Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
Good work 
.
And I thought all Prestwins were the same
.
. And I thought all Prestwins were the same
.
4mm An EM Workbench: Mini-Signwriting (rough)
- Thread starter AJC
- Start date
AJC
Western Thunderer
And I thought all Prestwins were the same
As if BR could do a sensible thing like that?
Adam
Prestwin
AJC
Western Thunderer
Moving forward to the stage where it's much more complete, but a bit of a mess.
The curved ends are 30 thou' formed around a broom handle with a hairdryer and glued in place. One end is very tidy, the other will need a fair bit of filler to sort it out. Yes, there are holes drilled through the floor to vent the solvent! The vee hangers are spare from something or another (possibly an AMBIS iron ore wagon chassis; they're the right type) let into holes drilled into the thickness of the solebar using measurements taken from one of my Rumney Models chassised wagons - a shamefully unfinished Palbrick - which will also furnish info on how to complete the rest of the brakegear. The result won't be quite as good as one of @jjnewitt's creations, but it'll be close enough.
Adam
The curved ends are 30 thou' formed around a broom handle with a hairdryer and glued in place. One end is very tidy, the other will need a fair bit of filler to sort it out. Yes, there are holes drilled through the floor to vent the solvent! The vee hangers are spare from something or another (possibly an AMBIS iron ore wagon chassis; they're the right type) let into holes drilled into the thickness of the solebar using measurements taken from one of my Rumney Models chassised wagons - a shamefully unfinished Palbrick - which will also furnish info on how to complete the rest of the brakegear. The result won't be quite as good as one of @jjnewitt's creations, but it'll be close enough.
Adam
Prestwin
AJC
Western Thunderer
Moving onward with the addition of lots of little etched bits from Rumney Models spares and the general wagon detailing etch. Nothing very specific, just the run of the mill things like lever guides, lamp irons and brake details.
I probably ought to add the silo bottoms before I go any further; they're barely visible, but they'll define where the other bits end up.
The other vehicle on the go is much less complex, thank goodness, a Cambrian BR-built Salmon. Like all long plastic vehicles there has to be some concern over warping and twisting. On the real thing the multitude of truss rods sort that out but expecting moulded styrene to behave like substantial steel section is unduly optimistic and replacing the whole lot in angle would be ruinously expensive. Dad's solution, copied here, is to epoxy a couple of bike spokes down the length of the chassis. They're cheap (more so if taken from a scrap wheel), rigid and add useful weight.
Adam
I probably ought to add the silo bottoms before I go any further; they're barely visible, but they'll define where the other bits end up.
The other vehicle on the go is much less complex, thank goodness, a Cambrian BR-built Salmon. Like all long plastic vehicles there has to be some concern over warping and twisting. On the real thing the multitude of truss rods sort that out but expecting moulded styrene to behave like substantial steel section is unduly optimistic and replacing the whole lot in angle would be ruinously expensive. Dad's solution, copied here, is to epoxy a couple of bike spokes down the length of the chassis. They're cheap (more so if taken from a scrap wheel), rigid and add useful weight.
Adam
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Dan Randall
Western Thunderer
Using bicycle spokes as stiffeners - genius!
Regards
Dan
Regards
Dan
Prestwin
AJC
Western Thunderer
In a post-EXPO EM bout of activity, the Prestwin 1/274 variety, has inched onward a bit. The brakegear is now as complete as I wish to make it which leaves me free to concentrate on the upper works, springs and changeover levers permitting. It looks relatively busy but includes only about half of what *should* be there, but can you tell?
Note the splayed out safety loops which are noticeably triangular on this vehicle (as they were on the real thing).
Adam
Note the splayed out safety loops which are noticeably triangular on this vehicle (as they were on the real thing).
Adam
AJC
Western Thunderer
Not a lot of modelling just lately (and that there has been hasn't been photographed since it's either too bright or far too dark), but yesterday we popped over to Bodiam for a trip to the castle, Tenterden and obviously, the means of getting between the two, initially behind the most apt of steeds, 32678 (with two Mk 1s).
