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The Fatadder

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  1. The Fatadder
    Continuing from my thread on oldRMweb, I have made a little more progress on my rake of Foster Yeoman PTA
    The underframe ribs are now completed, adding the reinforcements to the outer headstocks and the wider ribs over the bogies.
    The headstock reinforcement was fabricated with the chopper set to carefully cut along its length to get the two heights (a further small step needed removing from one corner to allow clearance over the packing pieces which support the ribs.
    Whereas the ribs themselves were cut from 60thou strip laminated either side of a further piece of 60tho to get the width. This ensured an accurate cut (the chopper dosn't like really thick plastic). Given that the bogie bolts go right through the middle of the rib, I fabricated it in 2 halves with a 3mm gap in the centre for clearance.
     
    Once this was completed, the other major task was preparing the inner headstocks for Kaydees, In order that they could offer both inner and outer wagons, Lima moulded one headstock attached to the chassis, and the other to the body. The chassis mounted headstock was lost when I started this project (when the old chassis was binned) so to save time these were replaced with plasticard (with the kaydee hole cut off model). For the other end I kept the lima headstock (for strength), so it needed the holes cutting out. Thankfully the plastic used on these wagons is very soft, so it was a very quick job cutting out the five holes!
     
    The below photo shows the current state of the work:

     
    The next job is going to be fitting the tops to the ribs (10 thou evergreen strip), followed by the underframe equipment. Once this is out the way the final job will be preparing the bogie retention bolts (which are going to be counter sunk into the floor of the wagon, then glued in place.) After which it will be ready for painting (or more to the point doing the other 5 wagons!) I've just dug out the bogies I brought for this rake a long time back, and they were a lot worse than I remembered. As such, its not going to be possible to finish until new bogies are available, which is probably the reason why I havent done much more on this.....
     
    That said, I have been looking at how I am going to finish them, My link from Paul Bartlett may provide the inspiration to get another project finished. A long time back I brought one of the intercity Models etched kits for the second wagon in that set, while the floor is bodged beyond use, Im thinking about soldering up the sides and bogies and using with a plasticard chassis to add something a bit different to go with the rake.
     
    I have been wondering what to do about the livery for them, it seems that there was a change of livery in 1989, but I was wondering if this version (Caib branding with the big Y yeoman logo) had appeared in 88...
    My thinking at the moment tends towards an ex works set in the new livery and a very weathered set in the old. Or doing a set in Yeoman and a set in ARC...
     
    To go with it I have a set of 12 POA boxes (in Yeoman and Tiger grey), a set of PGAs (mix of Hornby and Lima awaiting detailing, although the latter is very tempting for gunnul conversion.....)
     
    And of course a couple of 59s which are part fitted with Bachmann 66 innards (and desperately want finishing...)
  2. The Fatadder
    So with the D95 coaches rather stuck awaiting an order of some new 0.5mm drill bits, it was time to get started on the next project. Detailing an Airfix autocoach as a diagram A30, with the Dart Castings detailing kit.
     
    The first step was to completely dismantle the donor coach, followed by preparation of the shell and chassis removing moulded detail
    This consisted of the removal of hand rails, door handles, lamp irons, end steps, underframe trusses and battery boxes.
    Unfortunately I was a little hasty in my reading of the instructions, and completely missed that it included new side steps….
     
    The first job was the replacement of the underframe truss. As I was unaware of the replacement steps, I kept the truss that goes through them, fabricating a replacement truss for the remainder (missing 12mm or so from one end.) This was soldered up from square section brass to match the plastic remains.
     
    This was followed by the battery boxes (for which I did away with the etched handles replacing with brass wire.) These didn’t go together quite so easily as the Frogmore ones used on the D95s.
     
    Next up the auto working equipment, this was formed slowly working step by step adding more and more material. Before adding the final rods I replaced the bogies (now fitted with P4 wheels) and drilled the holes for screw couplings.
     
    Moving to the body, it was a simple case of adding the replacement details (thankfully a few spares are also included). Managed to get through 4 of my 0,4mm drills in the process…..
     
    With the outside finished, all that remained was to paint the interior and then glue the cab interior fittings into position, and the model is now ready for painting (once it warms up!) along with the E116 B Set, D95s and H33. Hopefully will get a couple more coaches finished in the near future as well….
    I think a couple of sunshine stock conversions would be good, then there is the thoughts about modelling a Weston-Super-Mare set after the Centenaries were transferred post war………
     
    But first I want to get on with some kit building, Manor or 2251 body or maybe a chassis for my County……
  3. The Fatadder

    Class 67 Detailing

    By The Fatadder,

    Resurrecting a topic from the old rmweb,
     
    I've just set about making the final changes to my artwork, and hit the email button to send it off. Looking forward to getting it back and finally being able to finish off my fleet!
     
    Having a serious think at the moment about my choice of locos, with the Hornby EWS management train pack looking incredibly tempting. Just wish they would do it without the name (and include a set of etched plates), as really I want it with the original name......
     
    My planned fleet comprises:
    67005 in Royal Train - Detailed Hornby
    67006 in Royal Train - Respray to match the Hornby model.
    66009 in EWS - This will be a complete respray to get the colours right
    66029 in EWS Silver - Detailed Hornby model, with nameplates removed.
     
