tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52087133397510492782024-03-14T01:19:47.689+10:00Return of the Sith - Sithlord's Railway BlogMy blog describing my adventures in model railways from 2010.Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-48881280321770573572023-10-21T18:26:00.001+10:002023-10-21T18:26:17.577+10:00South East Queensland Area Group Meeting - 21 October 2023<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> In an effort to "report" more widely on Area Group activities, Area Groups of the <a href="http://2mm.org.uk" target="_blank">2mm Scale Association</a> are going to be encouraged to put their reports on a Blog (like this one) or on <a href="https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/323-2mm-finescale/" target="_blank">RM Web</a> rather than in the Newsletter. No one from the Committee is suggesting the Newsletter shouldn't contain news, but the reality is, only a few AGs are using it and the information isn't a) up to date (the copy for the next 2mm Newsletter isn't due for another ten days, it won't be published until December and the last one was published at the beginning of October - we will have had another meeting by the time the newsletter is published, and likely a third by the time it arrives Down Here).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, being as you humble correspondent is the present Publications Officer of the 2mmSA, I felt I had better come to the party and lead by example! Fortunately, I already have this blog - and having dusted the shelves, beaten the carpets and swept the floor, it should serve as a point of reference and record for what we get up to in South East Queensland.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, for those who came in late (to borrow a phrase from the Phantom comics which I used to collect and my son is now reading with great enthusiasm), the SEQAG is a hybrid AG. It has members who are 2mmSA members (nominally four) as well as being a focus for N Gauge Society Members and British Railway Modellers of Australian N gauge enthusiasts. I'm a member of all three. There are a couple of hangers on an interested bystanders as well. If you are interested in joining us because you are a member of any one of the three groups, or would like more information about the three groups, please get in touch.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meetings take place on the Third Saturday of the month, generally from 10am at Burpengary. We are the present custodians of <i>Wansbeck Road</i>, a 2mm scale layout built by Mick Simpson and generously donated to us by him after a long career on the exhibition circuit in the UK. It will be appearing at the <a href="http://rmcq.org.au/semaphore/?page_id=98" target="_blank">RMCQ Model Train & Hobby Expo </a>at the end of November.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And so to this month.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a smaller than usual group which got together in the usual meeting place but it was felt to be quite productive. Discussions centered around 3D printing, the reworking of .stl files particularly from other scales and conversions of old Poole Farish into different models via the scratch aid method. My RevolutioN Class 128 was "run in" as was a Southern Liveried Dapol Schools on my N gauge layout and further progress was made on a couple of Scalescenes kits. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I attempted to do some CAD work only to discover some serious differences between the model I'm trying to copy and the published diagram for the prototype. As this is for a couple of mates in another group I belong to, I'll have to enquire what they want - something which is accurate to the drawing (my preference) or something which works with the existing model (of what providence we know nothing!). Ordinarily I'd tell them I'll make it "right" but since there were only three of these wagons in existence (Victorian Railways QAB wagons for those interested) I think having an odd one out would be - well - odd.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I didn't think to take any photos of people at work or of the models at play but will try to do better next month. The next meeting is scheduled for the 18th of November.</span></p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-16482688365284184422020-08-26T20:44:00.001+10:002020-08-26T20:44:31.056+10:00August 2020 Update<div style="text-align: justify;">I said back in June with the Resurrection Post that I'd have stuff to write about over the next few weeks... Well here we are, two months later and only one thing written about, and that was using an article I'd already written!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ho hum.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Part of the trouble is being willing to use my modelling time on writing about what I've done rather than doing more. I find that while the mojo gets me keen on actual modelling, I am loath to do anything but either work on the latest kit or project which I am interested in or do something from my UFO pile. As it happens, it has been the latter which has been cramping my enthusiasm for writing recently.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2mm Scale Association is this year doing a virtual modelling competition - submit your photos by midnight BST this Saturday (29.8.20). So I've been looking to see what I could enter and I've been doing a lot of work putting transfers/decals on models which I in some cases finished some time ago!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those finished and now just waiting to be weathered (and then in some cases having DG couplings fitted) include:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3x Vanwides from the NGS; 2x LNWR D15 Beer Van etches in 2mm scale; a LNWR D21 Cattle wagon home printed and placed on a 9' etch from Shop 2 of the 2mmS; a Peco 9' 8 plank open kit; a restored Peco NR-5 Plate wagon; a Medfit; and a pair of GWR DD4 Cordons which I printed from Thingiverse and parked on a couple of spare Peco 10' brake van chassis. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the to do pile, while the mood takes me, there is another Medfit, a pair of Peco NR-7s, another Peco NR-5 (this time as a twin bolster rather than a plate wagon); a bashed Minitrix 8 plank wagon on a Peco chassis, a Dapol and a Farish PoW currently in grey primer; a Peco 5 planker also in grey primer; a scratch built 5 planker on a Peco chassis, a Parkside Dundas 21t hopper, a Parkside Dundas 12' wooden body which I can't remember what it is supposed to be so will have to look it up; a pair of GWR Mink A's; the NGS Midland Railway van kit; a BR Meat Van kit (I think Parkwood but now owned by the NGS although I haven't seen it reappear); a Chivers D5 LNER Horsebox and all four wagons from NGS Kits 47 and 48! So 19 I think. I suspect there are some more out in the shed but that'll keep me busy for a while.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst some of what I have done and what I have yet to do includes models which no longer meet the standards I am trying to achieve, they all still have a place to fill. The N Gauge layouts which I have - <i>Celyn Glanfa</i> and<i> Hollie Wharf</i> are both to fairly course standards due to circumstances. Whilst it would be nice to operate CG using all new 21st Century stock, the reality is I don't have enough yet. As a result, there are a couple of trains which have to be made up of pre-Bachmann tooling models. Whilst CG only needs 6 complete trains and around 10-12 other wagons for the yard, I can only comfortably have 3 trains if operating in the Steam Era (if operating in the BR Blue era, which is also a possibility, then I am fine - I've enough trains). If looking at the GWR era rather than the BR, I have even less in the way of "fine N" stock.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Similarly with HW, because it is designed as shunting puzzle using the Peco Elsie Coupling system, there isn't a lot I can do about appropriate stock. As this is not a "model" as such but something to operate, the focus is on things which work, rather than accuracy per se. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I get around to rebuilding St Alban's Priory, I will also need quite a bit of stock and so the older versions will still keep on keeping on. The trick I think shall be to keep like with like - so the new Bachmann stuff will run with itself and the older Peco based stuff will run with itself. Most people at shows don't know the difference!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately no photos - too late in the day and my wife and I had a deal to do blogs on Wednesday. I've at least managed it this week! Photos for next week? We shall see.</div>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-88647325374748498992020-06-24T20:49:00.001+10:002020-06-24T20:49:55.087+10:00Narrow Gauge Adventures - Part I<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now some readers may find the following a bit repetitious depending on their choice of reading. I have recently (i.e. in the last few months) had two different on-line magazines publish articles regarding my first forays into N6.5/Nn3 Narrow Gauge Modelling so if you're a subscriber to <a href="http://www.nscalemagazine.com/" target="_blank">N Scale Magazine</a> or you read the free download from <a href="http://www.nscale.org.au/nsm" target="_blank">N Scale Modellers of Australia</a>, you'll already know a bit about some of the models which appeared in the last post. I think some of my stuff has also appeared in a newsletter in the UK.</div>
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For those who haven't heard about it, the story is as follows:</div>
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As someone who lives within 500 meters of the North Coast Railway in Queensland, Australia (the
line runs from the capital city Brisbane in the south east corner of the state
some 1000 miles to Cairns in the north) and who grew up with a station at the
end of my street within the inner suburban network of the same Cape Narrow
Gauge system, narrow gauge trains have always had a fascination to me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Admittedly the rail network in Queensland, at
over 6600kms of Class I railroading (to borrow the US term), is hardly what you imagine when you think
of narrow gauge and indeed, when Queensland adopted 1067mm gauge for its
mainline in 1865, it was the first place in the world to eschew the Stevenson
Standard for a mainline and adopt something smaller.
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Now, regular readers know I am a member of the NGS and 2mmFSA and within those organisations are special interest groups devoted to modelling narrow gauge
and I was fortunate to be able to sit down with one of the driving forces of
2mm Scale narrow gauge in Mark Feilder whilst visiting the UK in 2016 and have a lengthy chat about options for modelling in the smaller scales.</div>
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Having visited both the Ffestiniog and Talyllyn (along with Australia’s very own Puffing Billy) I was
interested in seeing how I could incorporate some narrow gauge modelling within
my own interests.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Now both of these are
not 3’3” gauge railways (which is what you get if you use Z gauge track in the N Scale family) – they are quite narrow with the Ffestiniog being
1’11.5” and the Talyllyn 2’3”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To model
these to scale – and 2mm Scale is easier on the maths than the other members of the Scale Family – the Talyllyn would call
for a track gauge of 4.5mm and the Ffestiniog a touch under 4mm.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Whilst I don’t doubt this is possible – the
Talyllyn has been done for example on 4.5mm track – I don’t yet have the
skill.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And so on the backburner the
ideas went until a couple of catalysts brought them back to the fore.
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The initial catalyst to have a go was actually as a result of one of the members of the Local Area
Group of the 2mm Scale Association who, having also been intrigued by Mark’s
efforts, sort to have a go himself.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>David
had acquired examples of the only British narrow gauge models available – the
Peco N6.5 white metal locos and wagons.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Both the locos are designed to run on a Marklin 8800 (now 88051) chassis
and whilst one is a generic 0-6-0ST the other is a reasonably accurate representation
of one of the original Glyn Valley Tramway locos which ran in Wales until the
1930s.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>David was looking to have a few
more models to run and I was looking for a reason to learn 3D drawing and
printing skills and so a plan was formed…
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Now having a plan is all well and good – and as far as plans went this was a pretty simple one.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I was going to design some suitable rolling stock to run on David’s narrow gauge line.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>What exactly I was going to make was entirely up to me, and how they
were going to actually run was not exactly clear.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The initial idea was to include axle boxes in
the drawings and see about using bits and pieces from the 2mmSA shops to get
them to work.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Initial designs worked on
this principle but whilst it was a good idea in theory, it didn’t quite work in
practice.
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Then I was browsing a 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
Hand Stall at a local model railway show and came across a Micro Trains Line
Nn3 boxcar.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I offered the bloke running
the stand AU$5 for it on the basis that it wasn’t N scale, whatever
he thought and he agreed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pocketing the
model I went home, determined to dismantle it and see if it was going to solve
our problems – at least as far as passenger operations were concerned.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZIvxhJ4YZ8/XvLNh2Tx1iI/AAAAAAAABcQ/9nr6XUarbQI6bXdvF0CYAnZ705mClM9uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nn3%2BMicrotrains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZIvxhJ4YZ8/XvLNh2Tx1iI/AAAAAAAABcQ/9nr6XUarbQI6bXdvF0CYAnZ705mClM9uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Nn3%2BMicrotrains.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donor vehicle - Microtrains Nn3 30' Boxcar. The body is discarded completely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y6zCo146B8/XvLNhwKT_rI/AAAAAAAABcM/QFhe-WK7ixgNqFuOxQmE8tbikF_F6V5SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nn3%2BChassis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y6zCo146B8/XvLNhwKT_rI/AAAAAAAABcM/QFhe-WK7ixgNqFuOxQmE8tbikF_F6V5SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Nn3%2BChassis.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chassis awaiting the 3D printed body. </td></tr>
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The dismantling of the
model proved to be very easy – the body came off leaving a cast metal chassis
with the trucks intact.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Measuring the
chassis showed that creating a new body to fit was going to be very easy – and
the body was going to be compatible with the locos we already had
available.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The biggest problem was we
only had the one chassis.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fortunately,
recourse to a well-known on-line auction site resulted in quite a number of examples being
obtained.</div>
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And so to the model.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I looked at the coaching stock on both the
Talyllyn and Ffestiniog railways along with what runs on the Puffing Billy here
in Australia and came up with a basic design.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The maths worked out quite neatly on 4 compartments for seating and,
following UK practice, this was decided to be for Third Class stock.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To get First Class (I won’t go into why
second class wasn’t around for decades here – if you are keen, you can easily
find out the history) I made the compartments a bit bigger – however I wasn’t
able to get 3 in neatly but this wasn’t a problem as I needed to put a guard in somewhere and so the Firsts
ended up having two compartments and a guard’s area with provision for luggage
and mail.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The idea being a normal
service train would be three Third Class coaches and a Brake First – the logic
being each First compartment held 8 passengers in a 2 a side configuration and
the Third compartment would have 6 passengers in a 3+3.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Each First Brake would then have 8 passengers
and each Third would have 24 – a train would then have 80 passengers assuming a
full load which in the world of Narrow Gauge would be extremely unlikely, even on a market day during high summer! </div>
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To produce the coaches I
drew up the models in Autodesk Inventor.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The method I use is to draw a corner or whole
side and then mirror it, depending on how the final model is supposed to look.
