western viscount's Blog

You make these Dapol brake van kits look so good, I have built a couple so far and struggle with the finer details, really like the roofs, I think i need to take more time on models, i have a tendancey to rush through things. Lovely modelling.

17 hours ago, down the sdjr said:

You make these Dapol brake van kits look so good, I have built a couple so far and struggle with the finer details, really like the roofs, I think i need to take more time on models, i have a tendancey to rush through things. Lovely modelling.

Thank SDJR!

 

I love the Dapol brake van kit. it's cheap and It's so ripe for improvements which can be done at virtually no expense (which is one of my primary motivators!!). 

 

Yes, i too have a lack of patience when it comes to wanting things done. I find painting and weathering to be the most challenging in terms of taking my time and waiting for layers to dry etc. I enjoy these small projects because there is an end in sight from the outset and i am so familiar with the Dapol kit it is like and old friend!

 

I have one waiting in the wings and hope to improve it further by using my own 3d printed replacement inner end. 

 

 

Cheers for now.

Those 3d prints will get rid of the round mould marks on the kit ends. I am going to try making my own roofs, the originals are too thick and never seem to sit flush, i have tried sanding them and its better, but not perfect.

I also try to scribe in the planking near the duckett that seems to be miss moulded.

Have you done the Dapol lowmac? i find the wheels are a really bad fit on them / out of square and derail a lot.

Thanks.

21 hours ago, down the sdjr said:

Those 3d prints will get rid of the round mould marks on the kit ends. I am going to try making my own roofs, the originals are too thick and never seem to sit flush, i have tried sanding them and its better, but not perfect.

I also try to scribe in the planking near the duckett that seems to be miss moulded.

Have you done the Dapol lowmac? i find the wheels are a really bad fit on them / out of square and derail a lot.

Thanks.

 

Yes, if i did nothing else to the kit, a new roof would be essential. I haven's mastered the technique yet as i get puckering along the sides where i perhaps haven't sanded enough. 

 

No, the lowmac is one i am yet to do. I did the JCB intended to be paired with it though. I have struggled with cambrian kits getting a nice square chassis. I use a piece of glass to sit the floor and solebars on. If i can, i also butt this up against something i know to be square then i place gentle weights on top as the cement hardens. Again, my impatience has lead to some pretty poor running wagons.  Also, as much as i love the Dapol kits, gibson or romford wheels are always substituted to avoid the wobble. 

 

cheers

Dave