    Amongst other things listed in more detail on oldRMweb, work includes a complete rebuild of the underframe to correct the bogies, separate components and correct the headstock/front fairing. Lots of etched bits to improve the body, new wheels, sprung buffers (Hornby 60), full lighting and finally the two lima models (what will be come 006 and 009) will be getting replacement motors.
     
    Hopefully the etches wont take too long to come back to me, and all being well they should be available soon....
     



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  4. The Fatadder

    A Class 66 fleet

    By The Fatadder,

    A start of a project I have been meaning to get on with for a while now, a sequence of blog posts detailing the stock for the layout starting off with my Class 66s.
     
    The work:
    Conversion to P4 has been completed using the Bachmann gears with Keen Maygib wheels on the outer axles and black beetle wheels on the centre axles.
    DCC is either by Lenz Golds, or loksound (although the loksound fitted locos are intended to revert back to golds and have the sound reblown as something a little more interesting.)
    The same basic detailing has been added to the whole fleet, adding sand pipes, air break pipes, bogie details and drilling out the buffer beam lashing eyes.
     
    EWS
    66001
    This has been renumbered to 001, with a number of modifications to accurately model the loco in 2003, gaining EWS red grills, revised lifting eyes and the removal of the buckeye couplings. The EWS gold stripe has been completely resprayed partly to correct the colour, but also to further help eliminate the remains of the original numbers (which were a pain to get rid of.... Given that it's modelled in 2003 condition, some of the original differences between 001 and the rest of the fleet (such as the horn grills) have been rebuilt to match the production.
    One final job that still needs doing is painting the multiple working jumper white to match the prototype photo.

    http://busnut.fotopi...t/p1368423.html
     
    66135
    Couldnt see any real reason to bother renumbering this, but detailing has been focused on the buffer beams in order to accurately model the coupling arrangement. using the spare buckeye coupling removed from 66001 it was possible to add the buckeye to the other end (cut down so that it fits next to a romford screwlink and dosn't foul the buffers.) Fitting the operating linkage for the buckeye requires removing the left hand lashing eyes (as per the prototype), it was then painted (still needs a coat of yellow...) and glued into position.

    http://phillip.fotop...et/p400804.html
     
    Freightliner
    66539
    This is the next project in line for some work (just as soon as I source some transfers.) its currently a standard model of 66610, but an Intermodal loco would be a lot more useful to the layout.....
    http://carl-watson.f.../p11197338.html
     
    GBRF
    66705
    Bachmann release which had the blue sides resprayed (again failure to perfectly remove the original numbers), has then had the large flags applied along with the new numbers. Still needs a coat of varnish to hopefully force the transfers to stay in position as a couple of bits have lifted since application...
    Will add a photo of the model in the morning (once we have some light)....

    http://johnlawonther.../p34561822.html
     
    66709
    This is probably the loco which has had the smallest amount of work, other than fitting a sound decoder, the included nameplates and the usual work mentioned above.
    http://theironroad.f...ic.net/p52932264.html
     
    The final locos in my fleet 66405 (now with a correctly painted roof), 66522 and 'Eddie the engine' are now surplus (unless in the case of 405 I find evidence showing it in the south in 2003)
     
  5. The Fatadder
    Yesterday saw a start at last to the modelling of the first B set for Cheddar,
    Working with an Airfix b set and the notes on Tim Venton's website http://www.tventon.freeserve.co.uk/bset2.htm I am working on the following improvements:
     
    Removing the fictional inner end detail
    Replacing outer end detail with separate fittings
    Adding missing handrails
    Filling in extra guard window
    Chassis improvements
    new headstocks,
    laserglaze (if it becomes available)
    I am still unsure as to whether or not I will attempt to correct the door handles, the fact that I know it is wrong bugs me, but I am not sure it bugs me enough to fix it.
     
    So far: I have removed the glazing, cutting the body retention clips off the glazing and gluing them into position. the guards window was then removed and glued in place prior to covering with filler.
     
    All detail was removed from both ends, on the inner end to remove fittings that are not present on the prototype and on the outer ends to fit separate fittings in an attempt to ensure a consistency of detailing with future kit built coaches.
     
    The curved headstocks were chopped off the chassis, a replacement made from 3 sections of evergreen strip and a reinforcing lump of 80thou were glued in position. Now trying to find a close up photo of the E140 type b set to identify if there is any additional bufferbeam detailing that needs to be added (along with the couplings and buffers that I have yet to buy.)
     
    Chassis wise so far I have only worked on preparations, removing the incorrect battery box and the lumps representing the vac bits and replacing the length of truss that was lost with the battery box. Not sure if its needed or not (not knowing the prototype well enough) but I added cross pieces on the centre of the truss.
  7. The Fatadder
    Today I finally picked up one of Ratio's new type 7 GW signal box intended for "Drayott" (I really should come up with a better name, and rename this blog to differentiate from Uglypug's rather excellent sounding Cheddar project.)
     
    So far I have built the core of the structure, the base could have done with a little more support in the centre to hold the floor in place, but other than that the parts pretty much fell together.
    The floor has been put in position on the second photo to ensure the walls are square. it will then be removed to fit the lower windows, post painting the brick.
     
    One disappointing aspect of the kit is the lack of interior, a kit will be purchased shortly to enable it to be finished off!
     
    I have now painted the windows in GW cream, the idea being that I will then cut individual pains of glass from the clear plastic, and flush glaze (thus avoiding the side of the plastic stuck behind the windows getting into the interior.
     
