Adrian/Frank
My K1 kit was for 14mm, and therefore I assume I have the correct
brass extensions. Note these are used directly in the bearings (e.g.
brass in brass) which was one of the first things I did'nt like about
them.
Now I have assembled the flycranks, coupling rods etc., I still feel
they should be further out as the con rod is currently about 1.5-2mm
shy of the slide bars. Note the slide bars, and cylinders are much
further out (2+mm each side!) than the prototype which led me to the
conclusion that everything is designed for 16.5 gauge and 14mm gauge
is a poor compromise. This may be a bit unfair. I have not built any
other kits intended for 14mm so perhaps my general observation was
also unfair.
I get the feeling my continuously increasing fine scale aspirations
for the kit are preventing me from enjoying building it. The trouble
is once I see something obviously wrong it will always bug me, so I
keep rebuilding parts. A case of 3 steps forward, 2 steps back and
using up 5 steps of modelling time! Futhermore I question whether my
skills are up to my aspirations. I'm getting better but will never be
a Guy Mitchell.
Note I do have some masters to enable production of replacement
cylinder and valve covers in resin of the correct size and number of
bolts. Casting costs for a set (including covering the mould costs)
would end up being in the region of ?2 - ?3. If there is enough
interest I could get some done.
On the subject of DIY I have convinced my wife that insulating the
roof space of my substantial loft will save on heating costs, as it
will trap any heat lost from the house below. At least I'll now be
warm in the winter and cool in the summer and get more modelling time.
This will no doubt be the source of more moans - she did buy me the K1
though!
John
