Completing the 4mm NER 6 wheel coach

[MikeTrice]

Thanks Colin. Canon Powershot SX150 IS on Auto mode.

[MikeTrice]

After a slight diversion regarding vacuum pipes (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/84327-4mm-vacuum-pipes/) onwards and upwards.

 

Superb castings from Lanarkshire Models and Supplies: VP01 Vacuum brake pipe. Rather than relying on just glueing them in place, I have drilled through the mounting bracket with a 0.5mm drill and superglued a short length of 0.5mm brass wire:

 

 

My buffer beams are too thick to use the moulded mounting plates so these were cut off flush with the pipe:

 

The pipe was offered up to the coach end and marked with reference to the pin location:

 

The beading was nipped out with a scalpel and a 0.5mm hole drilled:

 

The vacuum pipe that is to go on the alarm gear end needs a 0.5mm hole drilled in the top.

 

The pipes are kinked below the mounting bracket:

 

The vacuum pipe is then stuck in place with superglue and on the alarm gear end the connecting pipe from the alarm gear itself to the vacuum pipe fashioned out of 0.4mm N/S. The top is bent through 90 degrees and has a hole drilled in the coach end to take it. T'other end is superglued in the hole in the top of the vacuum pipe:

 

Another view:

 

[Colin parks]

Hi Mike,

 

The coach is looking fantastic with such crisp detail. I have just re-read the whole thread and although I do not have much understanding of CAD drawing, the work you have done is quite outstanding. The way the bottom edge panelling is kept straight with the sacrificial support strip is very clever.

 

All the best,

 

Colin

[MikeTrice]

Thanks Colin, much appreciated.

[MikeTrice]

One of the issues with building anything, especially with no instructions, is working out the order to do things.

 

For example should I make and fit door handles and grab rails before, or after, painting?

 

First I have to make them.

 

A piece of 0.4mm brass wire has the end bent thus ready to be used in a Bill Bedford handrail bending jig:

 

Once the correct length has been determined the bent end is inserted through the hole. For short handrails I find it easier to put the unit upside down trapping the wire:

 

The second bend can now be made:

 

The surplus is now trimmed back:

 

One of the "prongs" is now flattened:

 

The partially formed handrail is removed from the jig and reversed so the other "prong" protrudes:

 

It too, is now flattened:

 

On removing from the jig you should have an embryo grab handle thus:

 

It might need some coaxing to get a good shape using a fine pair of pliers:

 

The result temporarily fitted to the pre-drilled holes accompanied by a Romford/Markits turned handle.

 

One down, nine to go!

 

In answer to my earlier question I cannot see a practical way to fit the handles before painting so will probably defer fitting for the moment.

 

[MikeTrice]

Grab handle using 0.3mm wire. I think I prefer this:

[Colin parks]

Hi Mike,

 

Just catching up with your thread.

 

The point about having no instructions when scratch-building a coach is a good one. You have got it just about right by saying you will leave the handles off until after painting. On the first coach bodies I built the handles were fitted prior to painting and this made the spraying process a bit more difficult, not to mention having to scrape the paint off the handles afterwards.

 

Re. the commode handles, which look to be nice and consistently bent using the Bill Bedford jig, they would look even more realistic if the faces were flattened with a needle file. As for the door handles, I have used them once and while they are well turned, the handles seem to be over-length/width by about 40%. This can be redressed by careful filing as seen here on this painted example, dating from 2010:

 

 

Having said all that, the plastic panelling work that you have shown here on this coach is exemplary.

 

All the best,

 

Colin

[MikeTrice]

I must admit after posting that update, I then viewed your latest effort where you painted the sides first, and came to the same conclusion.

 

The prototype grab handles are round, whereas BR are flat as you suggest, so I am not convinced filing them flat would be correct in this instance.

[Colin parks]

I must admit after posting that update, I then viewed your latest effort where you painted the sides first, and came to the same conclusion.

 

The prototype grab handles are round, whereas BR are flat as you suggest, so I am not convinced filing them flat would be correct in this instance.

Hi Mike,

 

Sorry I didn't realise that the commode handles on your chosen prototype were round. I'm a bit of a one-trick pony as far as knowledge of coaches (some SR EMUs)and their fittings goes!

 

All the best,

 

Colin

[MikeTrice]

Not a problem. Please don't let it put you off making further suggestions, it is how we all learn.

[drduncan]

Mike, do you have any suggestions on how to attack a coach that has a tumble home to both the sides and the ends?

Regards

Duncan

[MikeTrice]

Sorry never tried it.

[Blandford1969]

Sorry for jumping on an old thread. I have managed to get one of these kits, but am stuck. 

 

It talks about fitting the springing units 14 and 15, but I have no idea as the instructions do not help as to where they go. Does anyone have a photo of the underside of one of these that might help please?

[MikeTrice]

I may be thick but what kit are you referring to?

[Blandford1969]

11 hours ago, MikeTrice said:

I may be thick but what kit are you referring to?

Sorry Mike I've posted in the wrong place. I will make a separate thread