Chassis issue

Hi.
Have just been playing dry fitting the chassis which went together with only a couple of M6 hole needing re-tapping just to remove some muck. The problem is when I try to fit the boiler cradle, there is a whopping gap between the opening for the cradle to fit and when I try to fit the cradle it pulls the chassis in by 5mm?
The distance is 550mm between the middle cross member (one side to the other) and the same for the rear cross member but 545mm before the bends in the chassis after you fit the cradle, which is putting a massive amount of pressure on the bolts. But without the cradle fitted the distance before the chassis bend is the same as th others. Plus the short straight bit after the chassis bends are out by about 3mm.
The chassis I believe should be straight and not tapered in at the front. I know the instruction say the cradle should be flush to the frame by filling the cradle but douse not say anything thang about making or fitting spacers.
Can anyone please advise me on what to do?
Just a little disappointed so far.

Phil.

Hi Phil,
I have attached a pic of the front end of the chassis when I fitted the boiler cradle in May 2010.  I have also checked my build diary and ther is no mention of any misalignment problems.  I can take some measurements tomorrow if that would be any help.
Regards
Tom

Hi Tom.
It looks like there is a big problem with my cradle and or chassis or both? there is something very wrong with it?
It definitely doesn't look anything like your photos!
If I fit the cradle to one side the holes on the other don't come close to lining up? It over shoots the end of the chassis channel.
Very disappointed.
Thanks for taking the time to post your pictures.
I have emailed Steve at STW and await a response.
Phil.

Hi Phil

Take a straightedge, a spirit level would do, and lay it along the inside of the frame and see if is parallel at the cradle mount end, this will tell you how much it is out, but I am sure Steve will sort it out for you.

Mike

Hi Phil i had a similar problem with my cradle, upon removing it and lieing it on the bench turned out my cradle was twisted, might be worth taking a look at that

Here's some pictures i took to show Steve of how my first one looked






Russ

Hi Russ.
Thanks for posting your pictures which is always very helpful.
Chassis up-date.
The chassis channel and boiler cradle are being returned to STW for investigation (manufacturing issues).
But on the positive side, kit 2 is being sent out tomorrow.
Hopefully I will be able to start building soon, only time will tell.

Phil.

Hi Phil

Shame about your Kit 1 having to be sent back to STW but least it has been found before you got to far and is being sorted

I to have a Kit arriving tomorrow no idea what mine will be, Hoping for some steering then can move the chassis about but we shall see

Russ

Hi Russ.
Good luck with your next kit and please keep us up to date on your progress as soon or later I'm get to that stage and your picture will help know end.
They said it would not be easy or everybody would do it. Saying that, I am looking forward starting building the wagon, it's a lovely looking machine plus I also know STW do make a bloody good kit - just look at some of the engines on this forum - works of art!

Phil.