Building an MMP RMB - a box of delights

[Ian G]

Talking of working brakes, I have a project for a coach coming up, just sorting out parts as I was given some basic etches sides/ends to start with.

Ian G

 

[Heather Kay]

Of course, I get a coat of primer on, then set about slapping grot mix all over every crevice only to remember I hadn't fitted the gas cylinder automatic changeover box. Ah well, a job to do when I fit the various loose items.

Thoughts are inevitably turning to the bodywork now. I think I shall mull it over for a few days, and get on with prepping another build for a while.

 

[Bob Reid]

I think this is the ETH fuse box. You just see it peeping below the solebar. There's still a socket, which I think is for plugging the coach into the mains, that goes between the emergency lighting socket and the battery box on this side. I'm not sure how common a feature that is at the period (early 1980s), or whether it's something fitted more recently for powering the vehicle when not in a train. Perhaps Bob might be able to clarify.

Heather, can you point me to a photo of this additional socket? I can't recall any other sockets on the underframe off the top of my head used by BR on the RMB's beyond the Battery Charging / Emergency Lighting Sockets. Off course you often come across post-preservation modifications to add static mains power supplies.

The box - as you correctly identified is the Main ETH Distribution Fuse Box. The "Sheeps Head" (Automatic Drain Valve) Graham mentions on the Main Steam Pipe can be seen here;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/transrail/8443457251/

 

[Heather Kay]

Heather, can you point me to a photo of this additional socket?

http://www.westernthunder.co.uk/ind...-rmb-a-box-of-delights.2987/page-3#post-83469

Third picture in the set shows an additional socket between the battery box and the emergency lighting socket. It looks like a modern weatherproof electrical socket, the sort of thing you see on building sites and generators.

To appease the Beare, I shall consider a "sheep's head". It might just be visible from one side of the coach.

 

[Bob Reid]

From that distance it looks like a Schrader Test Point for the Auto Air Brake Pipe - maybe Graham? could blow up the original for a closer look.....

 

[Dog Star]

From that distance it looks like a Schrader Test Point for the Auto Air Brake Pipe - maybe Graham? could blow up the original for a closer look.....

Unfortunately I did not take that image... howeverr, here is one I took earlier. Well, might be if the thing was there!



Proximity to other air-brake bits and pieces suggests that the missing fitting is probably as suggested by Bob.

 

[Heather Kay]

Proximity to other air-brake bits and pieces suggests that the missing fitting is probably as suggested by Bob.

That's interesting, because the one I'm referring to - MTH was the photographer, by the way - is not by the air cylinder and valve. That may be due to the assembly's proximity to the dynamo, meaning it was shifted to a point past the battery box.

It may also be due to the air brake gear being fitted by numerous workshops, and to no standard plan!

 

[mth]

http://www.westernthunder.co.uk/ind...-rmb-a-box-of-delights.2987/page-3#post-83469

Third picture in the set shows an additional socket between the battery box and the emergency lighting socket. It looks like a modern weatherproof electrical socket, the sort of thing you see on building sites and generators.

I've zoomed in,and can only see the air test point, the thing that is to the right in Dog Star photo. Hope this helps.

 

[Heather Kay]

Very much so. It confirms Bob's thoughts.

 

[iploffy]

The red flat thing to the left of the picture is an RCH receptical for jumping coaches and shore battery charging. The test clock is for measuring air pressures to the cylinders

 

[Ian G]

Looking at your gas bottle stowage are these markings to later for your model.

Ian G

 

[Bob Reid]

To late for anything in the BR Period at least Ian - Elf'n safety gone mad....

 

[iploffy]

You know it always bothered me, 1000volts and LPG what a lovely combination and we ran around with that for years

 

[Bob Reid]

All entirely separate and each with their own (multiple) safety devices.....

 

[iploffy]

I know and realise that but you can't help thinking what would have happened if there had been a accident

 

[Heather Kay]

A few photos of the underframe after basic painting. Now contemplating the bodywork. I'm not about to rush into it.

 

[OzzyO]

That looks good now it's got a bit of slap on it (as do a number of birds that I know).

OzzyO.

 

[tomstaf]

Heather,
How have you highlighted the white 'Propane gas' wording without whiting out the black surrounding the letters?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Heather Kay]

Tom, just a bit of dry brushing. Once weathering gets going, I may well paint it out again.

 

[tomstaf]

Tom, just a bit of dry brushing. Once weathering gets going, I may well paint it out again.

Thanks Heather