RMweb Gold Popular Post Iain.d Posted April 24, 2021 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 24, 2021 (edited) Having been easily distracted from completing the refurbishment of a former Hornby Stanier carriage into something more presentable, I got taken with converting a Ratio Clerestory Brake Third into a MR 31ft 4 Compartment Third using a Bill Bedford W iron etch and a drawing I accessed through the Midland Railway Society. This is the body cut down and shims of white plastic strip added to replace the missing beading at the one end. I’ve also removed the end handrails and commode handles, which I’ll replace with wire towards the end of the build. Two partitions have been added to provide a little strength at this stage. I haven’t yet decided whether to scratch build (in plastic) an underframe or modify the one provided with the kit, although I’m leaning towards the former. But I thought before I do that part, I’d fold up the Bill Bedford W irons so that whichever chassis I decide on, I can build it from the start by getting the ride height correct rather than modify a built chassis. With only crude measuring done so far, I’m thinking I’ll need to recess the W iron platforms into the floor of the carriage. The centre wheel axle has been replaced with a 2mm OD copper tube (I couldn’t find any brass tube) with a 1mm ID hole through which passes a 26mm length of brass rod. Later today I’ll fit the guitar wire to the bearing housings and try and complete each unit with brake yokes and safety loops. Soldering on the additional/thickening brake shoes was a challenge to the eyesight…. Perth has gone into a 3 day lockdown until Monday night so there’s limited option to go out. It means I get some extra modelling time but on the other hand, sadly but understandably, our ANZAC dawn services on Sunday have been cancelled. Last year many, many Australians commemorated the event by lighting candles at the bottom of their drive at dawn, hopefully in Perth a similar number will pay their respects in the same way. Kind regards, Iain Edited April 24, 2021 by Iain.d add a word 17 1 1 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwr517 Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 Hello Iain.d, Have you tried Hobby tech for brass tube? As a builder of things I have sometimes found that they have what I need in stock.Good hobby shops are thin on the ground here in W.A. as you have probably found . I would like to see a photo of the coach when you finish it if Tony allows. I am an EM modeller ,GWR ,LNWR andMidland all pre WW1. Doug. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Iain.d Posted April 24, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 24, 2021 Hi Doug, yes I did try Hobbytech, thats where I got the copper tube from! Its 'my local' being all of about 10 minutes away. Its a good shop and has most things I need, at least on a day to day usage basis. I do hope to to show more of the build as it progresses. Kind regards, Iain 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted April 24, 2021 Author Share Posted April 24, 2021 17 hours ago, Iain.d said: Having been easily distracted from completing the refurbishment of a former Hornby Stanier carriage into something more presentable, I got taken with converting a Ratio Clerestory Brake Third into a MR 31ft 4 Compartment Third using a Bill Bedford W iron etch and a drawing I accessed through the Midland Railway Society. This is the body cut down and shims of white plastic strip added to replace the missing beading at the one end. I’ve also removed the end handrails and commode handles, which I’ll replace with wire towards the end of the build. Two partitions have been added to provide a little strength at this stage. I haven’t yet decided whether to scratch build (in plastic) an underframe or modify the one provided with the kit, although I’m leaning towards the former. But I thought before I do that part, I’d fold up the Bill Bedford W irons so that whichever chassis I decide on, I can build it from the start by getting the ride height correct rather than modify a built chassis. With only crude measuring done so far, I’m thinking I’ll need to recess the W iron platforms into the floor of the carriage. The centre wheel axle has been replaced with a 2mm OD copper tube (I couldn’t find any brass tube) with a 1mm ID hole through which passes a 26mm length of brass rod. Later today I’ll fit the guitar wire to the bearing housings and try and complete each unit with brake yokes and safety loops. Soldering on the additional/thickening brake shoes was a challenge to the eyesight…. Perth has gone into a 3 day lockdown until Monday night so there’s limited option to go out. It means I get some extra modelling time but on the other hand, sadly but understandably, our ANZAC dawn services on Sunday have been cancelled. Last year many, many Australians commemorated the event by lighting candles at the bottom of their drive at dawn, hopefully in Perth a similar number will pay their respects in the same way. Kind regards, Iain Lovely work, Iain, As always. Thanks for posting. Regards, Tony. