London Transport TD Single Deck Bus
MW Modelplan 86
by Simon Johnson.
Modelplan 86 is just the sort of project for the modeller who is always short of time. Well proportioned and detailed, the bus is still a simple model which won't be hanging around in a half built state for months on end.
The plans are a clear combination of photographs and Isomec diagrams. There are few pitfalls in the construction although the all spur gear differential needs careful setting up if it is to run freely. The casing consists of a pair of six hole bush wheels separated by Screwed Rods and if these are set up with a simple micrometer and straight Axle Rods are used for the half shafts there should be no problems.
Of course finding straight Axle Rods is another matter. I'm sure I remember reading that the muck metal wire used at Binns Road for making Axle Rods was stored on huge drums, the result of which being that all Meccano Axle Rods have a bit of a bend in them, even the straight ones. After experimenting with 21/2" Axle Rods of varying degrees of crookedness, I ordered a range of steel Rods from Ashok Banerjee. These are well worth the money and I look forward to building steam engines with smooth running crankshafts and gearboxes which don't vibrate at high speed.
The bus model is powered by a Power Drive Unit (PDU) set on 32:1. As a teenage modeller in the 1960s I looked down on the 'yellow plastic motor'. After all, I had a E20R, a substantial piece of work in black crackle finish which gave off a whiff of ozone when you fired it up. Of course the benefit of the PDU (and even now I find it difficult to admit this) is it's power to size ratio. Try fitting an E20R under the bonnet of a small model vehicle. More importantly the PDU will run off batteries so there are no wires trailing behind your model when you drive it across the kitchen floor.
Modelplan 86 uses torch batteries carried in a holder made from 51/2" Strips built under the floor of the vehicle. There is no real need for this; a six volt AA battery holder from a Dick Smith electronic store will do the job and can be hidden under the back seats.
Oh dear! The driver took the corner too fast - that lets us get a good look at the underneath of the bus.
