Australian Railway Kits NSWGR/PTC/SRA Instruction Manual

Australian Railway Kits
®
ABN: 27 416 246 418
Incorporating Main West Models
Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Retailers of Quality Australian Model Railways
PO Box 252 Warwick, Queensland, 4370 Australia
Phone/Fax: 617 4667 1351 Website: www.arkits.com Email: info@arkits.com
NSWGR/PTC/SRA etc. 442 Class
Diesel Electric Locomotive
E132 Manufactured Exclusively for AR Kits by DJH Engineering from Patterns owned by AR Kits
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE COMMENCING ASSEMBLY

CONSTRUCTION

It is important to ensure that all parts are clean, free of "flash" (excess metal on castings) and fit properly. The "flash line" is easily
removed from most areas by scraping gently with a sharp hobby knife - a round blade is more effective than a straight pointed type.
Pull the blade along the "flash line" - several light strokes are better than a single one. Some areas are better cleaned up with 6"
jewellers' files. Take care not to flatten round parts by filing too heavily. All locating holes for detail fittings should be pre-drilled
to the size specified in the instructions. Sometimes it is necessary to clean out these holes with a "rat tail" file; take care not to snap
off the tip of the file. Gently wash the castings in warm soapy water to remove mould release residue.
Etched brass items are best removed from the fret by placing the fret on a scrap piece of hard timber (eg Masonite) and cutting the
tabs with a large Stanley knife - cut the tab at the point furthest away from the part, then trim the tab off close to the part with a
small pair of quality sidecutters. Hold small parts with a pair of flat nosed (not serrated jaws) pliers while cleaning up with
jewellers' files. Be careful not to distort the etchings; they are difficult to straighten if bent or twisted. Drill all required holes before
assembly, noting the spigot sizes of the fittings, because some holes will be difficult to drill after parts are assembled.
As with all classes of NSWGR locomotives, individual 442s varied in minor details from time to time in their life. Modellers are
therefore advised to check photographs of the particular locomotive they have chosen to model.
For assistance in general detailing, modellers are referred to the article in the AMRM November/December 1980, Issue 105, Data
Sheet's plan and the many photos which appear in Australian railway books and journals.
These kits are designed to give many years of operating pleasure. A little extra time taken during construction will ensure that your
kit will do this.

Warning

These kits use K&M Mechanisms and should only be lightly lubricated with a light machine oil. Use of grease in the gears of
these mechanisms will unfortunately void warranty of the mechanism and motor

Assembly methods

The two main construction methods are:
(a) Low melt solder - Low melt solder is an excellent medium for use with white metal kits. It is quick and easy providing a
stronger joint than can be achieved with glue. It has the added advantage of easily repairing minor casting flaws, and because of the
relatively low temperature, many parts can be held in the fingers while soldering. Brass to white metal joints can also be made, by
"tinning" the brass first with normal solder. Low melt soldering requires the correct type of soldering iron (eg Dick Smith T2200).
These irons have temperature control, as low melt solder only requires around 200 degrees centigrade. You must use special low
melting point solder, such as that available from AR Kits.
IT IS ADVISABLE NOT TO ATTEMPT TO SOLDER ANY CASTINGS WITH A STANDARD SOLDERING IRON
(b) Glue - Superglue and Plastibond are two types of glues suitable for use with this kit. Some modellers prefer to superglue major
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