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Iain.d Posted April 24, 2021 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 24, 2021 ANZAC Day dawn in my street A poignant and reflective day for me, if anyone is offended I'm more than happy to remove them. Kind regards, Iain 10 31 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Iain.d Posted April 25, 2021 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 25, 2021 (edited) So this is where I’m up to with my Ratio coach rebuild. I have done most of the chassis and found that I did need to recess the W irons into the floor to get the correct ride height. Half way through cutting squares out of the floor pan to seat them, I realised there were probably easier ways of trying to achieve what I wanted….but I persevered and got there! I did change the guitar wire(?) that came with the W irons for .3mm nickel silver wire. The main reason was that the guitar wire even when cut to length still displayed a curve. Initially the springing of the wheelsets was very good, but the wire is only held by friction in the bearing tabs and it rotated to a position of least resistance. This meant across all 6 wheels there were varying levels of ‘springiness’ and the coach ran slightly skew-whiff. It seems okay now. The brake gear is assembled on a best guess basis and I have placed the brake yokes above the axles (when the body is the right way up). I’m not sure if this is correct – is anyone able to provide a definitive answer? I did read some interesting stuff on RMWeb recently about brake gear on 4 wheel coaches, but can’t find it now. The yokes are only held by friction and easy to turn to below the axle. I’ve assumed the position of the vacuum cylinder and pull rods. The safety loops I intended to fit to the W iron bases, but it was too fiddley so they simply locate through in holes in the floor pan. And the right way up… I have sprung buffers made up (Wizard/51L MR 16’’ for Clayton Stock – which look the same as those in the drawing I have) and will now look at step boards and the roof. I have a couple of orders on the way from Wizard Models which have some MR axle boxes in. It’s getting there. Given its so quiet on the modelling front here at the moment, I thought I’d take the liberty of showing other stuff I have on the go…. Below is my last…yay!...Hornby Stanier rebuild…ever…. It’s a D2162 FK that is close to being done. Only the filler pipes to fabricate, the glass to cut for the windows and curtains to make, my least favourite jobs, which is why it has hung around for a few weeks with little progress. It’s going to be crimson and cream. I think Bachmann has this model in their range; I don’t expect this one will compete in terms of finish, but it will be mine. And I also have a couple of Ratio wagon kits nearing completion. One is a simple GW box van and the other a 5 plank open, again GWR. Not having a layout (I have 2m of flexible track!) means I have limited ability to test things, so as I build stuff I put effort into ‘being able to take them apart easily’ if the need arises. It also helps with painting. I get through lots of nuts and bolts and self-tapping screws! These will have sprung Alan Gibson buffers and I have added a few extra bits like brake safety loops and nickel silver strip door bangers. I have also made up the 3 link couplings for these, which are Slaters and incredibly fine. The open wagon will be completed to run open, so the underframe has been packed out with cut 2mm lead sheet. It comes in at 37g. Most of my wagon weights are coins that I build a simple plastic holder for – some can be seen below the underframe of the box van, each box being about 20g each, so all up most wagons are somewhere between 40g and 50g. Not sure how this will work out but it seems to be about right to get a response from sprung buffers and seems to give a sort of 'mass' when they're rolling. Time will tell. Kind regards, Iain Edited April 25, 2021 by Iain.d to remove a word 24 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwr517 Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 Hi Iain, Like many on here, I too make everything so that it can be dismantled. Great work. Regards, Doug. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tony Wright Posted April 25, 2021 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 25, 2021 9 hours ago, Iain.d said: ANZAC Day dawn in my street A poignant and reflective day for me, if anyone is offended I'm more than happy to remove them. Kind regards, Iain Thanks for reminding us of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC, Iain, I have to say I'm saddened these days at the ease with which some sorts 'take offence'. Stirring anthems, celebrating victories against oppressors are derided. Great speeches made at times of crisis are considered 'jingoistic' by (what is it?) the woke generation. Nobody wants to 'celebrate' the horrors of war, but it is right to remember those who fought to give us all the privilege to be 'offended'. Many thanks again. Regards, Tony. 7 49 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 As above, but very much more so, with a far less tolerant attitude to detractors. 