    Hopefully will get the brickwork painted over the next few nights.....
  8. The Fatadder
    Over the time RMweb has been offline I have been getting on with a couple more wagons:
     
    The first is a Hornby CDA, the intention with this was to get a wagon working reliably enough to be used for track testing on Bodmin, The CDAs I had converted with Exactoscale wheels on the last layout were very unreliable (part due to the finer wheel profile, part due to the awful axle design), as such I've decided to go with Maygibs for the fleet which will hopefully be fitted with etched break disks.
    In order to provide clearance I have attacked the insides of the wirons with a milling bit in the dremmel opening them out to accept scale wheels.
     
    I have also started work on looking at how I am going to detail them up, at the moment I am looking at:

    New roof Add missing end detail New buffers Remove fictional ballast box New couplings Drill slots in the side Thin the tops of the sides Of course given the fundamental errors with the basic shape of the hopper it wont be perfect, but hopefully it will get it passable. The sooner someone makes a decent HAA/CDA in 4mm scale the better!
    The plan is to have one rake in their original blue livery with ECC logos, and a second rake in EWS condition.
     
    ________________________________________________________
     
     
    The next wagon to go through the works was a Dapol KIA in Tiphook blue livery. Was rather disappointed by the model as it came, missing half its lettering and with shockingly bad quality control (the whole thing fell to bits after taking it out the box). Still so far I have glued all of the 'steel' loads in place (giving a little bit of extra weight) then glued the roof/end into position (they kept falling off the model). final job so far was to cut 4 lugs off the inside of each bogie in order to be able to fit proper wheels. Still want to do some more work, including adding the missing lettering, getting rid of the rubbish buffers and the hugely overscale hand-break wheels.

     
    ________________________________________________________
     
    The final wagon is a Bachmann VDA, this has been renumbered, fitted with Bill Bedford suspension and 51L axleboxes, and converted to P4 using a set of Colin Craig 10.5mm wheels. Just needs some couplings, extra weight and a bit of black paint on the w-irons now...

     
    ________________________________________________________
    Along with the wagons I have been working on was a Regional Railways Bachmann 150, This is the start of another major detailing project which is principally concerned with getting rid of the OTT all axle drive mechanism that Bachmann fitted and replacing it with a full inertia, black beetle (or similar) motor bogie and clear windows.
     
    So far I have been concentrating on the non powered end (mostly because I need to have a 150 available for testing clearances on the new layout.) Working off some incorrect information I fitted it with some disk fitted wheels (which now need to be replaced with plain ones). Thankfully the wheels just droped in (and better still the breaks are in the right place!)

  9. The Fatadder

    Gwr open c

    By The Fatadder,

    Currently on my work bench is a wagon I have been after for some time, a Ratio kit for a GW Open C.
    I think I am right in saying this is a 30 year old kit, but the crispness in some of the mouldings is still rather good, all be it slightly let down in some of the finer components.
     
    The solebars come moulded as part of the sides, I think this has the net result of making them significantly over width (while the body looks like it matches the drawings in Ackins et al).
     
    I have chosen to model the example photographed within Ackins (which is also repeated on the Ratio packaging). When finished it will be painted in the post war GW livery and loaded with some large diameter pipes for delivery to the reservoir at Cheddar.
     
    Construction started with the 2 piece floor, I removed the necessary ribs from the underside to provide clearance for Bill Bedford springing units, before gluing the two halves together. An inch length of Brass U channel was superglued in the centre across the joint to add further strength.
     
    Next the body was constructed, ensuring all was square, before carefully cutting off the corners of the headstock to get the required angles. Buffers were replaced with some castings of the later type (again working from the Ackins photo)
     
    Moving onto the chassis, it suffers from an unusual problem. The solebars are too wide apart (by approx. half a mm each side) which makes the etched W irons look a bit strange recessed so far in. To solve this I took the plastic W irons Ratio supply, removed a channel for the bearing to move in, and glued in place overlaying the etching. (God knows how you get this kit to work in OO!)
     
    Finally break gear was cobbled together with the Ratio shoes, V hangers and leavers along with various scratch built brackets and rods, working from photos. Not 100% accurate, but good enough for the layout.
  10. The Fatadder

    HST modelling

    By The Fatadder,

    Way back in 2008 I purchased two pairs of Hornby HST powercars, at the time I converted the intercity pair to P4 and fitted buckeye couplings. While the Intercity pair (for Great Western Trains) were not renumbered, the Virgin Cross Country pair were given new identities.
     
    While in 1998/1999 Great Western still had a lot of powercars in Intercity livery, finding suitable examples is more difficult given one has a guards window, and the two have different roof grills.
     
    There were only two GWT intercity powercars left by this point, 43006 and 43007. Of which fortunately 007 has the raised slatted roof grill that matches the model.
     
    There were lots of non guards window powercars still in intercity, however the fast majority had the slatted grill rather than the square grill with fan on the model. After searching through a lot of photos 43151 appears to be a good match
     
    Along with this I have a full set of mk3 (all bar the TGS in Merlin livery). Eventually I have a FGW TGS to Part respray back to Merlin and a pair of old Lima powercars in Merlin. Eventually the plan is to have a full rake in Merlin and a mixed Merlin Intercity.
     
