Further to the recent issues regarding 14mm axles I am finding that
some kits do not allow the distance between the frames to be adjusted
to match the gauge and maintain the correct relationship between
cranks, motion and cylinders etc. For example with my Backwoods K1
Garratt it means that the flycranks etc, are too close to the frames
by 1.25 mm each side (16.5 - 14) / 2.
In 4mm many kit manufacturers supply different frame spacers to suit
OO, EM and P4. With the rise in 14mm gauge perhaps the kit
manufacturers should be encouraged to do the same.
On my K1 I am now considering whether to make new longer axle
extensions (probably in steel) to which I could attach the flycranks
directly instead of using the plastic bushes. This would mean another
complete dismantle and restart, with completion even further away. At
least it will be a respite from the Xmas telly repeats!
John C
