Friday, January 04, 2019

Timberkits Chuffy Train

If there's one thing I like on Christmas day, it's a simple to assemble model. Something I can put together in the afternoon while digesting my turkey and trifle.

The Timberkits "Chuffy Train" has been on my want list for a few months and a few less than subtle suggestions ensured it was wrapped and under the tree for me.

The box contains all the parts ready cut and drilled, a piece of wax, plus some coarse sandpaper and a pen-style dispenser full of wood glue. This last bit is very neat and will be squirreled away for exhibition use later.
Assembly is simply a case of following the nicely drawn instructions. You need to keep your wits about you and it helps if you can understand how the mechanism works - pretty easy here as this is a beginner rated model.  

You could put loads of work into this kit, varnishing every piece. Or you could just stick the bits together. Either way works and the resulting model is satisfying.I opted to add some colour with acrylic paints for the train and buildings. Acrylic on wood dries lightning fast so the model was complete in a couple of hours. 

No problems were encountered in the built, although you need to ensure the central spindle is well stuck into the bottom plate or the middle of the scene will revolve slowly as the train runs around. 



A very satisfying model for those times when you don't want too much intellectual stimulation. 

1 comment:

Huw Griffiths said...

It looks like that setup even uses digital control.

Five digits, to be precise - or one hand, which turns a handle.

Obviously, I could be very much mistaken ….