8 8 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post PupCam Posted April 25, 2021 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted April 25, 2021 2 hours ago, Tony Wright said: Nobody wants to 'celebrate' the horrors of war, but it is right to remember those who fought to give us all the privilege to be 'offended'. And obliterating history just leads to a greater chance of repeating it ....... 1 27 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted April 25, 2021 Author Share Posted April 25, 2021 1 hour ago, gr.king said: As above, but very much more so, with a far less tolerant attitude to detractors. Thanks Graeme, Though I didn't watch the Duke's funeral last weekend, I read this week that one 'man of God' considered 'I Vow To Thee.................' obscene! Odd how things change, isn't it? Over 60 years ago, during my school assemblies, it was one of the most-popular of the hymns chosen by the Head. Pity the boy who didn't sing it with sufficient gusto; a thick ear would be administered.................. Regards, Tony. 7 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tony Wright Posted April 25, 2021 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 25, 2021 I now have a very sweet-running basic chassis for the latest Nu-Cast & Partners K2......................... Though I couldn't install the latest DJH motor/gearbox in ten minutes, this is about two and a half hours' work to get to this stage. Though it won't be this actual loco, it'll be finished to a similar appearance. 25 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkC Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 5 hours ago, Tony Wright said: Thanks Graeme, Though I didn't watch the Duke's funeral last weekend, I read this week that one 'man of God' considered 'I Vow To Thee.................' obscene! Odd how things change, isn't it? Over 60 years ago, during my school assemblies, it was one of the most-popular of the hymns chosen by the Head. Pity the boy who didn't sing it with sufficient gusto; a thick ear would be administered.................. Regards, Tony. Two hymns that, inter alia, make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up; "I Vow To Thee..." and "Eternal Father, Strong to Save..." - and "Jerusalem" isn't far off that either. All used to be sung with great gusto at School... Mark 4 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Compound2632 Posted April 25, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 25, 2021 4 minutes ago, MarkC said: Two hymns that, inter alia, make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up; "I Vow To Thee..." Proper attention has to be paid to the second verse, which provides the context for the first verse. 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Clive Mortimore Posted April 25, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 25, 2021 6 hours ago, Tony Wright said: Thanks Graeme, Though I didn't watch the Duke's funeral last weekend, I read this week that one 'man of God' considered 'I Vow To Thee.................' obscene! Odd how things change, isn't it? Over 60 years ago, during my school assemblies, it was one of the most-popular of the hymns chosen by the Head. Pity the boy who didn't sing it with sufficient gusto; a thick ear would be administered.................. Regards, Tony. Hello Tony At both my father's and father in law's funerals "I Vow to Thee" was chosen as a hymn as they both served in the Royal Navy during WW2, as it was the sailors hymn. The closest my father in law got to being a "sailor" in his own words was messing about the boating lake at Scarborough, he was a signaler and his role was to listen to German navy radio Morse code messages and these would then be passed on to the code breakers. As for school assembly hymns. Coming from Bedford, the home town of the rebel priest John Bunyan, the first hymn every Monday morning was "To be a Pilgrim". When I hear it now it sends shivers down my spine owing to the 'orrid memories of our head giving his do and don't lecture for that week. I have no memory of him ever saying well done to pupil, a class or a sports team. He seemed to spend most the day walking around the corridors shouting "Tie, Boy" and pointing at some poor blighter. "To be a Pilgrim" is the only hymn I have on list of songs to be played at my funeral, I had to suffer so can the rest of my family. 8 2 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 12 minutes ago, Clive Mortimore said: As for school assembly hymns. Coming from Bedford, the home town of the rebel priest John Bunyan, the first hymn every Monday morning was "To be a Pilgrim". Also known as 'He who would valiant be', I believe. I used to like that one too. Any good 'ol rollicking traditional hymn with a great tune and slightly convoluted words (adding a certain mystique) does it for me. 4 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Flying Pig Posted April 25, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 25, 2021 4 hours ago, LNER4479 said: Also known as 'He who would valiant be', I believe. In Percy Dearmer's effete and unnecessary translation for the English Hymnal, yes, but that isn't what Bunyan wrote - see e.g. