smooth coasting

Well,

I assembled the chassis, well at least the drivers, coupling rods and horn stays.

After working through some kinks (again, no pun intended), the chassis rolled very smoothly. I was stubborn and did not use the method of using grease on the end of the screw-driver to hold the screw in place, so putting on those horn stays was really interesting and probably took longer than it should have, but I had fun. I used the mini-screwdriver that came with the kit and didn't have to make the modifications to the larger one like Marc Horovitz had to. It fit quite well in between the driver spokes.

I then secured both coupling rods. Funny thing is that when I had the coupling rods on one way, it would bind up, so I put the right one on the left side and the left on the right, and smooth rolling. I used machine oil from 3-in-1 (blue can) and looks and rolls real nice.

Now, I do promise that I am stopping now for the summer. I had to get this whole business of the coupling rods out of my system before I left for New York. I would like to take this opportunity to share a revelation I have had during this process. Here is a video clip of the chassis rolling along a length of track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBSkqvBHf9g

I appreciate when people who have "been there, done that" offer their advice. I really do. However, with that said, I feel that a few tips given to me had me worried needlessly. One was in the coupling rod's bushing holes. The fact that someone emailed me saying they had some issues gave me concern that I might get a similar experience. Well, the minute I opened up box 1 I saw the coupling rods and also noticed the bushings were drilled "off-center". OH NO! is what I thought. Well, as I found out both through experience and talking with a friend, those rods were the right fit. So, it goes to show that sometimes advice offered as a help, can sometimes lead to needless concern. I guess I have learned that I need to cross the bridge when I get to it, and not worry about it beforehand.

Either way, Hans and Aster were ready and willing to help, so I thank them. I also found that the cylinder studs I have are 19mm long which are longer than the ones supplied with some of the other kits which had "shorter" studs. Hans provided a clear picture for me showing the shorter of the two. I have the longer of the two. This again was concern born of "tips". I don't want to give the impression I am not thankful for people who offer their experiences, I am truly grateful.