Timpdon Models Rolling Stock Putter-Onner

 

Another bag off the kit pile - this time a useful device to make putting 45mm gauge rolling stock on the track a bit easier. 

Supplied as a mix of laser-cut MDF and basswood (I think) parts, everything slots together nicely with no fettling. PVA glue was my adhesive of choice. Using a few weights and clamps, construction took very little time. The results would be strong enough for a small steam loco, and possibly something a bit bigger is you were careful. At 26cm long, you'd need to feed a Garratt on, but I'm sure it could be done.

The instructions suggest spray varnishing the result, so I gave it a few coats of Halfords laquer. This sort of worked, but the results were a bit blotchy as the paint soaked into the MDF unevenly. The following morning, I gave it a sand and a couple of coats of Ronseal interior varnish, producing a much more satisfying result. 

Mind you, the varnish is just a nicely, the thing will work just as well without it, and perhaps even gain a working pattina more quickly! To be honest, the thing is so cheap, you could replace it when it gets tatty anyway.

Timpdon Models Putter-Onner.