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ullypug

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  1. ullypug
    Major milestones this month.
    For the first time since I started building Cheddar, some 11 years ago now, I’ve finally been able to put all of the 8 scenic boards up together. Cheddar is going to be making its exhibition debut at RailWells this August as a work in progress and with under 6 months to go I needed to take stock of just how much left there is to do before it gets there!
     
    The layout has been in various unheated garages for the last few years and it’s almost 6 years since anything last moved on it, way before ballasting and track painting started. So needless to say I wasn’t expecting a great deal especially as on retrieving the panel I noticed the din sockets were corroded and the box itself showing signs of mould!
     
    So first things first, the trestles and supporting rails were erected in the dining room, fitting with about half an inch to spare. Yes I did check when I bought the house but don’t tell anyone! After that the boards were brought out one by one and erected on top and the panel plugged in and an engine plonked on. Power applied. Nothing, nada, no sausages at all. No surprises there really.
     
    Then I tried all the turnouts. Plenty of encouraging noises from the tortoise motors but nothing moving.
    well at least the point feeds were getting to the layout.
     
    So I started cleaning the track. It had tarnished heavily and had a crust that needed serious attention from abrasive pads. No wonder nothing had moved. After a while though, I got the furthest (Wells end) board clean enough. A bit of power and the engine moved! After a hearty hurrah and a little jig of delight, I then worked my way up towards the other end (Axbridge) cleaning and testing. By the end of the week I’d got to the other end (yes it was that dirty), and confirmed that all track sections had supplied power to the rails and that both cab controllers worked to each section. DCC is a pipe dream…
     
    There’s still a long way to go though. Next step is to get each and every turnout working again, which will be a combination of cleaning out all the crud and scraping away the ballast which has welded everything solid.
     
    A couple of track joins require attention at baseboard ends as steps are now evident, I guess due to the plywood plates at the edges swelling over the years.
     
    Curiously, the scenery sections have opened up considerably across baseboard joints. These are on a mixture of extruded foam  and paper-mache so I’m going to need to redress that, or blag that Cheddar gorge is a bit closer to the station…
     
    But onwards! I can start my snagging list now and carry on knowing that power is restored. It’s a case of deciding what has to be done by August and what can be left for later. One thing I will need is the fiddle yards, so maybe that’ll be next.

    Attached photos and I even took a few videos to cheer myself up.

    In the longer term, Cheddar will be exhibited (when it’s fully ready) and I hope that it will have a permanent home in a temperature controlled room where I can avoid the problems caused by its storage.
     
    The other highlight of the week came from a very helpful chap at Bristol Water who sent me the original 1920 drawings of the Water Works that was served by a private siding. But that’s another story.
     












  2. ullypug

    Ruston 165DE

    By ullypug,

    Decided to open the Impetus R&H 165DE kit that's been lurking in the cupboard as it's too cold to start spraying the 03 just yet.
     
    This kit is my best ever bargain, ??8 on a second hand stall at a local show including wheels. I thinks there's a couple of bits missing but nothing insurmountable.
     
    Spent yesterday evening soldering - it's nice to build an etched brass kit body again. I can't think but just about everything I've done recently has been whitemetal or plastic. After the complexities of the 03, this should prove to be a quicker project. I don't know much about the history of these locos, but I intend to have it as a works shunter for Wheal Elizabeth (which is a little over the top given its size). It'll probably be finished in ECC Blue and called Jamie.
     
