The Angry Scotsman

UTU coach window frames?

Cheers for that 👍 That’s me away to finish last night shift so will try and attempt something before I leave for Birmingham on Thursday for Model World Live. Are both sides the same on the sensor end with the recess?

Dang, never noticed that part on 977983. I assume it’s only the sensor end that is recessed?

I know for 2023/2024 PLPR2 was: 6264 generator coach 5981 PLPR2 coach 977983 OHL 977868 radio survey I do have pictures from September last year if required.

Well I was more productive elsewhere other than modelling on my week off. There was many days of rain so myself and Jacqui ended up tidying the house out for her dad’s visit next month. However I did manage a few bits. 983 has been fully painted, including the roof cut out equipment, under the doors and handrails. Gangway doors have been fitted and underframe detail has been completed. I just need a few nights to add the decals from @railtec-models. I am quite pleased with this version as I removed the roof vent that has been blanked and added aerials. I will also add blue lights to @LMSfan72 roof cut out section. In the picture as well is the Airfix underframe for 977986. This required the removal of the battery boxes and buffer beam from the laser end. A little bit more of tidying up and I need to ask Roland’s advice on how to build the new buffer beam. I also have a few ideas for the connection between the 2 coaches, I hope to jot a few sketches down on night shift (once more SMTH mentorship has been done, this is very important to me). I also finished painting up 977986 and added the orange cantrail. I however made an error and forgot to fill in the cutout on the ends of the gangways, so I will need to do this and then respray. I should also add I replaced the roe vac roof vents with ones from Shapeways which are the same as what Bachamann have on there Mk2F coaches. They are pricey but I think it improves the Airfix coach some what.

I wouldn’t worry, my first one was the same, and my second is still a bit too high but no one has said anything. That’s good work with 983 👍

This picture may help, the left hand roof vent of 983 has been blanked off.

Well done, some great design work to produce a locomotive for the Mk5 sleeper coaches 👍

Finally finished off the BUO in between night shifts (Back at work at time of writing!). I am really pleased how it has turned out and JC did a very good job with the finish. Roland was impressed so I will take that. I now need to start and finish the rest of the consist for this test train. The end power connectors (jumper cables) are printed by @LMSfan72 and really make the end of those coaches up. I also made a start at adding hinges to 977986 since I decided to sand them off for some reason. I got these from Dart Castings and they have done the job. I had to use super glue to attach them, and this was a new experience for me so lots of improvements, to be made to application. Today I re-drilled holes for the hand rails as they were squint and added handrails, I forgot to take a picture this afternoon. I have another night shift to go (OT for SMTH mentorship if you know). I have a fortnight off after that so I can crack on with 977986, start 977985. I also hope to finish off version 2 of 977983 so I can have a full Bachmann setup for PLPR2 consist. I know the Bachmann Mk2F coaches are expensive but they just have much better detail over Hornby and have the correct roe-vac roof vents.

Yesterday, after an epic 19 hour shift or so, I received my BUO from JC yesterday. He kindly airbrushed the coach for me (I’m still rubbish!). I am preparing the windows and end connectors and hopefully have it all together by the end of the week (back to work Saturday). I am really impressed with the finish and it’s given me the hurry up to finish the consist for this test train.

This looking very good Andy. I do agree that it might be better off just printing the roof as one and fitting to the body for extra strength. The benefit as well would that you can retain the air conditioning units that are above the cab doors. I can see this being a very popular conversion.

It was good to meet people at MRS, always good to put a face to a name. I did my usual of “I’m not buying anything other than what I need for modelling” but as always The Junction Box seems to have that loco I want. So Blue Peter was bought for the future when she is back on the mainline. That’ll be another support coach I need to make. A little progress on the test coaches just now, I started a new model of 977983 using a Bachmann Mk2F, again using @LMSfan72 prints for the OHL sensor (assuming it is a sensor) and underframe. I am hoping to finish this soon so I can get the PLPR2 set running, maybe on JCs layout when I pick up the BUO. I have also started on the SGT2 set and after speaking with Roland I am using a Airfix Mk2D coach for 977986. Windows all blanked off with a little filler required, door windows blanked, water tank has had the rivets and handles removed and steps and door handle removed (except the door that is still in use). The Airfix coach also has more detailed Roe - vac roof vents fitted. These are from Shapeways and are expensive, but I think it is good to get this detail right. Again, following Roland’s advice, I nervously cut a slot behind the water tank for that lip thing. I think it turned out well and quite pleased with it. I also attempted the design (slow day at work on Sunday night) of the aerial things for 983 and 985, so I will see how my friend will get on printing them.