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Once I had the coach body
drawn – and I took the opportunity to include seating, and a couple of open
windows so that each side had some variation – I turned attention to designing
a drop in roof.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I included pilot holes
in the roof for locating ventilators which were obtained from Etched Pixels in
the UK.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Similar ones are available from
other suppliers.
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Both drawings, once I was
generally satisfied, were converted to STL files within the program and then
uploaded to Shapeways.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I got a test print sent out, and
having found it didn’t quite fit the chassis I made some modifications to the
drawing and uploaded it again.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The second
set of prints worked much better (the first were usable but required filing
almost 2mm of metal from the chassis – I’d forgotten to allow for the overhang
on the original drawing!)
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3y8XPy3UmvA/XvLMrYUn88I/AAAAAAAABb8/sdpw3DI0b9Ee42vECwyoAO0NhcpIvtYNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Print%2Bwith%2Broof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3y8XPy3UmvA/XvLMrYUn88I/AAAAAAAABb8/sdpw3DI0b9Ee42vECwyoAO0NhcpIvtYNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Print%2Bwith%2Broof.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Third and Roof as supplied from Shapeways</td></tr>
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Because I had included
seating when I painted the bodies, I also painted the inside.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The First Class seats will be red and the
Thirds are green.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I also painted
the rest of the interior and put the odd figure in to represent passengers.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGC1OkegAa8/XvLNKuT6kKI/AAAAAAAABcE/BivJYfAk42IZ0S06L7uaqtdphhUyiypXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/All%2BThird%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGC1OkegAa8/XvLNKuT6kKI/AAAAAAAABcE/BivJYfAk42IZ0S06L7uaqtdphhUyiypXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/All%2BThird%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Painted, footboard added and transfers on. Just needing to be glazed - and weathered. </div>
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I still haven't touched the white roofs!.</div>
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The outside colour on
these is Humbrol 63 (Desert Sand) as this is a good base colour for Teak livery
– the final colour is achieved using washes of various shades of brown acrylic
artist paint.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I made up the foot boards
on the almost finished coach using some scrap etch and some staples soldered
together and then fitted.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This was
painted using ModelMaster Grimy Black.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>As you can see from the pictures, I have also painted the window frames.
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The numbers on the doors
denoting the class of compartment come from Fox Transfers, and once they were on I sealed them in
with a coat of Dulcoat from Testors.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
have yet to finish the rest of the set in terms of weathering and glazing at
this time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6lwEi7dAe8/XvLPIL4qN1I/AAAAAAAABcg/0gYRO9NqA08QzUMqhNJ7RYW9zQ2OPY0kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Amity%2Band%2Btrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6lwEi7dAe8/XvLPIL4qN1I/AAAAAAAABcg/0gYRO9NqA08QzUMqhNJ7RYW9zQ2OPY0kACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Amity%2Band%2Btrain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number 1 "Amity" and three of the four coaches pulling into the restored station on Celyn Glanfa</td></tr>
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So having sorted coaches,
my attention turned to having locomotives.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Whilst I had access to the aforementioned chassis, I also had a chassis
which didn’t fit under the whitemetal kits – in fact, between David and I, we
had two.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Both 2-6-0 steam locos of the
8803 family.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>David was interested in
having a 2-6-2T and I a 0-6-0 so it was quick work to see if the pony truck
from one of the chassis would become a trailing truck on the other –
fortunately it fitted fine and the swap became permanent.</div>
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Again the inspiration of
the Talyllyn and Ffestiniog came to the rescue – in this case TR No 4 “Edward
Thomas”, a Kerr Stuart 0-4-2 saddle tank and the Ffestiniog No 2 “Prince”, a
George England 0-4-0.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The result was a
basic design for cab, smokebox and running plate with variations between the
two surrounding the water tank design.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The 2-6-2 was drawn with side tanks – inspired in part by the Standard
Gauge Adams Radial 4-4-2T built by the London South Western Railway (one being
preserved at the Bluebell Railway in the south of England) – and the 0-6-0
ended up with a saddle tank in line with the two original inspirations.</div>
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Again the locos were
drawn up in Autodesk Inventor and the resulting STL files sent to
Shapeways.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The initial prints showed up
a number of issues when attempting to mate to the chassis – the 2-6-2 was
broadly ok on the chassis but was overly long at the bunker end and the 0-6-0
was a bit long at the front end, as well as sitting a little high.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Again the drawings were tweaked and sent
back.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsfQFs3qHgM/XvLS5w8iX9I/AAAAAAAABcw/l8UcJlDYTasuRa39V2_wPzmjPqFBw3gqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2863.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsfQFs3qHgM/XvLS5w8iX9I/AAAAAAAABcw/l8UcJlDYTasuRa39V2_wPzmjPqFBw3gqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2863.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The numbers are from when I sent the pictures to someone to explain the issues. </div>
<div>
1 is the Mk 1 - to long and not sitting square.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0-btqdVR6w/XvLS5j7hZII/AAAAAAAABcs/LSg62fQ8o4Qm060L6HZg9SSmmbIm36QoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2864.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0-btqdVR6w/XvLS5j7hZII/AAAAAAAABcs/LSg62fQ8o4Qm060L6HZg9SSmmbIm36QoACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2864.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Mk 2 print - much better in length but still not sitting properly. </div>
<div>
With a bit of filing it probably could be made to fit. The issue is above the cylinders.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-1elbC4doo/XvLS5_Y4ZoI/AAAAAAAABc0/C45ZwF7rVBw_XaBB97AG1n6HLcglkEm1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2865.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-1elbC4doo/XvLS5_Y4ZoI/AAAAAAAABc0/C45ZwF7rVBw_XaBB97AG1n6HLcglkEm1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2865.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final print - this is the print which appears in all its glory in the photo above.</td></tr>
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The second print showed
the length issue had been corrected but there were still a problem with the
body not sitting well on the chassis.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So
a further tweak to the drawing and another print order, this time with fingers
crossed that all would be well as by this stage we had a layout booked for a
show (more about the layout anon).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fortunately the MkIII 0-6-0 was
excellent in all respects and, despite the lightness of the FUD print, still
managed to haul the four coaches we had available – although we ended up
deciding that three had a better balance when it came to presentation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
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The MkIII print was
finished in LNER Apple Green – the same shade of paint that 4472 “Flying
Scotsman” is most famous for running in (albeit not currently – it is presently
in its 1960 BR Dark Green paint scheme).<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>A search through my decal collection gave rise to builder’s plates,
number plates (No 1) and a name plate – Amity, in honour of my long suffering
wife.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ee0JMPvobk/XvLUZ1PvVeI/AAAAAAAABdU/sI8-iBNtNqMJLcW6dWCDEgArELNlElP1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ee0JMPvobk/XvLUZ1PvVeI/AAAAAAAABdU/sI8-iBNtNqMJLcW6dWCDEgArELNlElP1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_3253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No 1 "Amity" - I really should work out a way to disguise the motor!</td></tr>
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As I had a spare 88051
chassis, and didn’t really like the white metal kit of the Glyn Valley Tram, I
decided to draw my own and get this printed too.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This ended up fitting on the first try
although I needed to modify the chassis a bit more than I had planned.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Didn’t stop it from working so quite happy,
although I have modified the drawing for future prints with a larger diameter
chimney and dome as I felt the originals were a bit small.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I also enlarged the cab area a bit to make
the fitting of the chassis smoother.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>This loco David has kindly fitted a small DCC chip to – no room for sound
however!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In keeping with the LNER theme
of the coaches and No 1, this was painted in LNER Garter Blue – the same shade
the 4468 “Mallard” is painted in.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As
David had asked for his steam loco to be No 3, and I have plans for a second
0-6-0ST to be No 2, this loco ended up being No 4 and will, in the fullness of
time, be named “Nigel” after Sir Nigel Gresley.</div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0_8tTlEhQk/XvLUFmQXehI/AAAAAAAABdM/79wcLHmbe_goeUi5uDVcSGsuc_TguxxFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/58064638866__291C8A17-12B7-4B31-BD1D-5A314D4C64DB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0_8tTlEhQk/XvLUFmQXehI/AAAAAAAABdM/79wcLHmbe_goeUi5uDVcSGsuc_TguxxFACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/58064638866__291C8A17-12B7-4B31-BD1D-5A314D4C64DB.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early photo of what became No 4 "Nigel" on the unfinished Celyn Glanfa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since the adventures related above, I have made some progress on furthering the Narrow Gauge fleet. The updated version of No 4 has been printed and fitted with a chassis, a second set of coaches is mostly done (in green) and some 4 wheel coaches have appeared. I now have an Anycubic Photon printer so no longer relying on Shapeways has improved the turn around time between Marks. Stay tuned for Part II and the adventures with the Photon.</div>
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Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-76173782097376158882020-06-23T14:40:00.001+10:002020-06-23T14:40:18.267+10:00Resurrection<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the more interesting perils of being a high school teacher is the students periodically decide to do a Google search on you. And if you are really "lucky" they find you. This happened to me recently and so my blog was dusted off from the internet and I had to show some of my stuff to kids who were slightly more than politely interested. They think others may be interested in what I've been up to modelling wise over the last two years and so have challenged me to up date the blog over the next couple of weeks with some news.</div>
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With this in mind, I felt the easiest way to "position the reader" (one of the English department's catch phrases) was to put up some photos by way of a teaser and then put some posts in to explain what's been going on since. So in no particular order - and the order is not necessarily going to match the associated write ups - I give you the following:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGafEmLVypc/XvGGISGHEjI/AAAAAAAABbI/r-nstRXw0PMa1iRhSQjt_WpoQA8MKQhVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGafEmLVypc/XvGGISGHEjI/AAAAAAAABbI/r-nstRXw0PMa1iRhSQjt_WpoQA8MKQhVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ale Dock - my 2mm Scale Association Diamond Jubilee Layout Challenge entry which had Covid-19 shut the world down have travelled to the UK this month.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Dsgu6F8mA/XvGGMgeBcAI/AAAAAAAABbM/15q1PRppH-0vFr0GnIfUMZ8H5gHJVQ02gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NG%2B0-6-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Dsgu6F8mA/XvGGMgeBcAI/AAAAAAAABbM/15q1PRppH-0vFr0GnIfUMZ8H5gHJVQ02gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/NG%2B0-6-0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first attempt at a 3D printed N6.5 Narrow Gauge loco. This is actually the Mk3 body as Mk's 1 and 2 didn't work. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssPU4HCFp1s/XvGGRznsvCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/k863M1GOZO8N3FfbPoTndoH-REAoS4ZdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tram%2BType%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssPU4HCFp1s/XvGGRznsvCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/k863M1GOZO8N3FfbPoTndoH-REAoS4ZdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Tram%2BType%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A second N6.5 loco body - this is the Mk 1 and worked but the Mk 2 works better.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esiO_eGaMAE/XvGGTfnQUHI/AAAAAAAABbU/ZWjSqvWuUTIrsgngLkXqzjZGFvxlwPEMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NG%2BTrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esiO_eGaMAE/XvGGTfnQUHI/AAAAAAAABbU/ZWjSqvWuUTIrsgngLkXqzjZGFvxlwPEMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/NG%2BTrain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some N6.5 coaches.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVljWi5y7-A/XvGGaHn54PI/AAAAAAAABbc/BDpyc8Ehv1MXQC4CviyAd8wH6vT_4r_5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EKVX5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVljWi5y7-A/XvGGaHn54PI/AAAAAAAABbc/BDpyc8Ehv1MXQC4CviyAd8wH6vT_4r_5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/EKVX5601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What to do at work when you are there but the students are on Covid-19 lockdown - you remodel your desk and include a working diorama!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3z7eXWRO6g/XvGGgXYnakI/AAAAAAAABbk/460LFIX1hqwndt0uK7f89ZGb0iK3-fZ6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/LNER%2BVan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3z7eXWRO6g/XvGGgXYnakI/AAAAAAAABbk/460LFIX1hqwndt0uK7f89ZGb0iK3-fZ6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/LNER%2BVan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 2018-2019 Supermeet Wagon - chassis built 2018, body done 2019.</div>
