The year has started well. I have finished two Gladiator bogie brake vans and a Gladiator LNWR 4' Shunter which is going to be completed as a freelance shunter.
No issues with the brake vans. I couldn't get the photo to load even though I'd reduced the file size. There are some parts missing from the tank engine - mentioned in the instructions - and one piece of beading is drawn that wrong hand and had to be fettled. These would have been easy to rectify on the etch so I really have no idea why it wasn't done. Unfortunately the CAD work is not readily available or I'd get the changes done.
Next up: a Stanier tender and then a Prince of Wales.
I'll then need to get on with the test build and production of instructions for the Stanier 3P tank.
David
No issues with the brake vans. I couldn't get the photo to load even though I'd reduced the file size. There are some parts missing from the tank engine - mentioned in the instructions - and one piece of beading is drawn that wrong hand and had to be fettled. These would have been easy to rectify on the etch so I really have no idea why it wasn't done. Unfortunately the CAD work is not readily available or I'd get the changes done.
Next up: a Stanier tender and then a Prince of Wales.
I'll then need to get on with the test build and production of instructions for the Stanier 3P tank.
David
Richard Gawler
Western Thunderer
What a beautiful engine!
mickoo
Western Thunderer
Is the whole boiler unit resin, or just the saddle?
I'm thinking this has to be the way forward as rolling saddles with all the rivet detail is just a mind bending chore.
Clarence3815
Western Thunderer
I`ll order some Duchess streamlined boiler resin mouldings now please Mickoo!
mickoo
Western Thunderer
World of difference between pre war (WWI) saddle tanks and a Coronation streamlined casing. Even if you can CAD the front end (and I've tried) the printing process to achieve (consistent) straight and square bodies is probably near impossible with the current hobby machines and resins/technology, let alone the risk of deformation due to material flexing/settling months/years down the road.
Clarence3815
Western Thunderer
Bother
The whole boiler and saddle is a one piece casting.
This was an easy build. The things to look out for:
There are no assembly drawings - typical for this designer - so there was some guesswork involved in fitting the coal plate. I am going to produce a supplementary set of instructions with photos to help the builder.
Parts 23 (frame extensions) and 24 (reach rod) don't exist on the etch but are simple to form from scrap etch.
Part 19 (left hand cab sheet beading) is wrong-handed. I simple cut it at the angle and made good the joint with solder.
The front guard irons are too long and the rear ones too short. I shortened the front ones and am living with the rear ones.
The brake handle shaft is too short. I cut it off and used a length of brass tube as a replacement.
I never enjoy fitting splasher tops and this kit was no exception. The instructions say to fit them inside the splasher sides but it might be easier to fit them to the top of the sides. They are long enough and wide enough for this. I did fit them so they are flush with the top of the sides and chamfered the ends of the splasher tops to blend in with the running plate. The joint is covered by the end plates.
We don't pack brass chimneys and domes (yet) with this kit. I had the delightful original chimney and dome LG castings in my bits box and decided to use them.
Next job is to shoehorn speaker, stay alive and DCC into the boiler.
David
Following complaints from the crew of the yard shunter that coal and water capacity were insufficient, management agreed to procure a tender for the loco. Unfortunately, they gave the job to DfT's rolling stock department, with predictable results:
Standard Gladiator Stanier 4000 gallon 9T tender. This one is a replacement for one that was damaged in transit.
Next up: LNWR Prince of Wales.
Standard Gladiator Stanier 4000 gallon 9T tender. This one is a replacement for one that was damaged in transit.
Next up: LNWR Prince of Wales.
Yesterday Trisha and I had a delightful day going to Newcastle to deliver models to Paul Moore for painting. We took the pretty route: Derby to Leeds, Leeds to Carlisle, Carlisle to Newcastle and back the direct route via York and Leeds. Plenty of snow on the Settle and Carlisle line.
Today, as planned, I have started on the Prince of Wales. Succeeded in getting a nice free rolling chassis first time, but then I had used the Avonside jig to put it together so that shouldn't be a surprise.
Once again I cannot upload the file, even though I have cut it down to less than 1MB. Grr.
Today, as planned, I have started on the Prince of Wales. Succeeded in getting a nice free rolling chassis first time, but then I had used the Avonside jig to put it together so that shouldn't be a surprise.
Once again I cannot upload the file, even though I have cut it down to less than 1MB. Grr.
adrian
Flying Squad
I'm rather surprised at that - the limit is 8Mb for an attachment so it shouldn't be a problem. If you wouldn't mind please could you send me a copy of the file and I'll have a look at why it wouldn't upload.
Still having some problems uploading, so again have reverted to the old phone.
No issues with the build so far. The instructions warn that some material must be removed from the splashers to provide clearance for the coupling rod bosses/oilboxes. I also thinned the bottom to give extra clearance for the rods themselves. Clearances are very tight. S7 would be interesting!
Also had to get the gas axe out to provide room for the motor. Again as mentioned. I have tacked the smokebox front in place and tinned the rear of the smokebox ready to take the rear.
But generally pleased with progress so far. I haven't had chance to do anything today so am hoping to get the smokebox and front frame extensions complete tomorrow morning and will then revert to the frames to get the motor in place. I am going to use the Slaters gearbox/motor combination as it will fit better than any of the ABC models I have to hand.
No issues with the build so far. The instructions warn that some material must be removed from the splashers to provide clearance for the coupling rod bosses/oilboxes. I also thinned the bottom to give extra clearance for the rods themselves. Clearances are very tight. S7 would be interesting!
Also had to get the gas axe out to provide room for the motor. Again as mentioned. I have tacked the smokebox front in place and tinned the rear of the smokebox ready to take the rear.
But generally pleased with progress so far. I haven't had chance to do anything today so am hoping to get the smokebox and front frame extensions complete tomorrow morning and will then revert to the frames to get the motor in place. I am going to use the Slaters gearbox/motor combination as it will fit better than any of the ABC models I have to hand.