    Anyway, photos attached.
  3. ullypug
    I was doing a demo at the recent Railwells show and was pleased that I managed to do virtually no modelling. Always the sign of a successful 'demo' weekend.
    I did get as far as dismantling an Oxford models AA3 ex GW Toad in BR livery.
    Several people pointed out the errors in the model (apart from the chassis being supplied in the wrong scale as the wheels are too close together obviously), so I didn't do much more than take it apart and compensate one axle with a low profile MJT unit. The axles are an odd length (about 27mm) so the non compensated end had 2 top hat bearings shoved into the back of the axle boxes to take up the difference (technical stuff this) and it runs ok.
    The body comes apart after a fashion and the buffers pull out (or at least they're supposed to. One end did, the other stuck fast. The end lamp irons are metal and pull out too.
    Having had a good look at things I've since set about correcting the bodywork errors namely:
    1. Plating over the ends with 5 thou.
    2. Cutting out and re-setting the non-veranda end windows one plank higher, using Evergreen strip to make the frame.
    3. Blanking over the central window to the above with 5 thou and forming individual planks from 10 x 40 thou.
    4. Swapping the sand boxes from the veranda and non-veranda ends.
    5. Removing the central chimney and replacing with brass, offset accordingly.
    6. Adding some transfers (Railtec) more suitable for Cheddar. I've absolutely no idea whether there was ever one at Westbury and I'm not bothered if there wasn't.
    7. Filling in the central cut out to the 6 wheel footboard.
     
    Photos show the current state of affairs, with the solvent hardening off. Still to complete are:
    8. Final detailing to non-veranda end window frame and sanding down the planking to the central window.
    9. Fit couplings
    10. Re-fit lamp irons
    11. Add rivet detail to plated ends
    12. Reassemble chassis with brake gear and fit body.
    13. Replace one pair of buffers.
    14. Paint as necessary

  4. ullypug
    After my 7mm interlude (never again), I'm returning to 4mm and the next loco for Cheddar.
    True to my mantra, this is the oldest thing in the modelling cupboard, namely converting a 35 year old Replica Railways model of the 2251 Collett Goods to P4.
    The body is accurate according to the sources I have and the underpinnings are one of the rather splendid High Level chassis kits. In a fit of madness, I'm going to spring using CSB's.
    There's a good article on the CLAG website about springing a High Level chassis kit for the pannier and I'm largely following it, though the two chassis have subtle differences.
    The frames have been marked out and drilled for anchors (Markits WD handrail knobs) using a CSB plot off the CLAG website and the High Level jig, though I've had to extend the fore and aft anchor points to miss spacers, or other chassis components. You can just see a line on the inside of the chassis which denotes where the CSB will be.
    So far I've soldered the frames together. The eagle eyed will notice a number of modifications to the front 3 chassis spacers. These will allow the CSB wire to pass along the sides of the chassis. I'll take some more photos when the handrail knobs have been soldered in. It'll make more sense then!
    Pleased to see it fits the body quite nicely.

  5. ullypug
    I've managed to get the Bachman 45xx ready in time for Wheal Elizabeth's final show under my stewardship this weekend at Nailsea. It's been finished off as a St Blazey engine 4552 in unlined black. Blackening the wheels and fitting balance weights makes such a difference. The engine should be running under correct lamp codes too, though I haven't had time to weather it yet.


    The only trouble is that 4552 never went anywhere near Somerset so will have to be renumbered before it can run on Cheddar. I've photos of 4573 and 4539 on the line so it'll have to be one of those.
     
    I've long had the philosophy that I don't buy anything new until I've built or sold something in the modelling cupboard (under the tinking table), usually starting with the oldest thing, or longest resident first.
    This is where it gets interesting. The next thing in the line is my ancient Lima 4575 from the early 1980's. I think I bought this at Monk Bar model shop in York. I would have been around 11-12. I know there are serious anomalies with the body but I have copies of the MRC and Railway Modeller articles and this is a hugely sentimental piece of my childhood. My super detailing skills and weathering have clearly improved in the last 35 years, which is a good thing.
    Chassis will be Comet and I fancy springing with CSB's. How much of the original will be left mind you...
    I do have a Mitchell 4575 etched brass kit waiting in the cupboard but they're much newer in comparison.


    And besides, there's a Replica Collett Goods waiting in the queue before that!
  6. ullypug

    Wheal Elizabeth at Yate

    By ullypug,

    Just a quickie. Happy to report Minion has been successfully delivered to Wheal Elizabeth and will be on shed this coming Saturday at the Sodbury Vale show In Yate. It will get toned down a bit when I can bear to get the airbrush out but at the moment it's too cold to stay in the garage for long. Excuse the lack of backscene. I've only put the layout up to track test everything.

