Bristol_Rich

Updates on the project have been slack over the last few months...what with the summer, summer holidays and unfortunately work getting in the way. So the project had its first public outing and made it through the weekend of the Lydney Model Rail Exhibition. Armed with little more than the test track, completed work to date, drawings, info sheets and the SJ videos playing for discussion, a warm reception was received by those visiting the exhibition. People were curious to understand more about the prototype and provoked some interesting conversations. It is hoped by this time next year a "layout in development" will be running so that we can start to shift some stock about. Y01p Cab Ends As mentioned in previous posts, work has continued on the YO1p Railcar cab end former. Seen here in the final stages of shaping, the wooden former is finished and a test mould has been completed. Much discussion and thought has been undertaken about what materials to use for the cab end. An initial trial using plasticard was undertaken, heating it around the form; however the complex curves and shapes of the nose profile led to splitting of the heated plasticard sheet. So a test mould was undertaken using Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The form was liberally coated in release agent and a mix of GRP and chopped strand matting placed all over the mould. The purpose of this cast is to provide a mould from which can then be used to cast other YO1p ends from. Initial results are promising and a mould is now complete. Z4p Loco Meanwhile work on the Z4p loco underframe Seen here the loco internal sideframes are being milled to profile and shape and since this photograph was taken, a significant amount of work has been undertaken with the loco chassis in a near running state. Only the installation of compensation is required to achieve a free running chassis. SRJ N1 The recent Lydney Exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to make some progress on the recently started SRJ N1 wagons. Originally built in the very late 1800, early 1900′s these wagons later in life were converted in to covered vans. The intention is to model this wagon at pretty much the end of its life just before conversion and therefore livery will be nothing more than bare wood, staining and rust streaks from the various fittings and identification plates fitted about the body. Prototype photographs of this wagon are proving nothing more than illusive to find and although searched continue I am beginning to run out of Swedish search terms looking for photographs. Not mentioned before the body construction is plasticard utilising the excellent stainless steel etched plus model bolt/rivet heads. Seen in the picture attached to the wagon the some what tedious task of going around with a sharp blade and removing the etch tabs off the bolt heads. You could argue why not do this before sticking to the wagon, however each bolt head is 0.7mm dia! Further work has been undertaken to fit the side stanchions and handbrake gear with a few small details to complete. Underframe brake gear is still to be scratchbuilt from plasticard. Thankfully the Parkside Dundas W Irons supplied on the BR Clasp Brake sprue proved to be a “close†match to the prototype and with a bit of work will resemble those found on the wagon. A set of re gauged Slaters finescale open spoke wheels is then all required to complete the build, prior to painting. Gp Van Details A start has been made to replicate the smaller details found on the Gp van… Seen here the body side mounted door bangers have been fabricated out of a small lenght of aluminium tube wound with wire to represent the spring and brass wire for the door stop. Work has also started on the underframe J Hangers.

Rivets can be obtained from Archer Transfers http://www.archertransfers.com/. Various sizes and pitches available and although they are in the states they will arrive in no time. When I ordered a sheet last I couldn't believe how quick it was - 3days/ No Tax. The only thing I would recommend is using Microsol and Set on their application and once laid up use minimal handling until you are ready to paint. They are defo worth the effort

As always what seemed like the Lydney Exhibition being "months and months" away, slowly and very surely its nearly upon us. This will be the first outing for the 891mm project and we had discussed many times about how we would present the scale and the models as part of the demo stand. So with a fiddle yard baseboard from a previous unfinished project a layer of Sundela board was added and set to work laying the track. The track itself is Code 100 Peco FB, pinned down onto the sleepers using KB Scale track spikes. The sleepers themselves are trusty coffee stirrers acquired from a reliable coffee shop who were willing to provide "quite a few"...certainly enough to see us through the project. The stirrers worked out at a scale .2mm to wide so wasn't going to argue with the over width and thus they were cut to length. Staining was completed using a mixture of acrylic washes. Weathering and foliage needs to be added but at least its a start! Meanwhile work on the Gp needs to continue as I am intending to get it finished prior to the exhibition in Sept!

'En route down to Sharpness Docks I popped into Frampton to see if there was anything "rustling the undergrowth"... With camera in hand, luck would have it that 33 025 "Sultan" was running around its train load of vans which included a Shocvan on its last legs.

A Z4p (as attached) is in early build - the chassis is pretty much nearly finished and powered so that it can run under its own "steam" so to speak... But then the real challenge begins of building the body! The next pics will include it along side the Op and hopefully on some track!

Archer Transfers do a whole raft of gauge decals Some good work...

