Connoisseur Models Brake Vans

Discussion in 'Kits, Kit bashes & Scratch builds' started by Kimbo, Jan 23, 2018.

  1. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    Like Toto I have been building the BR 20 std brake van, unfortunately I've missed some of the build pictures, :facepalm: as once I get into gear I forget to take progress pictures.At the same time as building this brake van I also started the GWR Toad brake van.
    The main body is just 6 parts, two end panels, two inner door panels and to sides which have a bend in to form the base for the sole bars. This is all assembled with a tag system so locating the parts is straight forward, I've used my small tip on the soldering iron with the temperature turned to high and 100 degree solder slithers used to tack each corner in place then re check to make sure the panels are square before adding more flux and a small piece of solder and then complete the solder run down each panel on the inside.

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    The GWR Toad short wheel base brake van was built using the same methods as above. Sole bars added next, then add the white metal axle guards plus the wheel sets.

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    This shows where the vertical angle detailing has been soldered on the inside, again all done with the tag systems into slots. White metal detailing has also been added

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    Buffer housings and roof detail (see further on) added and almost ready for a clean up and wash then a paint with etching primer.

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    Wire handrails are fun to do, all soldered on the inside.Use a spacer between the body work and the handrail to give the same spacing on all the handrails, I use a piece of thick card.

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    Back to the BR model. Add the side steps and brackets, door securing bars and hand rails done as above.

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    You can see the slot and tags in this picture

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    Add the solebar detailing, these are first tinned and a very small dab of solder on the sole bar where the marked position is etched in, then using hi heat from the reverse side sweat the two together.

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    Same method for the ducket bolt head overlay, tin both pieces then flux and heat up from the reverse side, use a cocktail stick to apply pressure to the overlay, again plenty of heat and this detailing will simple solder into place with minimal clean up on the front

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    Other side

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    This is all the solder you need for this panel

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    Once heated up from the rear this is what you get, a nice clean joint with virtually no clean up other than flux residue, which will be removed when the model is washed in hot water.

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    Pictures a little out of order but note the flux and solder have gone right to all the edges where the detail panel will fit.

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    White metal ducket's done in the same way, or you could use a contact adhesive and clamp them on till dry.

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    Add the rest on the roof detailing and finish off the hand rails. The horizontal one has two split pin to hold it in place, these I soldered from the inside of the body work

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    Roof detailing and rain strips. This is how I do it but I'm sure there's other ways. The instructions give you roof measurements of where the rain-strips end, and how far onto the roof the curves start. I mark all these details on the roof in pencil, including the chimney and vent location.I then solder a strip of wire in the centre position of both curves on one side. Use some clips to hold ever thing nice and tight.

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    Now cut the centre of the wire and the gentle bend the wire to the marked positions, any excess wire will be trimmed off later, use your clamps again and then tack in position as close to the ends as you can.
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    Tacked with 100 degree solder. Now work with plenty of flux at one end and used the solder at the tacked positions to draw the solder around the joint. The more solder you add the more clean up so try to use only the tagged amount. Only do one end to centre, then stop and let the pieces cool down then do the other side. Remove the clips, trim the wire and clean up.

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    Finished model (still buffers, chains etc to add after painting) after clean up and hot water scrub and rinse.

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    Toad completed the same way as above. Roof not fixed on either model as I need access to add some electrics to them.

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    Floor boards have had a first coat, ready for further colours then some weathering and a brake man to be added, which comes with the kit :thumbs: Nice one Jim.

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    Side by side so that you can see just how small the toad is. These brake vans lasted into BR days and would make a great addition to a small shunting layout where space for wagons is at a premium
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    The electrics have been added, Ixion lamps modified to take a small LED with a stay-alive added to stop flickering (great for dc users as the light once charged up will stay on when power to the track is switched off. Ie when a train stops in the goods yard. I've had these lights stay on for 10 mins or more after the power is removed)GWR Permanent way brake van, Peco kit, with the wrong resistor fitted. :facepalm:
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    room light turned off.

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    So now ready for final painting and then decals and finally weathering.....more to follow as and when they all get to this stage.:thumbs: Kim
     
  2. Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    Great builds Kim, they both look the part! Well done :tophat::tophat:
     
  3. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Excellent job ...... How it should be done. :avatar:
     
  4. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    Thanks Ron :thumbs:
    Toto. It's just practice, practice, practice, and my builds are far from perfect.
    I have to say that the BR Brake is a lot harder to build than the Toad brake van. It would make a really good starter kit for some one moving on from plastic kit building.
    Kim
     
  5. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    Fantastic models Kim :worship:. The difference between painted and the raw brass is incredible, they simply POP once painted, well done!

    Cheer's, Pete.
     
  6. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    http://www.click Pete. It also shows up errors as well :mad:
    Looking forward to weathering these and the rest I built a couple of weeks back. This batch building is quite addictive.
    Got to get the coach stock started soon.
    Kim
     

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