Crane Locomotives

[spikey faz]

I managed to snap the smokebox door handle assembly off! I was looking to re-drill and pin it in place, but it all felt a bit fragile.


So, I found some OO scale shoulder-less handrail knobs which I think will work instead.


Mike

 

[Purple-haze]

Mike, how do you just ' find' 00 handrail knobs? I can't find something I was using 20 mins ago!

regards Rog

 

[spikey faz]

Mike, how do you just ' find' 00 handrail knobs? I can't find something I was using 20 mins ago!

regards Rog

Hi Rog

I recently had a tidy-up of all my accumulated small fittings. I vaguely remembered the whereabouts of said handrail knobs. If I was looking for the same in say six months time I dare say I'll have forgotten their very existence!

All the best
Mike

 

[spikey faz]

I've had to order some nuts and bolts to help with this build/bodgery so while I await their delivery I thought I'd add a few bits of extra detail.



I'm hoping this will divert attention away from some of my less than perfect ammendments and additions. I'm still trying to figure out a way of reinstalling the front steps without it looking too awful! The only way seems to be to remake them from brass sheet (really not looking forward to that) or maybe just omit them. I have seen a picture of a B4 minus the front steps.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

First coat of primer followed by a quick rub down and more filler.


I've also started on the crane mount.


Mike

 

[spikey faz]

I have also been making a start on the crane. I was originally going to use the Gladiator etching, but comparing it to the drawing shows that William Adams has deviated from what I suspect is a standard off the shelf crane design. So I mocked up the shape in Plastikard.


I suppose I should make it out of brass, but if the plastic version looks OK I may stick with it. I might embellish it with some rivets which I find quite easy to do with the RP Toolz rivet punch.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Crane propped in place to give an idea of what I'm trying to achieve.


I've been reinstalling some more bits and pieces.



The Dapol parts are IMHO quite well detailed, but are a bit fragile.


I'm still undecided as to what colour this locomotive will be painted. I doubt if I'll be reinstating the LSWR livery, and was instead thinking of black with early or late Southern lettering.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Been a bit busy with Birthday celebrations, so not a lot of time for railway modelling. I did however manage a short stint this afternoon.


I also need to thank Richard Gawler for generously donating a set of etchings to allow me to get some front steps attached. Not as neat and tidy as Richard's modelling! But at least they're on now. Cheers Richard!



Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Oh, and I've updated the water filler locking bolts. Yes, I know they should have threads on them, but these were my second attempt so they are staying put!



Mike

 

[RichardG]

I am glad the steps worked out so well. I think they look better in this slightly narrowed form, and they will blend in nicely with the Dapol ones.

 

[spikey faz]

I am glad the steps worked out so well. I think they look better in this slightly narrowed form, and they will blend in nicely with the Dapol ones.

Thanks Richard

I wasn't looking forward to making them from scratch, so your etchings were a perfect base for me to work from.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

The crane itself is slowly coming together. A combination of Gladiator parts and a laser cut wheel of eBay all contributing.


Rivets being applied this afternoon.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

More rivets!

 

[spikey faz]

Most of the parts have now been primered.



I'm still undecided about what paint scheme I should go for. I did think about maybe reinstating the LSWR livery, but my painting skills are really not up to the standards required to replicate this.

I'm erring towards boring black with maybe Bulleid 'sunshine' Southern lettering. But then I'd need a loco number, which of course never existed. Decisions, decisions!

Mike

 

[Osgood]

Must say the crane jib has lost the S & M look with its coat of red oxide over the black leather and studwork

 

[spikey faz]

I've decided to go with black. I did try a green coat of paint, but it didn't look right.


The sidetanks and roof have been rubbed down again and will get another coat or two in due course.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

 

[spikey faz]

 

[spikey faz]

Reinstalling the Dapol parts continues. Dusty fingerprints are optional extras!




The main body parts are not bolted back together, so the various gaps should disappear in due course.

Mike

 

[spikey faz]

Next step will be to add 'Southern' lettering to the sidetanks. But I really need to add a number as well. Ideally an unallocated number, but I can't seem to find any lists of Southern loco numbers to avoid duplication. Does anyone have suggestions where I might find this sort of info?

Cheers
Mike