This has been a long time coming. After constructing the body for the Gp, work went on hold. Firstly I wanted to make sure that the ply wood body remained stable and secondly, I wasn't sure if the grained texture from the wood was too coarse. Meanwhile work progressed on the Op and now that it is near completion, I have started to focus my attention back onto the Gp. Seen here sat on its new formed under frame and wheel set for the photo, work has started on trying to get the van finished before its first exhibition in Sept. There is still loads of work to get this finished however its now a rolling chassis and awaits a general tidy up before any primer is sprayed.

The Op now completed awaiting decals and sourcing of suitable scale chain, a new wagon build has been started. Although information and prototype images have been some what illusive, work has started on an SRJ N1 wagon. Seen here in early stages of build and sat temporarily on a pair of 3 hole disc wheels, these will be replaced with a set of Slaters S7 open spoked wheels. Work is required to bring the W irons nearer to the prototype however in dimensions they are thankfully pretty much spot on.

So some three months since the beginning of the build, the Op wagon is pretty much complete. With brake gear, safety loops complete and seen here wearing its first coat of paint (GWR Frame Red) the wagon awaits decals, weathering and some suitable chain for the side and end stanchions. And here lies a problem – finding scale chain. Most of the scale chain I have found is far from scale. It also (to me) doesn't look like chain. It is usually consist of rounded links and has a heavy look. Scouring the net I have found a model ship supplier who stocks chain, that looks like chain, however it is too small… Couplings will be added once a suitable solution has been found. Meanwhile the custom decals for the Op are complete and scaled and will be included onto a sheet of other white decals for the 1/35 project. Once the sheet is complete the set will be sent for printing.

"When" Ystad is finally up and running, the locos and railcars will require the care and attention of the small loco shed situated near to the yard and station to help keep things in running order, and to counteract the harsh Swedish environment. This is some way off as although rolling stock construction continues, initial track plans haven't even touched paper. However, returning from my hols I'd managed to pick up some dirt cheap Tamiya 1/35 Oil Drums/Barrels for the princely sum of £2... ideal for the shed. So last night I set to work having a bash with the drums. Not content with the moulded dented barrel, I thought that it needed a bit more abuse and set about creating some rust holes. I can see this one being stuck round the corner of the shed forgotten about and clearly lacking any content. By scraping through the plastic with a scalpel until the plastic is thin to the point its translucent, a gentle poke with the blade from the rear created the pushed out rusted panel look. Once the damage had been done, assembly is completed in a matter of minutes and a coat of red oxide primer was used to start of the painting process. Once dry, a mix of brown and reds were mixed randomly on a pallet and stippled into place to create the base rusty colour surface texture. A very light dry brush of Gun Metal Humbrol Metalcote provides a very gentle metallic sheen. Once dry, Maskol was applied using a dead paintbrush and stippled all over. Again, once dry the top coat paint (Halfords Ford Red) was applied. Once this had dried "tacky" I attacked the paint with parcel tape and not standing on ceremony, used this vigorously remove any Maskol and pull off any remaining wet paint. Once all dried, a gentle wash of MIG Rust mix and MIG Light Rust powder over small areas to finish. I think a light coat of Europe Dust is required once located to blend into its surroundings. Total about 2hrs work tops. Happy to do a illustrated "how to" if anyone is interested?

The benefit of the prototypes is that in 1/1 scale they arnt very big so lends itself to the larger scale. The overall length of the Op is only 8m so a perhaps unfair comparison with the OBA proportionally. The loco in build at the moment -'Zp' is small and compact at half the length of the Op. Thankfully they designed it around a great sounding Deutz engine On the flip side the YO1p Railcar - in early development - will come out scaled at nearly 2' long...

So its been nearly six months into the project and thought it might be worth while doing a short overview of progress thus far. It may seem that not much work has been done on the project, however this isnt going to be a 5min wonder. A significant amount of time has been spent researching prototypes and sourcing information and details on the various locos wagons and structures that can be found on the many 3foot lines dotted around Sweden. This is of course made increasingly more difficult as I don't speak Swedish, and the only stock remain running is that found on the preserved lines...thus questioning accuracy of liveries and prototype features. Plus there is work...something that unfortunately takes up valuable modelling time. So here is a brief retrospective in pictures of what has been done so far... Opel Blitz completed, weathered and details and just awaiting number plate digits. Verlinden Germanic soldier "Railway-cised" to represent one of the fitters/ Yard handlers as seen in the fantastic SJ Information Films - awaiting shovel and a job. And finally 14t Op Open Wagon. Seen here with first coat of paint and awaiting transfers couplings and weathering. A shot is also included to scale 1/35 against a 4mm Bachmann OBA.

