While I might own many hundreds of projects, finding something suitable to build as a demonstration isn't easy. Whatever I pick has to be simple, require a modest tool kit, and if I'm honest, not really matter that much as I can't guarantee to be paying proper attention as I'm supposed to be chatting.
A plastic wagon kit works OK, even though I have no need to add to the wagon fleet. As a bonus, I picked this kit up cheaply at the RMweb members' day. For three quid, if it all goes wrong, I've not lost much.
Tools required are a knife, abrasive and some glue. Tweezers are useful, but the extras are found in my exhibition toolbox, which is never unpacked.
I have a feeling that the Ratio kit is well over 30 years old. Mine had been upgraded with a set of metal wheels. Two sets in fact, because I didn't spot this, and added a set from the stash. I might not need this wagon, but it's not rolling on some moulded plastic wheels - I have standards!
I'm sure a RTR version is available, but at a demo, people like to believe you are doing something other than just waiting for a chat. It's also a conversation starter, as many haven't seen this archaic activity before...
7 comments:
I love building wagon kits...I suppose because it's where I started "proper" railway modelling, nearly 50 years ago. Pretty sure you're right about the age of the plywood SR van, as I remember the kit coming out and seeming somewhat more sophisticated than the earlier Ratio van kits that were basically two sides, two ends, a roof and a floor.
They're great nowadays for anyone on a budget, as many have been superseded by RTR models and so often end up on club second hand stands, usually for less money than their original RRP all those years ago...
And they are great for making just as many improvements as your skill level allows
Wagon kit building is most therapeutic. I’ve built over sixty these past twenty years. Somehow, carriages are less satisfying and can be a pain….
Yes. I've probably built 50 or so wagons, a half to ⅔ in 009 or 0-14.
Carriages? Single figures I think.
Even during my most productive era about 10 years ago when I built around 20 009 wagons in a year, I only produced 3 or 4 carriages.
Carriage building, and especially painting, looks like a whole heap of pain to me. Besides, what's the point? All we need is a nice Mk1 for all eventualities... :-)
That kit has been around for at least 50 years. I can remember building them in the mid 1970s. Built my most recent one last year!
More like 50 years Phil. I built my first one in the mid 1970s. Built the most recent one last year!
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