cooley_boy

Shed: class 66

 

Shed: made of wood

 

Shed + Shed= class 66 + wood = KFA log carrier wagons

 

Can I claim my prize now

If it is that that would suck as I just finished my 15 conversions from Heljan units. 

With all the KFA wagons now finally weathered it is time to make a start on the Timber loads. 

Now near where I live there is a tree species of which the bark on it branches, particularly on the outer ends, looks like pine bark. 

So I went out and found one with some dead branches on it. Collecting the dead branches are far easier and doesn't hurt the tree. 

I then break off all the parts that I want with twigs ranging from 2mm - 5mm in diameter with straight sections on them to be cut out and recreate logs of 6" to 15" in scale. 

First step is to cut them to length and then stack them. I will glue them together later and them seal them. 

I will be looking at staining them slightly just the darken the bark a bit to look more like pine.

Huntley & Palmers Peckett on Ebay at the moment for anyone interested? Not mine though it is in Western Australia!!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/253414722559?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Rand

- Adams Radial - Steam = Anything steam has a huge interest and market.

- APT - Announced by a serial announcer who has delivered very little from their countless announcements.

- Oxfords War Gun - seems out there, but pre-/interwar period has a huge interest and market. 

- Bachmann Class 450 - The SWT brand lasted 21 years, with the 450 wearing that livery (in service) from 2003 to 2018 (yes still in the livery and branding) - 15 years and there are 127 examples of the class 450. Also, tooling costs already covered from earlier class 350 runs. 

Sorry I meant APT-E

In all these cases though. People will buy them because they are unusual, collectable or just nice to look at. Which, lets be honest, a lot of people will buy for those reasons which is great because those of us that would like these models for our prototypical layouts. The class 68 and 88 would fit into this category. 

In thinking about it there is also the Stirling Single.

In regards to the Class 73/9 we are actually in the same boat. Dapol made the Class 73 and so it would make logical sense for Dapol to make the modified versions. There are more liveries true but that would make it harder as there is a minimum run needed for each variation. With the class 88 there is only the DRS Livery and then just adding different numbers and names. The class 88s will in time no doubt have the same line coverage very soon a they are doing testing with them on non-electrified routes.

Just my thoughts.   

Of course manufacturers make models to generate profit.  I'm not quite sure why you seem to be pitching the 88 as this mysteriously 'risky' prospect from a manufacturers standpoint?  In terms of risk I cannot see how the 88 is any different from the 68, 70 or otherwise?  Sure, there are now more liveries for the 68 and 70, but this wasn't the case when those models were first announced. 

I agree here. 

Some of the models coming out at the moment are very much a niche project particularly when you consider where the prototypes actually operated in real life. 

For example: 

- Adams Radial which was very limited in is operating area. 

- APTs which didn't last long (albeit they are a collectors item) 

- Oxford Rails War Gun just announced  

- Bachmann Class 350 SWT Unit. Only runs on third rail and and now SWT lost the contract to run there.

There are more of course and I may be wrong in some of my assumptions with these unit but in comparison to the Class 88 there will be people buying these locos just because they look pretty cool. There are those of us who model modern image that would love the 88's to add to our fleets in recreating the present. Others will buy that just like to model what they see and others still just for the heck of it. In a run of 5000 they will sell out because no one else has them. As we have seen with the 68's. 

There is talk of Stadler wanting to sell more into the UK and these units with DRS being a test run / advertising for the other operators. Only time will tell.

I would love one, but Dapol have indicated that the level of reuse is actually quite low. Fingers crossed however.

 

Roy

Yeah I can understand that. Fingers crossed for sure. I would have though at least in the design stage that there would be some time saved particularly in the cab ends.

I have not seen this anywhere else mentioned So I am starting this thread to encourage the discussion of getting a Class 88 Made. Dapol is the obvious choice for this since they have made the Splendid Class 68 locomotives which share something like 75% (at a guess) of there parts with the class 88. 

I know I would certainly like 2 of these for use on my running line. What are everyone else's thoughts?

Image borrowed from Railpictures.net

Just about finished all the weathering for these KFA units. Here is a updated shot showing the detailing on the sides and Bulkheads. 

The next job is to now start with the making of the log loads. Just need 75 

Its been awhile but I have now finally had a chance to start weathering my KFA timber carrying wagons. 

These are about half way through. There is more detailing in the weathering to do and then next the loads themselves. 

Its been awhile but I have now finally had a chance to start weathering my KFA timber carrying wagons. 

These are about half way through. There is more detailing in the weathering to do and then next the loads themselves. 