The castle is quite something (and in my other life, something that is much-discussed and analysed to a Beeching-esque extent), but this is taken from the Kent & East Sussex, which is a delight. For my money, it's the right sort of length, it's mostly in proportion, in terms of length of train, size of locomotive and general appropriateness. It's also an unapologetic operator of Austerity saddletanks an this is a Good Thing.
The classic view of Tenterden crossing as 'Northiam' crests the top of the bank.
A little later on the way to Rolvenden. Nice Maunsell 'nondescript' Brake at the front, I have an occasional hankering for a model of one of these...
This signal (the outer home at Wittersham Road) is gloriously 'wrong' and I'm sure the good colonel would have approved (even if devotees of the Reading Signal Works and Southern purists would not).
Finally, 'Northiam' running round at Bodiam. Handsome is as handsome does.
Adam
The castle is quite something (and in my other life, something that is much-discussed and analysed to a Beeching-esque extent), but this is taken from the Kent & East Sussex, which is a delight. For my money, it's the right sort of length, it's mostly in proportion, in terms of length of train, size of locomotive and general appropriateness. It's also an unapologetic operator of Austerity saddletanks an this is a Good Thing.
The classic view of Tenterden crossing as 'Northiam' crests the top of the bank.
A little later on the way to Rolvenden. Nice Maunsell 'nondescript' Brake at the front, I have an occasional hankering for a model of one of these...
This signal (the outer home at Wittersham Road) is gloriously 'wrong' and I'm sure the good colonel would have approved (even if devotees of the Reading Signal Works and Southern purists would not).
Finally, 'Northiam' running round at Bodiam. Handsome is as handsome does.
Adam
AJC
Western Thunderer
Rail carriers are fun, aren't they? These two are both by Cambrian and one has come together a lot faster than the other! In fact, the Salmon came about through a bout of absent-mindedness: I forgot that the bolster pins would get in the way of a track panel load. By that time, I'd made two...
Quite a beast, isn't it? I've modelled this one with GW-style plate bogies by modifying the axleboxes to make them deeper and rounding the tops. Otherwise, I replaced the chain loops with spares from a Rumney Models etch for detailing a Bogie Bolster E and replaced the handwheels. The second has been hanging around for a very long time and we've seen it before. It's now loaded with flatbottom rail:
Both loads are chained on with 20 link per inch chain and shackles from AMBIS (and little bits of soft brass wire from a nice bottle of Rioja to link the two together). To accommodate all of these, I've had to start another boxfile...
Adam
Quite a beast, isn't it? I've modelled this one with GW-style plate bogies by modifying the axleboxes to make them deeper and rounding the tops. Otherwise, I replaced the chain loops with spares from a Rumney Models etch for detailing a Bogie Bolster E and replaced the handwheels. The second has been hanging around for a very long time and we've seen it before. It's now loaded with flatbottom rail:
Both loads are chained on with 20 link per inch chain and shackles from AMBIS (and little bits of soft brass wire from a nice bottle of Rioja to link the two together). To accommodate all of these, I've had to start another boxfile...
Adam
Warwell Bolster
AJC
Western Thunderer
A couple of updates on vehicles actually under construction (though Cricket and the heat have got in the way of long periods of desk-bound concentration), my warwell-based bolster has finally got its bolsters, seen here waiting for the solvent to go off. The file is not an indicative load!
There's also the Open C which has its own thread here: Ceci n'est pas une pipe - reworking Ratio, with tiny brackets?
Adam
There's also the Open C which has its own thread here: Ceci n'est pas une pipe - reworking Ratio, with tiny brackets?
Adam
Warwell Bolster
AJC
Western Thunderer
There'll be a break in proceedings for a while:
Some obvious things need doing - if there's anyone in the greater Tonbridge area with a decent ladder, you can see that we have some gutters to clear...
Anyhow, a couple of project progress pictures before everything is boxed up. First, something that will probably end up on Podimore (possibly) courtesy of David Parkins' range of etched buildings:
Modelled as public shelter (there were two in Yeovil serving Pen Mill and Town stations once upon a time), I've painted it and added some appropriate signage:
It'll require some weathering, but that can wait. Similarly, here's the Warwell Bogie Bolster B which now awaits the small detailing to complete it. I'm going to load this one, probably with rebar.
