Bob
Western Thunderer
Like most BR(W) or GWR modellers I have numerous 57XX class Pannier Tanks. Only 1 however is used on the layout at exhibitions and this is because the half dozen resting in my stock box show how(hopefully) what I expect on a model has changed through the years. In simple terms each one is intended to be more detailed than the last.
My latest example appeared 2 years ago and I was never completely satisfied that it was not fitted with a flywheel. This was due to the etched body kit including a detailed backhead. As the backhead simply cannot be seen at normal operating or viewing distances I decided to very carefully remove the backhead area and allow for a flywheel.
Once I dismantled the chassis I thought "what the heck" , why not make a replacement one?
The chassis kit in question is made by Brynkits, a supplier of 3mm scale kits and is a very neat and simple fold-up design but with no provision for suspension. I decided to leave it as rigid and perhaps toy with the idea of some sort of suspension on the next one.
Over the last week I've reached this stage. My trusted 18w Antex iron was more than capable of dealing with things but my RSU came in handy for some of the more delicate overlays especially the brake shoes. A trip out into the garage this evening with a Halfords matt black rattle can and my ever so expensive spray booth (ok, a cardboard box) and the job is done.
The motor will be my standard Mashima 9-16 with one of Branchline's lovely "Slimline" gear cradles.
Now, driving wheels can be an issue in 3mm scale and as I hate quartering the things I've relied up to now on the RP25 Romford range. They are somewhat chunky though and as The 3mm Society now do the finer "SQ" range I decided to make the switch to these.
My latest example appeared 2 years ago and I was never completely satisfied that it was not fitted with a flywheel. This was due to the etched body kit including a detailed backhead. As the backhead simply cannot be seen at normal operating or viewing distances I decided to very carefully remove the backhead area and allow for a flywheel.
Once I dismantled the chassis I thought "what the heck" , why not make a replacement one?
The chassis kit in question is made by Brynkits, a supplier of 3mm scale kits and is a very neat and simple fold-up design but with no provision for suspension. I decided to leave it as rigid and perhaps toy with the idea of some sort of suspension on the next one.
Over the last week I've reached this stage. My trusted 18w Antex iron was more than capable of dealing with things but my RSU came in handy for some of the more delicate overlays especially the brake shoes. A trip out into the garage this evening with a Halfords matt black rattle can and my ever so expensive spray booth (ok, a cardboard box) and the job is done.
The motor will be my standard Mashima 9-16 with one of Branchline's lovely "Slimline" gear cradles.
Now, driving wheels can be an issue in 3mm scale and as I hate quartering the things I've relied up to now on the RP25 Romford range. They are somewhat chunky though and as The 3mm Society now do the finer "SQ" range I decided to make the switch to these.