Building an IP Engineering Low Loader

[Martino]

Last weekend, I build an IP Engineering low loader, and this weekend I get to build another!

Here`s the one I built earlier (to quote Blue Peter).

So, first of all everything out of the pack and start removing bits from the frets.



Last week`s effort was all cut wood, whilst this week it`s laser cut wood.

Everything cut out, identified and sorted.

 

[Martino]

For the wooden bits, I tend to use TiteBond 2.

The first job is to create some C sections. These will form the side frames.  The IP instructions are pretty good, however there is no difference between the cut wood and laser cut versions.  The laser cut is more like an Airfix kit!

Just going backwards a bit, I remove the fret attachments (sort of wooden flash!) by clamping like pieces together and then lightly sanding.  It ensures that everything that`s supposed to be identical stays that way.

Here are various bits of C section glued and clamped.

 

[Martino]

While those bits are drying, it`s time to look at the bogies.



These need minimal tidying up with jeweler`s files, but the bogie mounts need the holes drilling and at the same time the bogie stretcher holes can do with gently opening up.



At this stage, I painted the bogie side frames and the wheel centers.

 

[Martino]

Having cleaned up the now dry C beams and made sure the ends are square (ish!), it`s time to try and assemble the pieces.  Remember that the angled pieces are `handed` otherwise the C will be backwards.  It`s important to make sure the bottom beam is parallel to the end beams.



Having done one, I started on the second.  They need to be identical, otherwise it will be a wavy wagon, which is not recommended.  As you`ll see from the photo below, I like to add bracing behind the beam at the joints.  It`s not suggested by IP, but I don`t trust my joints.  They can`t be seen when it`s all put together.



OK that`s your lot for tonight.  Off to the local Mexican Restaurant with the lady wife and back to assembly tomorrow.

Hasta la vista!  ...as they`ll say in the Mexican.

 

[GJFREESTONE]

Looking good will follow this can you buy the bogies on there own.
Graham Shrewsbury.

 

[Martino]

Thanks Graham. I don't know, but given that the bogies came in thier own package, with separate instructions, and the wheels were also separate - I would think the bogies are available on their own.

No work on the kit today as it was decided (by external authorities) that the patio was turning green and needed pressure washing! Funnily, I quite enjoy that but it has taken all day. I also pressure washed some of the house and found out it was a creamy colour, not the moss green it had been turning ;-)