resistance soldering. Tin the inside of the roof, put in place and . . . zap. No need to add more solder. Tack in the middle, check alignment then work outwards.

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John Donnelly
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby John Donnelly » Fri Aug 24, 2018 7:52 am

Thanks David, I don't have a resistance soldering unit so old school it is :)

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Tim V
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby Tim V » Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:00 am

I always tried to make cab roofs on tank engines removable, aided painting and putting crews in. I used to put some clips, so the roof was held in place.
Tim V
(Not all railways in Somerset went to Dorset)

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Hardwicke
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby Hardwicke » Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:12 am

I agree with Tim. Was it Iain Rice or Guy Williams who added bent wire to the corners of the roof so they acted as springs holding it to the cab body.
Ordsall Road (BR(E)), Forge Mill Sidings (BR(M)), Kirkcliffe Coking Plant (BR(E)), Swanage (BR (S)) and Heaby (LMS/MR). Acquired Thorneywood (GNR). Still trying to "Keep the Balance".

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John Donnelly
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby John Donnelly » Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:28 am

On this kit, the chassis and body screw together so can easily be separated if need be for access to the interior so no need for a removable roof.

Philip Hall
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby Philip Hall » Fri Aug 24, 2018 12:39 pm

I understand you don’t need to make the roof removable, but clipping on is often the cleanest way of doing the job; no errant solder or glue seeping out. However, to solder I would merely tack with a tiny amount of solder near to each of the corners. No need to solder along each seam, it will never fall off.

Philip

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John Donnelly
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Re: Soldering Cab Roofs

Postby John Donnelly » Fri Aug 24, 2018 1:06 pm

Thanks all for the advice, roof is now on.

John


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