halfwit

Will you see when they are rotating?

Yes if you look closely!

You're quite right, its one of those things that I know they're there and that's all that matters.

I'm currently waiting for a length of brass to arrive in the post which will be used to make another jig for another wheelset...

Paul.

Thanks for the comments, and the 'likes'.

Mark, I'm hoping to get these two finished soon, but I'm not going to rush for fear of messing up (sorry Dave!). I've just posted a reply to your blog as well.

Paul.

Mark, modifying the existing pipework would cost nothing and if it goes wrong or you're not happy with the result then you could fit the RT Models cast pipework. Chris Nevard modified the moulded pipework on his to good effect, see his blog entry.

I've got a set of RT Models bufferbeams for mine, still unfitted as that particular project has stalled for now. I've been collecting parts for a couple more Austerities, I've got a couple of the Airfix kits awaiting attention. Robert (RT Models) is a big Austerity enthusiast, hence the wide range of parts that he's produced.

Paul.

Some lovely weathering on those two locos.

Its worth spending a bit of time refining the pipework on the Dapol/Hornby Austerity, I've done that to mine and it does improve the model that little bit more. Alternatively there's the RT Models replacement pipework.

Paul.

I think that this post sums up why I like your modelling style so much Frank - nothing is used straight from the box and everything is modified/painted/weathered to a consistant standard.

Paul.

It is indeed splendid work!

I'm sure that playing with the lighting will lend itself to your 'storytelling' approach - a nice subtle way of showing the passage of time.

Will you be fitting interior lighting as well?

Paul.

Nice work Frank - it's easy to forget just how good a decent unpainted whitemetal kit looks when clean and shiny.

If the 10 series isn't powerfull enough it might be worth trying a 12 series. A flywheel is a worthy addition if there's enough room.

Paul.

Interesting ideas.

For the morning/evening scenario, would you have two lighting rigs, or one adjustable rig, to allow the shadows to change during the day?

Paul.

A trick of the light Dave.

I have 3 lamps illuminating my workbench, any combination of which are used for photography depending on how the light falls on the subject.

Paul.

They seem to be popular with overpaid bicycle mechanics, Park make a nice one, which seems expensive but its actually one of the cheaper ones...

Paul.

I should really have mentioned them Jan, and they're not that easy to spot in the photos.

There is a rear bonnet former supplied in the kit which butts up to the cab front, however its unnecessary (stated in the instructions) so I didn't use it. I should have mentioned that as well...

Paul.

Prieser did a snowman in a set including a Father Christmas and some children - bit expensive though!

I reckon that a stooped figure struggling up the road towards the cottage looking decidedly miserable would be quite apt given the amount of snow on the ground!

Paul.

Thanks for the comments (and the likes).

Jan - there are half etched lines to aid rolling the corners, have another look at the first two pics. (click on them for a bigger image). It could be rolled without a vice, but for some reason I chose not to anneal the bonnets this time. Remember that Mike and Judith use .015" brass for their kits, most other manufactorers seem to use thinner gauge material. On my A1 Models Rustons I did anneal the bonnets before forming. I guess I just like to try different methods from time to time.

Paul.

.Here's one for the pedants!

looking at the pictures in various books 9021 appears in some pictures to have fluted coupling rods, on other pictures of the same engine it has plain rods fitted!

You could fit fluted rods on one side, and plain on the other! Then it'll be 50% right no matter what!

Paul.

Thanks Mark (and everyone else who 'liked' this entry. Much appreciated).

I'm currently cleaning up and riveting the bonnet and roof ready for forming and soldering in place, hopefully the next instalment won't be too far off.

Paul.

One important question remains.

What type of toffees does Station Master A. Woodcourt favour?

Paul.

Should I ever build and exhibit a layout (highly unlikely!) I have several wagons ready to roll out in case things get too serious - a couple of Ratio vans in freelance brewery liveries for example. Whilst authentic operation is a goal for the majority of us we're not going to get every detail right, we're only human after all, and the pedants should remember that before patronising those that do more than just research and actually build stuff!

Paul.

Looks very clean and tidy Frank!

I use an old bureau sited in the dining room, which means that it can be closed up with my tools safely stored away when necessary.

Paul.

Thanks Jaymes.

I probably won't go to Railex, I need to save money and sleep!

Paul.

"...Quality of these supported parts were bad because of the design"

If it was down to the design, they could at least offer some feedback on improving your design to reduce the problem of poor surface finish. This would make good business sense as they ought to be trying to keep your custom, obviously they have no idea that a lot of people follow your modelling blogs who might be put of using Shapeways following your experience.

I wonder how it would have looked in 4mm scale? Would the roughness been any more or less noticable?

I'm sure that 3D printing will be an important tool for (some of) us modellers, but as others have pointed out the technology is still very new and will probably be refined further in the future.

Paul.

Glad to see Grime Street back here.

The mill building looks superb and fits in well, but I think that the lift shafts? on the end jar a little - perhaps a fire escape/external staircase would look better?

Paul.

Noel, wheels are 12mm diameter.

Paul.

Neat work Frank. Nice to see that the art of making vacuum pipes from brass rod and fuse wire is still alive.

Paul.

TBH I am rather surprised you havent dabbled yet. What can I do to make you try?

Find me a nice simple(ish) loco project (not re-wheeling RTR)!

Paul.

Dont you dare measure mine and compare it!! You are right about the City of Truro too, its one of my all time most wanted engines, fingers crossed it lives upto its appeal to me. Im not looking forward to lining it though! Shall I put you down for one once its all finished?

The measurements are with someone else who's planning a kit, I just do all the balancing on tanks and holding taperules. Which is great fun and thoroughly recommended!

As for CoT, I could be tempted, 2mm is rather appealing...

Paul.