Time to build a railway...but where?

[philipy]

Coming together well Peter.

Therefore the figure is screwed to the floor with countersunk screws into his feet, but his bum isn't glued to the rail, just slotted over it....

I always used to screw drivers in position as you have done here, because sooner or later glue gives way and/or I need to get into the cab for one reason or another. However, recently I've taken to using small 2x2mm magnets and a small piece of steel can to fix them in place. Very unobtrusive and easy to remove/replace.

[Peter Butler]

Agreed Philip, tiny magnets are wonderful things and I have used them on my Baldwin Petrol Tractor (as described a couple of pages back) to allow removal of the gear changer inside the cab. Unfortunately, the way this model is designed doesn't allow for even a thin metal sheet to be inserted between the cab floor and the chassis. If I had thought about it I guess I could have drilled holes and set magnets into the chassis, which would have been hidden by the cab floor, and magnets, or metal rods, inserted into the feet? It would have made access to the back-head easier. On second thoughts, that is where I have fitted the on/off switch and charge socket, so might not have been practical with wires and terminal connections there? Very little available space in this model for all the fiddly bits!!!
This has been a learning curve for me, so I hope others can use the information to advantage.

[Peter Butler]

Further to my last.... this is where I had to site the switch and charge socket to hide them away from view....

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The video (link attached above) was most useful in showing the very basic cab controls so I managed to cobble a few items together to give an impression. The sight glass was included in the kit and the valves are from Cambrian Models....

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[FWLR]

I like what you have done with the cab inside Peter, it's looks just about right I think.

How about putting something like one of those old tractor seats for the driver, you could maybe then put some kind of fixing like small magnets to him and the seat.

[Peter Butler]

Rod, if you watched the video I linked you will see the driver appears to be sitting sideways, so presumably doing what you suggest? I had already fitted the figure by then so have to live with it I think.

[FWLR]

Yes I did see the video mate, but you know me, my eyesight is the best sometimes. Didn't realise you had fixed the driver permanently also.

Still it does look great what you have done to the model and I am sure it will be seen in the Monthly Photo Winners..

[Peter Butler]

More detail of the pipework added to the loco. This is something I haven't tried before, mainly due to knowing little about the function of such items. Again the video previously mentioned has given close-up information about siting pipes and valves etc, so has inspired me to have a go...

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This next image shows the compact rechargeable battery pack used, 5 x AAA (total 6v), slow self discharge cells, which just (only just!) squeeze into the back of the boiler barrel...

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It is a small engine with limited hauling capacity and will be little used other than exhibition displays. It will have sufficient power to last a day or two when operated along with other stock. The slow self-discharge feature means I can forget to charge them for weeks or even months without problem.

[SimonWood]

Amazing detail Peter. How did you do the gauges - are they hand painted somehow, or printed?

[Peter Butler]

Simon, the gauges are turned brass, made for me by Keith (one of our 16mm group) with brass rod, which I have shaped and soldered on to the rear. The faces are painted white with pencil markings to show readings. A coat of gloss lacquer to finish.
I have searched for gauge markings to download and print, but had no success at all! Perhaps someone sells such items?

[BertieB]

Beautifully done. Love the detailing, ‘pipework’, motion…

[FWLR]

For someone who 'doesn't know about such things' Peter, you have done a brilliant job with them. Are they bought from a company and you have made them fit or something else.


I'm so much in awe in how you get to finish and do such brilliant work on your rolling stock.

[Peter Butler]

Thanks Rod, I seem to have passed your 'engineer's test' so I'm pleased with the outcome. The items are described above and are just pieced together as required. I have a collection of bits (as we all do!) and probably a large amount of excess 'Rocket' fittings from my other collection. Possibly they will be useful one day?
Here is 'James' having his/her official photograph taken on the layout....

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My next project (between kits) is a tool and accessories wagon to go with the L&B crane. It's time I did a scratch-build, so here is the progress so far after day one....

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[ge_rik]

S/he does look good. The extra detailing with the pipework does make a difference.
I do like the stance of the driver. He looks very natural - a slight lean to the right as if checking the road ahead.

Rik

[Peter Butler]

Yes Rik, I chose that figure from three seated drivers I had in stock because of his lean to the right. Not because of his political views you understand.

[gregh]

Superb modelling as usual Peter.
I don't envy the driver NOT under that half cab roof though. I guess all a man needs is a cap.

[FWLR]

Blooming heck Peter, already....

[Andrew]

I love that little wren, beautifully done!

It'll look lovely pootling about with few tippers or slate wagons...

[Peter Butler]

Superb modelling as usual Peter.
I don't envy the driver NOT under that half cab roof though. I guess all a man needs is a cap.

Thanks Gregh, they made drivers tough in those days! The cap is more a badge of honour than protection against the elements.

[Peter Butler]

The tool wagon for my L&B crane is progressing. Lots of rivet heads to the steel bodied framework and the addition of the wooden tool box ....

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Grey primer is next on the to-do list.

[ge_rik]

Another mini masterpiece, Peter.

Rik