RMweb Premium Jim T Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 17, 2020 Steve - that's awesome, thanks for taking so much time to explain the process. I have ordered some (different) casting materials (F32 for the resin but a different rubber) and will try a couple of simple things at the weekend before doing a two part mould. I'll post results and the master up on the AQA thread over the weekend. Thanks again for taking the time to explain and inspire... Jim 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixie Posted March 18, 2020 Author Share Posted March 18, 2020 No problem Jim, my pleasure. Cheers, Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pixie Posted June 21, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted June 21, 2020 (edited) Evening all, I think it’s fair to say that the world took a bit of turn after my last update! In a parallel universe, where 2020 was a bit more normal, a lot of us would currently be somewhere between Derby and home right now. But, alas, it wasn’t to be. I look forward to the Diamond+1 Jubilee show when happens; apparently in France it’a tradition to give a Platanus tree on a 61st anniversary, so maybe we all need to tree to the show?! Anyway, since Corona I’ve done almost zero 2mm modelling. By spring time I’m a bit ‘modelled-out’ after the winter and tend to down tools for a while. Not being able to do that this year, I’ve reverted to working on the house - something the rest of the nation has been doing if the queues at IKEA and Wickes are to be observed. Most important DIY project has been the repurposing and fitment of a BR ashtray-bottle-opener, a short reach from the BBQ. This is between work, which has been ‘interesting’ to say the least. ‘Interesting’ to the point that I’ve concluded I need to do something different with my professional life. Although, given the daily news of impending job-market doom, perhaps this isn’t the right moment to be making such a leap. Anyway, back to modelling. Just before lockdown I submitted an etch to PPD for a few more item. They have been very good in keeping me informed during their shutdown and I was happy to see the it turn up on Saturday morning at long last. I’m always pleased with PPD (usual disclaimer) but there’s certainly a bit of variety in the quality of etch, sometimes they seem to lack definition and resolution. Still very usable, just a bit... ‘fluffy’. However, most recent delivery is probably the best I’ve had - the crispness is wonderful. Delivery of these etches has kick started my mojo and I’ve spent the weekend merrily year building stuff. First up was a set of Derby Lightweight ends - I’ve wanted to model Iris and the Ultrasonic Test Train for a long time and finally given up waiting for Bachmann to shrink their 4mm model. These will graft into the Farish 108 with a bit of cutting-and-shutting. There was a lot of guessing with the various angles and curves so I’m pleased the test build has worked out well. Next up, the Tribology Train shown up thread needed some motive power. In my period, this was mainly D5901 and I’ve spent the Winter working out how best to make a Baby Deltic. A spare Class 40 Body was acquired and having cut it about, grafted on some 37 ends and then covered it in 2thou Stainless Etches it’s staring yo come together. A rough mock up... ...and something a little closer to finished. Although there’s still a few bits to do, like the window frames and curve between the tumblehome and buffers to work on. A small etch but something I’ve been meaning to do for ages is a conversion pack for later D6300s which were build with split boxes. There’s a couple of machines I’d like to do, including D6354 which seemed to be a Parkend regular. One model to be finished off recently was a rework of a Farish Autocoach into Test Car 1. A good tip for the window frames - after years of trying to paint them, I’ve now standardised on buying models with light colour frames and using a Sharpie to recolour them. The model started out as a blood and custard example and an orange Sharpie made quick work of their recolouring. For non-railway stuff; I’ve become the proud owner of a load of Schuco 1:43 Opel Ascona B’s in the last few weeks. Lovely models and I’ve taken great pleasuring in sawing the noses off and grafting some home-brew Mk.1 Cavalier resin noses onto them. And finally, a landmark birthday happened in the family in April, as the Cavalier made it to 40 years old. Happy birthday ol’girl; the vehicle can now be officially reregistered as a Historic Motor Vehicle. I have a lot planned for the next decade for it as by its 50th I would like to have it back to showroom, concourse condition. Now the house is in relative order, I’ve started to work on non-critical area which will be essential for housing everything as it comes off the car. The loft is now full boarded out and lit, a fully ready ‘Cav-Crypt’ of spare parts. Next will be sorting the garage, it needs some work on the roof, boarding out the rafters and then fitting out with electricity/lighting and painting to give a clean environment to work in. Then finally I need to build a shed at the end of the garden to act as a workshop and house some of the heavier items. I think all the above will take me around 2-3 years which I think will be about right for was the car will need a good freshen up. Let’s see how I get on... I hope you are all well and sane amongst the madness. Cheers, Steve Edited June 21, 2020 by Pixie 34 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonas Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) Steve, your workbench is always an inspirational thread and those etches look sublime! I can’t help but notice something big and blue behind the 1:43 scale cars though... Thank you for the noses!l Steve Edited June 22, 2020 by jonas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