    Am also playing with a couple of Hawksworth coaches. I've done nothing other than re wheel at the moment but the Masokits bits and pieces have arrived and will form their place in the queue. The idea is to give us another passenger option to play with.

    Do come and say hello if you're at the show. Looks like a good line up.
  7. ullypug

    WCPR No 5 - part 6

    By ullypug,

    Had an enjoyable show at Tolworth last weekend with Clevedon. Thanks to those who came and said hello.
    Alas I didn't get No 5 finished in time. Almost but not quite!
    Since the last blog I've finished off all the bodyworks and spent a lot of time painting various bits and pieces.
    The engine when originally purchased was a 'pea green' with black, yellow, red, yellow and black lining. The overall colour darkened to almost black as a result of years of cleaning (aka smearing the dirt about). Most of the photos I have don't show lining at all, but in some of the earlier ones it is just about visible. As I'm modelling the line circa 1936 I wanted some representation of lining, but not a sparking clean loco.
    I duly dug out the bow pen and compasses and had a go at the lining. I'm not Ian Rathbone by any stretch of the imagination and I found it a little tricky, but I ended up with something I'm not wholly embarrassed by, only partially!
    The engine was then treated to a serious weathering session with the airbrush; using metalcote gunmetal, dark grey and a little olive green for the body and the usual grey/leather mix for the chassis. There are a few areas I need to revisit and touch up a little but overall, I'm reasonably pleased with the results.
    The crew have been added and the loco just needs a trip to the coaling stage. The pictures show pre and post weathering.
    It's a shame that the next exhibition isn't until Uckfield next October, but I suppose at least it gives me time to bed everything in.
    I think I will have a bash at Coach No 18 at some point (the 'Taff Vale' coach) as this is the last major outstanding piece of rolling stock I need for the layout.

  8. ullypug
    Evening all
    after a very inspiring but tiring day at Scalefour North yesterday, I found time to make a little progress on the Collett Goods today.
    The tender chassis is virtually complete and just needs the vacuum tank adding before its ready for the paint shop.
    The loco chassis now has pick ups too (36gauge phosphor bronze mostly hidden behind the steps) and bus bars with the final connection to the motor now in. I'm pleased that the CSB's are working well, even on the rear driven axle.
    I managed to pick up a belpaire backhead from 247 Developments so I can now concentrate on the loco body detailing; I'm not going to do much because strangely I want to keep the essence of the Replica original, so it'll just be a smokebox dart, brass handrails and a loco crew.
    Just debating what paint finish to give it...

  9. ullypug
    Evening all
    after a summer recess and the always wonderful Wells exhibition, the modelling season is well and truly back with us and I'm looking forward to the annual pilgrimage to Scaleforum next weekend.
    After one or two distractions (more of that later) and by way of a release from the travails with my Lima 55xx, I've returned to the track building on Cheddar. The good news is I'm on the last board now and fiddle yard notwithstanding, have built the (hopefully) final turnout. You can see progress in the photo below. The siding to the right in the distance leads to the Water Works siding, the line next right is a siding leading to McAlpine's loading point towards the camera and Cheddar west GF. The next line left is the bi-directional running line and the rising line furthest left is the headshunt/stone loading siding on the down side.
    I'm going to leave a short length incomplete at the baseboard edge so I can run a length of track through once I've built the fiddle yards.
    I'm hoping I can start the lovely task of wiring the thing over the winter. It's going to be DCC/DC convertible but I'm not sure what to use as plugs/sockets for the main track bus. Anyone got any suggestions?
    If it was just DC I'd use D plugs but I've never wired for DCC before so I might need to have a little trial first.
  11. ullypug

    Green fingers

    By ullypug,

    Afternoon all
    Sorry for the lack of postings recently, but progress is being made.
    Don't know if it's the influence of Springwatch or the Chelsea flower show, but things are definitely blooming in Clevedon.
    Fencing has been completed and the last of the various sheds have been built (finally). Signalling is all built.
    With all the boards up, I've been planting static grass and am starting on the various trees and bushes. Fibres are a blend of Heki with some Green Scenes straw thrown in.

