I recently purchased two kits from ASAM models. These hopefully will join the Ellis Clark Presflo’s and a planned silo build diorama. BR13 FODEN FG FLATBED - PORTLAND CEMENT RR128 SCAMMELL ROUTEMAN 8X4 CEMENT TANKER - BLUE CIRCLE CEMENT. These are white metal kits including brass axles, rubber tyres, and a full set of very nice looking decals. Instructions are “basic” but there’s not many parts to sort out so it should be fairly easy to assemble. Kits can be glued or soldered, the instructions say, I have decided to used Gorilla glue precise Gel and where needed baking powder to strengthen the joins. The Foden will be the first victim, as it has less parts to assemble , no doubt I will probably start the tanker while the glue and paint drys.
Love the Foden 8 wheeler. Had a maroon Dinky version with posts and chains back in the dark ages. Was always one of my favourites. Just like this.
They look excellent clean castings Kimbo, always a sign of a decent quality kit, especially in white metal. Keith.
Hi Keith, yes they are very nice. However there’s is a fair bit of “pitting” on a few items (I’m sure there’s a correct name for this issue), I’ve used Tamiya fine filler on them and then some 240 wet sanding. The SCAMMELL front grill had major issues with two sections of the grill filled completely with flashing. Blades and needle files have improved it.
Hi Brian. Baking powder and runny super glue can be used to repair /fill models. I first saw it used a few years back on die cast model restorations. Follow this link below and you will see how i use it . Method starts at approx 15.15mins. Kim
Time to start the clean up. Small amount of flashing on the chassis and sides sorted out with a sharp blade and some sanding paper on a flat surface. (I use an old thick glass bathroom shelf) There’s an issue with the rear wheel arches….the etch is short. An email to Alan at ASAM tells me to “stretch” the etch . “Stretching” the etch causes the arches to elongate, which looks wrong. So using an 11mm drill to open out the centre curve and then an 17mm ring spanner to re form the arches around, looks to give the correct fit. Front wheel arches and axle assembly with prop shaft all go together fairly easily. Next issue. The spare wheel. Three different sizes are included with the kit. Non fit into the rear chassis markings for the wheel strapping One is to small, and the other two are much larger…..as there is also a spare wheel and tyre in the kit I’m going to use that and scratch make two brass straps ……………….
Kimbo, What does the baking powder do? Is it some form of chemical reaction with the super glue or simple colouring it so you can see it more easily? Mossy
……. So the spare, spare wheel included in the kit looks a better option than the white metal part. Just needs two strips of brass to form the strapping. primed with Tamiya Fine primer. ‘The cab needs a little bit of fettling and will be painted last as it will need to be painted yellow, then masked up so that the arches can be sprayed blue. Main body and chassis painted Roof and name display board plus the odd looking roof rack. Straps bent up, primed, painted and glued into their correct positions. Next will be the cab painting…….
While the paint is drying on the flat bed I’ve started the tanker. ‘The cab had a lot of cleaning up to do on the grills, there was a lump of casting that had to be carefully removed. ‘Chassis parts are all cleaned up and all fit nicely. Wing mirrors are an easy item to bend up. I’ll paint these separately, then add a “mirror” and finally fit when I’m happy with the bodywork. Holes had to be drilled in the cab sides to accept these. ‘next job is the tube for the tank. This has to be cut square at 108mm long. I took the easy option and used my woodworking drop saw to give a straight cut with just a small amount of sanding to remove the burr’s. end sections have had their detailing added and then cleaned up ready for primer. ……….
Both models now in different stages of painting….. Foden needs the wheel arches cab masked off so that the arches can be sprayed blue…..I’m waiting for some lining tape to arrive. The SCAMMELL name plates need the letters painting according to the instructions…..I’ve chosen to carefully sand off the yellow paint on the letters ….wing mirrors fitted and I’ve also sanded back the mirror side which looks ok at a distance, I might add a mirror if I can find a sticky silver transfer. SCAMMELL chassis now in primer so while I wait for paint to dry I might as well look at the new Fordson V7 kit……..
Post lady arrived today with my tape. Why has it taken me so long to buy this stuff ?, it’s amazing how easy you can stretch it and curve it around, in this instance, the wheel arch on the Foden
Back to the SCAMMELL. The kit is supplied with two vacuum shaped front and rear screens plus a flat sheet for the side windows….as normal with these type of items the need trimming and a little tweaking to make them fit. now all cut to size and ready for gluing into position once I’ve done a final dry fit of the cab interior and the lower section of the cab.
Well that was fun ! Rear screen and doors easy as but the front screen took a fair bit of tweaking to get it to fit correctly….and it’s still not 100% perfect on close inspection.