7mm On Heather's Workbench - Aintree Iron: an Austerity adventure
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Thank you Jeff!
I've learned a lot myself during this build. I've wondered whether I'm actually capable of doing some of the things I attempt. Happily, they seem to work out in the end.
I've learned a lot myself during this build. I've wondered whether I'm actually capable of doing some of the things I attempt. Happily, they seem to work out in the end.
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
I saw this loco at a recent S7 meeting and to say "beautiful" seems an odd description for the breed, however the engine breathes atmosphere and so - in the eye of etc. - beautiful is an appropriate word. As for the carry box, a work of art with decent corner joints and a feeling of solidity, worth the dosh.
If I need to buy a case then I shall be asking Heather for details of the supplier.
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oldravendale
Western Thunderer
Love it, Heather!
I'm interested in the box you favour. Is this a home built concoction, or a purchase and if so from which supplier? Does it come recommended?
I mentioned in a recent posting that I bought a box at Telford for the A3 and have, so far, been pleased with it as it allows the loco no movement once the box is closed.
Brian
I'm interested in the box you favour. Is this a home built concoction, or a purchase and if so from which supplier? Does it come recommended?
I mentioned in a recent posting that I bought a box at Telford for the A3 and have, so far, been pleased with it as it allows the loco no movement once the box is closed.
Brian
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Graham asked me off list if I'd show the case.
It's made by Parkwood Arts Ltd. You can find them at the various 7mm and larger shows. This is the largest loco carry box, and retails at £49.50.
Now, that sounds a lot, but when you expect to carry something that could be worth a hundred times as much, it sort of adds some perspective.
The top is held shut by three clips. On the shorter models there are two clips.
The rear has two solid hinges, which allow the top to lifted clean away when opened. This eliminates the danger of the box tipping as the model is lifted out.
The construction is solid wood, with well crafted joints on the corners. This box carry case is not going to fall apart, and will withstand most knocks and bashes.
The floor - also solid wood - is slotted for the flanged wheels to sit neatly.
Dense foam blocks are included, which are a snug fit into the ends. A length of lighter foam material is also provided, which you can trim to lengths as packing as required. I've cut it down to provide packing and cushioning along both sides of the WD. The case is a mite too long for the loco, so additional packing needs to be inserted at one or both ends. I discovered this after a trip in the back of my car where the box was not restrained, and it allowed the loco to shunt about inside as I was driving, resulting in the broken front vac pipe bracket.
As I said, the top is designed to come away from the base. I am just a satisfied customer, with no connection with Parkwood Arts otherwise. I think the quality of the construction shows through, and I shall certainly offer these cases to clients as "value added" to safely transport their new toys.
http://www.parkwood-arts.co.uk
It's made by Parkwood Arts Ltd. You can find them at the various 7mm and larger shows. This is the largest loco carry box, and retails at £49.50.
Now, that sounds a lot, but when you expect to carry something that could be worth a hundred times as much, it sort of adds some perspective.
The top is held shut by three clips. On the shorter models there are two clips.
The rear has two solid hinges, which allow the top to lifted clean away when opened. This eliminates the danger of the box tipping as the model is lifted out.
The construction is solid wood, with well crafted joints on the corners. This box carry case is not going to fall apart, and will withstand most knocks and bashes.
The floor - also solid wood - is slotted for the flanged wheels to sit neatly.
Dense foam blocks are included, which are a snug fit into the ends. A length of lighter foam material is also provided, which you can trim to lengths as packing as required. I've cut it down to provide packing and cushioning along both sides of the WD. The case is a mite too long for the loco, so additional packing needs to be inserted at one or both ends. I discovered this after a trip in the back of my car where the box was not restrained, and it allowed the loco to shunt about inside as I was driving, resulting in the broken front vac pipe bracket.
As I said, the top is designed to come away from the base. I am just a satisfied customer, with no connection with Parkwood Arts otherwise. I think the quality of the construction shows through, and I shall certainly offer these cases to clients as "value added" to safely transport their new toys.
http://www.parkwood-arts.co.uk
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
I think they might be. There's a deal of side play for finescale.
oldravendale
Western Thunderer
Thanks Heather, and for the detailed photos.
I bought mine from A W Adams, 71 Downton Court, Hollinswood, Telford, TF3 2BT. Mob 07927 421278 who was at Telford. I'll do some photos and post them. I was decided on this one because of the way the loco is held in position. So far, but admittedly with only a single trip to club and back, a distance of about 10 miles each way, the loco didn't shift at all in the box. I'll have another look at Parkwood next time I'm at an o Gauge bash.
Brian
I bought mine from A W Adams, 71 Downton Court, Hollinswood, Telford, TF3 2BT. Mob 07927 421278 who was at Telford. I'll do some photos and post them. I was decided on this one because of the way the loco is held in position. So far, but admittedly with only a single trip to club and back, a distance of about 10 miles each way, the loco didn't shift at all in the box. I'll have another look at Parkwood next time I'm at an o Gauge bash.
Brian
Dan Randall
Western Thunderer
I've just contacted Parkwood asking if the flange ways in the floor of the box are suitable for S7, although maybe you know the answer Heather.
