G'day, welcome to my blog!

Here you can find what's been happening on my workbench. Basically, this workbench blog will contain any modelling project that I'm currently undertaking so you can expect to see a general mash-up of kitbuilds and scratchbuilds, conversions and painting, weathering and detailing projects in OO, N, HO and HOn3 1/2. This will include locos, rollingstock and various scenic items (i.e. mostly buildings).

So, sit down (or stand if you prefer) and hold on tight becuase who knows where this thing is going.

Alrighty, formalities over, let's get to the workbench!

For this first entry, I thought I'd share another first. Over the past few days, I've been building my first QR wagon kit.

For my first foray into the world of QR modelling, I decided to start simple with a Wuiske Models A Class wagon.

QR had some peculiar classification methods for their stock. A class wagons were any small four wheeled box wagons, regardless of their size or use. These were one of the most numerous wagons used in Queensland, and they lasted in revenue earning service until December 1987, when all timber bodied wagons were being withdrawn.

So, the kit. Upon opening, this is what I was presented with

Top left: two brass wheels

Middle left: Four buffers

Bottom left: two coupler pocket covers

Top center: two sideframes

Middle center: brass wire

Bottom center: brake lever

Top right: one piece body

Bottom right: One piece underframe

After cleaning up the mouldings, I washed them in cold water (according to the instructions, it helps remove the mould release agent)

Next, I had to source a suitable lump of metal from the shed to add some weight. I also drilled out the holes for the buffers at this point.

Once the superglue for the weight had gone off, I glued the underframe to the body, making double sure I had them round the right way! The four cut-outs were added by me. They are for the buffer sprues as they are just a bit too big.

Next, I trimmed the brass wire to make the rod thingies on the sideframes. If anyone knows what they are actually called, please, feel free to tell me!

Then, I glued the sideframes on, followed by the buffers. I actually got ahead of myself as the instructions say to put the buffers on before the sideframes, but I had no trouble doing it the other way.

After test fitting the wheels, I added the brake lever.

I still need to get couplers for it and paint it but the main building aspect is now complete.

Now just a shot of it on my still unfinished 2011 Challenge diorama.

I should hopefully be able to get some Kadee's for it this week, but painting might have to wait because the airbrush is playing up.

That's all for now. Next update may or may not feature the finished wagon but should feature a different project.

Comments and criticism welcome.

Matt.