    The main task now is building the lighting rig which is under way. I've got the fish tank tubes and want to have the rig finished before I start blending everything in.

    The only signal I'll need to build. It's a MR lower quadrant with an attached ground signal. It's not exactly as per the prototype but it's pretty damn close. All parts are MSE. There are 2 other ground signals to be planted.

    The railcar approaches the occupation crossing (which is made from a MSE nickel silver etch).

    The last of the sheds

    Railcar departs for Weston

     
    There's still a way to go, but I'm quite pleased how this is turning out.
  12. ullypug

    First post

    By ullypug,

    Funny how I always seem to spend Christmas and the New Year period playing with Templot and track plans.
    It's 2 years almost to the day since I first posted a plan of Cheddar on my other blog here, which I've been thinking about doing for some time now.
     
    Whilst I've been building Clevedon, I've been tinkering with the ideas on and off and have been playing with various incarnations of the layout plan. I decided that if I was going to build Cheddar, it would have to be pretty much a dead scale representation, since I've always enjoyed replicating real places (Weston, Clevedon) rather than making things up. Maybe I just don't have the imagination! I never saw Barry Norman's Petherick but the Wild Swan book was an inspiration and I've always liked the idea of deep baseboards and the railway running through the landscape (as Tim Venton's so successfully achieved with Clutton, another favourite and a North Somerset prototype too).
     
    Now I've pretty much settled on the layout, it will be big (well for me anyway) at 8m long and 1.2m deep (28ft x 4ft) in old money. I want to capture everything from the loading bank north of Lower New Road Bridge to the home signal south of Station Road. It'll probably have a traverser at either end so add another 12ft to that. Like I said, it's going to be a biggie. Mind you the main building scales out at 2ft long.
    Anyway, here's the plan.

    I don't think it's going to be a quick layout to build (by my usual standards ahem) so it'll probably occupy me for a few years. It'll need to be end to end and the size is going to cause a few issues, but that's for another day. Plans are afoot. With the realisation that I'm not getting any younger and likely to be approaching 50 before it's finished, I'd like to think I've got at least one big layout in me!
     
    The trouble with Cheddar is it's such a good prototype to model with both fruit and quarry traffic from Batts Coombe and Callow Hill. I know that it's a popular prototype and The Fatadder has plans to build it too here. Hopefully, there's room in the modelling world for two layouts of the same protototype. I'd like to think so anyway.
     
    I have thought about maybe doing another station on the line, but for one reason or another decided against it. I know of a new P4 layout of Sandford and Banwell that's just started out on the exhibition circuit. Wells isn't feasible unless I went 2mm FS which I contemplated for about 30 seconds. I did look at Congresbury in 4mm a few years ago, but decided against it. A layout of Wookey is also under construction in EM (isn't it Malcolm!!), so whichever station you choose chances are someone else will be building it too. I do like the fact that the Cheddar Valley line is local to me; Cheddar's only 10 miles from where I live which I kind of feel connected somehow (or maybe that's just the Thatchers 2011 Vintage at 7.4% talking, hic)
     
    I'd like to make a start this year once Clevedon's finished, and I'm hoping to build the baseboards in the summer. In the meantime, I'll start with the track as it can be built on the workbench. First up will be the single compound on the down side. If I can make that work, the rest should be a doddle... Plus there's no point wasting time building everything else first!
     
    As to period and stock - anything and anything. I've been acquiring panniers, prairies, Collett and Dean Goods, railcars plus the odd Type 2 hydraulic. Some of it runs on Wheal Elizabeth at the moment, though china clay trains and Beattie Well Tanks in the Cheddar Valley is probably stretching it a bit too far!
     