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So four things to write about in the next week or so. These aren't the only things - I built an exhibition layout in the meantime too - but I'll start here.</div>
<br />Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-19340575383466417562018-03-31T19:00:00.000+10:002018-03-31T19:00:37.244+10:00Gopher Models Victorian Railways B Class<p align="justify">Sorry to those of you who have been looking for a post over the last couple of weeks – it has been that time of the school term when marking and the resulting reporting take over for a a little while and not much railway work happens owing to paying work being the priority.</p> <p align="justify">All hasn’t been lost however with this lovely addition to the Australian locomotive fleet arriving direct from the manufacturer (after purchase I hasten to add – it isn’t a freebie for review – it’s mine!) via the Neb Noswal Express a couple of weeks ago.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K0BeedtTcB8/Wr8MJ0SR7yI/AAAAAAAABU0/hEzL8d2cwb0r5c9NkscQkDFpdFRQIFyugCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2217%255B10%255D"><img title="IMG_2217" style="border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2217" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L35L2G1GTcc/Wr8MKmtg1OI/AAAAAAAABU4/FCUgaDoJDngg3SVXJGtxz0BsSLea3K-9wCHMYCw/IMG_2217_thumb%255B13%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="173" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It is one of “those” locos – interesting, been around for years – in this case, the prototype for mine was the first mainline diesel electric for the Victorian Railways and delivered to same way back in 1952.  Having been selected for a rebuild and new engine back in the 1980s the frames and bogies are still going strong, now as A60 rather than B60.</p> <p align="justify">For those who are unfamiliar with the prototype may I suggest a visit <a href="http://www.victorianrailways.net/motive%20power/bdiesel/bdie.html" target="_blank">here</a> or a bit of a trawl around the internet.</p> <p align="justify">Because mine is direct from Phil, I got a few hand me down bits and pieces – the collection of transfers for example didn’t include all the ones I need as there had been some with misprints – as we have been mates for over ten years and I don’t mind.  I’ll get the missing 3 in due course (all for number boards – somewhere along the lines the printer only put in one of each number on the first print, despite there needing  to be 4), so mine isn’t exactly a representative example of the production run.  Having said that, the model itself is and rather than worrying about reviewing the bits I added (nameplates, side number plates etc.) I’ll deal with just the model.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i5Y5YZVudSU/Wr8MLGJaCSI/AAAAAAAABU8/P4Ofkqf2KzwitGFKUEK-PMrvP1RCEzvNACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2213%255B16%255D"><img title="IMG_2213" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQISw10L4yY/Wr8MLlu09zI/AAAAAAAABVA/rIAc9I-MILYf1UIFwb9UWwVXqGL-XCkAACHMYCw/IMG_2213_thumb%255B19%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Running wise, it was very smooth straight out of the box.  It is supposed to be a match for the other Gopher Models (at this stage I’ve a pair of 48s, a pair of 44s, a pair of S and a GM12 to compare it with) and while it doesn’t quite match yet, I am sure with running in it will be much closer – at this stage B60 is about 1 inch slower around my layout, St Alban’s Abbey and this is a 5m x 1.1m oval so quite lengthy than the S class and 44s which will be running together.  As B60 won’t be needing to run with anything I am not too worried but my 44s work very nicely together (post on them to come) and once I have chipped them for DCC operation, I expect the consisting on the Brisbane Limited model I hope to build up will be spot on.</p> <p align="justify">The model itself is finished in the later version of the Victorian Railways Blue and Gold scheme first made famous on the Spirit of Progress streamliner and is associated S Class 4-6-2 Pacifics prior to World War II.  In this case, the difference to its original livery is the yellow at the top of the doors – a practice which disappeared sometime in the 1960s I believe.  I haven’t been able to find out exactly when B60 got its doors so treated.  Those who want an earlier B will have to be delicate with a paint brush.  I believe the Blue matches the Steam Era paint VR Diesel Blue but how close the factory in China got it, I can’t say.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X6RFjeEz76A/Wr8MMJPL34I/AAAAAAAABVE/GwXgTNHWqKEThydG3Xp4l3kgr2QnPo1VgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2211%255B13%255D"><img title="IMG_2211" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2211" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSN_C3Au_10/Wr8MMjrg5HI/AAAAAAAABVI/xrdYTx2HXHsIR-zgYFDPQsDtb1I9KV7zACHMYCw/IMG_2211_thumb%255B13%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="301" /></a></p> <p align="justify">As far as printing goes most of the pad printing is very crisp.  I found some bleed points on the side of the body near the grills, but since I don’t ever remember seeing one clean here, weathering to suit the normal late 70s early 80s grime from my childhood will solve this problem.  To be honest it isn’t noticeable at normal distances and it was only with the benefit of my modelling glasses and deliberately looking for “faults” that I could find it.  Everything else is what we are coming to expect from Phil and his Gopher stable – just a shame Ixion didn’t take off for the British Modeller but that is another story!</p> <p align="justify">At this stage the B is only available in VR Blue/Gold and a special livery done for a Streamliners weekend in Goulburn.  Phil has a number of unpainted models, one of which has been done for Ben in the VicRail Tangerine T-Cup livery from the early 1980s.  It looks as vile as I remember but Phil has done a nice job in the painting of it.  I understand if demand is sufficient to warrant a second run, the V/Line scheme which replaced the Blue & Gold and Tangerine liveries.  Even later liveries, such as SSR and WCR will probably remain special paints jobs by Phil but since the SSR 44 was done as RTR the B may manage to be done for those looking for the set.</p> <p align="justify">If you’d like one – or one of the other Australian RTR diesels Phil has done – go to <a href="http://www.badgerbits.com.au">www.badgerbits.com.au</a> and follow the links.  I’ve not been paid for this review.  Phil doesn’t even know I’ve done it.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-68427350049426956282018-03-13T21:44:00.001+10:002018-03-13T21:44:13.660+10:00South East Queensland Area Group Meeting – 10 March 2018<p align="justify">We had our third get together for 2018 last Saturday with 7 members in attendance.  I didn’t get around to taking photos which is a shame as David G had brought along quite a lot of his stud of locos for a running session, many of which he has had weathered professionally.  A quite impressive collection.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">We welcomed back Anthony from his three year posting to Sydney with the Army – he swapped in for Ben who the Army saw fit to post to Puckapunyal at the end of last year.  Anthony showed us some of the building progress he has made for his North Wales line.  Hopefully we will get organised enough for a visit once he is fully back operational.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">David H had brought his DCC programing set up and sorted my NCE controller which was playing up – turned out it was the cable rather than the controller.  A bit of playing around with DCC locos resulted.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Discussions on Hollie’s and my new layout were fruitful – I’d put some Kato track one to see if the geometry was workable and it seems it will be ok.  I’m hopeful that we shall have significant progress by next month – fortunately I’ve two weeks holidays coming up straight after Easter so the signs are good, management permitting.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">As always, if you are around South East Queensland on the Second Saturday you are more than welcome to come along and join us.  Just drop me a line.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-23368191273340570182018-02-23T19:00:00.000+10:002018-02-23T19:00:42.351+10:00Class 128 Parcels Railcar revisited<p align="justify">Once upon a time – or perhaps “A long time ago…” is a better start! – I regaled readers with the tale of my sorting one of these <a href="http://sithlordsrailwayblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/class-128-parcels-railcar.html">here</a>.  As it turned out, I never did get around to sorting the transfers and what not for the 2015 modelling competition and with the 2017 running late and being held in a couple of weeks, I thought I had better do something about it – if for no other reason than to provide a second or third place.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2cNkpN8nZNY/Wo6qE1eqP2I/AAAAAAAABUQ/uZOTiuP_vmkse72hCTeF4AqR15PJ4ujnwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2078%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_2078" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2078" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X63VraVXrmE/Wo6qFg7WYwI/AAAAAAAABUU/ksJbp4pMRskEP6ANnCXDR3glEJPWDJapACHMYCw/IMG_2078_thumb%255B8%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="243" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So what’s changed?  Well I got some transfers for the Parcels service to put on it, put the handrails in (Spirit Design out here has a nifty tool for handrails – unfortunately the owner of said nifty tool has now moved 1000kms south so I might have to get my own), glazed it with Krystal Klear and weathered it all over.  </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Depending on the lighting and the angle you can still see the print lines but all in all I am quite pleased with it – just have to sort a DCC chip for it and get around to building the 1975-1982 themed layout for it to run on.  But another UFO FO’d so that’s a result.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-30294191743663466542018-02-09T19:00:00.000+10:002018-02-09T19:00:36.112+10:00Vessels for “Hollie Wharf” – Part I<p align="justify">Long term readers will possibly remember back in 2016 I was given a shunting puzzle layout by one of our on again, off again LAG members (currently heading back on again which is a bonus!) and my daughter, keen as a bean to return to the Toowoomba show after her debut as an operator in 2015 was given nominal ownership and as a result it was christened Hollie Wharf.</p> <p align="justify">It has been to two Toowoomba shows – 2016 and 2017 – and may go again this year depending on whether or not the planned replacement “Celyn Glanfa” is ready in time (you can look up the Welsh if your keen – and if you are Welsh and don’t like Google Translator's answer, please get in touch with a better one!) although there is the complication that the magic smoke seems to have escaped somewhere late on the last day of the show last year (which is one of the many reasons I am glad Ken is back into British N for a bit as he has offered to trouble shoot his home made circuitry).</p> <p align="justify">Now, being a wharf Hollie and I both felt it was important to have a vessel or two to have at the dockside.  Again, long term readers may remember (and you can certainly hunt back to 2016) that there was some detailing bits done with my Aldi 3D printer.  One of these bits was to make a start on converting an Ertl push along Bulstrode the Barge from the Thomas the Tank Engine collection into something more like a costal steamer.</p> <p align="justify">I have fortunately obtained a second one from the Bay of E for not a lot and, this time, have managed to remember to take more pictures of the process.  The modification is by no means complete but I thought a Part I would be useful – if for no other reason than to make me get a move on so Part II gets done!</p> <p align="justify">Below is what I started with.  It comes apart easily by removing a few screws from underneath</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xP-6Nh7xKQ/Wnw5koR7YXI/AAAAAAAABS0/OVykwDdD138PYz-iMaQjHL1u8LHnfj0lACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1972%255B6%255D"><img title="IMG_1972" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1972" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKlWD0dR2kQ/Wnw5lTORSOI/AAAAAAAABS4/RhAelFhWr_sgTqdxA4xPfpxaX0Av2KzzwCHMYCw/IMG_1972_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="203" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dcLCVUzWswk/Wnw5mEKVVmI/AAAAAAAABS8/JOBJ_K4xkSwn6MwRzTAARTI9ciMmLUn_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1973%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_1973" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1973" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xDR64GqtAOU/Wnw5ms467VI/AAAAAAAABTA/p409mtttdqMl0ijC380-GFsfX-dqdMMBACHMYCw/IMG_1973_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The component bits.  I chucked the wheelhouse as it is over scale.  I also chucked the bit with the wheels in it as being no use to any plans I have nor could I see how it would be useful in the future.  Hope I don’t regret that.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIhzrBaAIic/Wnw5ncot6VI/AAAAAAAABTE/mzHmJR9P0-4N3cGKcgrmS2NmbK6RvLcLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1974%255B6%255D"><img title="IMG_1974" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1974" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6_f8vKFVd0/Wnw5n6p3RlI/AAAAAAAABTI/x2SgRPChPZ0HZVnlxBcsg69ClDjeObXRgCHMYCw/IMG_1974_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="158" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Having dismantled everything the hull section looks like this.  Not particularly useful if you want a waterline model but I have a bench sander and, having fitted it with a worn fine grade belt, I took it down to the waterline pretty quickly and easily.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9prl76BYq7s/Wnw5oULoz-I/AAAAAAAABTM/0VRVtPpveo4G-fdDwnYoHGTY3K8Ey0zrACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1975%255B6%255D"><img title="IMG_1975" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1975" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BOIx5f8euAA/Wnw5pBIXI4I/AAAAAAAABTQ/D54tp8uFf5kMCSPxJHlj8dbyCtgilz8BACHMYCw/IMG_1975_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="127" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The deck insert was next – before on the left, after on the right.