This is following the building first a wagon and then a closed van for the garden railway. So I purchased a budget chassis from IP Engineering. Unfortunately the chassis was not fully up to spec, with the axles being far from right angles to the frames.
However all this did was to push me on to make a start on a vehicle from the rail up. Using the wheels, motor, gears & battery pack from the IP kit a sett about knocking up a plasticard chassis.
The first thought was how to get the holes in the frames equally, this was easily solved by a jig (more plasticard) for the base of the pillar-drill. Fitting some IP bushes (leftover from another IP kit!) into the frames and then welding the whole together with frame stretchers, motor mounting plate and some extra strengtheners for the motor mounting plate.
The chassis will never be expected to pull anything, once I get this right I'll build something more substantial.
I've got some very clear ideas regarding the body, it will take the shape of a 009 model from years ago. A powered permanent way trolley who's history is complex indeed.
More to follow...
