FiftyFourA
Western Thunderer
Ever since I joined WT I have wanted to start my own workshop thread but, due to my accident in December 2014 while working at Beamish that broke bones and damaged ligaments in my right wrist (and yes, I am right handed) I have been unable to do any metal-type loco modelling. Sure I have, with help, completed a couple of already started layouts, but it is not the same for me.
My hand/wrist will never be 100% (not at my age anyway!) but, after 2 years of physio and hard work, I got to the stage last week where thought I was able to have a go. I had two kits I had started before my accident, one of Jim McGowan's N10s and a Piercy/DJH J27 ... and I GOT THEM BOTH WORKING!
Sorry about the shouting.
First up was the N10.
I had completed the chassis and started the body but never got around to motorising it. Last week I managed to get the chassis running sweetly, put the motor in, fixed up some temporary pickups (need to find the ones I made 3 years ago in the bomb site that has become my workshop).
OK, the soldering is a bit messey but that will clean up. When I gave her some juice she worked - both ways!
Flushed with sucess I got out the J27. I had finished the tender and started on the loco at the same time as the N10 but again, did not get to the working stage.
Same thing, fettled until the chassis ran sweet, adjusted the clearances so the wheels didn't short on the body, put in motor and pickups and switched on.
All of this took 3 days as I can only work for short periods as a time and by Friday the pain was too much. I didn't care much, I felt like a modeller again.
I took them both to Carlisle yesterday to run on the Kinchley Lane layout there (also known as the loco breaker - Carlisle and District '0' Gauge Group) and they still worked! By now I was somewhere just above cloud nine.
I would put a link to my YouTube video but I can't remember how to (waits for WT experts to bombard him with tutorials), but the link is
I have decided to concentrate on the N10 - one thing at a time - so today I have folded up and opened the tabs for the inside of the tanks. This took all afternoon but at least it is progress. I think I will solder them in tomorrow and sort out some weights before I fix the cab front.
I can't go much further yet because, over the past 3 years some pillock has lost the instructions, so I will have to contact Jim tomorrow.
As for tonight, I am just going to have a glass (or 2) of wine and reflect on what it's like being a 'proper' modeller again.
When I have the cab area complete I will post a few piccies - then its cleaning and painting.
My hand/wrist will never be 100% (not at my age anyway!) but, after 2 years of physio and hard work, I got to the stage last week where thought I was able to have a go. I had two kits I had started before my accident, one of Jim McGowan's N10s and a Piercy/DJH J27 ... and I GOT THEM BOTH WORKING!
Sorry about the shouting.
First up was the N10.
I had completed the chassis and started the body but never got around to motorising it. Last week I managed to get the chassis running sweetly, put the motor in, fixed up some temporary pickups (need to find the ones I made 3 years ago in the bomb site that has become my workshop).
OK, the soldering is a bit messey but that will clean up. When I gave her some juice she worked - both ways!
Flushed with sucess I got out the J27. I had finished the tender and started on the loco at the same time as the N10 but again, did not get to the working stage.
Same thing, fettled until the chassis ran sweet, adjusted the clearances so the wheels didn't short on the body, put in motor and pickups and switched on.
All of this took 3 days as I can only work for short periods as a time and by Friday the pain was too much. I didn't care much, I felt like a modeller again.
I took them both to Carlisle yesterday to run on the Kinchley Lane layout there (also known as the loco breaker - Carlisle and District '0' Gauge Group) and they still worked! By now I was somewhere just above cloud nine.
I would put a link to my YouTube video but I can't remember how to (waits for WT experts to bombard him with tutorials), but the link is
I have decided to concentrate on the N10 - one thing at a time - so today I have folded up and opened the tabs for the inside of the tanks. This took all afternoon but at least it is progress. I think I will solder them in tomorrow and sort out some weights before I fix the cab front.
I can't go much further yet because, over the past 3 years some pillock has lost the instructions, so I will have to contact Jim tomorrow.
As for tonight, I am just going to have a glass (or 2) of wine and reflect on what it's like being a 'proper' modeller again.
When I have the cab area complete I will post a few piccies - then its cleaning and painting.