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P032_GK6zWo/Wnw5phc1dYI/AAAAAAAABTU/49KM5kKeAEYWvejq9CM2FTkCdGCrf_hvQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1977%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_1977" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1977" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yjOJcZnShxo/Wnw5qOG4s3I/AAAAAAAABTY/_eH4gv_s5E8Pye709EDym57fwo5W0OMTgCHMYCw/IMG_1977_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="195" height="260" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Bq0LatKHjE/Wnw5qiVhEVI/AAAAAAAABTc/k_o5Yjzzzsgqrnl-eN3DAFmbdV2hxsYyACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1978%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_1978" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eisq8fziKYI/Wnw5rTCFm3I/AAAAAAAABTg/5QRlh3zVi8UlsmcrNBPvLjuHR0KEHifXACHMYCw/IMG_1978_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="195" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I removed the bollards (dunno what else you’d call them) from the bow and stern, cut a hole where the cargo hold is and trimmed down the lugs which had secured it all together.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xbc9O8wORqA/Wnw5rz7EUnI/AAAAAAAABTk/5VfUsvc9mgsvgGmMMSxDpN37hKefJ1xdACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1979%255B6%255D"><img title="IMG_1979" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_1979" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJFN9nVTYUY/Wnw5sYDnyEI/AAAAAAAABTo/o2J6hteqA5QSmV5HdScLECkGLWLiN8xCQCHMYCw/IMG_1979_thumb%255B8%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="122" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So I now have a hull ready for building onto.  At this stage, this vessel, tentatively named Ruby, is going to be a sister vessel to the one we already have, the Amity.  Both carrying coal around the coast from wherever Hollie Wharf is.</p> <p align="justify">Now to sort out the 3D printer and find the print files for the new bollards!</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-86782064337298439602018-02-02T19:00:00.000+10:002018-02-02T19:00:17.758+10:00Mermaids repainted<p align="justify">Last week I wrote about the two DJM mermaids I received from Hatton’s and indicated they’d be joining the UFO pile to be back liveried into black from Civil Engineer’s Dutch.  Well as it happens, I got onto it much sooner than I thought particularly when I found that removing the bodies for painting wasn’t that much of a hassle – a few minutes careful prising with a steel ruler and voila.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OguFY88PHsc/WnL0w9z52HI/AAAAAAAABSE/G1J9FiLmy1UFBZfWPixu_oTWyzVxbwUlQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2038%2B%25282%2529%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_2038 (2)" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2038 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--0VboO6HH-I/WnL0xsIwcMI/AAAAAAAABSI/59hGGr9D52wSq1Mv0dXuyvXjplp3TSDtACHMYCw/IMG_2038%2B%25282%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="157" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The now removed bodies were spray rattle can black and left to dry for a day or so before transfers from the Model Master range which used to be available from the N Gauge Society (sheet 2633 which has options for Dogfish, Catfish and the Mermaids.  I used to to redo some Railhaul (I think) liveried Dogfish back to black years ago – I hope I can get some more as I have 11 Catfish etches to build).  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVwV82yDIl8/WnL0yYojlBI/AAAAAAAABSM/VLwgfaIIYZsExQNCuuKztdy9S5N1K33XQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2047%2B%25282%2529%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_2047 (2)" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2047 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EONWqa6htWo/WnL0y7eCqDI/AAAAAAAABSQ/OSFSDt31SfYuy820UUgPpTpLPi7Ts5gTQCHMYCw/IMG_2047%2B%25282%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="293" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So after about 5 minutes of dismantling, 5 of shaking the spray can then pointing and shooting, a day of waiting and an hour putting 10 transfers per wagon on, I have what I wanted – two black Mermaids to join the Grampus, Dogfish and Shark on the engineers possession train.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-90948018381471694032018-01-26T19:00:00.000+10:002018-01-26T19:00:19.916+10:00DJM Mermaids<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">So I thought I’d do a review of the most recent purchase to arrive from my “local” hobby store – Hatton’s of Liverpool. I’d actually been going online to buy some short shank NEM couplers and was tempted by a pair of the DJM Mermaids. They were in “Dutch” grey and yellow livery whereas I’d prefer black (which is much earlier in their life) but I figured it isn’t hard to paint something black and in any case I have some Modelmaster Transfers which will suit so another UFO joins the pile….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">Anyway, as these are the first examples of some models from DJM that I’ve obtained I was curious to see what was different from the Dapol offerings which Dave Jones had overseen at his time there – and what hadn’t really changed much at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">So first impression – the boxes were nice but not as sturdy as I am used to from Dapol. No plastic boxes here. More like Farish although I felt the window was a little small to allow a reasonable view of the model. A bit like Ixion before him, Dave has gone for a slogan – theirs was “Own the Finest” his is “ Setting Higher Standards”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">As far as the model goes, it looks pretty good. The necessity of the plastic moulding process and the nature of these wagons (being side tippers) does mean the representation of the support structure and the tipping bits are a bit over – if they were scale I am pretty sure there reject rate would be uneconomically high. Turning the wagon over I was very impressed with the brake gear and what not – stuff which unless you have really bad track laying skills you won’t see but adds to the authenticity (and having spoken to a professional model maker it actually doesn’t add to the cost of the tooling – and adds only a little to the design CAD stage).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">The ballast load is well modelled too – and easily removed for those wanting to run it empty or to replace with something more realistic (like actual crushed up ballast). Having a pair they do look a little to alike (but again the cost of having more than one mould for this is not economic – and then you are still relying on luck to get two different loads although with the different running numbers it shouldn’t be that hard).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">For me the biggest let down was the coupling spacing. As is now the industry standard, NEM pockets are fitted but the choice of coupling length is, frankly, ridiculous. I don’t know if DJM only do one size of coupler and I get the cost of a mould has to be covered but when the gap between the buffers measures at 9mm this is way too big. Not setting higher standards at all. Now I understand the Rapido coupler isn’t that great – but I think we can all acknowledge that for RTR British N we are stuck with it. Farish provide a short shank NEM coupler (the item I was actually buying from Hatton’s when the siren song of the mermaid called to me) and fitting a pair of these brought the gap down to 4mm. It is still too big – and I would expect at 4mm it will go around “trainset” curves (which I define as anything under 12 inches radius – my layout runs 15” on the hidden sections and much, much larger on the visible) so why DJM thinks a 9mm gap is setting higher standards boggles the imagination. I would like to get mine down lower than 4mm but at this stage that’s where they are until after the repaint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">Overall 8/10 with the buffer gap accounting for all the lost of marks. Once they are painted to match the Dogfish, Grampus and Shark they’ll make an interesting addition to my ballast train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;">Pictures of the two gaps:</span></div>
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<br />Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-40326667649406888562018-01-20T19:00:00.000+10:002018-01-20T19:00:42.403+10:00DIY Transfers<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">One of the LAG members dabbles a bit in USA outline.  My original trainset, given to me at birth, is also</font> American and I have, from time to time, dabbled a bit myself.  The collection isn’t particularly big and, owing to not knowing very much about the US at the time, the Roads which I had locos and stock for were more purchased on the basis of either it was cheap or I liked the look of it.  When I finally sat down a couple of years ago to consider what to do with it all, I found I had bits and pieces from 5 roads, three of which were orphans – or very tenuously connected to the others. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">It was about this time that David mentioned he was going to do is own shortline and was essentially running his railroad as a hook and pull operation from the nearest Class 1 down a branch.  I had a bit of a read around the internet and found this was a pretty common method of playing trains in the US and figured it would enable me to justify most of what I had – all I had to do was assume the Class 3 Road I was operating had purchased the random locos from the Class 1 which had purchased them from the manufacturer.  This would enable a PRR K4 Pacific for instance to be running over next to a GN F7.  </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">A bit more thinking and I decided to upgrade to a Class 2 Road as this enabled me to have more miles and more money, justifying repainting the eclectic collection and so the Empire Railroad was born.  </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">All this back story is necessary I suppose to explain how I came to getting some decal paper and making my own transfers.  I needed to do something to make my own railroad livery!</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I got my paper from eBay and an Australian supplier.  Heaps out there and much of a muchness for price.  I got a single clear A4 sheet to practice with.  As I can’t print white, any white lettering needs to go on a white paint swatch.  Similarly, I have found that unless I print in black, and at photo quality, I have to put colours onto a white background as they appear washed out.  It is still a trial and error process.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I have however had a couple of successes.  The Empire Railroad has three 2-8-0 steamers (Bachmann ex-Missouri Pacific) and these have had Empire put on the tender and 1977, 1980 and 1983 applied to the cab sides for the road numbers.  Because I did these myself, I wasn’t limited to what Fox or anyone else did for fonts and so they were done in <font face="BankGothic Lt BT"><font size="3"><em>BANK GOTHIC Lt</em><font face="Gill Sans MT"><em> </em>with a bit of manipulation on spacing and so forth.  These were printed by firstly printing the desired shape and size on plain paper then cutting enough transfer paper from the sheet to cover, sticking it over with scotch tape and reprinting.  I painted a white square on the tender and slide the transfer on.  Once dry I painted around the transfer with matte black.  The same approach went on the cab side but this was a bit more lumpy with detail – US locos aren’t as neat and tidy as UK – and so I had to use microsol to get the transfer to lie flat.  One of the six number squares mucked up – must get around to sorting that.</font></font></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aG7Euai1De8/WmLUVJapjsI/AAAAAAAABQg/FUTVK9nNIg8kB_0WZLxKFb_ze-GfDmylQCHMYCw/s1600-h/image2%2B-%2BCopy%255B3%255D"><img title="image2 - Copy" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image2 - Copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7tvsdGTHJc/WmLUVrFj6uI/AAAAAAAABQk/IR9Vkboe6EwhFFuhe7FgJ1oBw0SLA9LrACHMYCw/image2%2B-%2BCopy_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="153" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">I also did three Microtrains cabooses – two started life as BN Green (so post 1970 which was much later than I decided on – I’ve decided 1950s for steam to still be hanging on in parts but broadly diesels hold sway) and one in PRR brown.  They were painted rattle can red from Bunnings – and then suitably adorned with the Empire logo and number 501, 502 and 503.  As these were black it was very simple.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-curYN9WTPvw/WmLUWXP6rdI/AAAAAAAABQo/Zg5oTXQfid0VOX1aki_dl00trYkTkxAVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/image1%2B-%2BCopy%255B3%255D"><img title="image1 - Copy" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image1 - Copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DIiwmi96jOw/WmLUW075_EI/AAAAAAAABQs/HxdnG9mUS9gtHgVzFXZgHWfPW-qTW8PeACHMYCw/image1%2B-%2BCopy_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="153" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">Finally, I mentioned last week I’d have a photo of the Simple Green for those who want to find it and give it a go – as I mentioned I got mine from Bunnings in Australia so I don’t know if it is available overseas but if I had a dollar for every time I’d been told to use Johnson’s Klear….  Turns out Simple Green is made in NZ so chances are they export it further than the West Island eh bro?</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1YlsuOr4zE/WmLUXsOyQ-I/AAAAAAAABQw/hr6b4Scsl8sVw8tSwXfmCTNxD23g0kV-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2026%255B22%255D"><img title="IMG_2026" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2026" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OYapn5H09_I/WmLUYAlpTbI/AAAAAAAABQ0/PBMDQ3UOdCAZCxDG7ycTWpySL8ZsVlFpQCHMYCw/IMG_2026_thumb%255B20%255D?imgmax=800" width="190" align="left" height="253" /></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDwyu4ggBYE/WmLUYpSS9eI/AAAAAAAABQ4/KiBhBJqeWsQyM7lllwGQzQ3oC5PM8iVlQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2025%255B32%255D"><img title="IMG_2025" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_2025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrTSpkT3Gig/WmLUZaFgPKI/AAAAAAAABQ8/NYBC7wiiSWsdBVZb6yUX6EaHZskJ2IPbQCHMYCw/IMG_2025_thumb%255B28%255D?imgmax=800" width="190" align="left" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-9175350904447235542018-01-12T19:00:00.001+10:002020-06-23T22:18:54.730+10:00Atso-Cad LNER D120 Pigeon Van - a reprise of sorts<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Just on four years ago I </span><a href="http://sithlordsrailwayblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/atso-cad-lner-d120-pigeon-van.html"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">posted</span></a><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;"> about building one of the resin kits which had been done as a limited run of these vans. My comment then was that I hoped I would eventually get my own if it were added to Steve’s Shapeways shop. Fortunately it has been (There is a link to the shop in the original post) and while the exchange rates and general costs haven’t been especially friendly, I took an opportunity late last year when Shapeways had a free shipping plus 10% discount sale on for designers to add one to my order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Essentially it was much the same as the cast version – chassis and body but the buffers were printed on as was the brake gear to the chassis. You also need with this one to supply wheels and couplings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">I managed to break a buffer off by dropping it before I had done much and having spent a few minutes looking decided a brass replacement was going to be quicker so that’s what it got. The print is pretty good and considering it is of a wooden paneled vehicle I didn’t find the lining an issue but if you wanted to rubbing the roof down between coats of paint would help. Doing in the individual panels…. that would be tedious and fraught with danger I think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">The two parts were cleaned with Simply Green – I’ll put a pic of the bottle up next week – which I got from Bunnings. I don’t know if it is available in the UK or elsewhere (although Bunnings and its snags are in the UK) but it worked a treat – best cleaner for FUD I’ve found. Painting then followed with some rattle can primer and Humbrol crimson (also the rattle can – quicker than getting the airbrush out). The roof is Grimy Black from Modelmaster. The chassis was painted separately with a rattle of black. