Liddy

Thanks Nickey, I can do that tonight. Best regards

Please can someone advise me on the depth of the vacuum cylinder within the underframe. There is an 'L' shaped mark on the solebar to show on which side the cylinder is mounted, but nothing to indicate the depth. Is the top of the cylinder flush with the top surface of the underframe? Note, the underframe is shown upside-down.

I was pleased to find a strip of brass 0.5mm thick (close enough to the 20 thou of the plastic card strip to complete the underframe channel section) that helped position the underframe moulding relative to the solebars. With hindsight the buffer heads could have been added later so that the underframe could be constructed directly on a piece of glass.

I've chosen to make Spring bump stops in keeping with the reference photo, I will use the 4 best ones, shown here with a cutdown axlebox/spring moulding.

Hi, This is my subject Dia 1/209, Lot 2737 https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brshocvanvsv/h1541650#hb456936 I have faith in Slaters research, I was just surprised by the lack of rivets. Thank you for your inputs.

Hello Paul, Thank you for the link. Your site as always proves to be invaluable. Best regards

Hi Nickey, Thanks for your reply.

Thoughts and advice please; The longer buffer beams don't have any coupling reinforcing plate or rivet detail. I have photos of the prototype Dia 208, but none clear enough to determine if the real thing was so plain. Thanks in advance

Thanks John, The steel coupling links and coupling hook springs came out really well from the Brass formula. I didn't read the instructions carefully and drilled the shorter buffer beams really well, now I have to do it again for the longer ones. Phil at Hobby Holidays was great at finding and sending me the Ambis 7mm BLG3A Brake lever guides so those will be assembled soon.

The Slater's sprue, Starting with a razor saw to cutaway the W-iron and then 60 grade followed by 180 grade abrasive I cut out the first of 4 axlebox/spring units to fit the sprung W-irons.

Not having any Carr's for steel, I trialled the brass and nickel silver blackening on the Slaters wheels and found that the brass version works well on the treads. Thanks again

Hi Geoff, Thanks for your comment, I remember on your blog that you used DJ Parkins overlays to detail a wagon interior, I thought those looked excellent, I shall study the site with interest. Your blog is always a great read as you take the time to share your thought processes as well as techniques and materials. Hi Nick, Thank you for replying, I took a quick look at that link at lunchtime, definitely something to follow up. Rgds

Hello John, Thanks for those links, I had a pleasant morning browsing the traders listed by the GOG and NEWGOG show in April is on my calendar. You can't beat a good etch for brake gear, Slaters brake pushrod safety loops and brake lever guard (with bracket to axlebox) would be a big improvement as an etch. As you've used Slaters sprung axleguards, do you know the design weight for the springing? (I emailed Slaters last month and haven't yet had a response) Rgds

Hi John, Thank you for your comments, I have to admit to reading your blog as part of my research before deciding to try 7mm, I really admire your work. I did a Mick Bonwick Weathering workshop at Pendon and there was a lot of discussion about blacks! Paul Bartlett's website is my primary reference for contemporary photos. Carr's black for brass worked especially well on the detail castings, less well on the etches, which will need some painting. I'm delighted with the level of detail in the Slaters kit; just a little surprised having come from 4mm (where the extensive ranges of the likes of Masokits and Rhymney Models means endless detailing parts) that there appear to be few suppliers of wagon detailing in 7mm. I'm happy to be corrected. Best regards

Hi John, Nothing wrong with the Slaters kit, I just don't feel confident about getting four great axlebox/spring units if I have to cut/file/sand the mouldings supplied. But it looks like I may have to make the best job I can of it. Rgds

Me too, a sprung axle is great news

Hi Brossard, Thanks, yes Slaters have the W-irons/axleboxes/springs as a unit, I could cut-away/file off the moulded W-irons. I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

Despite searching t'internet and Rmweb I can't find a source of BR 2-part (rounded) Oil axleboxes in O gauge 7 mm. Please does anyone know of a supplier? Thanks in advance

Taking note from the inspirational 'Off the Beaten track' blog I'm building an O gauge wagon kit before diving into 7mm. I chose a Slaters BR Shocvan, adding Slaters own sprung W-irons to get the best possible running. I'm painting the wheels as rusty on the backs and oily dust on the fronts.

Hello Gilbert, I like your modesty. I enjoyed looking at Dock Street at a Ross on Wye show, I shall be round again on Sunday.

Hello Simon, Well done, I'm excited to see all the effort you're making to conserve this iconic layout. It is the background on my laptop as constant inspiration. I can't make Bishops Castle, so I have my fingers crossed for Cardiff in October. Please keep posting photos.

Hello Gilbert, I'm looking forward to seeing Dock Street Sidings for 'real'. I will add the organiser's flyer here for reference. Leaflet_A4_double_sided.pdf

I'll be there with my Dad, it's been getting better year on year. Especially looking forward to seeing Bicsdale and New Sodbury.

I have to echo my fellow modellers, the 'Weathering without an airbrush" course yesterday was exellent! Mick Bonwick very thoroughly described the mechanics of the materials and techniques so that we fully understood what we were doing and his advice is exemplary. I had a brilliant day, learnt lots, got coaching and advice, tried new techniques and loved every minute. I will certainly be going again to learn some more. Not finished but certainly started;

Patience may be a virtue, but I've never claimed to be a saint. I sent a an email enquiry to Kernow MRC before opening time this morning and followed up with a phone call this afternoon. Kevin said they needed my card details again and that as my contact was so late in the day my MR-201 should be despatched on Monday. I felt that if I had made contact sooner, I would already have my loco. I suggest if you're still waiting you call Kernow asap.