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RedgateModels

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  1. RedgateModels
    What can I say apart from URG!
     

     
    The owner is well known for his love of spray oil having quite an extensive collection of Hornby Dublo. I am trying to wean him off it for the sake of his modern locos and their plastic parts .....
     
    A full strip is in order methinks
  2. RedgateModels

    New Conveyor

    By RedgateModels,

    Been a while since I did anything on Summat but after Wigan I left the long conveyor on the parcel shelf in the Scooby and the sun got to it. Half of the plastic deformed like a banana
     
    These sections of the Walthers kit were kindly donated to me by a couple of RMwebbers as I'd already used the large conveyor from my kit to run to the road hopper. Little chance of anyone else having a spare set so I contacted Walthers about the possibility of some spares. Despite an initial favourable response it all went quiet.
     
    Thanks to Pete Harvey for offering to first do a 3D print and then an etch, however someone somewhere mentioned Slaters embossed sheets. I ordered some 4mm corrugated from Gaugemaster and set to them with a scalpel and some Plastic Weld. here's the result:
     

     
    The second pic shows my construction method, there's five internal braces per 200mm long section. Three sections make the whole conveyor.
     

     
    I'd forgotten just how satisfying scratchbuilding is with plasticard, very instant
     
    I've brought it into work for a quick coat of grey primer (too cold and damp now for spraying outside at home) then I'll weather it down to match the rest of the building ready for Caistorail on the 13th/14th October
  3. RedgateModels
    OK, a couple of hours with the low melt solder has seen the Duke back in one (heavy) lump. I soldered the boiler assembly to the footplate in the end and have filled the gaps around the cab etc with solder. The Crownline detailing kit has been raided for the blower and tunnel as well as the top feeds and pipework.
     

     
    Just got the pipework around the cab/firebox are to sort now. Will use one of the Crownline castings to represent the blower valve and make the rest up from copper wire. The injector feed valves will be my usual wire insulation with a tiny hole drilled in for the operating rod.
     
    Shouldn't be long before a good clean up and primer
  4. RedgateModels

    Refresh?

    By RedgateModels,


    General
    Wow, last update was a long time ago LOL
     
    Summat will be dusted off again for the 10th Anniversary Mansfield Show in March next year and I'm thinking about giving it a bit of a refresh. I've always had a plan to add another turnout with a stub siding up to the loco coal staithe to hold the colliery loco coal wagon
     

     
    The siding is even in the track plan on the flyers that I give out to folks
     

     
    Seeing as I have all the bits and there is a spare output on the MERG accessory decoder it seems churlish not to at least get this done.
     
    But where to stop? static grass? new backscene? re-engineer the ends to make them permanently fitted like Fourgig East (means new end protectors fabricating)?
     
    Thing is, if I do "bring it up to standard" will this take away it's charm, should I "preserve" it as my first layout and leave it basically as it is ..........
  5. RedgateModels
    Thanks to all on here and the Templot Club for advice, some of which was ignored but hey, it's all good.
     
    The solution is somewhat of a compromise as is often the case and I have gone all round the houses to arrive at the obvious.
     
    here's the current plan:
     

     
    I have gone with a GWR 9ft heel #6 turnout which gives 10" of total track length from switch tips to the 11 ft marker, take an inch off for a half buffer and I will still have enough room for the largest "home" loco on the layout which will be a 57xx tank. Keen eyes will notice that I have extended the layout by a foot to the right, but this is for the future should I decide to accommodate larger locos.
     
    I think I got a bit distracted by trying to make the release as long as possible with the existing baseboards for locos I might never own (class 3 tank etc) and compromising the track design in the process. Glad I have seen sense and replaced the #4 with a #6 turnout.
     
    I will make the scenic area easily extendable so that any extension will be fully scenic - maybe a church spire covering the backscene join?
  6. RedgateModels

    Backscene!

    By RedgateModels,

    Picked up this monster print from Acorn Signs in Mansfield yesterday - a 16' x 10" digital print of Andy Y's Staffordshire Moorland panorama (see panorama photo stitching thread in the photography section) printed onto sticky back vinyl with a protective clear overlayer.
     

     

     
    The plan is to paint the backscene boards with gloss white paint then I can "float" the print into place on a soapy film and squeegee all the bubbles out before it dries.
     
    Can't praise Acorn Signs enough, superb job for £44 - more expensive than a paper proprietary backscene, but (almost) unique and very hard wearing. I will spray some matt varnish over it once in place to get rid of the glossy shine
  7. RedgateModels
    A while ago I bought, amongst other things, a couple of Waverley O gauge point kits from Ian Morton.
     
    Following a succesful test build of a Scalescenes Waiting Shelter blown up to O gauge a seed of an idea for my first layout in 7mm started to grow ...
     
    So, the premise is a preserved railway somewhere in GWR land (as the point kits are to GWR standards). A single track railway doubled at the station. Model half the station with the overbridge forming the scenic break at one end and a tunnel at the other. The waiting shelter could stand on one platform with a small station building on the other.
     