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The couplers are NEM boxes as part of the print – as I run minimum 15” curves I opted for a pair of the short Farish ones and, unlike Ben’s, didn’t put the steam heat pipes on – guess it is summer for mine. Glazing done with Krysal Klear. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Following the transfers Testors dulcote was applied and then glazing. The glazing was done with Krysal Klear. Transfers from the collection – the number was lucky as a set of coach numbers had the 5 digits in almost the right order – took the two from the front and put them at the back. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wheels from the spares box – they fitted and rolled smoothly which was the criteria. Not Peco but I don’t know whose they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Similarly to Ben’s, Tatlow’s book was consulted for a number (70209 to go with Ben’s 70199) and the whole lot finished within about 2 weeks of getting it. A lightening fast time for me! </span></div>
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So a pretty quick and easy model of a prototype which would appear to have travelled fairly widely in the days when homing pigeon races were a frequent weekend event.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Lastly, thanks for the comments on last weeks post – I am pleased that some find my ramblings and bits and pieces of interest. Hopefully you’ll also be inspired to give something a go.</span></div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-25512655217008025112018-01-05T19:00:00.000+10:002018-01-05T19:00:29.794+10:00The Return<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">Like Lazarus rising, I have come back to this blog as a means to keep track of what I am doing modelling wise and, having also returned to the setup for modelling and photographing which I started with back in Longreach in 2010, I think it is going to be a lot easier to maintain the posting – always a key part of having a blog!</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">So what has been happening?  Well bits and pieces – 2017 was supposed to be the year of making a significant dent in the UFO pile and moving as many models as possible into the FO pile.  Alas what actually happened was I generally did bits and pieces but didn’t get anything finished.  Some of this was due to work commitments, other family (tidy up the modelling area and when modelling resumed start on a different one to the one previously being worked on).  Other reasons were the lack of bits to actually finish things.  The considerable changes of the N Gauge Society Shop has, at least for this overseas member, meant that much of what appealed in being a member has been lost – and frustratingly, the news dropped in the renewal Journal having coughed up for three years.  Ho hum.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">The other, and probably most significant issue, was my eyesight.  I was trying to solder some axle boxes on back in September 17 and realised I just could no longer focus where I used to be able to.  A trip to the optician resulted in the previous one set of glasses (for distance vision) becoming three – sunglasses for distance (they live in the car), tri-focal for distance, computer screens and a bit of modelling and dedicated modelling glasses.  The latter enable me to see my finger prints clearly on a glass at 9 inches and don’t let me see my hand at the end of my arm!  I took a model with me to the optician to show him what I was doing and he was very helpful.  The prescription enables me to read the calibration message for his equipment so money well spent.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">So the modelling – most recently I have renumbered the pair of Farish Std 4 2-6-4Ts I received for Christmas.  80027 with early crest became 80037 – which for a few years early in is career was allocated to Watford Junction and may have been (although no definitive evidence has appeared) being used on the branch to St Alban’s Abbey.  The other went from being 80119 to 80103 – which had the unfortunate distinction of being the first of the 999 Standards to be condemned having suffered cracked frames in 1962 – a mere 2 years after 92220 came out of Swindon.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">To renumber them I tried something new.  I got some Simply Green cleaner from my local Bunnings Hardware (incidentally Bunnings is in St Alban’s and would, if I were modelling the station today, manage to make it onto the corner of the layout!) as I had seen some posts on various forums as to its worth as a gentle paint and decal stripper.  A bit painted on the transfers and left for about a minute then a cocktail stick and the numbers removed quickly and easily with no damage to the paint underneath.  New numbers from Fox transfers and sides done.  I was able to do the smoke box door number plate on 80037 but 80103 needs the “wrong” right hand crest applied as the pictures I have of it after its only Heavy General overhaul show it having the wrong facing lion.  Order sent to Fox and hopefully it will be sorted fairly shortly.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGOka4fJeio/Wk4PwstfkcI/AAAAAAAABPU/A3oe31TTCmwf4XbmbvdBn8yDkSX2jve6gCHMYCw/s1600-h/Std%2B4%2Band%2BIvatt%2Brenumber%255B5%255D"><img title="Std 4 and Ivatt renumber" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Std 4 and Ivatt renumber" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJcH-XORobw/Wk4PxDjFy5I/AAAAAAAABPY/FmSctdmVXQkt-H4fgZJ0PopigPgeRIUKwCHMYCw/Std%2B4%2Band%2BIvatt%2Brenumber_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Gill Sans MT">While I was on the transfer roll, my inadvertent eBay purchase of a 46521 – inadvertent as I thought I had a black one, not a green so ended up with two the same – became 46512 which was also a Swindon built example finished in lined Brunswick Green.</font></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">So that’s it for this week.  I’ve a few more things to show so will be making the effort to post weekly for the next few to clear the backlog.  </p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-82247523234677084812016-10-07T12:33:00.001+10:002016-10-07T12:33:41.457+10:002mm Scale Hudswell Clarke<p align="justify">Australasian members who came to this years’ Supermeet in Brisbane got a look at the first locomotive kit (which maybe available RTR in 2017 – in the sense that a bunch of us might get organised enough to build the kits for resale) which has been developed Down Here.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSqXf-bBD_U/V_cJewVnRDI/AAAAAAAABOY/CoNXbE9zeio/s1600-h/Original%252520and%252520mini%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Original and mini" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Original and mini" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-usxScFEt6eY/V_cJfkhrEoI/AAAAAAAABOc/fT5p6zypIAA/Original%252520and%252520mini_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="295" /></a></p> <p align="justify">As the picture shows it is a shoot down of the Ixion Models 7mm version and has been designed by Phil Badger.  The kit is very easy to put together although if you are wanting the really rough version, you’ll need a lathe to put the wheels together as they are cast centres with the <a href="http://2mm.org.uk" target="_blank">2mm Scale Association</a> 6mm rims added.  Our plan is the kit will come with the wheels sorted.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFCWJ5bDR9w/V_cJgZ-E_-I/AAAAAAAABOg/uE2e_eb8WtQ/s1600-h/P1030067%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030067" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030067" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FASrLX4Dmo/V_cJg7snrfI/AAAAAAAABOk/bDXfswNWNNI/P1030067_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">By the end of Day 1 (bear in mind there were 8 blokes so just a little bit of talking!!!) my first of two looked like this (I borrowed the wheels – chassis done).  Hopefully by the end of the LAG meeting tomorrow, I’ll have it operational.  Hollie has made a start on one – its looking pretty good too with the body largely done and just the chassis to go.  </p> <p align="justify">Just in case anyone is interested – yes, it is actual 2mm scale, not 1:148.  And yes, we will be offering the kit in the new year to those who weren’t able to make it to Brisbane.   Plans are afoot for a second loco, not an industrial but Big 4, for next year’s meeting.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-64119984463444479812016-07-25T20:51:00.001+10:002016-07-25T20:51:27.648+10:00And yet it moves - Swallow's End gets power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cE0RPA3Dzo4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cE0RPA3Dzo4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I've been trying to get organised to get blogging again following my recent trip overseas however work (sorry!) has been getting in the way a bit. I've been getting some modelling done however and with the help of fellow LAGer, David H, Swallow's End, my 2mm practice plank (see way back to 2010/11) has got power! </div>
<br />Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-79314755126129597342016-05-27T19:30:00.000+10:002016-05-27T19:30:59.887+10:00Friday Night Update – 27 May 2016<p align="justify">Next weekend is one of the highlights of my modelling year – the annual trip up the Mountain (well hill if you are Swiss or live anywhere near a European mountain range but for around here, it’s a mountain) to Toowoomba and the Toowoomba Model Railroad Club’s annual Exhibition.</p> <p align="justify">In past years, I’ve been either demonstrating modelling techniques on the British Railway Modellers of Australia stand or I’ve been with my layout, St Alban’s Priory with the other members of our little gang operating one of the larger British N set ups around down here (at least that’s our claim based on what we’ve been told!).</p> <p align="justify">This year a different approach has been made owing to changing circumstances.  To start with, two of the three musketeers won’t be going – one is spending time out in western Queensland doing the Three Corners (look at a map of Queensland and you’ll see where they are and how they get their name) and the other leaves a couple of days before for 2 months of fun and frivolity in the South Australian Outback with his employer.  Lucky Ben!  The other complication was I had promised Hollie we would go back this year after her debut last year shunting Sturminister Newton for a day and a half.</p> <p align="justify">So with limited numbers and a keen sidekick, I’m going up as the assistant on Hollie Wharf.  </p> <p align="justify">Now regular readers of this blog will have seen the post I made about <a href="http://sithlordsrailwayblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/inspiring-modelling.html" target="_blank">Inspiring Modelling.</a>  Ken, as I think I’ve mentioned, had a clean out under Management instructions and offered me the shunting puzzle.  Hollie has shown a lot of interest in operating it and we have done some minor detailing bits and pieces on it – not as many as we’d planned but that’s models for you!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jiA9ZKgk_QU/V0gS04yoMxI/AAAAAAAABNA/XwF47_mBvuY/s1600-h/2016-03-06%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-03-06 Hollie Wharf 002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-03-06 Hollie Wharf 002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IzXSplgVVFY/V0gS1oecJBI/AAAAAAAABNE/s8NOh-dVTJY/2016-03-06%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">First up to set the scene, Hollie testing out the operation of a 4F.  We would prefer to run 0-6-0Ts but they tend to be a bit temperamental over a pair of the points so the tender loco is a better option.  For safety’s sake, we are taking a J39, an Ivatt 2-6-0 and a class 24 to Toowoomba.  A Farish 04 with side plates and cow catchers fitted (from <a href="http://www.etchedpixels.co.uk/" target="_blank">Etched Pixels</a>) is going too but may be limited in its operation.</p> <p align="justify">All the stock is Peco chassis.  I think there may be a Farish body on one but essentially you use the cards you see in front of Hollie to form up trains (or break them up) similar to the Inglenook concept.</p> <p align="justify">A previous post has pictures of the bollards I drew up with Autodesk Inventor and then printed with my Aldi printer.  These have since been painted but no photos I’m afraid.</p> <p align="justify">To fill in the large area of roadway to the right of Hollie we decided some kind of memorial would be a good idea.  Back to Autodesk and about 15 mins later I’d drawn up and sent to print the design below:</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VqnbJBEX3w0/V0gS2LelEbI/AAAAAAAABNI/Peh_9hLHVD8/s1600-h/2016-05-14%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-14 Hollie Wharf 001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-14 Hollie Wharf 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTStDd71wVg/V0gS2imWb9I/AAAAAAAABNM/AmOw_Fzs4zI/2016-05-14%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="267" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ISjW_Z6tWw/V0gS3a4W64I/AAAAAAAABNQ/v6WmjSOjnzc/s1600-h/2016-05-14%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-14 Hollie Wharf 002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-14 Hollie Wharf 002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dZRwAS8dhY/V0gS32yftYI/AAAAAAAABNU/yP4NYcPkffw/2016-05-14%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It didn’t really work out there on its own so I designed a traffic island for it to sit on, allowing for cars to park and pass around it.  Obviously it needs painting – currently not really sure of the best colour but that is tomorrows problem.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO1B7lwgfjI/V0gS43Kkk3I/AAAAAAAABNY/5mthhfxWhZg/s1600-h/2016-05-15%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-15 Hollie Wharf 001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-15 Hollie Wharf 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFkhr4iLlrs/V0gS5S_2vvI/AAAAAAAABNc/WGdnpaSGxuA/2016-05-15%252520Hollie%252520Wharf%252520001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p>We also hope to have a small vessel dockside next weekend.  </p> <p>If you are coming to Toowoomba, please stop by B7 and introduce yourself.  You can even have a go at shunting the Wharf.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-50307475422400888572016-05-24T19:30:00.000+10:002016-05-24T19:30:01.597+10:00Beer Vans - Part 1<div align="justify">