Adam
Some obvious things need doing - if there's anyone in the greater Tonbridge area with a decent ladder, you can see that we have some gutters to clear...
Anyhow, a couple of project progress pictures before everything is boxed up. First, something that will probably end up on Podimore (possibly) courtesy of David Parkins' range of etched buildings:
Modelled as public shelter (there were two in Yeovil serving Pen Mill and Town stations once upon a time), I've painted it and added some appropriate signage:
It'll require some weathering, but that can wait. Similarly, here's the Warwell Bogie Bolster B which now awaits the small detailing to complete it. I'm going to load this one, probably with rebar.
Adam
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Jon Gwinnett
Western Thunderer
Congrats on the new abode, looks a bonnie wee spot. And the shelter is a cracker...
Peckett: The Marshal
AJC
Western Thunderer
After a pause, a return, having found tools, re-established the bench and dug out suitable project to provide a break from stripping paint. This Peckett has been troubling me somewhat as, no matter what I tried, I couldn't make the quartering work. The problem, having worked out that the front pair of wheels worked just fine on their own, was to take down the rear wheels and to learn that one of the bearings was on the huh (as they say in Norfolk). I've replaced it and with the aid of some 'Romford' type wheels via Scalelink...
It works! Well, rolls.
Once a replacement wheelset appears from Gibson, I can set it up with these and fit motor, pick-ups and so on. In the meantime, I can get on with detailing safe in the knowledge that mechanically, it will behave. Phew!
Adam
It works! Well, rolls.
Once a replacement wheelset appears from Gibson, I can set it up with these and fit motor, pick-ups and so on. In the meantime, I can get on with detailing safe in the knowledge that mechanically, it will behave. Phew!
Adam
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Peckett: The Marshal
AJC
Western Thunderer
Following from the last post, work has continued on the bodywork. The footplate and cab are matters ongoing, but the tank and boiler is complete and was treated to a coat of primer over the weekend and a dose of Archer's rivets (Peckett being a great adherent of the mechanical fixing almost until the very end). In primer, the characteristic Bristolian outline is apparent and the thing is now in dry store until the rest of the loco' is done. I've also ordered some plates for the beast from Narrow Planet so the end is in sight, I hope.
Yes, I have noticed the fluff; it has been removed...
Adam
Yes, I have noticed the fluff; it has been removed...
Adam
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Peckett: The Marshal
AJC
Western Thunderer
From the depths of the workbench and with the aid of many tiny bits of tube the rest of the Peckett has emerged. There are still things to do, notably the sandboxes which, while easily the best castings in the kit, were the wrong shape/size...
Quite a lot of the tube generated the steam turret which is not bad and certainly good enough for the gloom of the late-Victorian cab. This same gloom is the reason why I shan't be doing all the accompanying pipework. Louise's hair is a temporary feature, I hope.
And in three-quarters, showing how the various components are hung off one another. You will see that even by my pedestrian standards, the soldering is less than tidy. I'll blacken it when I get home tonight and then think about painting. Green, I think, and lined.
Adam
Quite a lot of the tube generated the steam turret which is not bad and certainly good enough for the gloom of the late-Victorian cab. This same gloom is the reason why I shan't be doing all the accompanying pipework. Louise's hair is a temporary feature, I hope.
And in three-quarters, showing how the various components are hung off one another. You will see that even by my pedestrian standards, the soldering is less than tidy. I'll blacken it when I get home tonight and then think about painting. Green, I think, and lined.
Adam
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Peckett: The Marshal
AJC
Western Thunderer
Little steps - I've applied paint. As a small loco, it's easy to brush paint the thing. I'm aiming for a standard later Peckett scheme - in my world, this machine was reboilered by the makers and thus treated to a repaint at the same time: a nice darkish green with black and yellow lining, a bit like this: Peckett 0-6-0 Lord Salisbury NCB Norton Hill colliery Somerset 1964 by John Wiltshire or Fola at West Thurrock: British Industrial Systems - Geoff Plumb
Adam
Adam
AJC
Western Thunderer
Most of a sheet of Fox yellow-black-yellow lining (the N gauge version) later and...
