OK, this is new to me, that is starting a work bench thread ! Normally I just add most relevant builds etc to my layout thread, but I decided to start this thread as this kit I have chosen looks to be more involved than the other O gauge kits I have already assembled. So, the kit at hand : LMS (ex MR) 20 ton Goods Brake Van... ...and what do you get in the kit ?? Please not that in the plastic bags in the above pic contain wheels, bearings, couplings, brake rigging and the buffers. I will show these at a later date. The individual components... Oh no, etched brass... Chassis and floor... Side walls... end walls... Sole bars, axle boxes and brake shoes... Side step/running boards... ...and of course, the instructions, 4 pages of them, although two pages are diagrams, which are always helpful ! So, what tools are needed. Well the instruction sheet tells you exactly what size drill bits are required, but below is a selection of what I use... I'll be back with some ongoing pics later. Time to get busy now... Cheers, Gary.
As can be seen from the above pics, the individual pieces have come from their moulds cleanly with very little flash on them. I found a few small amounts of sprue on the side walls, a little flash on the end walls and everything else so far is clean. The instructions state that all the holes in the side walls need to be drilled with a 0.5mm drill. This was completed in about 10 minutes carefully as to not break the fine drill bit from the pin vice. There are 15 x holes that need to be drilled into the side walls prior to assembly. The holes on the end posts can be left until after assembly of the body. I chose to drill it all out in one go, then file down the other side smooth. The axleboxes need fitting to the sole bars. After removing the axle box backs and filing clean, they are test fit into the W irons and checked for clean vertical movement. The bearings are then inserted into the axle box backs. I use a pair of pliers to rest the axle box back on whilst I push (tight fit) the bearing in. Some flash appears on the opposite side, but with a quick run around of a scalpel, this is removed cleanly. Having all the sides and end walls prepared, a dry fit is required. I found that the walls lined up perfectly with no trace of a gap or did it require any filing down. Both one side and one end were glued together at 90*. I only glued one end and side wall together so I could test fit the floor in place. I found that the floor needed a little filing around a recess in the floor where the floor meets the openings/guard access on the side. The arrows show where. Once this was all squared up, the other wall and end was glued into place. This did not take too long to cure and the compartment walls were glued into place. I did have to file off a small lump of casting sprue from one end of the inside wall. No sign of gaps in the joint on the end walls and compartment wall. A small gap is visible at the base of the compartment wall, but that is not a worry. Note I have not added any clear sheet to the window openings. The instructions tell you to cut the glazing to size, but there was no glazing in the box ! Besides, I think I'll wait until the model is painted, which will save time on masking up ! Next on the cards will be installing the axle boxes, brakes and brake rigging which is etched brass... Cheers, Gary.
Super work there Gary these vans go together very well indeed, the only advice I can offer is be sure to place all the plastic pieces holding the brass axle bearing cubs in all the SAME way up otherwise your van will wobble on the tracks. I think the way up they go is with the bearing cup hole nearer the top, I'd photo mine for you (particularly the brake rigging assembly) but mine is currently stabled in Luib Yard.
Those little boxes/slidy packs of micro drills are great as long as you put the drill bit back int same place, guess how I know
Brilliant work, a great start so far! I am sorely tempted by a 7mm kit, but have enough to be going on with at the moment so will follow this thread closely! Matt
Don't look too closely Matt, I have some etched brass parts to fold up soon and I am new to this lark of bending/folding brass ! I think I need to get myself one of those brass folding thinga-mee-jigs.... Cheers, Gary.
Latest purchase.... A Trumpeter Photo Etched Parts Bender... Not a bad price at $66.00 and from an Aussie supplier. This should be in my hands by Tuesday afternoon so I can carry on with some of the brass etched parts (brake rigging). Cheers, Gary.
Nice useful piece of kit Gary and well worth having in the arsenal. You'll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Gary this looks an interest workbench build. Your build is coming along and I look forward to seeing more progress.
Thanks for the comments chaps. York Paul said "You'll wonder how you ever managed without one." Well, the is easy answer is I have never modelled with brass before. This is a whole new move for me !! I'll update the thread later in the new week when work recommences. Cheers, Gary.
Nice one Gary, etch kits are great, just think of the soldering process as being a bit like working with hot glue. Looking forward to following your build.
