Mr Grumpy

Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
I know you've done this now, but I did find some 45mm acrylic tube that would suit - looks like it's a regular size:

Clear Perspex Acrylic Plexi Pipe Extruded Plastic Tube 45mm X 3mm Wall 500mm | eBay
and
(45/39) 45mm x 3mm x 1000mm Clear Acrylic Tube (Extruded)

I think that would be my preferred option...

Steph
I contacted Clear Plastic Tube, the 2nd on your list, and the guy was also happy to cut the tube to length at no extra cost.
The deciding factor for me to continue with the barrels I have made up is that the tube is around £17.00 inc postage and the replacement ends come in at nearly £40.00 inc postage. I have already considerably added to the cost by using sprung W irons, CPL couplings and the platform etches and name plates.
If the barrels really go belly up, at least I now know where to get the tube.
 
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
The first job with the etched W irons is to punch the rivets through and form two 45 degree bends to 'joggle' the top of the W iron out.

I form the bottom bend first, then add a decent fillet of solder to the bend to prevent it trying to straighten when forming the top bend. Once the two bends are formed, I clean up the fillet.
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
A quick update on the wagon build. I'm finding the LMS version of the tanker a little more fiddly than I remember the GWR one being when I built it a few years back.

I haven't progressed much with the other two frames, but I'll be moving back to each in the new year.

With the tank temporarily in place, the suspension works a treat, and the wagon glides through a reverse bend of two Peco points effortlessly:)
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
One down....almost!

If the weather is kind, I'll nip out to the shed and get some primer on tomorrow. I am going to try Clostermann black etch primer for the chassis, and use this as the base to build up the weathering. The rods attaching the end beams to the middle solebar castings and the straps have all been soldered.
The screw couplings are CPL, chemically blackened.
The tank, ladders, straps and buffers are not fixed yet. Also some small fittings and discharge valves will go on after painting. All six tanks are going to be primed with a build up type primer and rubbed back smooth, then spray painted aluminium.

The next LMS tanker will have the later tank stands fitted.
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
I forgot to mention....after filling the joints on the tanks, I used the redundant sun shields with wet and dry glued inside to ensure the tanks stayed round. Each shield has progressively finer paper from 400-2500 grit.

Since taking the photos, each shield has the grit grade written on :)
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
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Just a quick update. I find the barrels too shiny, so I have used Humbrol Matt cote varnish to tone one down. Here they are side by side, and I feel the matt version looks more realistic.

I have used the first wagon to try out some ideas, which I may or may not carry forward to the next wagons. I soldered the tie rods in to the central support for extra strength, but it makes fitting the barrel straps very difficult, so I won't be repeating. Also, I tried different types of glue to fix parts such as axle boxes, pipes, buffers, decking and barrel supports. I'm not a lover of glue as I'm very impatient, so I guess the super glue probably wins on that score. Also the impact adhesive wasn't successful on axle boxes and barrel supports.
 

unklian

Western Thunderer
Not in the best of nick, but might give you some ideas for well used colours and finishes ...........

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And I am sorry I forgot to mention the picture was taken at Quainton the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre , a great place for the wagon enthusiast ,
 
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Mr Grumpy

Western Thunderer
The next two LMS chassis have already had a hard life...

Both have been re-built following a drowning in Mekpak and also had the indignity of being left behind at a lodge following a couple of days away.

I thought I would post this photo to show the etched W irons and sprung hornblocks. They really are neat and work well. Also easier to make up than the original ones of a few years back.
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