British Railways – as many readers will know – was obliged to carry anything which someone brought in for transportation. Well, maybe not “everything” but pretty well anything you can think of, the goods department had to come up with a solution for. Similarly, the preceding railways – the Big 4 and prior to that, the pre-grouping Companies – had to carry everything too. This service was especially vital before the development of road transportation with lorries and such.</div>
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One of the more interesting (at least for me) traffics was the movement of beer from the big brewing houses to various locations around the country. The interest was first fostered by seeing a picture on the back of one of Essery’s volumes on LMS Wagons showing a picture of an LMS Beer Van. Further research showed that the LNWR had built specific vans for Beer traffic from as early as 1866 and had, according to the notes in LNWR Wagons Volume 2, 270 examples by the start of World War 1.</div>
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Now being interested in such a vehicle is one thing but having reason to operate one is another. However, when in doubt, apply Rule 1 and go for it. So when we were planning the First Australasian Gathering of <a href="http://www.2mm.org.uk/">2mm Scale Association</a> Members in 2014 and the idea of a souvenir wagon was put forward the LMS D1817 was suggested. Consultation with people in the UK suggested that Vans weren’t especially interesting and it was suggested that we do something else – so we did the tar wagon which was written up in the February-March 2016 Magazine (don’t blame the Editors for the delay...). The second Gathering in 2015 approached fast and with no other inspiration we returned to the Beer Van and it was produced.</div>
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With my developing CAD skills and armed with LNWR Wagons Volume 2, I drew up the LNWR D15 version so I could have both. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--3OzsJlDZW0/VyxnY5cUz6I/AAAAAAAABHg/3qwbx1wSIq8/s1600-h/2016-05-06%252520Beer%252520Vans%252520001%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2016-05-06 Beer Vans 001" border="0" height="372" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8MxR8u0Zf3M/VyxnZdpCQsI/AAAAAAAABHk/Sh39ITP2mM8/2016-05-06%252520Beer%252520Vans%252520001_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2016-05-06 Beer Vans 001" width="400" /></a></div>
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This print was adequate although there were some significant issues around how I fitted the roof, and the thickness of the bottom two planks. I was ready to do some work on the redesign when it was announced in the December-January Magazine that the opportunity to get some etched D15s was available. So I held off and purchased two (as mentioned in an Update a couple of weeks ago). I have since had another look at the drawings and photos in LNWR Wagons Vol 2 and decided that the roof on both my original (based on the Gladiator Models 7mm one) and possibly David E's etch are wrong. The prototype vans, it turns on out on actually reading the accompanying notes to the drawings and photos in the book, had a wooden roof covered in canvas. This is born out by the pictures, especially one of p127 of the aforementioned book for those who have a copy. So I think I need to remove the ribs from my drawing, and possibly from the etches too.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fR8i_1dzO0w/VyxnaCvCaSI/AAAAAAAABHo/b7jgMGZoKTM/s1600-h/2016-05-06%252520Beer%252520Vans%252520002%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2016-05-06 Beer Vans 002" border="0" height="357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2XCosoO1YUE/Vyxnar7LwcI/AAAAAAAABHs/r-yzH25LewE/2016-05-06%252520Beer%252520Vans%252520002_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2016-05-06 Beer Vans 002" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have also learnt that British Railways converted some Meat Vans into Beer Vans.</div>
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Finally – Rule 1 doesn’t actually have to apply it turns out. Beer was supplied by rail to St Alban’s Abbey for delivery to the local Pubs – and I would imagine, as does my source, that it came in... Beer Vans! So having a few in various liveries to match time periods is kosher after all.</div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-57080500277266004592016-05-17T19:30:00.000+10:002016-05-17T19:30:06.015+10:00St Alban’s Abbey Goods Shed – Part 1<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">I </span><span style="color: white;">developed an interest in St Alban’s Abbey LNWR station back in 1998 when a mate and I first started kicking the ideas around about an exhibition layout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst my current incarnation is a “based on” rather than an accurate model, I have long harboured the desire to build a more accurate model, using the correct buildings, track plan and rolling stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had plans for the station building for some years but have never managed to get around to building it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend built a model of the good shed for me back when we first exhibited the layout but it was a bit over scale and built from fairly thick card so wasn’t really suitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, whilst it was built in brick (well brick paper) – which in itself was outside normal LNWR practice of wooden sheds – the colour chosen was red, where as I have since learned the buildings at St Alban’s were built out of a yellow shade.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Fast forward to 2014 and I have become a Tech Drawing teacher with access to a CAD program and my thoughts turned to drawing the building from the plans I had and getting it printed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst this was going on, I obtained a copy of LNWR Portrayed by Jack Nelson and wonders of wonders, it had the plans of the St Alban’s Abbey Good Shed in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I assume Rodger had a copy of the same book back in the late 90s – can’t ask him, he returned to the UK some years ago and we lost touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, the idea of printing a building continued and I drew up the Goods Shed and uploaded the file to Shapeways to see what it would cost – and I wasn’t impressed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allowing for the various “free postage” deals Shapeways offers from time to time it still wasn’t a price I considered worth paying so there it stayed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">We got a printer at work last year and I looked into it again – but decided that 9 hours of printing was going to be a bit hard to hide from the power that be and in any case, I wasn’t too impressed with the quality of prints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it happens, I have learnt how to drive that particular printer better since and had a rethink on how I was going to finish the building but even so, the length of the print time for a private venture wasn’t going to endear me to anyone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">As I mentioned in my Update in April, I purchased a printer from one of the local Aldi stores when they were selling them in February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few test prints later, and I was ready to try producing the Goods Shed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">The first print was of the square base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I printed this upside down as I had learnt that doing it the other way was likely to cause issues with the door ways – the printers don’t like trying to print over thin air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "gill sans mt"; font-size: small;"></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7Anfa-SUNk/Vyx1i8dAs7I/AAAAAAAABH8/6GEYjZOIgOs/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7Anfa-SUNk/Vyx1i8dAs7I/AAAAAAAABIA/GKOJAY_fDy8dVgS6GDo29N0hs-aEQ5cfACHM/s1600-h/clip_image002%255B31%255D"><img alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_lHHsCBLN-0/Vyx1j9PxDmI/AAAAAAAABIE/7kzerqq1xMQ/clip_image002_thumb%25255B31%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="403" /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">By printing it upside down the door ways were fairly clean and only require a little bit of cleaning up with knife, file and sand paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(LNWR D88 from the 2mm Scale Association in the railway door on the office side – office not yet printed at this point.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next print was the office on the buffer stop side of the Shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was printed correct way up as the angles for the roof needed to be included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to print the steps at this stage because I thought it would be easier to draw it than file a block to fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The office window was included as I was interested to see how the arch would go – and it went much better than I expected to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect the stepping process (I print at 0.08mm and so each layer can build on the next so long as it isn’t too shallow an angle) worked ok where as trying to do 90</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: symbol;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">°</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> wouldn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glued the office bit to the main bit with super glue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I print with PLA plastic (that’s what came with the printer – other options are available, one which apparently will respond to plastic weld) and my normal glues wouldn’t touch it.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Having done so well with the original prints, I next drew up the gable ends and printed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had tinkered with the settings on these and the result was as seen above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On investigation I had made the top layer too thin – as mentioned, I print a 0.08 layer and tried printing only a couple of layers for the final layer and they sagged into the fill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changing the setting to make a 0.4mm thick layer meant it was much better the second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gables were likewise fitted with super glue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Lastly I drew up and printed the interior platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I again drew the two sets of stairs and left a gap around the whole to allow for interior decorating.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYk6LZK9lGU/Vyx1pldT5tI/AAAAAAAABIs/lsxHJ33xCrU/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYk6LZK9lGU/Vyx1pldT5tI/AAAAAAAABIw/9Zc_8TdtyZw9fLwamHgEtxmNCLYsbFc_QCHM/s1600-h/clip_image010%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image010" border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B1HeqV-j41M/Vyx1q9lYteI/AAAAAAAABI0/L0k2dI3yXVw/clip_image010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image010" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">The next step involved sorting a roof and then dealing with the blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roof was done with a couple of sheets of 0.5 plasticard and the bricks were sourced from Scalescenes (their London Brick option for the Scratch Builders Yard).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my wife is into paper crafts and scrapbooking, she has a large range of suitable tools for working with paper so one evening while she was out I availed myself of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has a collection of inks for stamping designs and one of them was a good match for blending in the cut edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The slate roof came from Shapeways too. D15 Shapeways print lurking in the doorway this time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Dno3VzFiOk/Vyx1rUXQrzI/AAAAAAAABI4/Y9CiGs_avZ8/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Dno3VzFiOk/Vyx1rUXQrzI/AAAAAAAABI8/mjiELkCWIyMq4s2Wvw20GFN2z2t17MuOwCHM/s1600-h/clip_image012%255B6%255D"><img alt="clip_image012" border="0" height="284" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tveWF09evwo/Vyx1sr84FdI/AAAAAAAABJA/oKd970KghhA/clip_image012_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image012" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Lighting on the Shed was principally supplied by two massive sky lights as fars and the drawings and indistinct pictures show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I drew where they were to go on the roof then cut out the rectangle with a slitting disc in my trusty Dremel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A piece of OHT was slipped under the tile paper and then various sizes of plastic strip were used to put the framing on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4iFLtAtYyVM/Vyx1tFPwAEI/AAAAAAAABJE/6QoxK1uYEVg/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4iFLtAtYyVM/Vyx1tFPwAEI/AAAAAAAABJI/HMB3sqS6DokTk_rmLifTXfZWDwQ4i1BBACHM/s1600-h/clip_image014%255B6%255D"><img alt="clip_image014" border="0" height="312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xHr3c9J2Kgk/Vyx1uS68Y2I/AAAAAAAABJM/JzSlWRF6eRo/clip_image014_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image014" width="400" /></a></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2eGidwdelEw/Vyx1u_0Gl9I/AAAAAAAABJQ/o29Dx7oU5AA/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2eGidwdelEw/Vyx1u_0Gl9I/AAAAAAAABJU/cP5m0pGpMd8kgte133H54QWmDgL2MIhbgCHM/s1600-h/clip_image016%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image016" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--NNHStx2Wok/Vyx1wD94ONI/AAAAAAAABJY/YWvHTrQCugU/clip_image016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image016" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Annoyingly leaking plastic weld discoloured the print – I hadn’t sealed it yet and paid the price however I am not sure that I could have glued it all had I sprayed clear varnish over it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end I glued a second sheet of tile paper over it and this had the unexpected bonus of helping to blend the framing in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSekyfvCWGc/Vyx1wh4peZI/AAAAAAAABJc/OaKXcd-k3nQ/s1600-h/clip_image018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSekyfvCWGc/Vyx1wh4peZI/AAAAAAAABJg/E4BzP-9z5d4pw9_kh8LStBXpJCsOTNHvwCHM/s1600-h/clip_image018%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image018" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwCT2kt_3HM/Vyx1x-V_GDI/AAAAAAAABJk/H7cfVnnnF6U/clip_image018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image018" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">After both sides were done, I painted the bars grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still some work to do but overall it looks pretty good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLn3OuecHtA/Vyx1yXhVqgI/AAAAAAAABJo/-v7EaIKAwW0/s1600-h/clip_image020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLn3OuecHtA/Vyx1yXhVqgI/AAAAAAAABJs/YOZK02ctCs4svnaYS_5xNV9IMBjVV8REgCHM/s1600-h/clip_image020%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image020" border="0" height="251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7yZJV3JL5o8/Vyx1zRV19YI/AAAAAAAABJw/ugIpPPhKdcA/clip_image020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image020" width="400" /></a></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDZbYD77oP8/Vyx1z12K_jI/AAAAAAAABJ0/r6TiPhPwy8g/s1600-h/clip_image022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDZbYD77oP8/Vyx1z12K_jI/AAAAAAAABJ4/VmC4xyqKa1MkBnoKex2-4OM_WnassUy_ACHM/s1600-h/clip_image022%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image022" border="0" height="253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cka2r3yOq8s/Vyx105c8OWI/AAAAAAAABJ8/gQJpY3Q1Sks/clip_image022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image022" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I noticed after I took this that I need to get the blending ink out again – not sure how I missed that!