FH47331
Member
Hello all,
Something of a newbie here - well a total newbie to be honest, I’ve only joined WT in the past couple of days! I have modelled in various scales over the years, but for a variety of reasons not got that far. I seem to get my attention turned by something in another scale! Have done N, OO and O in the past, but have decided to have a go with S Scale, both to try and do something really different, and so that I don’t get distracted by a RTR model!
The medium-term plan therefore is a small steelworks-style layout, based on the late 1980s/early 1990s era, possibly in the future developing to include some exchange sidings with British Rail. The one exception to the time period will be the internal steelworks locos, for which I love the Di8 machines that GBRf use internally at Scunthorpe. Something about them is just so different from anything else.
So much scratch building ahead, but having never done anything like this, it will definitely be a trial and error, and learn from one’s mistakes project.
I am starting with scratch building a modern BDA wagon first. Fairly simple as wagons go, once the bogie is done, its simply replicated for the other end. I had a thought that maybe building one body - which is primarily frames and the buffer beam bulkheads - and getting a mould done, so that I could both easily create more copies in white metal and to consequently build a wagon that had some weight to it, could be the answer, but I don’t know if that may be too expensive - maybe resin would be a better option with some liquid lead underneath for weight? Detailing parts are currently planned to be etched nickel silver where possible, maybe with some small brass attachments. I am thinking that the wooden flooring and bolsters will be laser cut ply items so that they retain their wood effect, with some small brass bar for the uprights? I have spoken with Colin at Alan Gibson with regards wheels, with S Scale-suitable axles and bearings, and he is going to sort those out. I think going for the 4mm wheels with an EM profile is the best way forward from what various people, including some current S modellers have told me.
The BDAs, like many wagons, had so many variations. The former vacuum-braked bolsters were converted with brake blocks and a hand brake lever each side. Non-vacuum-braked examples had disc brakes with a circular handbrake wheel on each side of each Y25C bogie. The original floors were wooden, these were then supplemented with metal overlays in the floor, so plenty of variety to be built into the mix.
Once I have built the wagon, assuming it comes out ok, I may look to build a short photo plank with some basic S Scale track work on, before creating another BDA example. There are so many physical differences, along with colour schemes, that a number could be built without any duplication! Eventually, I need to scratch build a Janus or two, for which I have plenty of images from the Scunthorpe ones. I thought this would probably a nice easy compensated chassis to start with? That is someway in to the future however, but I hope I can start on some design for the loco before the end of the year. All of this is the build up long-term for a steelworks based layout, both with internal aspects, and possibly a small exchange Yard with BR. But I want to prove I can build the locos and wagons needed before laying any track!
For the avoidance of doubt all of the images attached are mine and have been taken in the course of official visits to Scunthorpe Works. Happy for anyone to make use of them for their own personal collections or modelling reference, but please don't repost anywhere without asking first.
Although I appreciate that the more modern day scene (no I’ve no interest in building a Class 66!) holds less of an appeal for some, I hope some may find an interest. I have just joined the S Scale Society, which I am hoping will open the door to a bits and pieces for trackwork. This will be a slow and steady project, fitted in, in between work and family, but that's what hobbies are all about isn't it - our relaxation time!
I did debate whether this should be in the S Scale part of the forum, but felt it was more workbench based than layout. Please do join in an offer any thoughts (good or bad) as I progress. Feedback and constructive criticism is how we all improve, so I will not be upset if you think I am going the wrong way about something!
Richie
Something of a newbie here - well a total newbie to be honest, I’ve only joined WT in the past couple of days! I have modelled in various scales over the years, but for a variety of reasons not got that far. I seem to get my attention turned by something in another scale! Have done N, OO and O in the past, but have decided to have a go with S Scale, both to try and do something really different, and so that I don’t get distracted by a RTR model!
The medium-term plan therefore is a small steelworks-style layout, based on the late 1980s/early 1990s era, possibly in the future developing to include some exchange sidings with British Rail. The one exception to the time period will be the internal steelworks locos, for which I love the Di8 machines that GBRf use internally at Scunthorpe. Something about them is just so different from anything else.
So much scratch building ahead, but having never done anything like this, it will definitely be a trial and error, and learn from one’s mistakes project.
I am starting with scratch building a modern BDA wagon first. Fairly simple as wagons go, once the bogie is done, its simply replicated for the other end. I had a thought that maybe building one body - which is primarily frames and the buffer beam bulkheads - and getting a mould done, so that I could both easily create more copies in white metal and to consequently build a wagon that had some weight to it, could be the answer, but I don’t know if that may be too expensive - maybe resin would be a better option with some liquid lead underneath for weight? Detailing parts are currently planned to be etched nickel silver where possible, maybe with some small brass attachments. I am thinking that the wooden flooring and bolsters will be laser cut ply items so that they retain their wood effect, with some small brass bar for the uprights? I have spoken with Colin at Alan Gibson with regards wheels, with S Scale-suitable axles and bearings, and he is going to sort those out. I think going for the 4mm wheels with an EM profile is the best way forward from what various people, including some current S modellers have told me.
The BDAs, like many wagons, had so many variations. The former vacuum-braked bolsters were converted with brake blocks and a hand brake lever each side. Non-vacuum-braked examples had disc brakes with a circular handbrake wheel on each side of each Y25C bogie. The original floors were wooden, these were then supplemented with metal overlays in the floor, so plenty of variety to be built into the mix.
Once I have built the wagon, assuming it comes out ok, I may look to build a short photo plank with some basic S Scale track work on, before creating another BDA example. There are so many physical differences, along with colour schemes, that a number could be built without any duplication! Eventually, I need to scratch build a Janus or two, for which I have plenty of images from the Scunthorpe ones. I thought this would probably a nice easy compensated chassis to start with? That is someway in to the future however, but I hope I can start on some design for the loco before the end of the year. All of this is the build up long-term for a steelworks based layout, both with internal aspects, and possibly a small exchange Yard with BR. But I want to prove I can build the locos and wagons needed before laying any track!
For the avoidance of doubt all of the images attached are mine and have been taken in the course of official visits to Scunthorpe Works. Happy for anyone to make use of them for their own personal collections or modelling reference, but please don't repost anywhere without asking first.
Although I appreciate that the more modern day scene (no I’ve no interest in building a Class 66!) holds less of an appeal for some, I hope some may find an interest. I have just joined the S Scale Society, which I am hoping will open the door to a bits and pieces for trackwork. This will be a slow and steady project, fitted in, in between work and family, but that's what hobbies are all about isn't it - our relaxation time!
I did debate whether this should be in the S Scale part of the forum, but felt it was more workbench based than layout. Please do join in an offer any thoughts (good or bad) as I progress. Feedback and constructive criticism is how we all improve, so I will not be upset if you think I am going the wrong way about something!
Richie