    I spent a very enjoyable day crawling all over the station courtesy of the present building occupants (Wells Cathedral Stone Masons) back in October. When I get time, I'll draw up the survey I did. In the meantime, here are a few pictures:

    The station building

    The main station building entrance

    Lower New Road Bridge

    Building Interior
    The goods shed's been heavily modified and only the east end remains as a converted dwelling. My initial thoughts are that the Axbridge shed is of the same pattern and size, albeit with a different configuration for the goods office.
    More of that later.
    Anyway, comments would be very welcome. Hopefully I'll have something else to post before January 2015!
     
    edited for typos
  13. ullypug
    Not much progress in the last couple of weeks due to work commitments, but I have managed to complete the bogie and get the wheels quartered.
     
    The wheels trial fitted in the chassis block. I used a mixture top hat bearings and ordinary 1/8" washers to suit. The wheels were quartered using my NWSL quartering jig, which I find easier for RTR conversions than the GW Models one. I'm wondering whether to fit cosmetic sides from plasticard. I might make some up with slots than can be put in later on.

    I'm also having a think about the keeper plates and am inclined to squeeze the brake gear out rather than cut and shut.

    The original bogie is cut down the middle and a new stretcher was made from 15 thou nickel silver. The whole thing was epoxied together. I didn't bother with the cut out as per the EMGS manual as the material's so small I don't think it will be noticeable. The swing link pin was fitted using a 2mm top hat bearing for the sleeve and fixed with a 10BA nut & screw.

    Lastly, the cylinders have had some plasticard added to fill the void. I'm planning on shaving off the 3/4 cylinder head cover and fitting a new one. Thinking about fitting a bush to take the piston rod

  14. ullypug

    Cheddar hybrid baseboards

    By ullypug,

    Two updates in as many weeks?
    As I mentioned in the last update, I'm infilling the baseboard tops with 15mm model foam acquired from Panel Systems. For the two embankment boards the foam is cut to fit between the ply stiffeners. For the 'flat' boards it will sit on top alongside the ply track bed. It's glued on with 'No More Nails' - actually the local Proper Job version 'Instant Nails' at £1 per tube.
    Lots of photos that probably explain things a bit better. I'm using off cuts to make up the embankment. I think I've got some 50mm Trylon foam off cuts from my Clevedon layout somewhere which might be a bit easier.
    Full size Templot printed off to get the trackbed cut. I can almost see the trains!
  15. ullypug
    Have had a bit of a modelling spurt and finished off 1454. Should be released to the operating department for Wheal Elizabeth's forthcoming appearance at the Sodbury Vale show on 31 January (though what the engine is doing in that part of Cornwall is anyone's guess...). Minion will be making it debut too. Hmm note to self, must build a new stock box.
     
    Anyhoo, the numberplates and smokebox plates were attached with Johnsons Klear and the final details (buffers, couplings, balance weights etc have been added). Cab glazing is acrylic filed to fit and fixed with Klear.
    Engine was given a few coats of the same before the transfer was added and sealed with (you've guessed it...). Incidentally, what I'm going to do when I get through my bottle I've no idea. Answers on a postcard please.
     
    I've discovered Testor's spray laquer which I think finishes things off rather nicely. The T9 got the same treatment and I must profess to being impressed with the stuff.
    I'm really rather pleased with how this engine has turned out given I've had it for over 30 years. Another ling term project realised from the depths of the modelling cupboard.
    I'll turn my attention to the Airfix A30 autotrailer now and post progress once there is any. Underframe's kind of finished, but it needs a bit of adjustment before I can get one of the bogies back on (ahem).

  16. ullypug

    Photo update

    By ullypug,

    As promised, I've finally got round to taking a few photos.
    Dogfish, Crab and Ling in glossy post transfer application but pre-weathering from Cambrian and Chivers kits.
    Also a pic of the Conflat Clay in the same state and one of the excellent High Level 03 kit. It's moved on since I took this and I've now done both step assemblies. A joy to build. Fiddly, yes but very rewarding.
  17. ullypug
    Just a quick update. Crew fitted to the T9 and smoke box plate fitted from Fox. I also found the screw coupling and am quite happy with the end results as per the photos. It hauls 2 coaches just... I'll need to make sure layout is absolutely level though!
     
