4" Agricultural Trailer

Hi All

Apart from wheels, See my Water Bowser thread, I've not done much with the trailer kit, did try the chassis wood laid out, found one faulty part, But Will is on the case with this, apparently all the stock parts are also incorrect!!.
Must say the quality of the wood parts is excellent.

Hi

I've now got all my metal parts back from powder coating, think this will be slightly tougher than paint.

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Not much progress, but I have built up the front steering frame, must say the parts fitted together really well. I'm still waiting for the replacement centre part from Will,  he says it should arrive soon.
I pre drilled the holes for the assembly screws, used 3mm drill, For the coach screws on the spring mounts I used a 4mm drill to pre drill the holes, I also used soap on the threads to make screwing in easier.  
I know I will have to disassemble this to varnish the wood, but I like to see how things look and try the fit before.

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Looking good. A suggestion. Put a little bit of wax on the coach bolts when putting them in as it aids in preventing shearing them. Been there done it.

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Thanks Lynn, I've been using Soap, An old Carpenter told me that what he always used, but thanks principle is the same.
Just got the last kit today, but not in any hurry to build it, have a Tender that need painting first.

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Well I've finished the wheels for the Trailer and the Water bowser, Also made up the front and rear axle assembly's for the trailer.

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Not sure if Steam Traction World have modified the springs but the original batch of wagons needed spacer blocks between the springs and bolsters as the wheels rubbed on the chassis under any slight load.

Hi Lynn

Thanks for this, did notice when I did the front swivel frame that the suspension only has about 3/4" movement before the bump stop hits the frame, when I build the chassis will check this out.

Today I built up the end boards, I mounted the brackets to the front part of the chassis and used this to set the supports before drilling for the bolts.
Must say very impressed with the wood once the glue had dried sanded and have now started to varnish,
I've also made up the side panels, but will leave them until I build the chassis before fixing the metal work.

Hi All

Quite a bit of progress this week, The missing part for the front wheel swivel turned up as promised by Will.
I assembled the main frame over two evening at work as I was able to use a large bench to layout the frame flat.
No real problems all went together very well, just need to vanish all the parts, I'm using Ronseal Gloss Yacht vanish, Three coats.



Whilst I had the frame out thought I would see what it was going to look like with some other parts laid out



Looks very impressive, even if I do say so my self, just the side panels and base to do now, Going to varnish the frame and then fit the sides and base.

Hi all

I've now finished the swivel trolley, I'm not able to fit the wheels as it looks like the bearings were not quite in line, both wheels will go on part way but lock up when the outer bearing is engaged,
I've arranged to borrow a 25mm reamer to clean the bores out.

I do have a slight concern about the suspension travel, I only have about 1/2" before the bump stop hits the underside, but will see once it's all together.

Hi all

Vanish and more Varnish, I've fitted the floor and now doing the vanishing. I did the frame first then added the floor.

Hi All

Made the front panel where the pin is removable. Held in place with screws.

Hi All

Well finished the Trailer today, All assembled, very impressed, Its now in storage (In the shed)  until the engine is done in about 2 years,
Dean if you want to borrow it for display let me know.

Only thing to sort is the Hub caps not sure what to do Paint Black or have them plated.

How's every one else doing with their wagons?, I can't be the only one building one.