Gt.Shefford

Quick update - Instructions are almost complete, all 84 pages - I was palnning to get them printed and included in the kit until Staples told me how much they would charge (good job they sell office chairs as I needed to sit down after they told me) so they will now be on a CD. jonathan

That should be fine, assuming the software is a full version and not educational. Can't wait to see the track relaying train at its full length. Jonathan

Rhino5 I would suspect, I would suggest getting Penguin and Flamingo, Bongo is of little use, but if you buy the Zoo it will come as part of the bundle. Should explain to those not familiar with McNeel products - Penguin is a noto photorealistic renderer, Flamingo is a photorealistic renderer, and Bongo is for producing animations. Jonathan

Do you know what software your course uses, also worth finding out what royalty you will have to pay the University for using their software commercially? Jonathan

Open loops are just one of the problems when using surface modeling program. with a solid modeler such as autoCAD inventor, Pro-E, solidworks, Catia, etc the model is solid from the beginning. When I did the 08-16 bogie sides I used Rhino (surface modeling program) the software would check the model before creating the .stl and if the geometry wasn't 'watertight' it would cancel the save. Rhino has an analysis tool which highlights all exposed edges - usually the source of open loops and from there it is usually possible to 'patch' the model. Jonathan

Just a quick update. The initial plan was to produce a batch of 25 kits. Since posting the information on here and the DEMU forum I can now report that this first batch have all been reserved. To this end a second batch will be produced (quantities to be confirmed), those wishing to reserve a kit from the second batch can contact me at the new email address below I am anticipating the kits being avaliable at the end of Aug. The image below is a sample of the instruction sheet, so far there are 35 sheets covering every set of the build! I have set up a new dedicated email address - enquiries@clockworkideas.co.uk Jonathan

Not sure about a subject for a next kit. The obvious one would be to produce the articulated ballast brush box wagon which some 08-16 have, which could be done as a conversion kit. I was looking at the stoneblower a few weeks back although IIRC Pugsley is working on an etched kit. As for the ballast regulators there might be some milage there also a DTS is a possiability. Jonathan

Spent the last few days painting the test model in Colas Livery. Jonathan

To follow on from the model entered into the 2012 scratch building challenge, I can now report that I will be producing a mixed media kit of the 08-16. The principle components will be laser cut in Rowmark, with additional resin and white metal castings, and a sheet of etched brass comprising the roof and smaller details, and laser cut acrylic glazing. The kit has been designed to build into the two principle variants of the 08-16 – the 80RT and the 100RT. The main differences between the two are the bogies and ballast clearing ploughs, which are bogie mounted on the 80RT, and body mounted on the100RT. With a choice of bogies, three operator’s vehicles can be modelled Amey – operate 80RT Balfour Beatty – operate 100RT Colas Rail – operate both 80RT and 100RT Decals are currently being prepared, and a sheet will be available covering the three operators listed above, with two running numbers offered for each Amey – DR 73920, DR73922 “John Snowdon” Balfour Beatty – DR73926 “Stephen Keith Blanchard”, DR73927 Colas Rail – DR73913, DR73931 A major difference between the challenge model and the kit is that the chassis has been completely redesigned to accommodate a pair of Black Beetle motor bogies (one powered and one un-powered). An initial run of 25 kits is planned, with a further batch considered if demand is high enough. The kit will cost £120. No deposit will be required just PM me to have your name added to the list. Current plan is for the kits to be completed and ready to ship by mid August (producing the instructions now – they will be pictorial Airfix style) Jonathan

Depends, on a couple of factors. Measuring a Gibson wheel set, the width from outside face to outside face is 21.83mm, so yes 22mm would be ok, if the bogie was designed with internal top hat type bearings (you could file off the pinpoints on the standard 26mm axle). The width between the side frames on a Cambrian Y25 bogie for example is 23.9mm, these are designed to use brass cup bearings, and being plastic they are inherently flexible allowing the wheel set to be sprung into place - I suppose this in not possible on the grinder if the bogies are 1 piece resin castings. Could separate cosmetic sides fitted to a sub frame be considered? Jonathan

Thanks,for the update, I only thought Blackbeetles would be more preferable as they are avaliable in OO,EM, and P4 off peg. If a custom mechanism is being produced will it be avaliable or capable of being built in EM or P4? Jonathan

Looking very impressive. Any news regarding motorising the model. Will it definatly be a black beetle, and if so how will you to gain access to tighten up the bogie retaining screw? Tis issue caused me real problems on the 08-16 kit - I had to completly redesign the roof and chassis. Will you have the model at next months DEMU show? Jonathan

I've used the Cambrian Y25s on my autoballasters. Regarding the motor arrangement I would suggest a black beetle motor bogie as its avaliable in 00.EM and P4, its doddle to fit, doesnt reqire assembly, and as a bonus the cambrian bogie sides can be glued to it. Jonathan

Wish the same could be said for my NR yellow set. Some context - I am modeling Pwllheli in P4 and when I found photos of the MRA wagons being used on the ETRMS trial trains I needed no excuse to get a set. Having enjoyed great success previously with converting Dapol wagons simply by replacing the wheel sets I thought that the MRA should be no different. Gibson 12mm wheels just pop in and run freely and when refitted to the wagon and tested on a length of straight track the glide along, however show them the diverging road on a B7 and mine start derailing left right and centre (literally). I eventually tracked the problems down to two areas - (obviously the models are engineered for OO and not intended for use in EM or P4) the slop in the coupling bars, and the wheels contacting the wagon floor. Having tried removing material from the floor there was still no improvement. After a good deal of trial and error I eventually cured the problem by fitting 10.5 MayGibs and cutting some plastic washers to compensate for the reduction in ride height. I will also be replacing the coupling bar and clip with something similar to the arrangement used on the FEA-B wagons as on occasion during shunting moves the wagons have become uncoupled and the operation to re-couple the wagons is anything but subtle. All things considered I will more than likley get a set of the NR blue/grey wagons when they hit the shops if there are any left! Jonathan