Progress on the layout and other modelling projects has been very slow since my last update. Yet another holiday saw to that, and then the Hornby Toad conversion dragged on due the 24.5 mm axles that I ordered from the EMGS stores being lost in the post. To make things worse I had ordered the last 10, thankfully Alan Gibson produces the same axle with wheels mounted to '00' gauge standards to special order, leaving me with the simple task of re gauging them.
A fair amount of material had to be removed from the rear of the axle guards, and the brake shoes before the wheels would revolve freely. Which was rather easy to do once the brake moulding had been removed. I think it will be possible for P4 modellers to drill the axle boxes a tad deeper for 26.5 mm axles, though I can't see how even a basic form of compensation, or springing could be added. Were I modelling to P4 standards then I think I would use a Morgan Design chassis, even though its meant for an AA13 van.
Read all about the Morgan Design etch here,
Toady Tuesday
They can be bought from the Scalefour Society
E-Shop | Scalefour Stores | Scalefour Society should you want one, no need to be a member.
With the EM conversion completed I made a few changes to the body, the original chimney was far to chunky to my eye. So I replaced it with a length of brass tubing, the moulded lamp irons on the van sides being replaced with Frogmore etches at the same time. I retained the 'Not in Common Use' lettering but removed the original numbering, and fitted blank data panels.
The Hornby model is a vast improvement on the old Airfix Toad which first saw light of day way back in the 70's. Looking for a suitable AA15 to model I came across W68538, which at some point was based at Ludlow. Whether she ever reached Kington or Presteign I wouldn't know, so until I come across a Hereford, or Leominster van I'll make do. Not all toads displayed their home yard names, I don't ever recall seeing one lettered in that manner myself, and a check through my old Bradford Barton albums showed unnamed vans to be far more common. The weathering is a mix of Humbrol track colour, and light / dark earth, with a touch of black thrown into the mix, followed by a bit of dry brushing using various shades of the same mix. I'm still using enamels as I can't seem to get on with acrylics, finally a touch of light rust weathering powder was added around the springs, and brake shoes.
Due to a rather extensive wagon building session I need to assemble another batch of couplings, then once the new 'toad' is equipped old faithful will be retired. On a different note my previously mentioned cunning plan for signal wire wheels is working out well, but more of that another time.
Geoff