EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

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johngraser
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EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

I am starting to assemble the sides of my (MDM Locomotive Works) F7.

For those that have assembled the kit have you welded the sides on or apoxy and screws?

EMD F7 video (MDM)

https://youtu.be/YVbVgfecptM

John
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Steggy
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by Steggy »

johngraser wrote:I am starting to assemble the sides of my (MDM Locomotive Works) F7.

For those that have assembled the kit have you welded the sides on or apoxy and screws?

EMD F7 video (MDM)

https://youtu.be/YVbVgfecptM

John
Welding would be my preference.
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cbrew
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by cbrew »

Hi John, hows it going?
if it was me. I would weld them on from the back side using plug welds, this way it does not distort the visible sheet metal.
if this is not an option, you can use a high quality adhesive like loctite 330 https://www.mcmaster.com/#7560a54/=181f8yn
its not cheap but it will hold.
or you can rivet the sheets on :)

Brew
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
johngraser
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

I have been having a hard time finding someone to do the welding on it. It is looking like I'll probably have to go adhesive.

Chris, haven't been doing much on my locomotive, due to some of the instruction are not to clear.

The live steam club here in Saint Louis had a major flood about a month ago so we been trying to get the track back to a runable condition.

It's looking like next summer we will be moving back to Oregon.

John
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cbrew
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by cbrew »

OK, with out the proper setup and skill, one can burn throw the sheet metal so the adhesive is probably the best move.
well if you do end up moving back, it will be good to have you back.
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by Steggy »

johngraser wrote:I have been having a hard time finding someone to do the welding on it. It is looking like I'll probably have to go adhesive.
If you are going to use adhesive to assemble the body you must be meticulous with cleaning and prepping the joint.

I've got a lot of experience joining steel to steel and steel to other materials using thixotropic paste epoxies, such as PC-7. What I have done for many years is start by scuffing the mating surfaces with 3M Roloc medium abrasives (you need a small, high-speed angle grinder), air-blasting to blow away the grit from the scuffing operation, followed by thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces with acetone, using a lintless cloth (cloth baby diapers work). I then mix and apply the epoxy as soon as possible after cleaning, and clamp as necessary. Epoxies cure more quickly if some heat is applied, so if you can, work outdoors on a sunny day for some free heat. :D

That's really all there is to it.

Incidentally, PC-7 is much stronger than the structural adhesive MDM was recommending. I used it to build up the body on my race car, and also to join the nose casting to the rest of the body on my F7.
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Music isn’t at all difficult.  All you gotta do is play the right notes at the right time!  :D
johngraser
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

Here is a video of the progress on the door frames:

https://youtu.be/EPdC9vdNGYg

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cbrew
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by cbrew »

Looking good John, keep up the good work, i cant wait to see it finished! ttyl
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
johngraser
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

Hear is the next phase of the door frames.

https://youtu.be/o-HiunldhvU

johngraser
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

Chris,

I'm hoping it will be finish next summer. It should be in Oregon next summer.

cbrew wrote:Looking good John, keep up the good work, i cant wait to see it finished! ttyl
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cbrew
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by cbrew »

johngraser wrote:Chris,

I'm hoping it will be finish next summer. It should be in Oregon next summer.

cbrew wrote:Looking good John, keep up the good work, i cant wait to see it finished! ttyl
look forward to seeing you, I hope you are planning on taking it to the triennial next year.
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
johngraser
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Re: EMD F7 (MDM Locomotive Works Kit) starting on sides

Post by johngraser »

Here is the latest video of the construction, with installing the cab steps.

https://youtu.be/2oG_jgpYaa4

[youtube]https://youtu.be/2oG_jgpYaa4[/youtube]
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