D869 Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Good stuff Pix. Glad you are keeping up the work rate. I especially like the DMU nose - always good to see how people tackle tricky design issues and those cab window surrounds coinciding with the angles on the nose definitely come into that category. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 and he calls that "almost zero 2mm modelling".... Cracking stuff as ever, Pix. I know what you mean about PPD etches, having received a few 'fluffy' ones recently, but as you say, those etches do look really nice and crisp. Anyway, glad to hear you are well and keeping busy. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Higgs Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 How did you curve the stainless roof overlay on the Baby Deltic? I have still got nowhere trying to curve my Bulleid coach overlays made of the same material. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixie Posted June 26, 2020 Author Share Posted June 26, 2020 On 22/06/2020 at 01:03, jonas said: Steve, your workbench is always an inspirational thread and those etches look sublime! I can’t help but notice something big and blue behind the 1:43 scale cars though... Thank you for the noses!l Steve You’re more than welcome Steve. Falcon is an ornament, but a very nice one at that. It’s amazing to think you can buy an RTR 7mm model of it really. If the company who are proposing a 7mm HST nail it then I’ll probably have a power car on the side too eventually. 20 hours ago, Chris Higgs said: How did you curve the stainless roof overlay on the Baby Deltic? I have still got nowhere trying to curve my Bulleid coach overlays made of the same material. Chris I warn you now Chris; it’s a bit agricultural. I take some Tamiya masking tape and apply it half to the etch. I then take a relative small diameter tube (in this case 6mm) and make sure that the alignment between the tube and the etch are perfectly square. Then simply start to tightly roll it onto the tube. Here it’s a simple TPO side with small windows but for a more typical coach side I would probably start with a bigger tube and get progressively smaller. I then untape it and turn the etch upside down and repeat to get an even curve. It’s worked well so far; I would recommend experimenting before using the method on any sides of great value. The below is the result, the line of a different hue is where the tape was, the resulting arc of the curve is nice and constant. Hope this helps, Steve 3 3 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixie Posted June 26, 2020 Author Share Posted June 26, 2020 A couple more test builds tonight. Firstly some bogie inners for the Metro Schlieren bogies fitted to three Mk.1s as a trial. The cut out for the close coupling mechanism is a bit tricky but I think it’ll work. A niche, but allegedly M25282 made it to blue livery with them still fitted. The Western roof walkways have also been revisited - the border just wasn’t quite right before so have been thinned down. Happy with these now - I think they make a real difference. And finally, a winged-but-hornless 24/1 and 25/0 headcode boxe that was fitted to a few machines. This is only test fitted to the body at present so it’s not seated quite right. I did vow to have some bits available at the 60th Celebrations a few post ago and, whilst the show hasn’t been able to go ahead, I’ve started to put together a listing of bits I have available which I’ll post up shortly. Watch this space. Cheers, Steve 15 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Robert Shrives Posted June 26, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 26, 2020 Thanks for showing. I went with a 3D print for my Iris but certainly your etch front is very good, Equally the 24 box is really neat and the western walkway gets my vote ( and money for 4.) when the time comes ! good news on the motor does it now make it cheaper to run ? I worry about other "fair ground bumper car drivers" let loose on the roads today and risk to lovely older vehicles like this that have reduced impact portection. esp as some driver 4X4 tanklets as if on a fairground ride - it seems it is fine to do a three point turn on the crown of a blind bend in Birmingham !! And look offended when 10 tonnes of bus hoves into sight deploying anchors... happy modeling and car restoring. Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DavidLong Posted June 27, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 27, 2020 12 hours ago, Pixie said: I did vow to have some bits available at the 60th Celebrations a few post ago and, whilst the show hasn’t been able to go ahead, I’ve started to put together a listing of bits I have available which I’ll post up shortly. Watch this space. Cheers, Steve (in the absence of a WhatsApp 'thumbs up' this will have to do!) David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Higgs Posted June 27, 2020 Share Posted June 27, 2020 15 hours ago, Pixie said: You’re more than welcome Steve. Falcon is an ornament, but a very nice one at that. It’s amazing to think you can buy an RTR 7mm model of it really. If the company who are proposing a 7mm HST nail it then I’ll probably have a power car on the side too eventually. I warn you now Chris; it’s a bit agricultural. I take some Tamiya masking tape and apply it half to the etch. I then take a relative small diameter tube (in this case 6mm) and make sure that the alignment between the tube and the etch are perfectly square. Then simply start to tightly roll it onto the tube. Here it’s a simple TPO side with small windows but for a more typical coach side I would probably start with a bigger tube and get progressively smaller. I then untape it and turn the etch upside down and repeat to get an even curve. It’s worked well so far; I would recommend experimenting before using the method on any sides of great value. The below is the result, the line of a different hue is where the tape was, the resulting arc of the curve is nice and constant. Hope this helps, Steve I'll give it a go. I have a large number of the sides so can afford to experiment. My rolling mill which does nickel silver sides a treat, failed to induce even the slightest sign of a curve in the stainless ones. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pixie Posted July 4, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 4, 2020 Untitled by Schtebe, on Flickr Iris takes to the rails. Pix 17 12 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killybegs Posted July 6, 2020 Share Posted July 6, 2020 ooh that's very nice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 Looking good @Pixie / Steve Long time no see no hear Hope you're keeping well old pal? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pixie Posted August 22, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted August 22, 2020 On 06/08/2020 at 13:31, marc smith said: Looking good @Pixie / Steve Long time no see no hear Hope you're keeping well old pal? Hello Marc! How's things? Hope South Wales is treating you well during these strange time. I'm alright thanks - going through a bit of a period of contemplating what I want to do with my professional life but outside of that, all is well. It would be good to catch up properly sometime once things return to normality, perhaps at a show or even for dinner somewhere? Whilst I'm here, a few updates from the workbench. I recently picked up the new EFE Rail Clayton from Kernow - it's nice to see another dinosaur diesel available in 2mm on the RTR market, even if it's one that's waaaaay out of region for anything I'm planning. It's a nice model and I'll bet my first-born that it's come from the same factory as Dapol's 22 given the similarity in construction. It even has the slightly misshapen BR double arrows that the D6300 carried. My plan for this one is to model 8598 in it's RTC days - I understand that it visited Swindon once to collect Test Car Hermes after conversion so I'll use that as a vague justification for bring on the Western Region. I've not done too much so far; just given the chassis a coat of matt black, filled in the headcodes, changed the arrows and tweaked the glazing slightly to try and remove the prismatic effect. Before... After! I could be quite tempted by a little shunting plank based around Edinburgh - a couple of Claytons and a few other early 70's diesels would be neat. Outside of the Clayton and Hermes seen above; I've barely touched 2mm for a while. A batch of 7mm Cavalier's are slowly coming together - from the A-pillar backwards they're a Schuco diecast model with some home-brew resin fronts grafted on. The idea is to build a model of every car that I strip for bits to keep mine going; I diecast shrine of sorts I guess. YKB 348W was the first car stripped in a scrapyard in Bordon on a scorching hot summers day a few years back; whilst LBH 78V was found in a yard near Evesham last February where it rained and snowed for every moment we were there. I think both cars have features on this thread. The headlamp lenses on the above two aren't quite right - they're a bit too square and missing the chamfer that blends into the shape of the bonnet. After a lot of messing around, I've found casting them in clear UV resin works well. Normal casting rubber moulds didn't work quite right as it seems to 'scratch' easily which was carried over to the UV resin moulding - in the end, I made a polished master and pushed it into Blu-Tac to form a one time mould. It worked really well and something I will experiment more in the future. My other half recently told me I needed a book end as my books on one of my shelves kept toppling over. So I've been busy creating the below - I don't think it's quite what she had in mind; but I like it! Some friends and I have spent