TL-2 build in USA

[Helidoc67]

Is the chain supplied in the kit metric or SAE?

I needed a 1/2 link, but I think I should have requested that when I bought the kit.

I think a metric chain may be difficult to find in USA?

Also did anyone have to use shims underneath the motors to take up the slack in the chain, or is that all achieved by moving the motor towards the riser?

Cheers

Venk

[Helidoc67]

Seems obvious, but thought I would ask, do you drill from the top or do you place the screws from the bottom?

Venk

[Helidoc67]

Some help please with filling the grain pattern in the plywood and also how to deal with some exposed end grain ( rounded over side panel tops)

I know most in Uk have used MDF, but those who used plywood, please let me know your methods for filling in the grain on the plywood/ sealing the tube prior to the undercoat.

Thanks

Venk

[Ant-G]

Hi Venk
I haven't used Ply, but from experience from other projects, I think it would be a case of:
- sand surfaces
- brush and wipe down
- thin skin of filler to fill the grains
- rub down (oh, fun!!)
- give a coat of primer to show the imperfections
- rub down / fill
and keep going until you are happy with the finish
A random orbital sander is good for the big flat areas, and by hands on the curves.

I don't know any quick way......
But, if you do it now it will make for a White Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas
Anthony

[Jason]

I built mine from plywood. I think its nearly impossible to achieve a smooth finish from sanding alone. I just sanded the best I counld and painted it. When the light shines on it just right you can still see the wood grain but I'm happy with it. I did not use a gloss paint. The higher gloss paint used the easier it is to see imperfections. Some others on the forum have mentioned using a thin coat of auto body filler. This may be the easiest way to get a slick finish.

[Jason]

I was looking back at some of your earlier build pictures and it looks like you might have used a cabinet grade birch plywood. It will definetly be easier to get a smoother finish than mine. I used the budget plywood(AC sanded) It has more raised grain than the cabinet grade does. With the birch, some sanding and good primer may be enough to get a good finish.

[Ant-G]

I'm using Satin finish paint - as Jason says, it makes the imperfections less obvious and I think it suits the Toylander better.
Our currently has had a coat of primer, but my 2 year old has been extensively 'test driving' it - originally was to be a 10 minute drive  just check that it worked, but has clocked up about 5 hours use - and has had a couple of 'incidents' mainly due to getting over confident in his abilities. So I know that when it is painted proper it isnot going to stay looking spotless for long!

Anthony

[Helidoc67]

Thank you for the words of wisdom;

I was using cabinet grade plywood.

Still having issues with the motor mounting, I thin I do have to countersink the gear box slightly otherwise it will not work as i am hearing a problem with the chain inthe current configuration.

Painting will be delayed until I have the motors mounted and the wiring done

Happy New Year everyone

Venk

[Richard]

On page 42 of the latest manual I sent you Venk it shows exactly where you need to countersink so you should be OK. Also you need to make sure the axle plate [small strip mounted inside the car on top of batten picture p35 of manual] does not kick the Motor Mount Plate outwards. You have to get the Vertical and Horizontal plane correct and the chain must not be too tight as this too causes a TOK, TOK noise. Better to be loose.
BW's
Richard