    I also have a pair of converted Mk1 barrier coaches and have a number of old powercars to run with them
     


  11. The Fatadder
    Having debated buying a jig for some time now, I have finally taken the plunge and bought an Ultralite version of Avonside's Chassis2 jig
    Which I think with a couple of modifications (such as adding my own Tufnol plate), should serve my needs well at a fraction of the full jig's cost.
     
    As a quick test, I have taken my Mitchell 43xx chassis (purchased off ebay without wheels). Thankfully after setting the jig by the con rods, it sits perfectly (so I am hopeful that once I add the wheels this should prove for good running.)
     
    Now either need C&L to start selling Exactoscale (so I can get some 3mm ID hornblocks for my 2251) or else its going to be a wait until Christmas when I should be getting the chassis for the 58xx and pannier
     

     

    The second photo shows the start of my new work station, (saved from a skip). The intention is to add a 1.5 inch width shelf on the back (at the top hight), and a lower shelf half way up with holes for files, glue bottles etc.
    Once I buy the 4mm ply for baseboard construction, there aught to be ample left for this.
     
    Once finished it will let me work on models downstairs (and hence keep an eye on the dog at the same time.)
  12. The Fatadder
    A key requirement of modelling the post war scene is to have plenty of stock still wearing wartime liveries, a task that is progressing well on the loco front (with the Grange, 42xx and Austerity in black), but nothing on the coaches. So over the past couple of nights (with very little real modelling time to finish the DCC conversions) I have made a start on a few resprays.
     
    First of all what is wartime brown? There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer, ranging from almost red oxide to all over GWR chocolate. Most likely it was based around the latter with varying amounts of red oxide added to make the paint last further.
     
    As such I am not to worried about the exact shade, more to the point I actually want variation between batches. I aim to achieve this by a combination of different paints, and different primers. The first attempt is Triumph/Rover Russett Brown (Halfords) sprayed over white.
     
    In each case the body had lettering and logos sanded down and a light coat of Games Workshop Skull White primer. This was then sprayed with the brown, with lots of thin coats alternating between the 4 coaches in question between coats.
     
    So far sprayed is a pair of unmodified Airfix B Sets, I thought long and hard about correcting the fictional guards window on one side, but in the end left it. If there is not an accurate model by the time Brent is finished I will be commissioning etched anyway...
    This will for, Kingsbridge No 2, for which photos were published in the late 40s showing the Set in this livery.
     
    Next was the LH D95 i built the Christmas before last, and finally a Mainline Sunshine Stock Third bought off Tim Easter a few years back debranded that has been sat awaiting finishing ever since.
     
    All now need the black ends reprinting, drop lights picking out (still mahogany I assume?) and the roofs reprinting grey (as does the rest of my sunshine stock, and my Hornby colletts). The plan for the latter is a combination of modern image grey paints to get a prototypical mixture of different shades, with Virgin Grey, railfreight grey and BR roof grey in the mix to start off only thing is I need enough time to clear one end of the railway room to set up the spray booth, and still have enough child free time to actually do the spraying (something which is at a premium!)


  13. The Fatadder
    Finally made a start on detailing up my first Class 50, something of a test bed to decide what exactly I am going to do to the rest of them in the future.
     
    So far:
     
    Roof grill, replaced the Hornby grill with the Shawplan etch. Didnt get on too well with the etched baseplate and ended up scratch building my own. followed by fitting the etched fan.
     
    Moving to the exhaust, I removed the Hornby detail first carving off the worst of it with a scalpel then tidying up with wet and dry glued onto a plasticard offcut
    Still need to add the no2 end etch...
     
    On the sides, I removed the the lifting eyes and break linkages to replace with plasticard and shawplan etches respectively
     
    Finally for now are the cab windows, again another shawplan etch (which will be followed with some laser cut glazing
     

     

    I also have a set of Jon's cast 50 grills which will probably get fitted.
     
    Other than the above, I am debating repowering the loco with modified Vi Trains bogies (given the improved running qualities they offer) but first will be testing to see how much running improves with Ultrascales over the Gibson / Branchlines conversions I am currently running.
     
    As for what the loco will be finished as, current thinking is to go for Hood or Defiant in preserved Large Logo given that they would be of use for my current layout plan, Hood is already in my fleet so would be a sensible choice given my intention to go through the lot gradually replacing each loco with a more detailed equivalent.
    This is about it for now, need to strip the sides before I do much more there.
     
    Will be ordering a set of Shawplans deltic etches later in the week, so that should be my next project...
  14. The Fatadder

    GWR Twin Railcar pt1

    By The Fatadder,

    One of they most important items of stock for Cheddar will be the twin GW railcar no35/36
     
    Working from drawings in MRJ no5, and with a method based on that used by the late Monty Wells (MRJ no6) the aim is to chop 3 Lima models into the twin set (then to build a Comet coach kit for the centre coach).
     
    The first step is the drawings, unfortunatly for some reason MRJ decided to put the drawings for no35/37 and 36/38 across a page joint (no33 and the roofs however were on a single page). This results in some distortion to the published drawings. As such I have spent the train journey from Chester towards Bristol preparing my own set of drawings in CAD based on the GA. I have also drawn an outline drawing of the single railcar for which I intend to add the windows/doors from the Lima model to aid with my cutting plan.
     