a fair bit of time in Wuppertal as a base for visiting Intermodellbau and doing various Germany railtours - there's a top brauhaus in the old art-deco Swimming Pool there (between some very sketch parts I should add) and it's become a bit of an adopted home-from-home. Probably it's most famous for it's Dangle-bahn suspended tramway. A few years ago at Intermodelbau, I picked up a laser cut kit for a section of trackwork and a model of one of their new units that were being launched at the time. I've never really known what to do with it but after a bit of thinking it's become a bookend. The Wuppertal book is false - it's pages have been glued together and a slot cut to support that end of the trackwork. Inside the book is a more traditional metal bookend which then sits under the rest of the books. The original plan was to have a book on elephants as the left hand support as a nod to Tuffi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuffi) but, much like Tuffi, it was much to big to work! Finally, miles from 2mm, but rail-related. The only piece of furniture I inherited from the previous owner of the house was a set of dining room tables and chairs - they've had a hard couple of years, being covered in dust, paint, beer and take-aways as I'd planned to throw them away. However, I've slowly become attached to them but I've never had much love for the worn, cigarette-burnt brown fabric on them. A little head-scratching and some inspiration from a friend pointed me towards some BR Trojan moquette as a hard wearing idea for recovering them. After a couple of days of beavering away, I'm pleased with them! More soon. Take care, Pix 20 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PaulCheffus Posted August 22, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 22, 2020 41 minutes ago, Pixie said: I recently picked up the new EFE Rail Clayton from Kernow - it's nice to see another dinosaur diesel available in 2mm on the RTR market, even if it's one that's waaaaay out of region for anything I'm planning. It's a nice model and I'll bet my first-born that it's come from the same factory as Dapol's 22 given the similarity in construction. It even has the slightly misshapen BR double arrows that the D6300 carried. My plan for this one is to model 8598 in it's RTC days - I understand that it visited Swindon once to collect Test Car Hermes after conversion so I'll use that as a vague justification for bring on the Western Region. Hi I have similar plans for mine when it arrives. How difficult was it to dismantle? Cheers Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kylestrome Posted August 22, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 22, 2020 This should be of some interest to you. A 1902 68mm film which has been stabilized, speed corrected and coloured: Enjoy! David 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted August 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 23, 2020 Brilliant Pix, your updates are always a treat, Jerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John57sharp Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 11 hours ago, Pixie said: tweaked the glazing slightly Enjoyed your update, I wonder if you could expand on up your glazing tweaking at some point? I’ve got a Dapol. 22 with a touch of prismatic. cheers and thanks John 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin1985 Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 (edited) 15 hours ago, Pixie said: Whilst I'm here, a few updates from the workbench. I recently picked up the new EFE Rail Clayton from Kernow - it's nice to see another dinosaur diesel available in 2mm on the RTR market, even if it's one that's waaaaay out of region for anything I'm planning. It's a nice model and I'll bet my first-born that it's come from the same factory as Dapol's 22 given the similarity in construction. It even has the slightly misshapen BR double arrows that the D6300 carried. My plan for this one is to model 8598 in it's RTC days - I understand that it visited Swindon once to collect Test Car Hermes after conversion so I'll use that as a vague justification for bring on the Western Region. I've not done too much so far; just given the chassis a coat of matt black, filled in the headcodes, changed the arrows and tweaked the glazing slightly to try and remove the prismatic effect. Before... After! So many great projects Pix! Was the glazing trick just a case of running around the "lip" of the glazing with black paint? Any thoughts on converting the 17 to 2mmFS? I noticed from a picture Ben Ando posted on the N Gauge Forum that it looks like it has pin-point pickups. So it's a case of having to turn down the wheels, rather than being able to use any drop in axles? I've got one on the way from Kernow for my distillery shunting plank, even though they hardly ever made it onto GNSR metals, by the sound of it ... J Edited August 23, 2020 by justin1985 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixie Posted September 1, 2020 Author Share Posted September 1, 2020 On 22/08/2020 at 21:33, PaulCheffus said: Hi I have similar plans for mine when it arrives. How difficult was it to dismantle? Cheers Paul Hi Paul - easy enough. There’s 4 