To get an accurate length vehicle

Wouldn't you know it?  No sooner than you finish your model and…wham! Somebody is going to produce a kit or RTR model.

John.  Any chance that you could scratchbuild a steam or diesel breakdown crane?  I'll 'pre-order' the RTR model now!

Terry

Ah well, Terry, I didn't actually finish the D1661 model - I threw up my arms and surrendered.  I did finish the Midland van, except for weathering.

There are several interesting variations shown in Essery's LMS wagons and between Slaters kits and now these, I think some bashing is in order.

I had the Hornby crane more than 25 yrs ago - I think it's still going on and off.  I don't think it matches the prototype though, but perhaps it could be bashed as well.  I have heard of a D&S kits breakdown crane but I don't think it's currently available.  London Road Models have reintroduced some kits and, I believe, have brought them up to date.

Did I get my wires crossed?  Who's doing the RTR Cattle Wagon??? :shock:

Of course if the trend continues, Bachmann will announce a proper D1661 model next year just to humbug PD.

John

 

John, nobody's doing a RTR model.  I was just alluding to the fact that, as soon as you finish your model, somebody will either bring out a kit or a RTR model. 

Terry

Ah yes, right.  So, sometime shortly after I build the PD kit, Bachmann or Hornby will announce.  Stay tuned.

John

 

I've been quietly working away on two more cattle vans to complete my triplet.




They still need weathering.

John

Very nice indeed. I'll be watching to see what you use for the weathering.

Cheers

Toto

Thanks.  I just bought a new Paasche airbrush and have some Vallejo powders.

John

Hi John,

What version of the paasche did you go for ? Is it gravity fed or siphone feed.

I think the latter uses the jars and relays on them having an adequate supply of paint where the gravity feed can be used effectively with just a smidgen of paint in the cup.

I'll look forward to seeing you results ……… I still have to try mine yet but have been involved in other things at the moment. I'll maybe try and attempt a nit of weathering through the week. I have several wagons shaking in their wheel sets at the thought of it.

Cheers for now

Toto

It's suction - I know that at least and double acting.  My old single action, suction Badger quit working properly and I couldn't get parts easily so I upgraded.  I've only scanned the manual and poked the bits up to now.

I've only ever used acrylic paint for weathering and it washes off easily with ammonia window cleaner if you muck it up - which I've done more than once.

John

Hi John,

Thanks for the ammonia tip. That I would imagine could be very handy for me.

Good luck with the trial run.

Cheers

Toto

Excellent cattle wagons John.
Your forth coming railway will not lack for class rolling stock.
I see Bachman are going to release an LNWR 0-6-2T in 2015 even going to include LNWR livery in the batch.
Cheers,
Derek.

Thanks Derek.  Yes, my strategy is to gather a decent collection of stock before building the layout.

I have my beady eye open for the coal tank.  That'll be a keeper.

John

Hi John,
Just a little question.
Which couplings do you use on your rolling stock.I am mulling over various types.
regards,
Derek.

I've done a fair bit of mulling over the years on that subject Derek.  I would dearly love to use 3 link/screw link but a couple of brief trials led me to conclude that it is just not practical.  I think Dingham would be in the running butt there are pros and cons with those as well.

Many years ago, I standardized on Kadee, quickly recognising that the tension lock is an abomination.

More recently, I used a lot of the NEM couplings on stock fitted with pockets, finding that in some cases height was an issue.  I had already decided that magnets were a faff to me and moved to manual uncoupling with bamboo sticks.

When I went to EM, I gave couplings further thought and my feelings have evolved further.  I have been fitting "scale" head Kadees to my EM vehicles.  I find that #58 (phosphor bronze centering spring) or #158 (whisker spring) work very well and being medium length shank are a good fit.  I also snip off the trip pin.  You will see that the couplings are quite unobtrusive and, of course, work well.

If you want standard head, the good ol' #5 is still very good.  This has been updated to #148 (whisker spring).

Then again, NEM couplings (#17 - 20) are easy to fit in stock with pockets.

John

Many thanks John.Gives me some ideas.
Derek.

Well after some toing and froing I think I finally got the cattle wagons weathered to a reasonable standard:




My first stab was with an airbrush but it had a medium nozzle and too much paint came out.  I also noted that the deep bracing prevented airbrushed paint from getting to the panels.  The paint was washed off with window cleaner and I had a rethink.

My next thought was to use a very thin black wash to try to highlight the numerous crevices.  I followed this up with rather too much rust powder on the ironwork and was still unhappy, so this got washed off - although the black wash had pretty much cured by this time so that didn't come off entirely.

This morning I applied a more restrained black powder to the ironwork and I think I'm happy with the effect now.

Accidental weathering I think you might call it…but then isn't that how wagons are weathered in the real world?

It's all subjective of course.

John

Now that batch look like real cattle wagons.Well worth the time and effort you put in John.
Derek.

I'm relieved that you think so Derek.  I have no first hand knowledge of the things, but I do have one picture that resembles what I did.

John