Sandy Harper

Or, put some Birchwood Casey on them and wipe off when they start to look like oily steel. If they go too black just use gentle strokes with a pan scourer to lighten them. Sandy

Very nice Mark. Sandy

That's why it's so quick to build!! Sandy

Thanks Barnaby, I quite enjoy building the odd coach as a bit of a change. Not too many though!! Regards Sandy

Dia 64 ready for the paint shops. Plain olive green I'm afraid as they were not introduced until after the Highland did away with the the white upper portions to their coaching stock. Sandy

Hi Mark That is excellent news about your dad's new book. I will look forward to that in due course. Put me down for a signed copy please! The Peter K route sounds just about right. Kind regards Sandy

Colonel Sir, This afternoon I found a line drawing of the coach in one of my files. It was attached to another drawing of a vertical planked version and I was right, it was a Mega Models product (etches only) When I test fitted the bogies to the floor I found that they were 3mm too high so I reduced the height by moving the pivot holes eitherside of the cross bolster. That of course ment that the wheels were touching the floor so I had to make a few cutouts! I am now awaiting a delivery from Metalsmiths with the solebars (Milled U Channel) and truss rodding All sitting correct now. REgards SAndy

Hi PAD As Barnaby has said, the benefit, as far as I am concerned, is the lack of extraneous solder that is left after the joint is made. With a lot less cleaning up required. This is more obvious when making long seam joints or fitting laminates. I don't think it is 'better' that an iron just a different tool to achieve a better job in some cases. Regards Sandy

Well done Colonel Sir, you win the 'virtual biscuit'. I don't have a clue what the history of this etch is or who last produced it. It may have been part of the Home of 0 Gauge catalogue but that is pure conjecture on my part as it came from Redcraft who now own the remains of the HOOG catalogue. I have now put the sides and ends together, fitted a floor and detailed the ends. I will post a photo later. Are you a HR modeller? Kind regards Sandy

You're too kind Barnaby. They are still a bit sensitive! Rob - I saw the review in the Toddler today of the Brake Third Lav. I must have one, even though it has bloody duckets! SAndy

Hi Rod Think I need to check the camera over, or get a new one! George - If this weather keeps up it will be a long time before it does get some paint on it!! Kind regards Sandy

Next job was the duckets. These are always a bit of a struggle because of their multi radius shape. There is no easy way of doing these, just take your time and only make small bends, whilst checking all the time against the shape of the sides. I use a Metalsmiths bending table and bars to help me and they have certainly paid their way since I got them, initially for bending tender flares. Here is the finished result. Typing this is quite painful as my fingers are still suffering from being burnt!! Unavoidable with components like this. First real problem. I had expected something like this because the etches are very old and were drawn using a pen rather than the modern CAD method. When I offered up the completed duckets I found that there was a gap between them and the vehicle side. The designer obviously got his dimensions slightly wrong here. My resolution was to cut the top rail and remove about 1.5-2mm and attach the ducket to each end separately. This will have the effect of making the vehicle about 3" shorter but, as I don't have any undercarriage for it anyway, I will scratch build something to fit what I have built. Who's going to measure it for accuracy? I should also mention at this point that I formed the tumble home using a length of wooden broom handle and some tape. The broom handle is probably more of a shaft for a garden spade or something as it has a larger diameter than a standard broom handle. I can't even remember where I got it from. One of these things that you pick up and say 'Mmmm, that i'll come in useful one day'. And it has!! One side nearly complete. After I have done the same to the other side I will start to add detail like rails and handles etc Sandy PS Is it my specs or are these photos slightly unsharp?

This next series of photos shows the process of inserting the pannels into the side of the coach This photo shows a panel and a window droplight. The droplight, of course, has to be fitted from the rear of the coach side but the process is much the same. Having prepared the panal I next tin the side where the panal is to be attached. The Panal is then held in pace using various spring clips. Once the first bit of solder is applied, check that all is still square and if ok continue with soldering the rest of the sides holding it down flat with a wood offcut. Just a rub with some kitchen towel to remove flux and a light rub with a scouring pad to finish. It will still need washing. Sandy

I was a bit out of my comfort zone with that last build!! I should qualify the above by explaining that is was my prototype knowledge that was lacking and not my building ability! In fact I found it a very pleasant and easy build in the end. It was only my method of pick-up that made it more complicated than it needed to be. Sandy

And now for something completely different!! Here we go again! I was 'gifted' the sides and ends to this. In this photo I have extracted all the lower panels and lain them in their position on the sides. This is part of one side with the panels fitted. Bogie's by courtesy of WayOh A mention in dispatches to anyone who can identify the prototype. You should get this Mark!! Sandy

Stunning Mark. Now that is what I call modeling in minature. Sandy

Measure three times, cut once. Wish I could remember that myself!! Sandy

Hi Mike Yes, I intend to be there, snow permitting! Sandy

Thank you for your kind comments. The kit was originally bought to build a model of the 'preserved' example on the Bluebell. My friend is building a layout of the Bluebell circa 1995. As their S15 is still a 'hulk' it did not fit in with his period!! So he decided to dispose of the kit complete with motor and wheels. At £200 less than the list price he did not get a sale at the Bring & Buy so I agreed to build it and then we would sell it on. If I paint it plain black the purchaser can choose which loco he wants although there are restrictions ie tenders etc. Regards Sandy

Sorry to disappoint Peter but is going to be late BR Black! Sandy

Apart from the motor, coupling hooks, the backhead and some buffer heads, there is nothing left in the box so I must assume that it is finished!! She still needs a good scrub and brush up before heading for the paint shop. Regards Sandy

I think the crankpin throw is about right but well spotted on the front wheel small splasher. The etches may well be on the fret. They will be quite small, but if not, easy enough to make from some scrap etch. Sandy

Some of these so called kits were described as 'an aid to scratch building'. In a lot of cases, usually more of a 'hindrance to Scratch building'! However you are making a good fist of it but that footplate still looks as though it will need the administration of the slitting disc to get the rods to clear. An interesting challenge. I look forward to following the trials and tribulations. Best of luck Sandy

I hadn't appreciated just how big these engines were!! Sandy

All of the main plate work is now complete and I have made a start on the detailing. The boiler comes in two parts plus the smoke box. Once all is complete there is no access to the smoke box or the tapered part of the boiler so if you need to add additional weight you will need to include it before it is all sealed up. There is still a significant area in front of the firebox which is accessible for additional weight if required. The instructions are mainly silent on the cutting out of the firebox below the footplate for the motor so you are left to do the measurements yourself. Not too difficult. There is no easy way to make the firebox/boiler/smoke box detachable for ease of painting but as this one is going to be BR plain black I don't see that as a problem. Sandy PS Please note the ponsy opening cab doors!!!!!!