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ix_jELuotms/Vyx11cmVziI/AAAAAAAABKA/XeoFKLkAjwM/s1600-h/clip_image024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ix_jELuotms/Vyx11cmVziI/AAAAAAAABKE/3Kfno9qDhgwjHNZTkxLitTmdPLjpHS4yQCHM/s1600-h/clip_image024%255B5%255D"><img alt="clip_image024" border="0" height="250" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_wGqtcToPo/Vyx12T6D_EI/AAAAAAAABKI/Ms-i7M7JTtA/clip_image024_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image024" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">The corner has been reglued with PVA – using a UHU glue stick clearly wasn’t a good idea as this wasn’t the only bit which lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also obvious that I haven’t done the inside walls yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are going to end up painted bricks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: en-au; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ORaNh2gAtLo/Vyx128iZPQI/AAAAAAAABKM/D90vvNAMBM8/s1600-h/clip_image026%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ORaNh2gAtLo/Vyx128iZPQI/AAAAAAAABKQ/1Y54KkkFLFwknXxH0s5fZQMfiUOZSRhNwCHM/s1600-h/clip_image026%255B4%255D"><img alt="clip_image026" border="0" height="249" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3nzeqqNT8A/Vyx13-ut-dI/AAAAAAAABKU/GEok4mM13vM/clip_image026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image026" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt";"><span style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">So pretty pleased with progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have to put the boards on the gable ends, fit gutters and down pipes, sort out the stairs, door and window and then weather it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are those two big sky lights and I am therefore going to have to detail the interior more than I had originally thought, I don’t imagine they were cleaned that regularly!</span></span></div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-84973752486185927952016-05-15T21:52:00.001+10:002016-05-15T21:52:08.131+10:00South East Queensland Area Group Meeting – 14 May 2016<p align="justify">I thought I should get back into providing a monthly update on what we get up to.</p> <p align="justify">Only a small turn up this month owing to people being on holidays or ill.  Nevertheless the meeting was successful with all attendees getting something done.  Your loyal correspondent was slack and didn’t take photos – sorry.</p> <p align="justify">Hollie (our youngest member) painted the 3D printed bollards for the shunting puzzle dock which was mentioned in <a href="http://sithlordsrailwayblog.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/friday-night-update-29-april-2016.html">Post 200</a> and is now mine with Ken having had a clean out of his modelling area late last year.  We also discussed other scenic details and there has been some progress on that front since yesterday’s meeting.</p> <p align="justify">David had a lesson on using the puzzle (named <em>Hollie Wharf</em> for its exhibition debut at Toowoomba on the 4/5 June – stop and say hi if you come.  We will even let you have a play) as he has volunteered to be the third operator over the weekend.  Having done that, we discussed modifications to the <a href="http://sithlordsrailwayblog.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/friday-night-update-29-april-2016.html">N6.5 Turntable</a> pictured at the end of April in the update and designing an engine shed to go with it.  David then cracked on putting together some Easitrac for the last siding on <em>Toshalt</em>.</p> <p align="justify">Ben brought over his UFO box and continued working his way through the various things in it.  Some mutterings about chassis were heard – I didn’t really notice what he was doing as I was trying not to burn my fingers doing some minor repairs to 4 of my etches which had things either missing or loose.</p> <p align="justify">Our next meeting will see us put together a shopping list for me to take to the UK – departure in four weeks!  Hopefully there will be a big turn out to the Supermeet at Tutbury so I can put faces to names.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-27130069974663052042016-05-10T19:30:00.000+10:002016-05-10T19:30:22.753+10:00LNWR D33 Covered Goods Van<p align="justify">As I have mentioned in previous posts, I recieved a number of these etches as part of the organised run in March.  The D33 was, until the building of the D88 (at least as I understand it) the most numerous of the LNWR’s goods vans and some lasted well into the 1920s and even the 1930s from an original construction date of 1893-1904.  Since I have hopes of a layout spanning the period 1918-1958 (well the means to ring the changing scene at least) some of these were a must and so 6 came down to me.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6pK9xlStj4/Vy8VwJ6s1wI/AAAAAAAABLA/SkUzuiE_Dtk/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBEzqPbshII/Vy8VxGJYuaI/AAAAAAAABLE/ylyRuvFogB8/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This is what you get out of the packet.  Now I didn’t get any instructions – or if I did, they came via email and I didn’t notice.  Certainly there was nothing in the packet but having built more than a few vans, and being armed with LNWR Wagons Volume 2, I set to building the first.</p> <p align="justify">I started with the sides.  The picture below shows the various bits for the side with the large door (which has the roof door above it) with the etches for the small offside door contained there in.  Threw me for a bit as I thought it was the door to fit the space and it didn’t.  Quick check of the bits left on the etch sorted it out and progress continued.  I don’t use the locating bits as I find it difficult to release the bits I want from the waste so I cut everything out, clean up unwanted tabs and then carefully solder it all together, usually without incident but sometimes I need to unsolder and reposition – this can often result in burnt fingers as the job heats up with the to and fro.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qq4bBW-o8E8/Vy8Vx0ZBaAI/AAAAAAAABLI/Ne1Lqb9Skx4/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFmRm_zwNbw/Vy8VzI5hsKI/AAAAAAAABLM/C9x3X7_XsIw/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8AfzwW_ZeYs/Vy8Vz6fmX4I/AAAAAAAABLQ/4sR7RCMawxM/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 003" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3YgyZWvivI/Vy8V0qW_WTI/AAAAAAAABLU/BeTmazhuidg/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmMyuHwRFdM/Vy8V1go9EDI/AAAAAAAABLY/s7O-Q0dNLQM/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520004%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-msyG4IcuHN4/Vy8V2sOP21I/AAAAAAAABLc/tMLfBN016Ro/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Sides all done.  Next was to either fit the ends or look at the roof door bits.  I actually fitted the ends on the wagon but cleverly didn’t take a picture of this step (and I have now mostly built a second and still didn’t take photos!).  Straight forward allowing for the fact that the back two layers of the sides sit behind the ends and the front sits on the side.  </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T4lCO6y9KlY/Vy8V3_hnNuI/AAAAAAAABLg/NDfIaRI45o8/s1600-h/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-08 D33 001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-08 D33 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnIIx9jbq4s/Vy8V4lxqg3I/AAAAAAAABLk/_dwcJrT5Y6Q/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The roof door goes together in a rather neat and ingenious way.  Rather than trying to solder bits and pieces together as part of the roof as such, this frame is made up for the roof door and drops into locating holes on the inside of the sides.  The bits in the middle are for detailing and packing out for the chassis so they need to be removed before starting.  Likewise, I am not sure what the thin bits etched on the sides over the doors are for so I removed them.  Goes together ok so I assume they aren’t strictly needed and I couldn’t find any reason for them on the plans either.  If I am wrong, I am sure a Reader will Write.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Yzee-kQ1fc/Vy8V5sbfdgI/AAAAAAAABLo/Y4Uqd1LsTmM/s1600-h/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-08 D33 002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-08 D33 002" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y040vygqS10/Vy8V6czASiI/AAAAAAAABLs/saD0DoqXuKI/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">All the bits cleaned up and ready to go.  I have found from experience the two thin bits are useful to make sure the non-door part of the roof fits in neatly.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KbA1UFzHt8/Vy8V7efFIDI/AAAAAAAABLw/yLHUg1Dy2wg/s1600-h/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-08 D33 003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-08 D33 003" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRyR0l9rcOE/Vy8V8MilN7I/AAAAAAAABL0/GRoNUAZJZHs/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">All put together.  The thick piece with the half etch one it fits on the inside.  The half etch bit faces out – ie into the space – and helps to line the roof door up.  The medium bit goes on the outside and supports the roof pieces which cover the end sections of the van and then the two thin bits go on the inside as packing.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZ2HbZf3L08/Vy8V9QA5H_I/AAAAAAAABL4/jtHaG-9Pub4/s1600-h/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520004%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-08 D33 004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-08 D33 004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fpNcWePDAI/Vy8V-R_ACyI/AAAAAAAABL8/U4vY3xDUfY8/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">All done – I should have photographed this with something for scale purposes but the part measures 14mm x 15mm in real life.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jFbl9xPdK60/Vy8V_dlOKOI/AAAAAAAABMA/HPKyR46a81s/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520005%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jsw5XSLwwAI/Vy8WAOkrOfI/AAAAAAAABME/aHhuIQ-2Io0/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520005_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It goes in here – I did this on the first one and made the box up on the second.  There are spacers which are supposed to go at the bottom, probably with captive nuts on them, to screw the chassis on to, but I didn’t fit them as I found I hadn’t quite lined everything up as well as I thought on the first one, and having done a better job on the second, they fell out at one point when I was soldering something else so I left them.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PgJoUNoSdFI/Vy8WBD0XBiI/AAAAAAAABMI/K3OeUn9cIzM/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520006%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpHR16iTGWg/Vy8WCOrMg0I/AAAAAAAABMM/EwVKZxEaaGU/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520006_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdXEnNrCvLg/Vy8WDeWhKXI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Xvkb3EJS-5Y/s1600-h/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520007%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-01 D33 007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-01 D33 007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NTkBXi3SCz0/Vy8WEPlKIMI/AAAAAAAABMU/Z57KgMzLzZ8/2016-05-01%252520D33%252520007_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So all ready for the roof pieces to be fitted.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NInR_gTPO4g/Vy8WE9xDglI/AAAAAAAABMY/PGwi7lStEec/s1600-h/2016-05-02%252520D33%252520001%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-02 D33 001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-02 D33 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U1e7NsBKCXs/Vy8WFoTPdII/AAAAAAAABMc/MdeltJjL_SU/2016-05-02%252520D33%252520001_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The end pieces didn’t go on as neatly as I think they were designed to.  I had to fettle them a bit – not sure if it is the build (likely) or the tolerances were ok on the CAD but didn’t translate on the final etch the way it was imagined (possible).  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fQ71MKnLSGw/Vy8WGQBpROI/AAAAAAAABMg/ch4L2CkNFJE/s1600-h/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520006%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-08 D33 006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-08 D33 006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4F2P55cE1Yk/Vy8WHF8Q8SI/AAAAAAAABMk/NjvOpvCeUcs/2016-05-08%252520D33%252520006_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The chassis went together with no hiccups.  I packed it out with some spare etched buffer beams from other builds and filed them back, then drilled out for the buffers.  I have, since taking this, found the missing buffers and these have been fitted.  I chose to fit the single sided one shoe brake with a view to decaling this one as per the picture on page 12 of LNWR Wagons Vol 2.  With 6, I figure I can do most of the pictures including the LMS one a couple of pages later.