by Retro Racer 44 » Wed Mar 25, 2015 12:48 pm
Hi McLiams;
I have built these cars using the wooden strips along the outside and also without, and haven't noticed any difference. 3/32 piano wire is quite stiff, and doesn't bend over these short distances. I often use it for the axles on these small cars also, I haven't got the heart to cut down a Slot.it axle. The piano wire axles work well, as long as you cut it right through and resist the temptation to bend and break it. That would distort the end and could give you a wobbly wheel.
If you've never built a brass chassis, get yourself a honeycomb board and the nails, and you will find it becomes very easy. I built a lot of chassis back in the 60s without any kind of jig at all, and they were always slightly wonky. This method is very easy as it holds everything in place until all the solder has hardened. I try to avoid soldering piano wire as it often doesn't hold as well, but brass solders up really nicely. Some people would want to get rid of the extra solder visible on my chassis, but I don't mind the extra weight, and it is all on the inside.
Give it a go, you'll find it easy. If you have any other question, fire away.
Cheers,
Keith
Last edited by
Retro Racer 44 on Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:59 am, edited 1 time in total.