    Have put Wheal Elizabeth up and tested it ready for Scaleforum next weekend. There were a couple of running repairs but these have been fixed. Do come and say hello if you're at the show.
     
    Now, I can start to think about the next loco for construction. Definitely ex GWR and suitable for a Somerset branch line!

  18. ullypug
    Had a really good weekend at the Nailsea show running Wheal Elizabeth for the last time under my stewardship.
    Ran a good selection of trains and spent most of this afternoon finishing off where it all started, with the more modern clay trains. Usually we don't get the time to run as much of them as we'd like, so it was really nice to make some time today.
    Geof kindly make a selection of head boards for the various works shunters, Minion, Jamie and Treffry.
    The last train was a single brake van hauled by the blue class 08 shunter on a trip working from St Blazey.
    All in all I've done 35 shows and its been a very enjoyable experience. Wheal Elizabeth was built for the DEMU S4Soc challenge in 2008 and the concept was always a non determinate place and time, which would allow a selection of trains and periods. Extending the layout from its original terminus to through running almost certainly extended the shelf life, making it more interesting to operate and giving me the excuse to build some more stock. There are certainly things I'd do differently next time, the cassettes were the source of most of the derailments and I won't use them again in P4.
    Thankfully I can't really recall any terrible shows. A couple of things broke, but we didn't have any major calamities along the way.
    So thanks to Geof who's helped with virtually all the shows and one or two others along the way.
    Anyway, here for the last time are a selection of photos from today.
    I'm sure the new owner will break cover shortly.

  19. ullypug

    June 2016 update

    By ullypug,

    I've had a bit of success with my quest for Mendip Stone.
    I've found a Spanish supplier that does, what I think anyway, is a reasonable representation of Mendip Limestone.
    http://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/textured-sheets/155-abs-plasticard-smooth-rock-wall-sheet-a4.html
    I'd ordered some previously and finally got round to having a play with it, once I realised that the present incarnation of the 45xx chassis wasn't going anywhere (literally). More of that later.
    So rather than cut the chassis into lots of little pieces, I've had a go a re-doing the overbridge at the Wells end of the station with its curved abutment walls. I think this is it!
    I've added coping stones from 80 thou plasticard and have got to the point where I can finally put this board to one side with a 'tick'.
    So that then set me thinking about the storage system I'm going to need to start to be able to put these boards somewhere.
    So I've had a go at making side packing pieces which will ultimately be clamped together with toggle up/over catches.
  20. ullypug

    Filth

    By ullypug,

    Progress continues. Well it wouldn't be progress otherwise would it? I've been experimenting with weathering using baby powder mixed with Carrs powders. As you can see I couldn't resist putting a few models out to take a few photos.

    After trying a number of different colours and paints, I settled on a grey/brown mix sprinkled onto wet Humbrol acylic (roof grey). I've made three batches up varying the blend of Carrs to give a mottled effect. I'm quite pleased with it. More clay has been laid. I daresay that despite my best efforts I'll have to spend ages getting all the excess clay out from the rail webs before anything will move under its own power.

    The carriage shed now has a roof. This was achieved with lots of individually stuck on sheets of South East Finecast corrugated plastic.

    The tanks were cream so my sources tell me and the models were sprayed many times until I settled on the colour. There's still a lot of black outlining to add and a bit of detailing before it's complete, but it's getting there.

    I've made a start on the station building. This will eventually have a corrugated metal roof from Ambis sheet, as I did with Weston. I'm guessing the internal layout a little bit. I know where things were from external signage and photos, but I'm making the layout in the Gents up.

    The River Yeo has turned a hideous white colour. Obviously the PVA factory in Parnell Road has had a spillage. Let's hope it dries clear!

  21. ullypug
    Just a few photos from the Manchester show at the weekend. The new end to end format allowed us to have a lot of fun playing with new trains. The Class 108 DMU needs a bit of work to stop it falling off quite so much (either weight or compensation) as the lightweight nature of some of the bogies meant it was a little unstable.
     
