Hi all, I've decided to relocate my kitbuilding projects here to make it a little easier to follow as the other thread is meant to be for my layout (or will be)! So far I have the following projects ongoing! Dapol/Parkside kitbashed 16 ton minerals: A combination of Dapol body and Parkside underframes. Lima CCT parcel vans: Old Lima CCT's upgraded with new wheels, glazing and wheel irons. Dapol 20 ton tanker: Dapol kits upgraded and detailed. One of two completed so far! Triang/Hornby 10 ton Cowan's Sheldon crane: In the process of rebuilding an ancient Triang/Hornby crane. New jib built from plastic sheet, crane detailed, rebuilt bufferbeams and new wheels. Dapol 20 ton Brake Van Current project! Detailed build of a very bent and twisted Dapol kit. None of these are finished, all are either ongoing projects or awaiting a visit to the paint shop. Hopefully you'll join me here for new progress and no doubt other, random projects! Thanks for looking Matt
I've spent time tonight making and attaching the guard rails to the ends. I decided to use thinner wire than in my earlier post (0.33 I think). These are pretty flimsy so won't stand up to any rough handling! Apart from the footsteps, which I need to think about thinning down slightly, and some small brackets on the solebars, this really concludes the work I need to do. I'm still waiting for buffers, vac pipes and roof vents too. This is going to be another one for the paint shop queue! Matt
Good move Matt Will make it easier to keep track of all the builds The Van and the Crane are really looking good
Thanks Chris - I agree that it'll be easier to keep a track of my meandering progress! Just noticed that my previous post got moderated - did I do something wrong? Matt
Great stuff Matt, they should all be easier to find now. I am sure given the quality of these builds that they will be popular and regularly referenced. First class Sir.
Thanks for your kind comment Mr T! Received these replacement buffers from Lanarkshire Models today. They are absolutely exquisitely cast. I would go as far as saying the detail and crispness is amongst the best I've seen. It's difficult to get a good photo in poor light but hopefully it gives you a glimpse of the quality. I've also received my roof vents and vac pipes - equally well detailed! Matt
Afternoon all, Spent some time last night thinning the stanchions on the foot boards. There's a limit to how far you can realistically go with the plastic being soft but I think even this improves the look of the kit parts. Note I've only glued the first three stanchions on the right hand side so far. This pic should give you an idea of how warped the parts are! Matt
Hi all, One side down, one to go... Roof vents are some lovely castings from Lanarkshire Models. The eagle eyed may notice the four small solebar brackets represented by tiny triangles cut from plastic sheet! Matt
Hi all, I'm calling this done apart from buffers (need a 2mm drill). Note the roof won't be glued until it's painted. The rail nearest the camera is straight. Even though it doesn't look it here! Matt
Nice builds Matt Must have got the 20T brakes from the same batch, as the floor on mine was well warped as well. I submersed the floor in hot water (not quite boiling), with a flat weight on top and allowed it to go cold. Then glued the frames in place again well weighted down, and the result came out flat. Paul
You won't be disappointed! You did well! Mine wouldn't respond to any efforts to correct the warp hence giving up and cutting the centre section out! Matt
Ready for the paint shop! Has it been worth the effort when I could just have bought a Bachmann or Hornby RTR version? I think it has. I've not seen the Hornby version up close but while the Bachmann one undoubtedly has a better and more refined underframe, I'm not convinced by the handrails etc. With a few simple upgrades, I think this will hold its own plus I really enjoyed making it! Thanks for your interest during the build! Matt
It's the 'enjoying making it' bit Matt, far more satisfaction than just taking something out of a box. Looks great Ed
Morning all! Wonders never cease, I've started painting the pile of wagons that are waiting to be done! Weathering is underway but will have to take a break as we're going away for a few nights... Matt