Looking for projects to build at the Hornby Open Weekend, I found a Binnie skip wagon kit in the stash. These are classic models, and I don't think I've ever actually built one - so a chance to give it a go and entertain the public.
The body parts are moulded in very hard plastic. Wheels and axleboxes are glass-filled nylon and the axles are steel. The kit itself is a steal at £14, although mine is so old the packaging says £7. That's a lot of wagon for your money.
Despite the bargain price, the parts are free from flash. All the modeller has to do is remove the marks left by the runners where the plastic is injected into the mould. A bit of knife and file action quickly sorts this out.
The wheels need to be slid on to the axles and set to a back to back of 28mm. Obviously, as a fine-scale modeller, I'm using a calliper, but a ruler would be fine as you don't need to be accurate to fractions of a millimetre in this scale.
Incidentally, if anyone knows where I can get another calliper like this, please let me know. I don't like the readily available digital versions as the battery always seems to be flat.
Assembly just needs plastic cement and solvent. Although there aren't any location aids, the rivet heads nearly do the job so you can't go far wrong as long as you pay attention and get the top support the right way up.
The support on the one-piece skip body fits into locating holes and allows for tipping. Most people stick them in place as you don't want them falling off in a derailment.
Job done. I reckon about 20 minutes would be enough time to build one of these. Less if batch building one you are in the swing of things. I took a day but that's because I spent most of the time chatting, and to be honest, there's no point in rushing these jobs. When a kit is as good as this, take your time and enjoy it.
9 comments:
Hi Phil
have a look on eBay item number may be of use
254234622653
Try RS components for a dial caliper
Phil, you can buy a dial vernier gauge like your old one from Cookson Gold - see https://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Steel-Dial-Gauge-prcode-999-044
They have shops in Birmingham and London, and a very efficient mail order service for both retail and trade customers, Although they are suppliers to both trade and hobbyist jewellers, many of their tools are of great use to modellers.
Usual disclaimer - I’ve no connection with this company other than being a very satisfied customer of their tools and jewellery supplies.
I've you're just after cheap and cheerful plastic dial calipers:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Vernier-Measurement-Micrometer-Measuring/dp/B07JZS18Q6
or
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/dial-calipers/150mm-plastic-dial-caliper/p/SEN3306100K
Phil, I like the laser-cut "workstation", as it seems ideal for use sitting down in a more comfortable chair. Where did you get it from? I have a suspicion that you mentioned it your blog before, but I couldn't find it. (I use an old aluminium baking tray -- possibly US quarter size -- which doesn't quite work, but is better than nothing!)
I used to have a rake of 9 of these. I got construction time down to under 10 minutes eventually. I filled them with gravel and watered down pva after a jolly good weathering.
The workstation was a BRM subs gift. We now do a slightly larger version: https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/brm/store/reader-offers/laser-cut-work-station-cutting-mat-her-first-edition/
It's a very useful thing and attracted a lot of interest over the weekend.
Thanks for the links to calipers - I'll place an order!
Thanks Phil, I shall investigate further...
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