    Here's the shelter
     

     
    and here's the point - a left hand A4, my first ever soldered point and not too shabby even if I say so
     

     
    The wing rail on the straight route needs adjusting as it's a bit tight between the two .....
     
    Finally here's the Pug sat on some track at last B)
     

  8. RedgateModels
    After a few productive minutes with some plasticard and copper wire over lunchtime we have a representation of the sandboxes for the Crosti
     

     

     
    Next step is to paint it all black and then I can get the Zimo sound chip wired up to the loco and test the fit in the body and of course the sound!
     
    I should have this at least functional for the Weston-on-Trent show on the 10th November
  9. RedgateModels
    Detailing has started on the bodyshell, the Comet Britannia/Clan/Duke detailing pack has been opened and the following added so far:
     
    Smokebox dart
    Safety valves
    Clacks and feed pipes
    Vacuum ejector
    Steam manifold
    Carriage warming valve
    Injector steam valves
     
    Here's a quick shot of the right side of the firebox showing the pipework so far.
     

     
    A few more evenings to go with this one then it's the deflectors and footsteps. Once these are done then I think I will be in a position to take some photos to show the whole loco before paint. The intention is to show what has been added to the base donor plastic to better illustrate the work involved.
     
    UPDATE:
     
    Got the main pipes to the Exhaust Injector done plus the rocking grate linkage
     

     
    Note the pipe from the yet to be fitted water valve is too fine and will be replaced with something thicker soon!
     
    Im particularly pleased with the thin pipe that follows the line of the exhuast feed to the injector before taking a different route under the footplate
  10. RedgateModels
    So another damp cold Saturday allowed me to get all the track laid on the centre board. The adjustment the screws allowed for at the baseboard joints worked really well - allowing for the differences in alignment that somehow crept in between mine and Santa's workshops 😉
     

     
    Just need to wire up the centre board and then we at least have a layout for the Mansfield Show 🙂 Didn't take long for George to move in though ...
     

     
    The lack of power does not deter him as he still likes to push them round - grown up Brio 😉
     
    Note G has solved the dual mode issue without resorting to expensive new trains - HST power car at one end and a class 90 at the other 🚂
  11. RedgateModels
    Even though it was originally green when I bought it, the Pug is now resplendent in it's BR black livery
     

     
    Bit of touching up needed around the red buffer beams and the cab interior. Whistle needs to be "brass" and then it's ready for varnish. Must get on with the DCC decoder/StayAlive ready for the Mansfield Show next month
  12. RedgateModels
    This week I have been looking at a NRM Limited Edition Schools class 925 Cheltenham. It was sent to me along with several other DCC locos as a non-runner and the body fixing screw was loose. Problem being it had been packed inside its box without the inner tray, wrapped in a small amount of bubble wrap. Clearly it had moved around in the box quite a bit during postman's playtime (sent Special Delivery) and this is what I found when I unwrapped it ...
     
     
     

     
    After an hour's forensic reconstruction it's starting to look a bit more like it should
     

     
    Still got a few bits left to sort and I need to get that sellotape glue off the smoke deflector.
     
    Oh, the reason for the non running? someone previously had bodged repaired one of the motor wires in the 4 way tender to loco wiring. New plug and wires on the way which will sort that too!
     
    I think the owner is deeply regretting entrusting his stock to a chap in the West Country. Oh well, his loss is my gain 🙂
     
     
     
  13. RedgateModels
    An unexpected reprieve from loft insulation allowed me to get the rodding from the 'box up to the barrow crossing completed
     

     
    I'm pleased with the way the #8 rod dips down to the point crank then continues on to the far end of the double slip, with rod #9 running in front and over the crank
     

     
    Finally a close up of the 'box gubbins
     

  14. RedgateModels
    Made some more progress with this coach this week. Underframe has been painted and the final details added. I still need to hand paint the brake pull rods black but it's about done.
     

     
    I've also made a start on the body, going pretty well, all is square and fitting together quite easily
     

     
    Should have painted those seats before gluing them in though ...... Oh well, I'll know better with the all 3rd S9, more seats in that one too
     
    So once those seats are painted and maybe some signs and mirrors fitted I'll get on with the rest of the construction. I'm hoping to make the roof removeable for adding passengers etc, I'd like a bike or something like that in the luggage area too
     
    anyone know of a supplier of 7mm modern baby buggies/prams etc?
  15. RedgateModels
    After another couple of sessions we have a rolling chassis (well it would roll if I free off the bearings - a job for when they are removed for chassis painting)
     

     

     
    I'm deviating from the order of things now as I will be making as start on the springs, axleboxes and footboards next. Save the delicate underpinnings until all the heaver engineering is done
     
    The job is much easier with the brake third handy as a reference
  16. RedgateModels
    Whilst SWMBO was decorating at one of the MIL's properties and the kids were being good (yeah, I know!) I managed to get the hanging basket liner down and the cinders laid around the engine shed.
     

     

     
    The water column is not glued down so I can remove it to paint later.
     