I think this has been modelled for a friend some years ago. As far as I am aware they had access to the diagrams and a wealth of photographs.

Looking good, nice to meet you too. I also picked up a few coaches for scratch builds and for 43277 and 43274. I’m just recovering from Glasgow, Monday was mostly delivering Clucas Bay, then truck and trailer to friend, then helping KMS unload, me and my pal were back in Aberdeen for 1am. Can’t wait to go back to work for a rest!

I will be back with KMS again. You can’t miss me, I’m the tallest with glasses 👍

Some really impressive modelling here. Between you, @virginhst539 and Roland, I think I will have to consider doing 43277 now!

Many thanks. I tried using some ipa along the joins (I was doing full repaints) and waited a few minutes. I even placed the shell on a radiator too to see if heat would help. My current MK2F I carefully applied pressure underneath and slowly eased it away by pushing up, maybe doing a rolling effect if that makes sense. They are a as 5981 most of the gangway locating pins broke on both ends (I’m not sure what glue they use). I think patience is the key. If you get frustrated go make a cup of tea and come back.

I finally completed 5981 this week! I’m quite pleased how it turned out and using a Bachmann MK2F coach was good, the chassis was a learning experience. I will certainly be using this coach again as it has greater detail than the Hornby coach. I have placed Hornby’s offering of 5981 on the right to show how much more detail is in my scratch build. @LMSfan72 again provided me with the jumper cables, Roland created the new chassis details and I used brake etches from wills workbench. My next project will be 977985 and 977986 as this will be, hopefully, a quick and easy build. I will use this as the basis to upgrade the already built 99666 and 72630 to a more pleasing detail. Just under 2 weeks to go, I am looking forward to Model Rail Scotland. Yet again I will be helping with KMS and probably Aberdeen Model Railway Club.

Looking forward to the end product. Good work here.

Happy New Year all, hopefully all had a good time and achieved a bit of modelling. I was quite lazy on that front as quite busy with family and I also received some sad news from a good friend. But as he says keep pushing forward. I was also asked to do a few extra days at work and I am a menace for saying no to overtime! I managed some progress on 5981 this week with the two ends and one side receiving transfers from @railtec-models. I used 5mm Tamiya masking tape to try and keep them level rather that eyeball this time. I also started the heavy modification of the Bachmann MK2F chassis ready for the parts to be installed from Roland. If I am honest, actually enjoying the challenge and looking forward to the end product. I am hopeful to complete my ZZA snowploughs too, just the other window blank to complete and add working light.

@WCML100 I fully agree with @Shaun66, do message @LMSfan72 and he will be willing to help. I met him at GETS in Milton Keynes this year and a very nice chap to speak to and has helped me with his prints and also the board change for Caroline. All I ask is, like myself, he does work full time, so please give him a few days to answer messages. You will not be disappointed.

I was speaking to Roland, I am sure he will be happy for me to share the following photos of his handiwork

Roland is a fantastic modeller, he has scratch-built many network rail coaches and locomotives to a replica and is a great inspiration. As far as I know he only attends Falkirk model railway show and Model Rail Scotland up in Scotland. He is not on RMWeb (although I’m sure he will see this) and doesn’t do social media. Some of his models may appear on deadman’s lane.

Thanks for the comments. I get a lot of advice from Roland for conversions and he suggested that I use the Bachmann MK2F body’s as they are only £23 on the Bachmann spares website. It is questionable spending that money on a donor once you have purchased the chassis but for the extra detail it makes sense for me. I’m no expert, I just like to attempt and see what I can do and I try to encourage others to do the same. Slow and steady is the way. Thanks on the support coach, it was one of those occasions where I could get close on track and take many reference photos (I work in the railway industry). If required I can share.

I know, first time I’ve been off for years! Cheers for the comments, I’m hoping to have them both done for Glasgow for Roland to inspect.