    At the moment I have two potential approaches,
    Option 1) cut the sides/roof from the 'spare' railcar to length and glue together. finish my drawing off as an etch and use a set of etched sides on the model. Potentially the roof and sides could be extended with plasticard removing the need for a third base model (and hence mitigating the additional expense of the etches). Holes would be cut in the sides (as per the usual method with brass coach sides) making flush glazing easier. The main prep work would be in adapting the area between cab and end to ensure it accurately matches the Lima model, it would also need adapting to adjust for the body profile, potentially needing a couple of iterations of etches to get this profile correct (with the associated expense)
     
    Option 2 is to follow an adapted version of Monty's method, I would cut the sides from the roof/cab on all 3 models, prepare a new roof section from the third model to extend to the new length (rather than Monty's multiple roof sections I would prefer a single joint).
    The sides would then be chopped to get the windows and doors in the new location, and glued to the roof/cab/plasticard end as a single unit. To ensure rigidity the roof and sides would both be strengthened with metal strip.
    The first task would be to update the drawings to ensure dimensions for length/window&door dimensions to ensure the cutting plan will match up. The cutting for no36 would be pretty complicated, with no35 not that much better (Monty had it easy here by modelling 33!)
     
    I was originally planning to use my first unit as the single car No28, but given it will need a respray to re brand out of shirt button into the later GW livery I dont fancy the respray (and relining). Instead for No28 I think I will go for a Hornby model on which I should be able to remove the shirt button logos using the good old Microsol method. (and keep Hornby's paintwork)
  15. The Fatadder
    Today I have been debating the benefits of lining coaches vs buying a bow pen and painting them on. Working from a photo of the prototype, it was determined that Kingsbridge Branch No 2 was in wartime brown in the late 40s (while No1 was in Hawksworth livery as has already been modelled).
     
    Once again I used the Replica OHLE warning line transfers for the lining, and HMRS for the GWR logos / Guard / First. The lining was completed in lots of small lengths, before varnishing the completed side to keep it all in place. The original glazing was then refitted before putting the body back onto its chassis. There are still gaps between the transfers, (over hinges, door handles and grab rails). My plan is that I will touch in these gaps with orange paint.
     

     
    With the sides "finished", I added the custom Kingsbridge Branch No.2 transfers (Railtec) to the ends.

     
    Still to do:
    Add lining and transfers to the other side
    Replace the glazing with Shawplan Lazerglaze
    Fix the chassis (straight buffer beams, correct battery boxes, vac gear)
    New couplings
     

    Testing on the Kingsbridge Branch.
     

    I have now touched up the gaps in the transfers with orange paint, posed after arrival info Brent
  16. The Fatadder
    One of the most important sources of traffic to Cheddar was Strawberries, So much so that there were a dedicated fleet of Siphons marked return to Yatton which were used on this traffic.
     
    Through a discussion with Chris F back at Scaleforum, he mentioned that a Siphon J was included in this fleet. Wanting something a bit different to the Lima and Airfix models that will make up the rest of the fleet, I have finally got hold of a Mallard Models kit
     
    First impressions were good, though a further inspection of the etch quality left a bit to be desired, some half etch was missing and other bits needed a lot of cleaning up. All to be expected on an old second hand kit.
     
    Assembly:
    I stated by folding up the components, the long folds on the sides were a bit tricky where the half etching was not complete. the chassis sub frame included 4 uprights for the trussing on which there was no half etch so these were removed to be replaced with L shaped brass
     
    The ends consist of 2 parts, an inner with a fold up bracket that aids alignment with the sides, and a detailed outer with the planking. The inner brackets were soldered in place, then the bracket adjusted to ensure alignment with the sides. I then soldered the first end onto the side, followed by the other end.
    In each case I used the block from a GW models wheel press along with an engineers square to ensure everything was kept square.
     
    With one side soldered to both ends, it was a choice to add the chassis or other side. I went with the latter as the sub chassis was not completely flat (as a result of issues bending non half etched bits 90 degrees) So the other side was soldered on, followed by the sub chassis
     
    This takes it to the condition of the below photo:

    While the soldering inside is crude (none of it can be seen on the finished model, I like lots of solder on a but joint like this.) the soldering on the outer corners of the ends is much tidier (it needs cleaning up still in the photo). This outer soldering was more as a filler than for strength.
     
    Still to do: There are lots of small parts to add, including the door hinges (32 of them), door locking bars, end steps, a complete scratch built set of underframe trusses, and the bogies (for which there are no instructions explaining where the numinous castings go.
    For the side/end details, the plan is to solder on as much as possible (though I suspect the hinges will be glued!)
    The vac formed plastic roof looks a pretty close shape, and will be added once the soldering is finished.
  17. The Fatadder
    Finally got round to making a start on gluing the etches onto my models of the Great Western Trains HST barrier coaches 6336 and 6338 (actually my 2nd model of 6338 as I already have finished one in First Great Western condition.)
     
    Thankfully the GWT version is a little easier than the FGW one as it retains the corridor connections (so at least I dont have to scratch build any more blanking plates for those!)
     
    The first step was removing all the Inter-city logos along with the NEA Tops codes and numbers, Scalemodel Transfers produce a set designed for either 6336 and 6338 in Intercity which are perfect for the GWT coaches.
     