little screws to remove, bogies pop out in the usual Dapol manner and then the bonnets unclips from the running plate. I’m not a fan of the pick up ‘flaps’ which come down from the chassis block to the bogies and can see they’re going to be a bit of a pain to put it all back together again - I will replace these with coupling springs mounted on the bogies in due course. We’re you able to order more Tamper transfer by the way? I really must finish mine and would be verY appreciative if you have any spare. On 22/08/2020 at 22:25, Kylestrome said: This should be of some interest to you. A 1902 68mm film which has been stabilized, speed corrected and coloured: Enjoy! David That’s wonderful and hard to believe it’s almost 120 years old! On 23/08/2020 at 08:14, John57sharp said: Enjoyed your update, I wonder if you could expand on up your glazing tweaking at some point? I’ve got a Dapol. 22 with a touch of prismatic. cheers and thanks John Hi John, sure. It’s nothing more scientific that giving all the edges of the glazing which I don’t want I be transparent a coat of Matt black or, where there’s a friction fit between body and glazing, a coupe of coats with a black Sharpie. The main area of improvement for the 17 is the inner ‘window sill’ which disappear as when painted black. On 23/08/2020 at 11:57, justin1985 said: So many great projects Pix! Was the glazing trick just a case of running around the "lip" of the glazing with black paint? Any thoughts on converting the 17 to 2mmFS? I noticed from a picture Ben Ando posted on the N Gauge Forum that it looks like it has pin-point pickups. So it's a case of having to turn down the wheels, rather than being able to use any drop in axles? I've got one on the way from Kernow for my distillery shunting plank, even though they hardly ever made it onto GNSR metals, by the sound of it ... J Thanks Justin. I think it’s a case of sending them off to Gordon; none of the drop ins are a real starting point. I think the wheels move on the axles so it shouldn’t be a major job. Which livery did you go for? Cheers, Steve 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PaulCheffus Posted September 1, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 1, 2020 5 hours ago, Pixie said: We’re you able to order more Tamper transfer by the way? I really must finish mine and would be verY appreciative if you have any spare. Hi Thanks for the information about the class 17. I’m guessing you didn’t see my PM. I will be getting some printed towards the end of the year and wanted to know what number you would like. Cheers Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Hello again @Pixie Great to hear from you old chum My my, you have been rather busy! Such a lot of different projects on the go, and you've finished so many of them too. I liked the work on the Clayton's cab - the prism effect never particularly bothered me before... but it's a definite improvement. I like the 7mm Vauxhall Cavaliers too - my first ever car was a Vauxhall Chevette (Or "Shove-it" as they were affectionately known lol) But I particularly liked the re-upholstery work on your dining room chairs - super stuff. Wish I could convince Mrs S that we "need" the same thing South Wales is treating me as is pretty much always does. Work & music take up much of my time, that and looking after ageing parents (I'm the only sibling in the area - so that's "my job") But I'm well, and thankfully still employed at the moment. yes, it would be great to get together again at some point. We really need a catch-up, and a meal or a pint would be a great idea. Fingers crossed that it won't be too long before we can do that.... fingers doubly crossed to be able to get to a show again asap Cheers matey. Keep in touch, and keep up the superb modelling (& upholstery) Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin1985 Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 On 01/09/2020 at 16:11, Pixie said: Thanks Justin. I think it’s a case of sending them off to Gordon; none of the drop ins are a real starting point. I think the wheels move on the axles so it shouldn’t be a major job. Which livery did you go for? Well Gordon was super quick! Wheels back and loco reassembled. I went for green with full yellow ends, which will get a serious weathering. Spot the issue though! On 01/09/2020 at 16:11, Pixie said: I’m not a fan of the pick up ‘flaps’ which come down from the chassis block to the bogies and can see they’re going to be a bit of a pain to put it all back together again - I will replace these with coupling springs mounted on the bogies in due course. Playing around with it, it's remarkable how much the bogies are sprung upward. Pressing down on the loco roof, the body will compress down toward the bogies by about a mm - which brings the buffers much closer to the correct height! The existing pickup setup definitely seems part of the problem - I've noticed it cause problems on Dapol coaches too! Is your idea to replace the upright tabs from the bogie with springs, and have them rub against the existing flappy contact strips (but with tension taken out of them?). J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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