Actually, I've got a bit further since and this lining has crept all the way round. To get the effect I'm after, I'll have to paint over most of it leaving just the inner yellow line. A bit drastic, perhaps, but much easier than chasing 0.3mm yellow lining round the model. And when that's done, I'll need to add lining to the centre of the lower cab panels (or it'll look like something from the Tal-y-Llyn rather than Bristol).
That needs daylight, however.
Adam
Actually, I've got a bit further since and this lining has crept all the way round. To get the effect I'm after, I'll have to paint over most of it leaving just the inner yellow line. A bit drastic, perhaps, but much easier than chasing 0.3mm yellow lining round the model. And when that's done, I'll need to add lining to the centre of the lower cab panels (or it'll look like something from the Tal-y-Llyn rather than Bristol).
That needs daylight, however.
Adam
Peckett: The Marshal
Peckett: The Marshal
AJC
Western Thunderer
After quite an interlude:
It may appear closer to completion than it is; the rear wheelset is scrap (entirely my fault; I've given one of the wheels an incurable wobble) so a new one is on the way from Gibson. The lining was a bit of a saga: within the panels this is the same Fox yellow/black/yellow (N gauge variety) but applied upside down so as to provide a thicker black line and thinner yellow lining, glued on with Johnson's Klear. The sandboxes are knocked up from plastic sheet and a stub of square section with a bit of sprue for the lids.
Also on the way, I hope, are some name and works plates from Narrow Planet so I'll save a full reveal until these have appeared and with any luck, I'll have persuaded it to run! Until then, here's the cab interior:
Obviously, there's a little more work to do including, er, the tops of the sandboxes which sit at bunker top height and I had completely forgotten about. There's a casting for the backhead somewhere in the box, too.
Adam
It may appear closer to completion than it is; the rear wheelset is scrap (entirely my fault; I've given one of the wheels an incurable wobble) so a new one is on the way from Gibson. The lining was a bit of a saga: within the panels this is the same Fox yellow/black/yellow (N gauge variety) but applied upside down so as to provide a thicker black line and thinner yellow lining, glued on with Johnson's Klear. The sandboxes are knocked up from plastic sheet and a stub of square section with a bit of sprue for the lids.
Also on the way, I hope, are some name and works plates from Narrow Planet so I'll save a full reveal until these have appeared and with any luck, I'll have persuaded it to run! Until then, here's the cab interior:
Obviously, there's a little more work to do including, er, the tops of the sandboxes which sit at bunker top height and I had completely forgotten about. There's a casting for the backhead somewhere in the box, too.
Adam
AJC
Western Thunderer
Having fitted out the Peckett with pick ups (it looks barely any different, though I did weather the chassis this morning), I had to check that I'd wired it the correct way around so a project which i haven't featured here (I think, anyhow) was pulled out as a sense check. This is a straighforward detailing job on a Bachmann EE type 1 - a Scottish loco' with the larger cab windows and tablet catcher recess, which I've renumbered as D8074 and added yellow warning panels too prior to weathering.
Now dad and I both have a 20 one of us should probably do something about the space body dad has knocking around (it's innards think they're a class 22) since the things tended to hunt in pairs...
Adam
Now dad and I both have a 20 one of us should probably do something about the space body dad has knocking around (it's innards think they're a class 22) since the things tended to hunt in pairs...
Adam
AJC
Western Thunderer
Now this *is* interesting, and potentially a gamechanger for some: ready to lay EM gauge plain track (which we've seen before, of course) and turnouts in conjunction with PECO:
Society announces ready to lay EM gauge track
There are many fine things to be said about the EMGS but dynamism of this sort is something of a surprise (though a very pleasant one!). You could currently knock me down with a feather...
Adam
Society announces ready to lay EM gauge track
There are many fine things to be said about the EMGS but dynamism of this sort is something of a surprise (though a very pleasant one!). You could currently knock me down with a feather...
Adam
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