    The etches were glued on using the method Jon (Scheihallion) described for fitting window frame etches, a short length of masking tape is stuck to the etch which is then positioned on the model. once happy with the position a scalpel was slipped under the side of the etch pushing it up at an angle so it pivots on the tape. I then check to make sure it returns to the original position, then repeat the process this time applying a coat of superglue to the underside of the etch.
    I do one side at a time (leaving lots of time to dry between sides)
     
    Still a fair bit of work that needs doing to bring the rest of the model up to scratch given Bachmann's insistance of putting 50s details no matter what era the model is supposed to represent. As such the end steps and Vac break gear all needs to be removed, along with adding air break bits (and sorting out those roof ribs). Would be interested if anyone knows of any other improvements....
     
    Finally the grey and white will need to be resprayed
     

  18. The Fatadder
    Finally picked up a set of LMS and LNER wagon transfers (again HMRS) and a tin of LMS bauxite paint, so finally the remaining wagons could be finished off.
    (finished ish anyway, they will all still need buffers and 3 link couplings
     
    First up an LMS ventilated D1832 ventilated van, and a D1986 LMS 1 plank, both have been painted in the post war brauxite livery and will be lettered up this evening. The 1 plank still needs more work finishing off the paint work inside.

     
    Next a parkside Diagram 94 LNER van (wooden ends) carrying the pre war livery, a parkside LNER open carrying the post 38 livery and a Cambrian ex Midland D1664 in the pre 38 livery.

     
     
    Finally a LMS D1666 5 plank (with wooden chassis) in the early livery, a Bachmann LNER van in post 38 livery, a LMS D1663 steel ended van still carrying the old LMS livery and a parkside Lowfit in LNER livery (although it is missing the "do not load with containers" branding as I have yet to source a transfer.

     
    So with that lot nearly finished, the next job will be building the next batch. (prior to which I really ought to get some more Bill Bedford wirons...)
    So far I have another parkside lowfit, along with a parkside LMS open. There are also a couple of Coopercraft kits for a pair of Minks and a loco coal open and a Ratio Mink. Along with some Airfix Conflat bodys and a Cambrain LMS open which need some new solbars, and a handful of Airfix cattle wagon kits awaiting conversion to GW prototypes...
    Plenty to keep me busy at any rate, not helped by the Yate model shop selling Parkside, Cambrain, Ratio and Coopercraft kits (meaning I normally leave with at least one). While it always takes me a while to get enough listed to make the postage worth while on an Eilieens order...
  19. The Fatadder

    Thornycroft PB

    By The Fatadder,

    While searching in a stock box at the weekend trying to find a couple more old private owner wagons I came across a Peco kit for a 1926 Thornycroft PB GW covered lorry.
     
    Now even with any restrictions on replacing during the war, clearly a 20 year life is not going to happen in GW service. As such I've been thinking about an alternative use.
    After thinking about which sort of operators typically use old life expired equipment, and narrowed it down to either farm use or a coal merchant, the latter looks like it will work well.
     
    The kit has been built following the instructions, leaving off the cover. Once painted (which will be a heavily weathered EWS red) it will get a load of coal bags adding ready to leave the yard.
     
    The driver has been modified, cutting one arm off at the elbow, then removing a 45 degree angle before regluing into position. the aim is to have the driver sat leaning against the lorry having a quick smoke before he needs to drive out on his deliveries.

  20. The Fatadder
    Having made good progress on my planed revision for the day, I have spent a little time this afternoon working on the B set
     
    I modified the locations for the bogie mounts, increasing the width of the brackets with scrap evergreen strip. This gave a much bigger base to glue to aiding keeping them straight.
    A length of brass was evo sticked to the sides to ensure they stay straight.
     
    The roof is a very poor fit (in that it just does not fit!) So far I have thinned the ends of the roof and adjusted the curve on the top of the ends to get them to fit, but the rain strips still sit about half a mm from the sides (so no joint to glue to. Currently my thinking is to glue some square strip to the inside edge of the rainstrip to fill the gap between it and the side.
     
    There is a slight curve inwards at the top of the side, this will be sorted by fitting the partition walls now rather than waiting till after painting.
     
    The roof was modified to remove the Ks ribs which had been formed badly (and at any rate compared to prototype photos looked rather under sized), These were then replaced with strip, and the roof vents were drilled. I suspect the MJT part will be much finer than the old Ks ones, so these will be acquired later...
     


     
    Next the E140 diagram,
    Having finally decided that the fictional raised door handles must go this is my first attempt.
    Drilled a single hole in the centre of the handle, then reamed out to size. A combination of careful work with a file and scalpel opened up the round hole to be square (the corners are slightly rounded, but in the end an almost square hole was eaiser than being 100% faithful to the prototypes design.
     
    Once open to size a piece of plasticard offcut was glued to the back, before fitting a square of evergreen strip pre drilled for the handle into the hole. This will need a small amount of filler to fill the gaps.
    the raised surround on the grab handle was then carefully cut off with a flat blade
    Im quite pleased with the result, not too much work and a big improvement on the original, just a lot more to go! I think I will only be doing one side per coach!
     

  21. The Fatadder
    Wheal Imogen: 1980s/1990s China Clay Cameo in P4
     
    Its been a long time since my last exhibition layout, getting close to 10 years since Blackcombe Torr’s first (and only) exhibition. But thoughts have now turned to a replacement.
     