I bought one of these Parkwood cases a few years ago for my (as yet unfinished!
), S7 "Western" and the wheels sit happily within the grooves in the base. 
They are a quality product and like Heather, I would thoroughly recommend them. They also do much larger fold-out versions for the safe storage/transportation of rolling stock - a friend of mine (also a S7 modeller), bought one to house his expanding fleet of Mk1 coaches. The shelves are removable and the coaches (or wagons), are restrained by hook & loop (i.e. Velcro), straps.
Regards
Dan
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SimonT
Western Thunderer
I've been using two for S7 models for a fair few years and can only recommend them; I have a box from a different supplier, made from MDF and soft woods edging, which I think is inferior. I have glued the soft foam to the back and top and sculpted out slots for couplings/hoses in the firm foam.
Simon
Simon
Ressaldar
Western Thunderer
Again, I thoroughly recommend them - they also sell off other boxes at exhibitions - so called 'seconds and prototypes' at very reasonable prices, SWMBO has three of them now for sewing materials and other 'odds and ends'. Their display cabinets are also excellent, the glass fits into rebates in the floor and therefore keeps the dust out.
cheers
Mike
cheers
Mike
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Please see if a photo - full or empty - can be provided, thank you.
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
There are not very good photos a little way down the following linked page.
http://www.parkwood-arts.co.uk/html/o_gauge.html
I note the web site prices are probably a bit out of date.
http://www.parkwood-arts.co.uk/html/o_gauge.html
I note the web site prices are probably a bit out of date.
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
To round up this thread I have just posted the official portraits in the Gallery section.
JLTRT Riddles WD 2-8-0 No 90643 | Western Thunder
I normally round up a build thread with a few thoughts. This was my first big loco kit, and was something of a baptism of fire for me. I've made some horrendous goofs, but learnt a lot. The kit threw a few things in my path, but that is to be expected.
Thank you to everyone for their comments, research material, guidance and usual good humour through this build. I hope the finished model makes the client very happy.
JLTRT Riddles WD 2-8-0 No 90643 | Western Thunder
I normally round up a build thread with a few thoughts. This was my first big loco kit, and was something of a baptism of fire for me. I've made some horrendous goofs, but learnt a lot. The kit threw a few things in my path, but that is to be expected.
Thank you to everyone for their comments, research material, guidance and usual good humour through this build. I hope the finished model makes the client very happy.
Dave Bowden
Western Thunderer
I have one of their service cradles which is excellent for all rolling stock not just locos, there is a photo of one on the above link.
Dave
Compton castle
Western Thunderer
WD looks superb Heather, I have 3 park wood arts carry boxes, they are very good.
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Yes, I also have one. It's a very useful tool, though a bit of a squeeze with the broad gauge stock. I can make an adjustment to let it handle the BG stuff. Just another thing to get round to.
Ancient Mariner
Member
Heather
In process of building the revised model (October/November 2017).
Some revised instructions now provided but original exploded view instruction have not changed. Motion gear revised to include both lost wax and etched rods etc.
Having a mare with getting it all fitted, your blog has been some help, thank you.
Major problems around lack of clearance for slide bars, whole thing fouling itself.
Latest solution has been to tap out slaters wheels to 10ba for con rod screw, fit a washer against the wheel, tap out brass top hat bush reverse it to hold con rod in place in place of the normal nut, then chop screw flush with the bush looks as though I may have got the required clearance. Next issue is fitting the eccentric gear, choice of two versions now, looks like the answer my be to tap the cam to fit on the con rod in place of the normal nut. But like you I have found lots of issues with the Kit,, lots of nice touches but at time feel like I’ll never finish the thing and all the normal enjoyment has gone out of building a loco I was really going to enjoy. Chose 90029 as it was a 40B loco for majority of its working life which was my local shed in the 50’s and 60’s.
In process of building the revised model (October/November 2017).
Some revised instructions now provided but original exploded view instruction have not changed. Motion gear revised to include both lost wax and etched rods etc.
Having a mare with getting it all fitted, your blog has been some help, thank you.
Major problems around lack of clearance for slide bars, whole thing fouling itself.
Latest solution has been to tap out slaters wheels to 10ba for con rod screw, fit a washer against the wheel, tap out brass top hat bush reverse it to hold con rod in place in place of the normal nut, then chop screw flush with the bush looks as though I may have got the required clearance. Next issue is fitting the eccentric gear, choice of two versions now, looks like the answer my be to tap the cam to fit on the con rod in place of the normal nut. But like you I have found lots of issues with the Kit,, lots of nice touches but at time feel like I’ll never finish the thing and all the normal enjoyment has gone out of building a loco I was really going to enjoy. Chose 90029 as it was a 40B loco for majority of its working life which was my local shed in the 50’s and 60’s.
dibateg
Western Thunderer
I had similar problems - and documented it here:-
7mm - The Derby Line - JLTRT 7813 Freshford Manor
This was with the original production run.
Regards
Tony
7mm - The Derby Line - JLTRT 7813 Freshford Manor
This was with the original production run.
Regards
Tony
Lancastrian
Western Thunderer
A thumbs up from me for Parkwood Arts carrying cases too.
Ian
from me for Parkwood Arts carrying cases too. Ian