Garden Railway Forum

Dannypenguin:90610 wrote:Like it! Where did you get it from?

On the underside of the model it says 'Universal Hobbies HK' and is a diecast metal model made in China.
There is a website as well as ebay listings of these models in various scales. This one is 1:18 which is as near as you are likely to get to our scale.

Thanks very much

Proper car that is!

I like that Peter.

Well now!  flushed with success after the first left to right hand drive, I thought I'd do another.   Why are they all LHD, even the ones normally found on British shores?
Anyway, I recently bought this next model at a Vintage Show from a dealer.  It was a bit scruffy and no box, but that's ok.  I bargained for it (as everyone does round here) and paid just £12.00. Very happy with that, thank you!
So strip down to get access to the dashboard and saw out the binnacle with the steering wheel.   Fill the gap with Miliput and paint to match.   Then fit the pedals, steering wheel and speedometer on the right (correct) side.  Looks good!



I have already started another British Classic which Burago built as LHD.  


This time I'm going to add figures as I have some resin ones which I can modify.

First job was to make them 'legless' and rejoin them to suit the reclined seats. Miliput again around the knees and when set, a spot of paint.  
As you can see, this older man has 'pulled' an attractive young thing.  She looks young enough to be his granddaughter, ah, the power of the sports car!!!
Next project.......


No!!!!!!   not the Lambo......
You're right, I wouldn't do that to my favourite car of all time.   You can't improve on perfection!

Another scenic addition nearer to completion..... The cattle dock.
Although I have yet to fix the slate floor slabs and the fencing, I have been stocking up on my animals.
The best quality in this scale are made by Schleich and are superb models from a range of suitable animals. Trouble is, they cost about £6.99 each (plus postage if you buy on line).
We have a local 'Charlies' store so I can see before I buy.
However, today I accidentally came accross a boxed pair of cow and calf on offer at 'The Works' for just .99p. I bought the last two as they are almost as good in detail, made from very similar material and well finished, although slightly smaller. I'm sure not all cows are the same size!
With a little extra paint here and there to differ the markings, they look just fine.
In the picture, the two larger ones are by Schleich and the rest bargain buys!

top work on the LHD to RHD looks good

Finished the Jag now.... Middle aged man with young companion, (obviously his niece!) out for a spin.

that looks brill .could be hes neice or the young girl from the office at work

You could be right..... She looks pleased with herself, as though she has just made promotion!

More indoor activities..... It has been so wet here recently, and the railway is covered in leaves you can't see most of the track anyway. I have decided I need a timber wagon to move the trees which have been felled by the volunteer forestry workers clearing alongside the line.
First I made a plasticard bogie wagon with posts in sockets on the sides.



A coat of paint, some weathering and planking on the top..




Finally, the logs with chain to prevent them shifting.




I'm very pleased with the effect and already moved on to the next project.

Very nice job that!

That looks good Peter, a well made wagon very nice.  I have a pile of kits to get stuck in to now the weather has gone tit's up for the winter. What glue do you use on the plasticard.

Big Al:91556 wrote:    What glue do you use on the plasticard.

Thanks Big Al,  the solvent I use is Dichloromethane and can be purchased on-line from Biostain Ready Reagents Ltd. You can get it on ebay, item number 140574254717 in 500ml. for £12.99 with free delivery.  (I have just ordered some so I know it is there!)
Nothing else comes near to this stuff.  Put it on with a brush and it welds the plastic together permanently.

I love that wagon, you've made me look at plasicard in a new light. I have yet to build a wagon from scratch and assumed that wood was the way to go, not so sure now. My wife and son were very impressed with the land rover a few posts back.
Thanks for the posts, they are very inspirational to a ham fisted bodger.

And for my next trick.......!
This arrived yesterday morning (Saturday) after a successful bid on ebay.

Yes, I know the box is empty, but that is because by the time I took the picture I had already started to chop the vehicle..

In order to convert it to rail use I needed to cut out the wheel arch to take the narrow (32mm gauge) wheels. I tried to use a Dremmell but it is too tough to cut with a slitting disc. My solution to this was to use my BIG tool. (no smirking at the back).



Having cut out a nice smooth arch I made a supporting plate to hold the front axle.




Next fitting the rear wheels.


The completed chassis.

The reason for all this work is to make an unpowered companion to my existing 2CV which has a 12v motor fitted and works very well on track power. As I now have an outdoor railway I need to provide battery power so the new car will carry the batteries etc and make the vehicle useable in both directions.


So that is as far as I got today. To finish I have to fit a connecting bar between the two and an electric link from battery to motor via some sort of switch.
Now I think I have earned a night out in the pub!

Their not all nut's in Wales just Peter. HaHa I like it .

Bloody brilliant!

Big Al:91590 wrote:Their not all nut's in Wales just Peter.  HaHa  I like it .

Just in case you are not aware I am a refugee from the 'Black Country' (West Midlands) and not native to Wales. However, I am seriously attempting to introduce my style of humour to the locals, with limited success!
I'll keep on trying......

Ah from the West Midlands the sheep will be safe then.