Next thing on the books is to put sound and lights onto my two Patriot 4-6-0 class locomotives. 

I have Hornby 45528 - R.E.M.E. and 45531 - Sir Frederick Harrison which I will also rename to 45521 - Rhyl and 45532 - Illustrious respectively.

First Thing I do whenever I do an install is to completely disassemble the loco and remove all unwanted wiring as I always hardwire the decoders into my locos to ensure a solid connection. This also removes the change of the PCB failing on me and removes joints that could fail down the line. 

I will generally work on the part where the decoder will not be located first as this part is fairly straight forward to do. In this case the tenders are where the speakers are going to be located and so I removed the weight and cut out a section of the coal bunker to allow for a larger speaker and creates a bit more air space for the sound to reverberate. 

I will then cut the power wires where they attached the the contacts at the front end of the tender and will drill a hole to allow the wires to be feed through and out the underside of the tender and eventually up and into the locomotive.

Having done the modifications I will add Lead stripes around the internal sides of the tender body shell to replace the weight that was removed and will act as sound absorption stopping the body from rattling when the sound is on. This make the sound clearer and boomier. 

Once done I will place the speaker on the chassis and attach black extension wires to it feeding them out of the hole made earlier and I will also do the same with the pick up wires making sure to note which is right and left. I will also now put a piece of card in the coal bunker and glue in place to fill the hole made to fit the speaker. Later I will paint over this and place a coal load on top making it so no one but I shall know any better. Then I re-assemble the tender and that part is done. One thing to note is that removing the factory weight means I loose my locking point for the rear part of the tender body shell. I cut off the internal clip and when I place the shell back on I place a couple drops of plastic cement and this holds the shell on nicely.

Now on to the front part of the locomotive. 

Here I am placing working loco lamps from DCCconcepts which I have always used and fine them brilliant. Fiddly yes so if you have unsteady hands get someone who does to do this part for you. 

I first make sure to spray the lamps before installing them. I am using black lamps so I spray them a flat black to color them a bit and prevent any light leakage. 

I then drill the holes for the lamp wires to go through. I will do this a couple of millimetres from the lamp bracket and them feed the wires through and glue the lamps in place. I also tie the wires off around the buffers to help hold the lamps in position while the glue is drying.   

Once set I will now run the wires under the locomotive shell and into the boiler where the decoder will be. I do this by cutting channels with a dremmel and engraving bit. I will then use plastic cement and glue the wires down into the channels bit by bit ensuring to keep tension on the wire until it sets. Running the wires this way will make sure that they do not get crimped or in any way damaged when the shell is placed back on to the chassis. also if you braid the wires they are a lot easier to run and it keeps everything neater.

After all this we locate the decoder on the place where the 8 pin socket was and remove the lugs. Then place the decoder on a piece of double sided foam mounting strip. 

Next job now is to run the wires to the motor and connect all the track power wires along with the speaker wires from the tender. The Purple, Yellow and Green wires get isolated and put to one side leaving the Blue and White for the front lights. I put these into one end of a plug along with a 1k resistor on the Blue wire and then attach the wires from the lamps on the other end making sure to match the positive and negative ends correctly. The plug allows me to disconnect the body from the chassis in case I need to get into the locomotive for servicing later on. 

Last thing is to tidy of the wiring and get the shell back on and test. 

Next step is the renaming and weathering. 

But before I weather them I will be adding sound into my newly arrived Duchess!!!

Getting around to some more painting and this time working on the painting of the Hornby Mk1 TSOs. 

Just getting the roofs painted. 

And now after the final coat

As per usual life will through unexpected things in your way what has meant progress on some of the modelling project has slowed down. However, The carriages are getting there with the first 2 more or let done and another 2 just needed the detail to be painted on the bogies.

I am now working on finishing the TSO Mk2 Carriage (Bachmann) and the 2x TSO Mk1 Carriages (Hornby).

Hi Rand,

Layout slowly moving along.

I don't think there's any "proper" SK's left in WCRC fleet - they've had the corridor stripped out and converted to open seating. They've also done the same with some FKs - 13320 springs to mind.  Best plan may be to try and obtain a SO interior and chop to fit.

 

Cheers,

Mick

Thanks Mick. I will look into that.

Hi Rand,

Hope you are well.

How goes it back in Oz?

 

The WCRC fleet is a bit of a minefield - 99722 has been converted to a SO.

 

Cheers,

Mick

Hey Mick,

I am doing well and just keeping busy here with little projects. How is that new layout coming along?

I get the impression that the entire WCRC fleet is a hit and miss affair. If it really bugs you I can renumber it just for you =P. What would be a suitable number in that case?