    Hopefully it will all be dry tomorrow and I can rip the plastic backing off the liner to pull up some nice long grass
     
    UPDATE:
     
    and now the backing is removed - here's a few staged photos with my Sentinel. Backscene next then some trees
     

     

     

  17. RedgateModels
    Luggage racks now have their netting - strips of carefully cut up mozzy netting bought off eBay. I have enough netting to do the racks from the entire Slater's production until the end of time
     

     

     
    AND FINALLY - the door ventilators are fixed and I've also cemented the top plastikard strip in place. I hope to start drilling and tapping said strip tonight to take the roof lamps which will hold the roof in place.
     
    I'll be getting that paint out before you know it
  18. RedgateModels
    We are having a Box File Challenge at next year's Mansfield Show, so as, Scalescenes have just released their box file kit I thought that with a few subtle modifications I could make another corner of Summat Colliery. This time it will be served by the internal narrow gauge system but with a section of standard gauge for exchanges etc.
     
    I already have a few lengths of "crazy track" so just need to get a narrow gauge Y point and I'm away.
     
    Here's how far I have got so far
     

     
    Can't do the trackwork/hardstanding etc yet as I've not got the point anyway.
     
    Summat Colliery has secured it's first traction too - a Peco Jeanette steamy
     

     
    Chassis is on it's way too thanks to eBay
  19. RedgateModels
    Been busy adding some of the Craftsman kit to the prepped Lima bodyshell, the main constituents are in place, grilles, nose lights etc. The "whiskers" and body stripes will be applied after painting the body.
     

     
    As you can see I've started on the sandbox fillers which are very time consuming to do. First a 2x4mm hole needs making in the body then the etched part folding in a off-centre V shape. This is then inserted in the hole and glued in place. Any etch left sticking proud is filed off then 1000 grit wet or dry to finish.
     
    Note cab door window frames have been glued in place and a pilot hole drilled. These will be filed out to the inner edge of the etch (very carefully!)
     
    Not a bad kit, with good instructions. I particularly like the fact that it includes some nice cast airhorns and etched windscreen wipers - I've sent an email to Shawplan to see if I can get some for the Dapol/Bachmann version!
  20. RedgateModels
    Had time for a quick dusting with grey primer, sorry Chris, they really show up the porosity in places. It really does not look this bad to the naked eye
     

     

     

     
    looks like more fettling is needed before the black goes on but that's why we do the grey primer thing, it not only keys the top coat but it's great for showing those minor little imperfections.
  21. RedgateModels
    Just a quick update, the truss rod, axleboxes, springs and footboard hangers fitted to one side
     

     
    I have hit a bit of a stop now as the truss rod support for the other side was broken - I've contacted Slaters and David is sending me a new casting in exchange for a couple of stamps
     
    I'll find something else to do on it I'm sure while I am waiting for Postman Pat
  22. RedgateModels

    Check rails

    By RedgateModels,

    Got the chance to do some more trackwork on Fourgig, this time it's the checkrails for the inset trackwork around and in the goods shed.
     

     
    Not much rail left now, just got to add the flares for the checkrails on the adjoining board and that's the track done - scenery can start in earnest
     
    (once the inset track is sprayed black)
     
    UPDATE:
     
    flares added to the ends of the checkrails leading to the engine shed. Note Isebrook sat over the illuminated pit - Black Cat Tech universal lighting strips were used to add the lighting as they don't (obviously) do an O gauge version specifically for the sclescenes kit
     

     
    I also spotted that I'd caught the rail ends at some point and broke the solder joints on one rail. So they were resoldered using 188 deg solder for added strength and a new sleeper added to reinforce the track at baseboard edge.
     

  23. RedgateModels
    Well, I've finally managed to get Pete Harvey's excellent etches soldered together and fitted to the Sentinel, and mighty fine they look too!
     

     

     
    Just need to do some final fettling with a glass fibre pencil and then it's primer time. Should have it in satin black for the Member's Day.
  24. RedgateModels
    Had another play last night arranging all the bits I have so far made. Here's a few pics for your enjoyment.
     

     

     

     
    SWMBO took one look at the items littering her new kitchen floor and said "Ooooh, Ivor The Engine"
     
    Can seee what she means though. Now, how do I convert the Pug, a sound chip would be good
     
    "Par par!"
  25. RedgateModels
    Rapid (for me) progress today.
     
    The bends went really well, after much agonizing and worry over getting these right they just fell into place using a 3.5mm rod held in the vice and the brass bent over it using my fingers.
     
    Soldered to the soleplate using 145 deg solder it's starting to look like a Sentinel now
     

     
    Now, here's where I have had to "modify" the kit as there seems to be two variants of the Lima 0-4-0 drive unit, one a central ringfield and another with the ringfield over to one side. The kit is clearly designed for the latter, but I have the central type. So a dirty big hole was cut in the soleplate/floor. The fixing centres seemed different too, so new holes were drillled - I'll solder 8BA nuts over these holes next.
     

     
    The upshot of this central motor is that the tank end panel cannot be fitted. The tank top is a little too wide and the corners are of too great a radius, hopefully by the time material has been removed from the sides any gaps at the corners will be fillable with solder.
     
    Anyone want a Lima diesel shunter body, BR blue, good nick?
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