snitzl

1 hour ago, Mikkel said:

Been back for another look. Am I correct that the loco is P4?

 

If so I do like the combination of (i) building something as mad as a train of loco-hauled market stalls, yet still (ii) building it in P4!  

Hi Mikkel, Yes it's all P4, I didn't mention P4 because some modellers seem to be put offf from looking at anything P4.  I've been a P4 modeller for about 30 years and just think of it as true scale modelling.

23 minutes ago, Mikkel said:

Snitzl, I'm convinced you're an alchemist. That gearbox is unlike anything I've seen. Apart from the engineering, I really enjoy the aesthetics of your models. 

 

A shame it didn't work, but it did take a while to get to the moon too. In fact, I'm beginning to suspect you had a hand in this:

 

Hi Mikkel,  There's  definitely some resemblance between that moon bugie and De Snitzlton, is that a little weird ?.

As for alchemmy, so far, I've managed to turn brass into usable components and scrap, but not gold ( two out of three can't be bad though). 

58 minutes ago, Dave John said:

That really is model engineering in a league of its own. 

 

I can see the aim of the uncoupler and animating the driver is a fantastic idea. Maybe in time a solution will be found. The basic engine is a solid design, I do like the compensation method with the split rocking axle block on the longitudinal shaft. 

 

The other thing is material. Brass. I have been saving up bits of brass from old electrical stuff for years, I expect you have been doing the same. Some bits must be decades old, but when prepared machine and solder as if they were new. The parts made will last for years to come. None of yer mazak rot and brittle plastic to worry about. 

Hi Dave,  I'm still enthusiastic and hopeful about finding a solution to animating the uncoupler and driver as I intend to do variations of this in other models for fun town, I just need to make some real progress on this loco first. When it comes to brass, I think I've inherrited Magpie instiincts, as like you, I still have some stock from the 80's.

1 hour ago, -missy- said:

HI.

 

You are a modelling genius! By far the best miniature engineering I have seen on this forum. That is amazing, even if you sadly didn't get it to work. I'm intrigued about how you formed that plate, especially how you got it to that shape with just pliers, a vice, and some steel rod.

I'm loving the gearcutting, that is something that has always alluded me.

 

Missy.

Thanks Missy,  I do nothing special when bending the plate, I should mention that I also make use of an engineers square and use rod to bend around that is about 2/3rd's actual size required ( it depends on what I have laying around ).  I've been thinking for many years about making a bending jig to make the process easier, but not got round to that yet.  

2 hours ago, Regularity said:

A technique commonly used in Split-frame Scale:

Hi Regularity, I notice from your images that the axles have insulation close to each end, do you know what material is used for this ?. I have tried styrene in the past, but the fit becomes loose very quickly,  thought about trying acetal or nylon but not got round to that yet.

Regards Pete

My very first scratchbuilt loco was a Lancashire and Yorkshire saddle tank. Here's a link, it's about half way down the page, on the left.

Snitzl's Scratchbuilds.

It's allways nice to see some chassis compensation done in the Sharman tradition. I've not thought of using the gold contacts of relays for pickup contacts before, so I'll definitely give that a try. Think I must have a fettish for brass and nickel silver, looks really nice.

Go straight to P4, Do not pass GO. Honestly, I started in standard gauge then changed to EM gauage and then later to P4, this meant modifying most rolling stock twice, which can become very tiresome. For health reasons, think long and hard before taking the plunge. I've still got unconverted stock from 40 years ago.

On 04/04/2020 at 13:16, DonB said:

A company I worked for had a Shadowgraph  in about 1964 which resided in the "Tool Room" where special tools were produced for the large-ish number of lathes and presses in the works. I saw it being demonstrated to a group of apprentices but never saw it used "In anger"  

 

Hi DonB, I've come across the shadowgraph a few times over the years, one in a toolroom as you mention and two other's in quality control / inspection.  Later version's of shadowgraphs are fitted with protractors and micrometer measuring. Not used to often, but great for checking micro profile's.

DonB, sorry for the late reply, I was just browsing the blog.

I have to agree with  earlier comments, what a lovely little engine.  It's left me wondering how on earth you've managed to find the room to fit a motor and drive system inside ?.

Looks really nice Dave John.  I've also had issues rolling boilers with or without the aid of a rolling machine,  therefore, most of my later loco builds now have the boilers turned from solid brass with the boiler bands included. Sometimes I also turn the fire box and add a rivot detail wrap.  They usually need boring out to make room for the motor but the added weight really helps with traction.

Snitzl

Nice looking prototype, I don't think I've ever noticed sandbox's mirrored in such a way before. Quality of the etching's look very good and you've made a lovely job so far.

Most Interesting, Thanks for posting....

I'm looking forward to following this. it will be interesting to see how you can work in such a small scale.

Regards Pete

I'm very envious, you have some interesting gatchets.

Just had to watch it again, great stuff.

Hi Corbs, Really nice, I just love that smoke.

I have to agree with kitpw, I've not seen this standard of modelling in a long time and there's so much of it. Some really nice details, the broken roof tiles, clothes pegs. Brilliant stuff.

Blimey, you have been busy, looks very nice.

28 minutes ago, Dave John said:

Very impressive engineering. 

 

The shadowgraph takes me back, I remember an optical instrument maker I used to work for using a similar device to inspect small components for accuracy. 

That shadowgraph must be quite rare, lets face it, who else would want one, only used it a handful of times.

1 hour ago, Guy Rixon said:

Why was the hole in the axle cut with a burr rather than a drill bit?

Hi, For no other reason than I prefer to use a dental bur on that particular lathe when drilling small diameter stock, it leaves a small concave without to much preasure.  I still use centre drill's, but when drilling 2.0mm dia brass they tend to get in the way, I can't see what's going on.

Hi Mike, In the past, I've made three models with this type of footplate and managed to make a reasonable job by cutting a piece of brass for the valances with only the top edge shaped to the footplate.  There has to be plenty of material on these valance plates to keep everything flat and rigid and they should have squared ends and lay flat on your work bench. It's only when the loco is nearly complete that the valances are trimmed back  and filed to the correct profile.

Your combination of metal and plastic looks fine though, should make a nice model.

Hi Dave John, Nice to hear a comment from a fellow modeller that thinks along the same lines. Like you, there's no doubt in my mind that Sharman compensated chassis make's a  big difference in reliable running and electrical pickup, so much so that I wouldn't build any rolling stock without it.  Thanks for the comment.

Hi Job, Nice to see that your still creating these wonderful dioramas in a Jack Nelson style, Its been quite a while since I've been on the forum, but it's nice to see some old faces.

On 28/01/2020 at 05:10, Jack P said:

I've just been browsing the rest of your work, this is Jaw-droppingly amazing! Truly micro engineering. Looking forward to more updates!

Thanks jack P, It's comments like yours and from others on RMWEB that provide a little extra boost in the ongoing projects. Thankyou.