As work progressed on the Op project one thing that has been concerning me was the ability to form multiple numbers of identical roller axleboxes and brake shoes from scratch. Searching the very few O gauge wagon accessory suppliers it was becoming obvious that no product existed similar in appearance to that on the Op wagon. Looking through the range of Parkside Dundas wagon kits I noticed that their excellent kit of the BR Blue Spot Fish Van was supplied with "similar" axle boxes to those on the Op. Although not identical, a compromise would be made versus the problems associated with producing multiple scratch built items. An email later and Parkside Dundas confirmed that they could supply the separate mouldings from the kit for both the axle boxes and brake gear for £1 each. Three days later a box arrived with the mouldings. As soon as I opened the box I was pleased to see that the moulding also included the Parkside method of compensation - much like the prototype of floating axle boxes and these too could be used on the build project. So an hour of work later the wagon is now sat on its axle boxes and rolling. Work still needs to be undertaken to ensure that the wagon is level and running true and also requires the brake gear to be fitted. Compensation also requires fitting. Picture of the wagon sat on its axle boxes...

Some time has passed since the last update mainly due to no work actually being undertaken all thanks to a lingering cold. However getting back into the project and noticed something. Whilst trying to identify the various markings on the underframe I noticed I had made a bit of a boo boo. I had made the assumption that the underframe sides were mirror images when in fact they are handed. This becomes apparent in the location of the various markings. Unlike British rolling stock which locates its data TOPs panels and other various markings on the same location on the side of the wagon no matter which side you look at, the Op wagons are different. The markings are located on the relevant body panel as dictated by the spaces available e.g. large data panel goes on the large panel avaliable. Noting this is became clear that the underframe as constructed was wrong and needed correcting. Although initially the doom and gloom clouds came over and a review of the problem indicated that it was simply nothing more than a drill cut and file out job and adding plasticard where there wasnt. Meanwhile work continues on the underframe and the first side of the suspension units is complete. I’m not sure if they look substantial enough and will wait and see what they look like once the axle boxes have been fabricated.

A considerable amount of work has been completed since the last update. Underframe detail including the air brake and reservoir tanks has been completed and mounted to the underside of the body. All brake rigging is in place and awaits fitting to the clasp brake shoes and tie bars when installed. W Irons are now fixed in place. The finer details to the sides of the wagon is also complete all bar the rope/lashing points located along the side of the wagon. These will be formed using fine wire and positioned accordingly. Bolt heads located along the body are from the excellent Plus Model stainless steel etch as previously mentioned. And most obvious of all, the wagon has now been primed in a coat of Red Oxide Plastic Primer. I am currently in the search of trying to find a colour as near to the SJ red livery as possible. Although initially the plastic primer colour was way off, as its dried it appears to be obtaining a more of a red hue. As a trial I have sourced some other paints from the Railmatch and Vallijo ranges to see if there any alternatives available and/ or suitable. Next steps are to form the roller axle boxes, end steps, clasp brake gear and rigging. Decals are currently being drawn up and once located…final paint and weathering.

Hi Josh Yes, we still have Frampton and will always ensure that there is stock to run on it. The problem I am having at the moment is work...no time to play trains The SR proj is on hold for the time being. There are some things we wernt happy with and some steps that we needed to get over to make it into a reliable exhibition performer. The swedish proj has helped me re focus my modelling again and is also providing some excellent challenges, certainly from the research aspects.

Some more work completed on the Op wagon progressing slowly to getting one side of the body “nearly†complete. One sides worth of stanchions have been fabricated and located along the body side. These were made using 2mm dia. brass tube with a 0.25mm brass wire looped and soldered into the tube. Once cooled down a file was used to shape and create the eyelet at the top of the stanchion. Unfortunately, unlike the prototype the stanchions are not removable. I looked at the possibility of using brass tube to represent the solebar level locating points, however it looked over scale and proved a challenge to reproduce to the same small length of tube 14 times. A length of chain has been added to see “how it looksâ€. I’m struggling to find any finescale chain that actually looks like “chainâ€. Various internet searches pull up many suppliers however they all appear to look the same. Very round and high number of links per inch. This may be a point of compromise, however I will keep looking. Other small details have been added to the underframe, included a number of the excellent Plus Model Etched Nuts and Bolt heads to the headstocks. A few pictures of the work so far with the wagon sat on a pair of O gauge wheels… <br style="clear: both;">

Wrong Rock - Bent

Today a bit more time has been spent on the Op project. More work on the underframe has been completed, with the addition of some microstrip to enhance its appearance. I couldn’t help think that it was looking a bit on the weedy side. The cut outs in the headstock/ underframe has now been completed and just require a general clean up to remove any final swarf, debris and tweak with a file to complete. Another W iron has also been fabricated. Pictures show progress of the wagon so far sat on a pair of ‘O’ gauge disc wheels sets prior to turning down to size and gauge.

