Underframe bits

This is the fun bit. Plenty of big, chunky parts, all of which go together really well. 

Everything was given a coat of Revell 9 the evening before, so it was all nice and dry before I broke the glue out. 

The W-irons have a lump on them, that locates into a hole in the back of the solebar. No messing around, lining things up. They are solid, but having fought Parkside 7mm kit moving (if you keep the glue out of them) axleboxes, I don't have an issue with that. There are some slippery plastic bearings to fit in the back first, which are a tight fit, but I added a little brush-on superglue to be on the safe side.  

A piece of wire is provided for the cross shaft, but it seemed a little anaemic to me, so I replaced it with 0.9mm brass. That might also be a bit thin, but I've never measured one of these parts. A job for another day. Replacing the wire was in no way informed by me losing the supplied length either...

I did have to use a small broach to open out the holes in the V-hangers a touch, but there's plenty of meat for this. 

An hour saw the whole job done, and I wasn't rushing. I need to touch up a few bits of the paint, but the wheels rotate freely, and the wagon sits flat, so I am happy. 

Happy Easter

 

Happy Easter to everyone who reads this blog. Apologies for the AI slop, but I've been busy setting up proper egg-based photos for work. And I've had to eat all the chocolate...

If you are curious, the original photo is this one: 

 

Saturday Film Club: Quirks and Curiosities II

Hat tip to my Mum for this one. It popped up in here YouTube feed, and she spotted Polar Bear from the GGR and forwarded the link to me. 

This looks like a top even at the FR years ago. Loads of weird and wonderful locomotives. Aside from the bear, those compressed air-powered locos look fascinating. I could just build a model of one of those!

The latest Groudle locomotive

 

When I visit the Groudle Glen Railway, I always have to buy something from the shop. The problem is, I already own most of the branded souvenirs they sell. If you are lucky enough to get two visits in during your stay, this makes things worse. 

Last time I was there, in visit one, I finally bought the GGR fleece I'd wanted for a while; previous attempts were stymed by all the chubby enthusiasts beating me to it. 

On the second trip, I spotted something bright orange. It's a sort of steam engine, and best of all, number six, my lucky number! It was also very cheap, being sensibly aimed at kids visiting the line. So, orange, with a six, and cheap, how could I resist? 

The box has been kicking around for a while, and last week, I was just in the mood for some brick building, with the added attraction that I'd clear a medium-sized carton from the pile.  

56 pieces, all looking like Lego, but about 3/4 the size, and not compatible with the Denmark originals. 

Never mind, a few minutes fun was had putting the model together. It's fiddly, but not difficult. The biggest challenge being the wheels. For a start, they need to go on the correct way so the axle doesn't stick out from the middle. Then you apply the sticker, which doesn't. Pity, as they are a nice touch. 

I just hope the tiny contribution pays for a bit of loco coal. 

 

Lettering improvements

 

After letting the transfers dry, I wasn't happy. I'd reduced the silvering as much as I could, but there was still some. Also, between the big letters, you could see that the clear transfer sheet changed the background colour. 

So, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and safe in the knowledge that a healthy dose of weathering could cover all badness, I very lightly cut along the edges of the letters. 

Then, using a damp brush, I removed the clear sheet. Some of it could be lifted by sliding a scalpel blade underneath.  I've not managed to completely remove it, but most has gone, and I think the effort was worth it. 

A quick coat of matt varnish, and I'm pleased with the results. Now to do the other side. I hate picking out the ironwork...