7mm locomotive kit building?

[ChooChoo_Baloo]

I am looking to buy some reference books to familiarise myself with the 'textbook' approach to 7mm scale locomotive etched brass kit building, having made my first locomotive largely by trail and error using the included instructions.

• I read that "Iain Rice's Etched Chassis Construction from Wild Swan" is worth getting, but the closest title I can find is: "Locomotive kit chassis construction in 4mm" (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Locomotive-kit-Chassis-Construction-4mm/dp/1874103100) . Is this one and the same thing?
• ​Alternatively there's the title "Etched loco construction" also by Rice (http://britishrailwaybooks.co.uk/books/ISBN/090686786x.php),is this what was being referred to?

Any additional advice on suitable literature would be gratefully received.

 

[MarcD]

Cant say I have ever seen one. I looked and couldn't find anything other than Iain's book. You might find something on youtube that might help. I have built a number of loco kits and I can see why people are going to "ready to run" that's why we have tried to remove as much brass from our kits.

 

Sorry I can't much more help.

 

Marc

[brossard]

Agree about the Rice books, anything by him is worth having.

 

For 7mm locos, I would recommend these:

 

http://britishrailwaybooks.co.uk/books/ISBN/1908763019.php

 

http://britishrailwaybooks.co.uk/books/ISBN/1908763051.php

 

There's advice on scratchbuilding and kitbuilding, a worthwhile addition to ones library and all the more important because Geoff passed away shortly after the books were published.

 

John

[Steamport Southport]

I would also recommend Locomotive and Rolling-stock Construction by Trevor Booth. Part three of a guide to building a layout, aimed mainly at beginners in O gauge.

 

A bit more basic than Iain Rice's books, but covers everything from selection of stock correct for your location, basic techniques and tools, building simple plastic wagon kits, building coach kits, white metal locomotive kits, etched brass locomotives kits and painting/finishing.

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Locomotive-Rolling-stock-Construction-Library-Modelling/dp/1857940385

 

 

Jason

[johnarcher]

I'd recommend both Rice books, the chassis one is still useful despite using things no longer available (like Sharman wheels, still for 7mm that hardly matters), and the etched loco one is good for constructional techniques for the body. I've managed to build several etched kits that were OK at any rate, mainly guided by those books.

[Nicktoix]

There only two books worth getting for 7mm loco modelling and they are Locomotive Modelling part 1 & 2 by Geoff Holt

published by Wild Swan.

 

They are the works of a master modeller.

 

Nick

[peter220950]

Another vote for the Rice books, though being 1990 and '93 they are a bit out of date on some things, but the basics haven't changed, well worth getting if you can.

 

There's also a mine of useful information on Jim McGeown's Connoisseur website:-

 

http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Print%20Outs.html

 

The hints and tips and FAQ's are well worth a look, as well as a list of kits that go together well.

 

Peter.

[Phil Parker]

I've got both Rice and Holt books and would vote Rice. His methods are very pragmatic and as others have said, the basics haven't changed. Of course if you can get all of them, do it.

[Argos]

Hi ChooChoo_buloo,

 

I finished my first 7mm loco kit last year and I am now on my third.

I have both the books you've referenced and both are worthwhile.

 

However, If you look through Jazz's Workbench topic in the Kitbuilding & Scratchbuilding forum you will find all the information you need to know.

Especially if you combine this with Jazz's topic in the RMweb archive.

The topic on the archive has several builds from start to finish and some very sound advice interspersed.

Be warned though he has a prodigious output! Both topics will take a good few days to read though!

 

It was Jazz's posts that finally got my off the sofa and holding a soldering iron.

His tag line "Learn by doing" speaks volumes.

 

Good luck!

[ChooChoo_Baloo]

Thanks all for the advice.

[Guius]

On the subject of scratch building locos in brass/nickel silver, would anyone recommend Simon Bolton's two books on the subject?

 

Guy

[garethashenden]

On the subject of scratch building locos in brass/nickel silver, would anyone recommend Simon Bolton's two books on the subject?

 

Guy

I have the first one, haven't seen the second. I think it is a good book with some good techniques. There are a few topics (compensation comes to mind) that are only just touched upon, but I have learned things from it. Another book that I would recommend is Guy William's The 4mm Locomotive. It's a bit old now, but his approach to model building is excellent, even if some of the particulars are a bit out of date.

[Guius]

I had a copy of Guy Williams The 4mm Loco but I lent it out to someone only never to see it again. C'est la vie.

Guy

 

[Guius]

There only two books worth getting for 7mm loco modelling and they are Locomotive Modelling part 1 & 2 by Geoff Holt

published by Wild Swan.

 

They are the works of a master modeller.

 

Nick

Thanks for your recommendation Nick, I picked up the two Geoff Holt volumes at the Dome, Doncaster on Saturday and very impressed with them I am too.

 

Best

 

Guy