    My main focus is towards a long term project set around South Brent station in 1947 South Devon, but historically most of my modelling was based around Cornwall in the late 80s / late 90s. Reading the rules for the new MRJ “Cameo Layout Challenge” I have been sufficiently inspired to have a crack at it.
     
    The aim is threefold:
    Ø To give me somewhere to run my P4 stock
    Ø A canvas on which to experiment with new techniques for ground covering, trees and structures which can be refined before covering much larger areas on Brent
    Ø To get back onto the exhibition circuit for a couple of shows a year, having been away from the scene for the past ten years.
     
    Location
    To that end I have started to come up with the concept of Wheal Imogen. First of all its rather difficult to come up with something which is both imaginative, realistic and interesting to operate without looking like a clone of some of the great layouts which have come before (in particular Wheal Elizabeth). In particular when they are inspired by the same locations that I am naturally drawn to, the two main small 1980s works: Pont’s Mill and Carbis Wharf.
     
    The problem is that they are both too simple in terms of track layout, so a little refinement is needed (ever conscious of avoiding the trap of recreating exactly the same track changes others have made in the past). To this end I have started with Ponts Mill, added a run around loop (which I may yet remove) along with adding an additional siding with a slurry loader. The siding in which the Royal Train was once stored has been reinstated as a through line (which may be for passenger services and / or may be just serving another works further up the line). One thought here is that Wheal Imogen will be the main works in the area, while the second works further up the line does not have a runaround (and hence the occasional train to works 2 will need to be propelled, adding a little more interest.)
     
    To further differentiate it from previous clay layouts, which always seem to operate from a left hand fiddleyard into a right hand works. I have swapped the plan around so that trains approach from the right.
     
    In terms of the structures, as with Blackcombe the intention is to design my own buildings based upon features seen at a number of works. For the main loading dock there will be at least one section for loading vans with palletised clay, and another with a top loader to handle Clay Tigers / PRAs. Further research is required to see if it will be possible to design the main drier in such a way that I can realistically use Clay Hoods ./ CDAs as well as the tigers (which would be the preference.)
    The second loader would be for slurry tanks, both TTA based and Silver Bullets depending on the period being ran. Again it’s a tough one to work out the model as if the works had somehow managed to survive to 1997, you would expect an enclosed shed (as per Blackpool Driers). I haven’t quite worked out how I would manage to handle this and fulfil my aim of making the layout cover a long period of time.
     
    The front half of the main building is being reused from Blackcombe, expanded to full depth and heavily rebuilt. My intention is to reclad with SE Finecast random stone, add the buttresses between the original loading docks and then rebuild the roof / covers over the new loading areas.
     
    The canal and bridge to access Ponts Mill will also be retained into this plan.
     
    Time Period
    As previously mentioned I want to encompass three different time periods for the layout, early 1980s (Cornish Railways 37s, blue peaks, Large Logo 50s along with clay hoods, PRA boxes, ex Bowaters slurry tanks and LWB vans). 1987/88 (Grey / Railfreight General 37s, NSE on the 50s, transition between hoods and CDAs, Clay Tigers) and 1997 (Transrail / EWS 37s, CDAs, silver bullets, Tigers, Cargo Waggons)
    The initial focus will be on one of those periods, which will be decided nearer the time (but is more likely to be 1980s based)
     
    Presentation:
    The layout will be circa 5ft long (scenic) with approximately a 3ft cassette fiddleyard on one end and a 2ft cassette on the other, the depth is still tbc but may well end up in a triangular arrangement deeper on the left hand side than the other). The backscene will have curved corners, while the frontage will be at some sort of angle (with a facia plate working along the slot principle.)
     
    My intention is to work on the track plan over the next couple of weeks, refining it in Templot while I am working away from home. Then get the track built once I have finished the fiddleyard points for Brent. (the logic being the best time to build the P4 points for Wheal Imogen will be after I have just finished a large batch of OO points, and my track building should be at the peak of the learning curve.)
     
    Finally the name:
    Fairly simple really; I wanted to have something which immediately said China Clay, so Wheal something immediately came to mind. My eldest’s name Evie didn’t really work, but my youngest’s name worked rather well and its just stuck since. Evie will no doubt at some point end up on the side of a works shunter…
    There was one other reason, I figured (correctly) that naming the planned second layout after one of the children would smooth the process of getting the wife to agree to it.
     
    A very rough initial sketch of the plan is below…

  22. The Fatadder

    City of Truro to P4

    By The Fatadder,

    Well its finally arrived...


     
     
    At the moment I have the model upside down, and assuming that Bachmann havent gone with some odd axle diameter, it looks like the conversion is going to be very straight forward. The break gear will all have to be removed (and will need to be replaced with brass to get it to fit) but other than that it all looks very easy. Not sure what to do with the cranks (I've never brought outside framed wheels for a kettle before, so I assume they come with cranks in the same way those for an 08 do?)
     
    Will reuse the Bachmann rods, and the Bachmann bogie. For the tender I'm not sure what I will do, I'd prefer to rebuild with some kind of springing, but I suspect that the masokits unit would be visible from the sides...
     
    The spare front bogie is going to be modified to remove the NEM pocket (I really do prefer manufacturers fitting them to be body so they can be removed without damaging detail!)
     
    The buffer beams are going to need to be repainted to the correct (bright) red, rather handy really as I was thing removing the buffer beam number without damaging the lining would be a pain. the post 98 OHLE flashes will be fitted to the sand boxes/cab roof.
     