</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-88986131013888673332016-05-06T19:00:00.000+10:002016-05-06T19:00:36.319+10:00Friday Night Update – 6 May 2016<p align="justify">I was part of the group of members of the <a href="http://www.2mm.org.uk" target="_blank">2mm Scale Association</a> who signed up for a batch of LNWR etches, designed by David Eveleigh, to be produced late in 2015.  Fast forward a few months and though the good offices of another member (cheers David V) a significant number headed this way.  </p> <p align="justify">The full sheet produced three D33 Covered Vans, a pair of D15 Beer Vans, a D43 Explosives Van, a set of D13 Bolsters, a D26 Prize Cattle Wagon, a D436 Horsebox, a D445 CCT, a pair of D16 and a pair of D17B brake vans, some spare chassis and bits and bobs.  I opted for a second D436 and 3 more D33s as part of my purchase, while other members of the LAG availed themselves of the offer and added some D33s and D26s to their gloat boxes.  (If Neb updates his blog… and if David H gets one started… you can see how they get on.  No pressure though fellas).</p> <p align="justify">I have been working my way through doing various builds – and taking pictures of same to write up for the Magazine chiefly but also for here.  To date I have done most of my D26, both the D15s, one of the D33s and started on the D43.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vgoZFUBgSP4/VyxCPgZ7SPI/AAAAAAAABEo/DDKwq7GJxMI/s1600-h/2016-04-30-D15-0015.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 D15 001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 D15 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzHgSjbG8oo/VyxCQGFqHhI/AAAAAAAABEs/06eHeXAOIac/2016-04-30-D15-001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Three D15s – my Shapeways print is in Grey primer and having built the two etched ones, I have revised it and uploaded the revision to my Shapeways Shop <a href="https://www.shapeways.com/product/MMQVTMZ2L/lnwr-d15-beer-van-1-152-updated?optionId=59822110&li=shop-inventory" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oFTVsYRbdU/VyxCRHvFQDI/AAAAAAAABEw/8hfceWs282c/s1600-h/2016-04-28-D26-0125.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 D26 012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 D26 012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FANJoQ4Mh7U/VyxCRjLI9BI/AAAAAAAABE0/ukuO5XA0_9U/2016-04-28-D26-012_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The D26.  Since the picture was taken I have fitted the chassis to the body (or the other way around!) and done some of the brake gear (like put the hand brakes one).  Still have to sort the chimney over the grooms compartment.  Destined to be in LNWR Quick Brown (which most sources suggest was the coach plum with less varnish over it).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5RKEYYWDd4o/VyxCSaLmkGI/AAAAAAAABE4/57ZfjeZ-nh0/s1600-h/2016-05-02-D33-0019.jpg"><img title="2016-05-02 D33 001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-02 D33 001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZxaOQ4EFvU/VyxCSxmmxqI/AAAAAAAABE8/svNeUKxUN6A/2016-05-02-D33-001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a></p> <p>The first D33.  Since the picture, the chassis has been built and fitted.  Out of buffers again so progress stalled until I find the packet I am sure I have somewhere…</p>Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-26554743114663746482016-04-29T19:00:00.000+10:002016-05-06T16:31:53.038+10:00Friday Night Update - 29 April 2016 or Adventures in 3D Printing<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lots of people have embraced the development of 3D printing as a viable form of modelling - although there is an on-going debate in the LAG about its status regards kit v scratch built for the purposes of modelling competition categories. Shapeways in particular has been a driver in making one off models economically viable, particularly for those who lack the skills or time to scratchbuild from more traditional media.</div>
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I was lucky enough to be asked at the end of 2013 if I would consider taking on a CAD Technology class at the High School were I normally teach History. Despite the fact that it was 2 decades since I had last done tech drawing - at that was with a pencil rather than a computer - I said yes as I thought it would be an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to draw either for 3D printing or for 2D etching.</div>
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As it has turned out, I have been able to get some 3D stuff drawn and produced by Shapeways. My LNWR D6 open is about to be re-done for a third time and my D15 Beer Van is going to get a second edit. The biggest issue I have found however is the cost and time in getting a test print organised. As Shapeways has a flat postage rate, getting a single print sent from either New York or Holland (not sure if they have anywhere else that they print from - these are the two places I've had stuff from) is an expensive business and takes up to a month from uploading the .stl file until the (oversized) box arrives. Then if you find it didn't work as you thought (and I have had a couple of prints like that) it is back to the drawing board and try again. Obviously with experience the first one tends not to be unusable these days but still...</div>
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Fortunately I have a long suffering wife and when the local Aldi supermarkets advertised a 3D printer as being on sale in one of their advance catalogues, I looked up the specs and decided that it was pretty good value for $500. Further discussions resulted in me lining up outside the Aldi closest to work one morning back in February to purchase one (as it turned out, the blokes at work who use one more than I do had seen the same catalogue, done the same research and were there to get some for school!). A few prints later and I was happy with what was coming out. Whilst I don't think I will be able to print a wagon body, I am pleased to say that I have managed to get some very satisfactory prints for modelling purposes from it.</div>
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Pictures for the rest of the story:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htDRbAfiYSE/VyLLKYaIInI/AAAAAAAABD8/tICCHATqmTEE_ZTVKx1w1Sw_rGBdfDq3QCLcB/s1600/3D%2BPrinter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htDRbAfiYSE/VyLLKYaIInI/AAAAAAAABD8/tICCHATqmTEE_ZTVKx1w1Sw_rGBdfDq3QCLcB/s320/3D%2BPrinter.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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The printer - not flash but it does the job.</div>
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One of the early prints was attempting to see if I could build a wheel house and engine room for this conversion of an ERTL Thomas The Tank Engine Bulstrode the Barge into a costal freighter.</div>
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In testing the limits of the printer, I designed these dockside bollards. They are 3mm high with a diameter of 1.2mm on a 1mm thick base. They did need a bit of cleaning up with a sharp scalpel afterwards but having printed 14 of them I am glad I didn't have to try and scratch build that many identical objects!</div>
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Something a little more ambitious - the full story will come at a later date but this is the Goods Shed at St Ablan's Abbey LNWR. One of the reasons why I wanted a 3D printer was to do building better and this is the first attempt. Very pleased with the result. </div>
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One of the LAG mad men (David H!) has a N6.5 railway on the back of his layout. As part of this he thought a turntable would be suitable. Enter some ideas and the first print was done before the end of the meeting. Several tweaks later and the final print is shown and then installed on <em>Toshalt</em>.</div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-7841581776709370272016-04-28T12:27:00.001+10:002016-04-28T12:27:38.045+10:00Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><span class="oneClick-link">The</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">best-laid</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">plans</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">mice</span> <span class="oneClick-link">and</span> <span class="oneClick-link">men</span> <span class="oneClick-link">often</span> <span class="oneClick-link">go</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">awry</span> - at least that's the Sassenach translation of Robbie Burns' ode To a Mouse. Like lots of clichéd lines, it has the benefit of truth behind it. So it is with me. Updating the blog didn't happen mostly because, well, lots of reasons, but as I tell my students, you always find time for what is important. Guess updating wasn't for a while! Still, it nags at me and I do get requests from time to time to "update your blog! I want to see what you've been doing" so...</span></div>
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<span>What have I been doing? Lots but on the assumption it should be railway related, not as much as I'd like. However, some of the things which I will write about over the coming weeks (having decided to get the Friday Night Update going again - I can do this in front of the TV), include the build of an LMS D1817 Beer van, a LNWR D15 Beer van (both my 3D print and an etch organised via the 2mm Scale Association) and my adventures in 3D printing courtesy of my Aldi Printer. There is also the final round of pictures of my Nuclear Flask Loading Facility Diorama which I did for the LAG Diorama Challenge last year - although Neb Noswal has stolen my thunder a bit by actually putting it on his blog on the day we did it! The benefits of organisation.</span></div>
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<span>Further adventures are planned - I got the whole sheet of LNWR etches offered last year so I have a number of builds to do - 6x D33, a D43, a D13, a D26, a pair each of D16 and D17 brake vans and then some NPCCS items - a pair of horse boxes and a CCT. To round out the LNWR stuff there has been some deliveries from Shapeways of Chris Higgs' designs which will require chassis - and have given me food for thought in tweaking my own designs. I also partook in the LNWR Coal Tank subscription so 4 of those are going to be erected in due course. Not sure if I'll do them individually or as a batch production. </span><span>And finally there is news on the Layout Front.</span></div>
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<span>I am also looking forward to attending the 2mm Supermeet near Burton-on-Trent in late June.</span></div>
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So that's the news - first Friday night update tomorrow, with photos (although to be honest, I am pretty slack at taking photos as part of the build process - too busy doing the next bit).</div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-40053130085215201642015-10-28T21:37:00.001+10:002016-04-28T12:28:10.314+10:00Update<div align="justify">
Sorry for the tardiness of recent months. The long running renovation of my house finally came to an end about 6 weeks ago – officially just after the September LAG meeting (which we had here anyway) and just before the postponed 2nd Australasian Gathering (which I thought was very successful – most participants went home with an almost built model). Since then we have been moving back in and getting things like the kitchen and bedrooms sorted. Computers and IT devices, haven’t been high on the list but eventually got to the top.</div>
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So what has been happening? Quite a bit. As alluded to above, the 2nd Australasian Gathering of the <a href="http://www.2mm.org.uk/" target="_blank">2mm Scale Association</a> was held, albeit in September rather than August as originally planned. This meant some of those who originally were hoping to come couldn’t but we did manage to get a UK based member here to quite pleased. We focused our efforts on soldering this year – something a bit more practical than the meet and greet from last year – and started (or in one case almost finished) a D1817 LMS Beer van. More on both of these will appear in the Magazine in due course and here on the blog. We even had the opportunity to operate locos – and not just on David H’s <em>Toshalt</em> which had previously been lauded for breaking the drought of many years.</div>
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As far as the LAG has gone, we are back meeting at my place following 8 moths of visiting. Amity has very kindly allowed us to use her 36sq mtr craft room in lieu of the shed – still stuff to come out of the shed and there is better light and insulation in her “Girl Cave” compared to my “Man Cave”. Hopefully by December we will see a couple of the started “Diorama in an Archive Box” challenge entries finished – must get stuck into mine.</div>
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Sorry no pictures – hopefully the camera will be sorted shortly and there will be further updates of happenings then.</div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208713339751049278.post-75965445791823705502015-08-10T18:19:00.001+10:002015-08-10T18:34:07.278+10:00South East Queensland Area Group Meeting – 8 August 2015<div align="justify">
Back to David’s this month (and hopefully back at my place next month with the building finished although possibly in the inside Craft Room rather than the outside Train Shed depending on how much has been removed from said shed!) to find that a) he has a new kitchen and b) his 2mm plank has grown quite a bit – it has doubled!</div>
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<em>Toshalt</em> (at least it has a name to go with its growth spurt) has managed to go from being two 900mm boards to being close on 4000 when set up. David assures me he is going to do something about his own blog but the aforementioned kitchen and painting the dining room and some four letter word (work!!) were mentioned for the delay.</div>
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In any case <em>Toshalt</em> can now have a train arrive and depart having had the locomotive run around. This means David has four working turnouts – none of which are the same as the others! However the key is they work so it doesn’t matter about their providence. </div>
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Other adventures on the day consisted of the continuation of the GWR Milk Brake from <a href="http://www.etchedpixels.co.uk/" target="_blank">Etched Pixels</a> and some <a href="http://www.ngaugesociety.com/" target="_blank">N Gauge Society</a> kits along with me finding out that once again having taken DCC equipped beasties to run on a DCC layout, they didn’t. So time spent trouble shooting those. We also found out about LNER Coaches No 1951 and 1952 – they are in Wisconsin with Number 60008 it turns out. The things which an idle flick through a magazine which is near on 70 years old will prompt. </div>
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Three pictures of <em>Toshalt. </em>Whilst it is only basic – straight through from traverser to traverser with a platform, run around area which allows a goods shed and dairy to be served along with a narrow gauge exchange siding – it is shaping up to be a nice little model. Must stop painting my house and do something about mine!</div>
Sithlord75http://www.blogger.com/profile/00143626232815509462noreply@blogger.com0