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Be_a_Pilgrim 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium St Enodoc Posted April 26, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 26, 2021 7 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said: the first hymn every Monday morning was "To be a Pilgrim" Interesting. That was our school hymn too and was always sung at the final assembly of each term, so my memories are of it heralding several weeks of no work and all play. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tony Wright Posted April 26, 2021 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 26, 2021 A few more hours' work yesterday got me to this stage with the new K2. The castings certainly benefit from being produced from new moulds. They're all crisp, free from distortion and with minimal flash. Did I read last year that Nu-Cast K2 kits have gone for inflated prices on eBay? Not any more! 25 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium D.Platt Posted April 26, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 26, 2021 Morning Tony Is the scale drawing included in the kit ? I do like the looks of a K2 although I never saw one , I may break one of my golden rules . Dennis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted April 26, 2021 Share Posted April 26, 2021 I picked one up not long ago from Hattons for about £50. Definitely a bargain as it has a full set of wheels. I don't think it had even been out of the box as everything was still in the corrugated cardboard wrapped in Sellotape. Fine apart from a lack of instructions which seems to be common with pre owned kits. Not really a problem as it doesn't look like a complicated kit apart from the valve gear and I'm assuming the construction will be similar to others such as the B1 and K1 which I do have the instructions for. I also bought a SE Finecast K3 at the same time so probably from the same original owner. That was a similar price. So there are still bargains. The problem with eBay is people with deep pockets will bid high prices thus inflating the market. Usually it's two bidders competing with each other and thereby pushing the price up. Highest price for an unbuilt kit I've seen was a M&L GWR The Great Bear 4-6-2 which sold for over £400! Jason 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted April 26, 2021 Author Share Posted April 26, 2021 6 hours ago, D.Platt said: Morning Tony Is the scale drawing included in the kit ? I do like the looks of a K2 although I never saw one , I may break one of my golden rules . Dennis Good afternoon Dennis, There are three 'exploded' drawings, but no scale drawing. The one I use is the Isinglass one. Regards, Tony. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted April 26, 2021 Author Share Posted April 26, 2021 4 hours ago, Steamport Southport said: I picked one up not long ago from Hattons for about £50. Definitely a bargain as it has a full set of wheels. I don't think it had even been out of the box as everything was still in the corrugated cardboard wrapped in Sellotape. Fine apart from a lack of instructions which seems to be common with pre owned kits. Not really a problem as it doesn't look like a complicated kit apart from the valve gear and I'm assuming the construction will be similar to others such as the B1 and K1 which I do have the instructions for. I also bought a SE Finecast K3 at the same time so probably from the same original owner. That was a similar price. So there are still bargains. The problem with eBay is people with deep pockets will bid high prices thus inflating the market. Usually it's two bidders competing with each other and thereby pushing the price up. Highest price for an unbuilt kit I've seen was a M&L GWR The Great Bear 4-6-2 which sold for over £400! Jason Thanks for that Jason, The valve gear for a K2 is different from later-build LNER locos in that the crossheads fit between two slidebars - LMS and GWR style - rather than a 'single' slipper arrangement. It's not too complicated, however. If you contact Dave Ellis at Nu-Cast, I'm sure he'll send you a set of instructions, the difference being that your kit (if it's old) will have a white metal lump for a chassis, rather than the etched brass one now supplied. If it has the lump, it might be a good idea to request an etched one from Dave; the fit is just the same. Regards, Tony. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tony Wright Posted April 26, 2021 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 26, 2021 Having built most of the K2's tender this morning, attention was then turned to testing............................ Though I accept that not everyone has a largish trainset to thoroughly test models in the course of construction, but I consider this process to be vital. So far, the new K2 has passed with 'flying colours', with no shorting, binding, stuttering, jerking and derailments. Time to carry on with its building......................... 24 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wright Posted April 26, 2021 Author Share Posted April 26, 2021 A request, please, to all those lovers of things further west..................... Does anyone know where this is? Clearly, ex-GWR, and near a station? The goods shed at a higher level might give a clue, but I don't have any. Thanks in anticipation. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now