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Updated & Beefed Up Propshaft & Axles
To allow for the rear load bay floor to fit flush, the original support for the propshaft (flanged plate) has be replaced by two 5 hole strips. The 1.5" x 0.5" double angled strip that held the propshaft has been replaced by a 2.5" x 0.5" double angled strip to support it more securely nearer it's ends. Extra rubber grommit thingies have been added to the propshaft and the front and rear axles in readyness for the future increase to 6 volt from 3 volt. The large washers on the right of the propshaft not only act as spacers, but also represent the handbrake, which is a drum brake on the propshaft and known as, not surprisingly, a transmission brake and when the vehicle is in gear has the effect of acting on all four wheels when in use. This has been quite frustrating, owing to the fact that if older parts were used it would have been much easier and possibly more realistic. Using rubber grommits to hold gears in place takes up roughly twice the space on an axle (you need a grommet each side of a gear, or spacers between the gear and the nearest solid structure), than using gears with a boss fitted and secured to the axle by grub screws. I've also noticed that a tri-axle has far more play in it when threaded through holes when compared to round axles. Meccano, you must revert to some of the older ways of doing things!
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