NickM

On 14/10/2019 at 18:59, Headstock said:

 

Evening Nick,

 

many thanks. You didn't mention the time period that you are modelling. However, you may find this image of use, the weathering is quite distinctive on these carriages and how come you never see sooty roofs like that on model railway carriages?

Grey plastic is the new black.

Hi Andrew,

Probably around 1935-38 ish - still doing research so not set in stone - but that sort of period.  I guess that's the London Passenger Transport era.

Thanks for the pic.  Definitely will be some teak carriages, loads of weathering opportunities there!

Cheers,

Nick

Andrew - that BT 7 is wonderful and thanks for the painting info - that is very useful as I'm planning on making a couple of Metropolitan coaches soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

I'm amazed Nick,

 

On several levels..............

 

1. Though I was a 'reasonably-successful' teacher in a past-career (over 20 years at the chalk face), I didn't think I was that good! You claim never to have soldered white metal (successfully?) before. Yet, I give you no more than ten minutes of my time showing you how to solder the bunker rear together on that dear old thing, and, lo and behold, the bodywork is almost complete in less than a week! I can only put it down to your being a 'brilliant pupil'. 

 

2. You've graphically-illustrated how it's possible for a relative 'novice' to learn a technique and put it into immediate practice; with great success. Beginners can learn a lot more from this than they can from me. It really is inspirational! Instead of finding excuses why NOT to do any modelling, you've found the reasons why TO make models.

 

3. That poor old K's kit has been in my 'possession' now for about two and a half months.  It must have been first-bought by someone long-deceased, about 60 years ago (maybe more). Obviously, it's been in and out of its box during that time, because the box you bought it in was for a BEC J52 (of equal antiquity). Down the years it must have been acquired by others through more deaths (don't worry; it's not cursed!) until it came my way via a mate as part of a collection of oddities, mouldering away in the bottom of an ancient (and even more mouldering!) cardboard box. That lovely old 'Prince of Wales' featured a while ago was in the collection. I put it up for sale at £15.00, on behalf of CRUK, took it to a couple of shows and nobody even looked at it. Until I used it for that white metal soldering demonstration! And you then bought it for £20.00! Thanks again for your generosity. I think my future career paths might include second-hand car salesmanship or becoming an estate agent! Now, it's going to be a 'living' model. A unique creation, not something shipped in from far away (no matter how good) and the absolute product of 'personal modelling'.

 

4. You've made a 73 and a day year old very happy.

 

5. You are to be commended for illustrating what Wright Writes is all about.

 

6. Thank you.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Sometimes you just need a little kick.  I had always feared to bring a soldering iron near white metal - it just seemed counter-intuitive as it melts so easily.  I guess having soldered electronics for around 50 years I already had some basic skills, just never on white metal.  Once you showed me and I tried it, it just fell into place.   

It's amazing what can be taught in a few minutes.  You made a point about solder also being the 'filler'. Didn't mean much at the time, and against what I'd learned in electrical soldering, but, it's that that enabled me to make a slightly rough K's casting into something sort of resembling a model.  There was a fair bit of solder filling (and filing) needed around the smokebox and front buffer-beam, but by using solder instead of plastic filler I could do that in minutes rather than days, and the results are far better.

It's not just about teaching techniques and skills though - it's about inspiration and encouragement to get on and do stuff.  You have to try, and sometimes fail and then figure how to fix things.  I quickly learned is that the side of the soldering bit is just as hot as the tip and one careless touch will melt something.  Only happened once though.

As someone on the cusp of retirement (probably within the next 6 months or so) the thing I fear most is getting into an "I've got plenty of time, I'll do it tomorrow" mode.  I completely agree we need to find reasons to do stuff - that's not always easy, but sometimes a little encouragement and inspiration go a long way. 

I have an Albion Models M.S.W.J.R. 4-4-0 waiting in the wings once I finish the 97xx pannier.

Nick

34 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Nick,

 

Is that really that old K's kit you bought off me at Wigan? Just last weekend! 

 

What fantastic work. 

 

My compliments indeed. 

 

Thanks, too for all the good wishes today from everyone.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

It is indeed that same kit Tony.

Nick

Happy birthday Tony!

We met at Wigan - you convinced me soldering is the way to go with white metal.  Thanks for your time and patience!

The 'practice' 97xx is making up quite nicely.  It's going to live on a Comet chassis.

Nick