    All in all, it was really good fun. I only had the phone, so apologies for the poor quality of some of the photos.

     
    Wheal Elizabeth will be back out in 2013. It's due to be at Stafford in Feb, Scalefour North in April and Expo EM North in Sept.
    I've a couple of exhibitions already booked for 2014 too, so it'll be around for a while yet.
  22. ullypug
    Coming thick and fast now, helped by the thinning out of track as I approach the Wells end of the layout.
    This latest board has taken very little time to wire up and (whisper it quietly) that should be all of them now done. I've just one board to check as it was done some time ago and I can't remember what state it had got to. I've certainly changed the colour coding for the wiring since I wired it up! I daresay there'll be the odd plug to wire up as well but that shouldn't take too long.
    Hopefully I can find some time to put a few boards together at the weekend and start testing. I know they all work individually and I've joined a couple together at a time.
    It feels like quite a milestone when the next step doesn't start with 'wire up board x...'
    Let's see how long before I can have a train traversing from one end to the other!
    Pictures attached. The board is rectangular despite appearances.
  23. ullypug
    After a couple of weeks of distractions and other modelling projects, I've managed to set up the layout in the garage where I can get 6 of the 8 boards erected at any one time.
    Today was all about making a set of supports for the panel and connecting boards together.
    Pleased to report that everything towards Wells is now working, after one or two wires had to be swapped round (caused by the change in colour code scheme I mentioned in an earlier post). There'll no doubt be a few bits of track to fettle as the pannier I was using slows down and speeds up in some places (I'm assuming tight to gauge on straight track) but I've spent a good half hour driving trains backwards and forwards with a big smile on my face (and if I'm honest doing what could be vaguely described as some kind of dad dancing round the garage but I don't think anyone saw me...)!
    So I just need to swap out the two boards on the left to allow me to get all the Axbridge boards up to test those too and it'll be done.
  24. ullypug
    In between lurching from crisis to crisis at work, I've been making progress with the 43xx chassis. Or is that as respite from the crisis at work...
    The kit is of Mitchell vintage and must be fairly old since the label on the box has it supplied by Slaters. That's going back a bit. The prototype will be 5311, since I've a very nice photo of it at Wells.
    Anyhow, I mentioned on some other post that I've made a start on the High Level hornblocks. After that I made up the coupling rods, making sure to allow plenty of solder to try and disguise the layered construction. I then prepared the frames by drilling the CSB fulcrum holes using the High Level jig, then removing the cut outs. After some deliberation I also removed the springs, with the intention of fixing these to some form of keeper plate. I folded up the frame spacers but surprisingly had to fettle these before they'd fit into the chassis frames. With everything nice and square and using a combination of my Avonside jig and some good old fashioned tapered axles, got everything soldered up. I had to do one of the hornblocks twice as curiously I allowed it to drift off from its position.
    The CSB fulcrums are WD handrail knobs and after fitting these in the pre-drilled holes, I was pleased that the additional holes I drilled in the spacers to let the wire pass through are in the right places. I temporarily put some 11 thou guitar wire through and everything seems to line up nicely. After taking a few snaps, the horn blocks have been dropped out and everything given a good scrub clean. I'm quite pleased with how it's going.

     
    Edit grammar and typos
  25. ullypug

    News just in

    By ullypug,

    Those boffins at CERN have just confirmed the smallest known element. No it's not the Boson-Higgs particle, it's the distance between the jackshaft and the rear of the step assembly on the High Level Kit if you're building in P4...
     
    The important bit is however small, it is enough.
     
    Wheels quartered up and trial assembly photos attached. All well so far and it doesn't bind when I push it up and down the workbench! Have gone past the point of no return and loctited the final gear wheel onto the axle whilst waiting for the epoxy for the copperclad pick up points to set.
     
    Will concentrate on detailing the body now until the powered test (always a nervous time) but all is well (apart from me that is - snot does not make an effective flux in case you were wondering).
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