4mm Workbench

[ullypug]

As I’ve explained on my Cheddar layout build, my layouts and most of my modelling stuff is presently packed in boxes pending a house move. Sadly this is taking an age, so I’m trying to keep my hand in with whatever I can do on a temporary set up.

So far, this has been limited to wagon kits, both in 4mm and whisper it quietly, 7mm. All very enjoyable but getting a bit monotonous. In a bid to mix things up a bit, I’ve dug out a High Level chassis kit for a 64xx GWR pannier tank. I’ve always liked the prototype though I’ve no evidence of any traversing the Cheddar valley branch. Westbury shed was home to numerous 54xx though, so I’m going to model one of these and make an assumption that somehow one found its way to my quiet corner of Somerset.

Gerry Beale explained how he carried out his conversion in MRJ 276 and I’ll use that as the blueprint, when I can find it… In the meantime, I’m just following Chris’ excellent instructions and have got the frames and rods assembled. So far so good.

 

[Nick Rogers]

I will follow this with interest, mate! I have several to do for various Laira-based 64xxs!

All the best,

 

[Dave Holt]

Looking good so far. Chris does make rather good kits, doesn't he? I built one of his 57XX chassis (in EM), which was a treat to build and ran beautifully.
What for of suspension does your chassis have? Can't see any beam pivot holes, so is it CSB?
Nice to see you returning to the proper scale.
Dave.

 

[ullypug]

Looking good so far. Chris does make rather good kits, doesn't he? I built one of his 57XX chassis (in EM), which was a treat to build and ran beautifully.
What for of suspension does your chassis have? Can't see any beam pivot holes, so is it CSB?
Nice to see you returning to the proper scale.
Dave.

Thanks Dave. It’ll be compensated. Twin beams on the rear 2 axles and pivoting front axle as per the instructions, primarily due to the fact that (you’ve guessed it) I can’t find my CSB jig anywhere.
The beam pilot hole is mid way between the axles. It’s very small in 4mm

 

[Captain Kernow]

I found the twin-beam system worked very well when I did my 74XX a few years ago. I think Chris has adopted twin-beam compensation as standard for all of his chassis, where that is appropriate due to wheel arrangement. What is interesting to me is that one of his (presumably) earlier chassis - that for the Jinty - is designed for single beam compensation.

 

[Dave Holt]

Andrew.
I see the hole now you've pointed it out. That's the same arrangement as the 57XX.
Dave.