Updates on the project have been slack over the last few months...what with the summer, summer holidays and unfortunately work getting in the way.

So the project had its first public outing and made it through the weekend of the Lydney Model Rail Exhibition.

Armed with little more than the test track, completed work to date, drawings, info sheets and the SJ videos playing for discussion, a warm reception was received by those visiting the exhibition. People were curious to understand more about the prototype and provoked some interesting conversations.

It is hoped by this time next year a "layout in development" will be running so that we can start to shift some stock about.

Y01p Cab Ends

As mentioned in previous posts, work has continued on the YO1p Railcar cab end former.

Seen here in the final stages of shaping, the wooden former is finished and a test mould has been completed. Much discussion and thought has been undertaken about what materials to use for the cab end. An initial trial using plasticard was undertaken, heating it around the form; however the complex curves and shapes of the nose profile led to splitting of the heated plasticard sheet.

So a test mould was undertaken using Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The form was liberally coated in release agent and a mix of GRP and chopped strand matting placed all over the mould. The purpose of this cast is to provide a mould from which can then be used to cast other YO1p ends from. Initial results are promising and a mould is now complete.

Z4p Loco

Meanwhile work on the Z4p loco underframe

Seen here the loco internal sideframes are being milled to profile and shape and since this photograph was taken, a significant amount of work has been undertaken with the loco chassis in a near running state. Only the installation of compensation is required to achieve a free running chassis.

SRJ N1

The recent Lydney Exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to make some progress on the recently started SRJ N1 wagons. Originally built in the very late 1800, early 1900′s these wagons later in life were converted in to covered vans.

The intention is to model this wagon at pretty much the end of its life just before conversion and therefore livery will be nothing more than bare wood, staining and rust streaks from the various fittings and identification plates fitted about the body. Prototype photographs of this wagon are proving nothing more than illusive to find and although searched continue I am beginning to run out of Swedish search terms looking for photographs.

Not mentioned before the body construction is plasticard utilising the excellent stainless steel etched plus model bolt/rivet heads. Seen in the picture attached to the wagon the some what tedious task of going around with a sharp blade and removing the etch tabs off the bolt heads. You could argue why not do this before sticking to the wagon, however each bolt head is 0.7mm dia!

Further work has been undertaken to fit the side stanchions and handbrake gear with a few small details to complete. Underframe brake gear is still to be scratchbuilt from plasticard.

Thankfully the Parkside Dundas W Irons supplied on the BR Clasp Brake sprue proved to be a “close†match to the prototype and with a bit of work will resemble those found on the wagon. A set of re gauged Slaters finescale open spoke wheels is then all required to complete the build, prior to painting.

Gp Van Details

A start has been made to replicate the smaller details found on the Gp van…

Seen here the body side mounted door bangers have been fabricated out of a small lenght of aluminium tube wound with wire to represent the spring and brass wire for the door stop.

Work has also started on the underframe J Hangers.