John’s workbench - a miscellany.

[John57sharp]

The wheels on this shunter don’t go round and round….

Some fine tuning of the cranks has lead to this issue being, at least partially, resolved.

They now turn reasonably well, but only one way, so tomorrow we’ll look into that.

Meantime, a short video.

 

[John57sharp]

Multiple things going on, this reflects part of my mind quite well!

John

 

[John57sharp]

A bit of a treat -expect to see this in a bus company setting with a Daimler Fleetline recently featured in the questions forum.

I could use a Modelu of Terry Thomas as proprietor of Dreadnought of Wantage from a St Trinnians movie….
Progress reports as and when
John

 

[John57sharp]

Does the team think? No, stop it….

I have to reduce the extended axle on 6 off these wheels. They have to be reduced down to less than 1mm. Do you think the rather sketchy work holder will cope? I think there will be too much flex to go down to such a tiny diameter.
I’m a bit wary and don’t want to destroy perfectly good wheels….

 

[John57sharp]

The IBG 1:76 Scammell Pioneer - Its coming on nicely.

A great kit with very many parts, a lot of which will be in the “I know they are there” category once building is complete.

I've had a few issues of my own doing, failing to read and/or comprehend the instructions properly, a and of course, I have snapped a couple of delicate parts, including the exhaust, which is actually the worst illustrated part in the overwise excellent booklet. The part is first shown as attached in the early engine block build section, without including it in the exploded view. It is actually attached very near the end of the build, but he part is angled such that it appears to be a straight rod in the exploded diagram. Anyway I had to fashion one out of brass rod in the end.

Also… An LMS design clasp brake underframe for a fruit van. The kit is by Rumney Models and I'm using the guitar string wire springing as supplied. Overview - or rather underview? Brake rigging in construction Parts so far Highly recommended kits these, just take your time and make sure you understand the instructions.

 

[John57sharp]

 

[John57sharp]

Here are two shots to record progress with Coales Mill in 2mm scale. The larger block is now stuck onto the base and may have to stay there, I overlooked some unset glue when I did a fit check and its set while in place. This will make the detailing a little more complex, but I don't want to wreck anything trying to unglue it.

Progress is travelling left to right in theses shots, and the track needs to be glued down and wired correctly before “ballasting” - its almost completely covered over to form a roadway in most photos.





The next building along has some giant ducts at the back, making it look far more modern than the current Victorian styling. Stay tuned….

 

[John57sharp]

Its been a while, so heres a general update on assorted projects.

1. Coales Mill Yard -2mm FS.

The buildings for the mill continue to grow slowly. The track for the 2 sidings is built, including a turnout. I've ordered track glue from stores and that will go down next on the prepared cork base.

2. Greygates Works - 4mm

Some slow progress on the brake gear for a fruit van is almost complete.

3, Johnson’s Wharf - 4mm

Remains a paper exercise so far. However, this lovely little inter-building bridge from Fair Price Models arrived this morning and is already being assembled. Its so nice! The basic MDF shell just went together with white glue and the beautifully detailed multi-layered sides (laser board whatever that is) are next- though I will likely paint them first.

I’m confident it will find a home on Johnson’s.




Not much else to report - but the Scammell Pioneer is almost fully assembled and partially painted. this has been a very nice kit to build and it has presented few problems beyond those of my own making. Some very small detail parts have needed eyeware to ensure a good placement.





The only real issue I have had is the front wheel and steering assembly, which refuses to stay attached to the vehicle. They are mounted on two tiny points of contact along the centreline of the chassis and it looks like I may have to resort to Loctite and hope it goes well.

 

[John57sharp]

Yes they are vans parked by the Mill (just plonked)

Major progress today, 2 sidings glued down and most of the wiring done for these two.

Also stated on the plans for the octagonal weighbridge and office.

It’s good to see this big leap ahead.

John

 

[John57sharp]

I've been even slower than usual recently having endured two bouts of man flu or similar. The progress I have made is very pleasing - a bothy in 4mm from Intentio has had much paint and washes and begins to look the part.






Another building is a lockup from Scale Model Scenery, but I have replaced the pre-printed paper wrapping with a brick-embossed plastic card. This is also getting painted and is looking better. I wanted the texture that brickwork has that can't be done with ordinary brick papers, though I used to like the embossed card from Freestone Models when they were available. This is a bit of a pathfinder for me.

Neither of these buildings has a designated home project, but I'm working on that...

 

[John57sharp]

Hi John

Tried to reply earlier but forum seemed slow.

In this case and for once, I need to show restraint as it’s for others, but you’re dead right.

Umpteen permutations of these few in number images occupy my thoughts constantly, rearranging their sequence before changing them back again; including the works scene, then excluding it for an exchange siding behind the cottages, using the crossing gates as a scenic break at one end and the bridge at t’other (the photo I’ve reversed to suit!).

See what I mean?

Looking forward to seeing Altrincham Gasworks

Jon

OK you asked for it - well @jonte did - this has rather distracted me from everything else….



First up - my birthday present from Gilly. A lovely surprise.

And this is a bit of the inspiration - tankie and opens on the street, cobbles, no skirts, pub…billboards, old Rover(?) new then.. There's a whole article in Bylines.

Its happening, its keeping me from the 2mm fence etc, maybe a little 02 shunted will turn up at Christmas…..