jasp

Why not contact Jim Smillie, after all, he is the Proprieter of Caley Coaches. Jim P

Thanks guys, Ian Terrell (NBR Developments) has kindly provided designs from the etch sheet he undertook for the Caledonian Railway Association CCT. I have a few of John Boyle’s etches for personal use but others may be required for possible further CRA wagon kits. Jim P

Can anyone please advise a source of either (or both!) of these W irons in 4mm scale? Thanks Jim W irons.docx

Interestingly, the magnifier highlighted by TheQ gets better reviews on Amazon than the other one. As a former professional user of magnification for work, with magnification greater than around 4 you will find the working distance too close. My own preference is 2.5 but good lighting is essential whatever magnification you use. Many of the cheaper magnifiers do not have great optical quality, my own preference, apart from expensive, progessional precision magnifiers, is a Lactona Loupe (available from some dental suppliers) lighter and less clumsy than Optivisor and a similar price. Jim P

Really nice layout, certainly reminds me of the station and the area.

I am aware of how AJs are normally fabricated but etched hooks have been produced - see Scalefour News 211

I am looking for the above in 4mm scale. Does anyone know of a source? Thanks

Has anyone used a Chinese company for one-off prototype etching? The cost of one-off A5 in the UK is around £90 - phototool, setup, etch, VAT amd postage - somewhat prohibitive for a test etch which may/not be satisfactory Thanks

Thank you for your responses I will try the vinegar.

I have some steel wheels which have light rust. I have seen it suggested to use spirit vinegar overnight. Does anyone have any experience of this, or other, means? Thank you

Certainly a loco I thought about building some time ago, but not now - too much else to do. I look forward to seeing the progress. Jim P

Some interesting, useful solutions. Thank you Jim P

Many thanks Richard Jim P

Richard Coincidentally, I have been asking on the CRA forum for a copy of the above. Would you be willing and able to scan, or copy a set for me in order that I can sell my kit? More than happy to offset any costs you incur Jim P email: jasp93@hotmail.co.uk

I used a piece of steel bar as a “hammer” with small pieces of coal in a tin can, then graded the coal. Better than a plastic bag. Jim P

Alternative magnets can be made from the flexible (rubber?) material used for advertising fridge magnets - can be cut to size with scissors Jim P

I can vouch for Metalsmith. Great service Jim P

I found the Weicon strippers limited in that the length stop did not set short enough. They also appear cheaply made (China?) There are plenty of equivalents, much cheaper On the other hand, although expensive, the DCC concepts fine wire strippers are excellent. For most wires I use the strippers I got, as an apprentice, in 1982. Jim P

Dave, these sheets look great. Would you be willing to make your Sketchbook file available? What did you use for the ropes - they look about right for 4mm scale Jim P

I can see no reason not to use an ultrasonic cleaner, the power in domestic ones is sufficient to free off debris etc but totally insufficient to “rattle” soldered joints apart. Once cleaned why not fill the porous area and rub down. Jim P

Lindsay Galloway produced a Silhouette file for a CR brake. Don't know which one though. The wee John Boyle one is very nice - I have one built and may have a spare etch somewhere. Jim P

You are probably aware of my CR interests, being the last Chairman of the CRA. The pic of “Mineral traffic heading West” shows the, IM(not so)HO ugly CR brake van. For a railway company that did many things so well, these brake vans looked awful. Most enjoyable blog, keep up the good work. Jim P

Have a look at nlsmaps Great site, particularly, old OS maps. Jim P

Great stuff Dave. Jim P