As work on the Gp van continues, I have had to take a break away from it simply as I was losing the will to live. The thought of the hundreds of bolt heads still to be applied is demoralising enough to prevent me doing any modelling at all, so I have had to take a brief diversion. Designed in 1942 these large open-standard two-axle freight wagons were designed to fill the general purpose role previously occupied by the older wagons of various vintages and designs. The original design of the Op wagon was for it to be over 8m long with a 5m wheelbase and a floor capacity 17.6 m2, rated at 14 tons. The wagons were equipped with air brake and load gear all mounted to a welded underframe structure and therefore differed significantly from the traditional wagons designs of old. A unique feature of these wagons in comparison to their UK counterparts is the ability for the side and end panels to fold flat onto the load bed of the wagon. Due to their general purpose design these wagons saw much use on a wide variety of traffic. Employed on duties including transportation of hardwood logs and coal later on in life following conversion saw them being fitted with rubber mats and employed on ore duties as a tipler wagons. This conversion saw modification to the side and end panels and cutting of the side stanchions. Equiped with a drawing of an Op wagon and a few photos (which are proving hard to find) I have set about making a start on building a wagon…well two in fact. Using plasticard I have prepared enough material for two wagons. The first will be “ex works†and will have ends and sides in the raised position although showing signs of use, whilst the second will be a more work worn example with damage and the side panels in the lowered position on the wagon bed. To get started here is a picture of the work so far… Meanwhile...! Opel Blitz Nears Completion…Nearly! The Opel Blitz nears completion. I say “nears completion†(again!) as I am beginning to wonder if I’m ever going to finish this kit. Started some 5 months ago all that is holding me up is finding suitable period “Swedish style†letters and numbers decals for the front and rear number plates. Small detail such as the door handles, bonnet mascot and wing mirror have now been added and the truck is now packed away until I can find some suitable decals!

The prototype is a 'Gp' van used on the Swedish 891mm lines. On the formation of SJ and the inhertance of over 2000km of old narrow gauge lines and their stock it soon became clear that the stock was unsuitable. These vans were built in the late 40's and early 50's built on common underframes to replace the older stock. The layout will be 1/35 scale so comes out at 8.71mm/ft. Yes, even with the Blitz kit and admittedly it's been civilianised, I'm left over with driver, navigator, pick, spade, 4 oil drums, crate, hand pump, water stand pipe, jack, jerry cans... It's a comple seperate sprue to the kit.

Work on the Blitz nears completion... Some time spent this evening finishing off the weathering to the lower body and inside the load bay. Final details are STILL to be added in the form of door handles, bonnet "mascot" and mirrors... Some images... Three Quarter View Side Elevation Cruel close up of the rust and worn paint effects

Ittaleri also do a kit for the Blitz, although I'm not sure on the scales and avaliability... It might be worth a look. I think there are many techniques we rail modellers can learn from military modelers, although I have never been a military modeller, the range of detail components is wide, varied and usually of very high quality.

(In)Sanity Check So the bolt heads mentioned in the previous post arrived... and what great little things they are. A Stainless Steel etch of what looks like 1000's of tiny highly detail bolt heads of various sizes and types all ready and waiting to go on the Gp Van. I do beg the question however of the worth of etching such minute detail into the etch as with a couple coats of paint I am sure the detail is lost. Having spent many hours messing about with the DC Kits door hinges on their EMU kits, I was mildly prepared for what lay ahead. New tube of superglue and clean tweezers and blade, I set about applying the bolt heads to the van. Some 6hours later the van side is now representing something (or at least I hope it does) of the prototype. Applying the bolt heads is as I am sure you can imaging a tedious task but thankfully there is so far about a 5% wastage rate with various heads lost in glue, "pinging off" somewhere or generally going AWOL. Even now looking at the pics I can see some of the heads missing... Only 3 sides to go. Opel Blitz Work continues on the Opel Blitz... Since the last post, I have craved the need to get away from applying minute bolt heads! Dont get me wrong, as much as I am enjoying the scratchbuild of the Gp van, the nut and bolt heads are getting to me! As a bit of a break I have concentrated efforts back onto the Opel Blitz build. This week some time has been spent on starting to weather the load bed and underframe as well as finalising the fitting of final parts bar fine details - lamp lenses door handles etc. Work still required to finish inside the load bed and just noticed I've missed a couple of ejector pin marks >:\ Wheels, arches and hubs still need considerable amount of weathering to be applied. I noticed on the previous post there was a request to put the van up against a 4mm van for comparision. I will take a pic for the next entry (possibly Friday)