    I havent decided if I will use Ultrascales or Gibsons for the wheels yet. A couple of years back I had no end of issues with the Gibson wheels in an 09, but the combination of improved standards on my part and on the new owners of Gibson do make me fancy trying again. A lot will depend on whether Gibson can supply the drivers for CoT on a 3mm axle (that I assume that Bachmann have used.) The Ultrascales are significantly more expensive, Nickel Silver (which I really dislike) and have a long wait, and thinking about it will still require the cranks fitting. On the other hand they are much better quality. I just wish that they had done the 20 whatever spoke patten wheel that CoT uses in steel rather than the 16 spokes they have done.......
    I suspect at the end of the day I will go with the Gibsons and if I have any problems then buy a set of Ultrascale's drivers.
     
    An area of concern is the tender wheels, both in that they are currently stub axles with a plastic centre (for the tender pickups) and secondly that they appear (at a glance) to have long axles) Looks like its going to need new pickups making here (a job I absolutely cant stand) but pickup on 2 axles just wont be enough so most annoyingly will have to do something about it.
    Also on the tender, the break gear is very very odd, appearing to be in line with the axleboxes rather than where the wheels should be. While this is an improvement on having them too narrow (like those on the driving wheels), it does seem a bit odd.
     
    I'm not at all happy with the etched number plate, given that its missing the very prominent orange lining and tbh dosnt look as good as the printed one. will either need a transfer for the lining or to find a better etch!
     
    The gap between body and chassis is much too big, so something will have to be done about that! Rather handy that slider to reduce the gap, now thinking that some sprung buffers between body and tender would be useful.
     
    Finally a question, Would the water scoop on the tender still be there in its current condition? Is there anything else that needs removing or adding to get to current condition on the mainline.
     
    EDIT:
    Have finally got round to doing the measurements on the axles. Drivers are 3mm diameter, tender wheels are a bit more tricky. 2mm axles, but on 27mm stub axles, could be interesting for the conversion.......
  23. The Fatadder
    Today I have been trying to tidy up the workshop today (which has become a total state over the past few months).
    As part of this I have been trying to sort out unfinished projects, one of which was the D14 break van needed for my workmans train on Brent.
     
    After painting it last year it has sat waiting for final fittings. So today I set about adding the very nice castings for the grab rails and door handles. Along with a tidy up of excess glue on the glazing.
     

    Really impressed with the castings, so much nicer than working with the flat etch version. This is currently about the limit of my modelling working with PVA, my eyes need longer to fully heal before I will expose them to the fumes from solvents / paints.
     

    It now needs buffers and the roof gluing on, the former I cant do at the moment as it means soldering the etched buffer heads onto the shafts (solder fumes seem a bad idea for a while!). The roof is more problematic as it is not a great fit, it is the one part of the Slaters design that I really dislike. I much prefer to build coaches as a unit of sides / ends / roof with a sperate floor so that you can get back in after building.
     

    The final area that needs work is the chassis, there are 2 prongs either side of the bogie which connect to a beam under the frames. The problem is that with them fitted it interfears with movement. I am thinking of chopping down the length to allow free movement.
     



  24. The Fatadder
    Finally back in the UK for the rest of the month, its time to crack on with the layout. Before getting started on a large batch of point blade installation on the down fiddleyard, there were a few outsanding loco projects to complete.
     
    Today I recieved last weeks spares order from Peter's Spares, this included a tender wheelset to enable the compleation of 2846 which is now fully operational.
     

     
    The other parts ordered were a Churchward tender chassis, wheels, buffer pack and keeper plate, which will replace the preproduction parts under 2846's original tender which is now allocated for the Saint.
    After making short work gluing the front / rear buffers in position, the wheels were added and the chassis reunited with its body. It is now ready for a coat of GWR Green, I am hopeful that I will get a chance over the bank holiday weekend (with my P4 58xx and Brent's 5108 also due for a coat of green paint.) The body still needs a couple more coats of filler, along with the new cab floor and chimney before it can get a coat of Halfords satin black.
     

     
    I have been conducting trials with the Comet Hall chassis from 4925, which seems fairly easy to make fit. Before I look at that I still need to try and drill out the broken Romford crank pins from the existing wheels to see if they are saveable. I want to test fit the wheels in the chassis for my County to ensure the clearances are ok before I start building.
  25. The Fatadder
    A while back I found a photo of a gwr branded Hawksworth coach in a mixed rake dated 1949
    Given the availability of the fantastic Hornby model at a low price on eBay I have snapped one up.
     
    Now I did get a little carried away with bidding, and haven checked if the coach I bought matches the prototype photo (or for that matter of it is in the correct livery) but ho hum
     
    The other reason for getting the model is to use it as a benchmark for producing the other coaches for the layout
     
    P4 conversion was very simple, a set of exactoscale coach wheels were dropped in and the brake shoes bent to provide clearance
    There is still a little resistance, so the next step is going to be adding brass bearings and realigning the breaks. My plan is to remove the mouldings, drill out the Hornby shoes and glue to lengths of brass wire before re attaching to the bogie.
     
    The other job that is still to do is going to be fitting the masokits detailing kit to further improve the coach
     
    Quite tempted to get another if I see one at a good price, though god knows why two brand new coaches could be justified on the cheddar branch
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