Ruston LB prototype started…

It’s been an age, I know, since I updated about the Ruston LB in 7/8ths, however as the summer holidays are over and I’ve had some help from my good friend Steve Milner, things are moving in a very exciting direction…

That moment when the 2D and 3D CAD come to life with laser cut and 3D printed parts is so exciting, I’ve shared the gearbox previously, but here is something that is beginning to look like a Ruston LB! Everything has fitted perfectly, a first and a happy sign that I’ve been learning well with these larger scale models and have the 2D CAD for laser cutting licked. It’s so satisfying when the model assembles cleanly with no overlap or gaps… even 2D and 3D parts working in unison. The axle boxes are on pins that locate in the frames, and the gearbox plugs in a hole in the floor…

The low relief engine looks the part, and behind an etched side grill it will look suitably realistic whilst allowing the battery and radio to slot inside. The bonnet will be removable for access to these parts.

Steve helped me out with making a jig to drill the bevel gears for a tapped hole and grub screw, the bevel gear allows a standard gear head motor to output to a cross shaft, so once it’s closed up (it’s a push fit to close up) it looks just like the prototypes gearbox, with protruding shaft and sprockets…

Underneath you can see a 45mm (2ft) left and 32mm (18in) right. This prototype model will be 32mm so the chain drive is outside the wheels, amd you can see why, there isn’t space between the wheels. That means the axle boxes are mounted outside the frames… with the 2ft models, the axle boxes are flush with the frames, and the drive is inside the wheels…

The next stage is to wire up the motor and test the drive… and I’m sure that will warrant another cringey video! There is still time to order a LB in this years batch. I will be building them once the prototype is proven, for just £1330 for a hand finished personal custom model with radio control and batteries supplied. Customers can specify the gauge, underground or cabbed, style of buffers, paintwork and finish. If you have a specific prototype in mind drop me an email and I’ll see if it’s doable. All for the same all inclusive price. I hand make and finish each model here in North Wales, you’re getting a personal model that evolves with your input throughout the build. 

Until next time, more soon…