The problem with a freelance model is that there's nothing to copy when adding detail. I felt that the skirt looks a little plain, and so have assumed that the panels hinge upwards to provide access to the wheels and (imaginary) waggly bits.
For this, there will need to be some handles. My first though was to use the holes made in the bottom corners fo twistable handles, but I wasn't happy with the results, so have opted for grab handles. I'm not sure this is right either, but hopefully, no-one will worry.
Hinges are made from bits of plastic strip and rod, taked in place with Revell Contacta and then given a dose of ABS solvent so we have a suggestive lump that hopefully looks the part.
The grab handles look great. On the "real" thing I would imagine though that there would be hand sized slots through the panels instead, otherwise the grab handles partly defeat the object of the panels which is nothing sticking out to get caught on things. As you say they look right though, and rule 1 applies
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ReplyDeleteHaving over the years built several skirted tramway style locomotives - granted all somewhat freelance and in smaller scales - may I suggest that one needs to think through the logic of what one is portraying?
As I have understood a previous post and references you have provided, the Boot Lane kit is "inspired by" the Hughes locomotives that ran on the Wantage Tramway. That prototype had end doorways above the central buffer cum coupling.
However, in your posting of Monday 20 February 2023 you spoke of "modifying ….. model a bit", admired the LGB 24500 tram loco, and said you would "be taking a few design cues from it."
Whilst there are many differences between the Hughes locomotive and OEG No 102 (the prototype inspiration for the LGB model), a basic one is the driving position. The OEG locomotive (according to LGB based on Henschel & Sohn No 3618 of 1891 *) was driven from the side and thus had doorways there with the necessary footsteps for access.
In short therefore, if you envisage your loco with end entry à la Hughes that is fine, but if taking design elements from the OEG loco then it would be necessary to incorporate into the skirts cab footsteps.
I continue to follow this project with interest.
* This prototype was of course also the inspiration for a much loved EggerBahn model.
Christopher Payne
Good point. I'm not planning to alter the doorways on the tram as if I do that, I might as well scratchbuild a new body. My initial thoughts are just to take out some glazing bars so we have 3 long windows instead of 6 small ones.
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