I see the new TPE livery for the 68s is now revealed. 

Regards 

Rand

Hi from dodging Irma whist away.

 

Meetings did take place and they we're extremely productive, and were nothing but positive.

 

However when dealing with companies of size, its a process that takes time, and sometimes holidays, illness etc gets in the way. I know that one person within one of the organisations was ill, for a goodly time and as he was a large cheese nothing could be done without him signing off on the deals and then passing them along for others and then theres the legal departments and contracts etc.

 

So these deals affect both N and OO models so until this is done my hands are tied. However, rest assured they are terrific deals which will surprise quite a few of you out there whichever gauge you model.

 

Internet is scarce out here but thanks to a Starbucks coffee I'm able to send this but may not be able to reply until my return, whenever that is due to prevailing conditions.

 

Cheers

Dave

Thank you Dave for the update. Much appreciated. =)

Hi Dave,

Any updates in regards to these models? Nothing has been posted for a month.

Regards

Rand

The paint job on the Mk2 and Pullman Mk1 came out nicely.

On a side note I updated the tower case for my computer and this left me with a spare tower with no real use. Then I had a thought, which is dangerous I'll admit, about converting the tower for a new use. Up to date I have been doing all my weathering outside as I didn't have a way of venting the fumes outside from indoors. I didn't have the space or cash to buy or make a spray booth for my weathering projects. Now that I am going to be doing this more often I wanted to move this inside so I wouldn't be at the mercy of the prevailing weather of the day.
With this back story I looked at the computer tower I had spare and had the idea of converting this into a spray booth. It has 4 sides, a top and a base. I have removed one side panel which will be the access side and removed the front aesthetic panel to have access to the front grill which is where I have attached a 200mm extraction fan. I then lined the sides with canvas to absorb any off spray and placed a nice bit of timber in the base to spray on. All I need now is to find a lazy Susan.

On a side note I updated the tower case for my computer and this left me with a spare tower with no real use. Then I had a thought, which is dangerous I'll admit, about converting the tower for a new use. Up to date I have been doing all my weathering outside as I didn't have a way of venting the fumes outside from indoors. I didn't have the space or cash to buy or make a spray booth for my weathering projects. Now that I am going to be doing this more often I wanted to move this inside so I wouldn't be at the mercy of the prevailing weather of the day.
With this back story I looked at the computer tower I had spare and had the idea of converting this into a spray booth. It has 4 sides, a top and a base. I have removed one side panel which will be the access side and removed the front aesthetic panel to have access to the front grill which is where I have attached a 200mm extraction fan. I then lined the sides with canvas to absorb any off spray and placed a nice bit of timber in the base to spray on. All I need now is to find a lazy Susan.

They look amazing. Any idea what is going to be at the front (and dare I say back) of these?

Thank you. I have a WCRC Class 37 "Loch Laidon" for the tail and 46115 for the top. 

Have now finished building all my KFA Timber wagons of which there are 15.

Now the next step is weathering which will hopefully happen this weekend.

This is one of several of the modern trains I am modelling for the layout. The next one I am about to do is the Coal train of 40x MEA wagons from Killoch in Scotland to Wales. I have all the wagons but will be weathering them and getting loads from wagon essentials.

Have now got the first 4 Coach sides decaled for my 11 coach WCRC excursion train based on the Cumbrian Mountain Express. Next step is to paint the coach ends and roofs where necessary before placing the sides back on the chassis.

Have now got the first 4 Coach sides decaled. Next step is to paint the coach ends and roofs where necessary before placing the sides back on the chassis.

going by the photo above of the length of line to be modelled, how are you planning to achieve this?  I would say its about 1 mile minimum from tebay to scout green probably more and I think the total climb is around 4 miles.

 

is it end to end with fiddle yards or a sort of long roundy helix-esque layout to simulate the climb ?  its of hell of an undertaking to scale that distance down and i think youre modelling in 00 rather than N gauge.  Even in N gauge you would need such a big space (length not width) so it would be great to see a track/baseboard plan.

 

personally I would love to see such a layout in full length based on the early 80s era with all the usual blue and grey suspects and AC locos and speedlinks.........youd need a heck of a long room to house it though!

I will need some space. The layout will not be exact in length granted as that will require something like 300'!!!!. I would be looking at doing a loop over a loop with one being the scenic area and the lower being the fiddle yard hidden under the scenic area. This would allow for constant running and double the scenic area. As for the size I am thinking it would need to be 45-50' long and 10-12' wide.

There are some big sheds around. Working mainly on the rolling stock at the moment.