Early LNWR passenger break van

Mike W

Western Thunderer
I was uncertain about laser cut wood tierods and the like, but they are are beautifully made. Those little curls on the leaves, the shape at the ends of the tierods where they curve into the solebars. Not easy to make by hand and I don't know how you could make them any other way - castings maybe, but not easy. There is another piece to go on the back of the headstock.

Later there will be a layer of c1mm thick material to cover the sides and ends, then a thin layer of card, then two layers of beading. There's some way to go yet, but so far I'm very impressed with the kit.

Mike
100_0186.JPG 100_0185.JPG
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
What is the material used for the tierods, springs etc ?

A fine textured MDF.

The headstocks are also MDF, with an engraved MDF outer layer, and engraved MDF inner layer (not fitted yet) and another piece over the end to give the correct shapes - will be done soon.

Mike
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
The framework of both ogees is now done. Had to make a very minor adjustment to one part, but that's why this is a test build. There are still some chunky bits of bodywork to apply, so its handy to be able to lay it flat each the side and press down. So the axleboxes and other detail will be left until later.

The cladding for the sides and ends is next, which is a sort of hard fibreboard which covers the tongues of the main structure and then it will be ready for beading. There may be a pause now whilst I await some adhesive and look for suitable clamps and rolling tools to form the roof and the panel for the ogee. Apparently its not called a ducket which Philip Millard once described as "a vulgar American term"!

Mike100_0188.JPG
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
Err, well, not really. But from the photographs I could write something quite easily. I am sending reports back to Steve as to how it is going and the two very minor errors I've found so far. Both can be got around in seconds with a file and both will be corrected for the batch, so I'm not mentioning them here. But I am mentioning anything I feel is relevant to anyone else building one later. You know me Jon - I'll say what I think!

Mike
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
The next step is to clad the entire body with what I would describe as fibreboard, apparently correctly called "engineered plastic". This is extremely tough, has a nice smooth surface, but not too smooth, and cuts and filed well too. I had been told to stock it with fish glue, but later was told that thin superglue also works. A test piece shows that the waterproof PVA that I've used for the MDF sticks so well that I cannot separate the parts, so that's what I've used.
100_0250.JPG
 
Well, I really think you ought to..... copy for the newsletter & all that, spread it to the wider membership, generate some interest, sales opportunities, etc., etc.

Just sayin'
Hell Jon, I shall be writing up the instructions once Mike and Geoff have helped.
There will be a series of 'build' photos as well. I shall set up a drop box or similar.
Peter Chatham designed the kit in 0 gauge originally and I built the first attempt in 0 and G3 using these and a list of parts.
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
John.D - a nice little tank engine would be perfect, but I need to complete the train first. One and two halves of the three carriages are now done! Trouble is distractions - customers keep ordering kits which divert my attention and time away from building things.

Mike
 
Top