Scratch building a NSWGR Loading Ramp

Some of you have already read my thread on scratch building the North American loading ramp/deck, so whilst I had my balsa and skewers out from yesterdays task, I thought I'd make a reasonable model of the NSWGR loading ramp. These ramps were either made of timber or concrete and found all across the State in rural areas for the loading of materials, wool bales, tractors etc.

I have used a Data Sheet to get my proportions right, but made a very simple version of what's on the plan. It will not normally be seen (the face) so all the finer detail needn't be there. This will be used on my NSWGR HO scale exhibition plank.

So, away we go...

I first drew the ramp up on some 3mm foam core as it will make a stable backing for the ramp.



Next I took my 1mm thick balsa sheet and using the balsa stripper, cut planks at a scale 9" wide (approximately 2.6mm).



These 9" planks were cut to fit each section of the ramp. Where the ramp is horizontal, the planks copied that, but where there is a ramp, the timbers were laid on the same angle. These were fixed with Tarzan Grip.



A close up of the individual timber planks glued to the foam core. Where the gap between the angled and the horizontal timbers meet, a pile will be placed in front



After this had cured, the capping went on. This capping is 12" x 12" timber according to the Data Sheet. Well close enough is good enough so I used 3mm square balsa. I lapped the capping on the ramp sections as per the plan for a little authenticity...



All the piles were cut from 3mm skewers. Bamboo skewers are a PITA to cut neat... Again, these were fixed with Tarzan Grip.



A look along the length of the ramp showing the piles in position.



After the piles had cured, the whole lot was given a few washes of thinned down flat black enamel.



The wash came up ok and all I need to do now is to install the loading ramp on the layout !



Cheers, Gary.

 

Very similar indeed.

I once had a Data Sheet for the NSWGR platforms, but that disappeared years ago...

Cheers, Gary.

 

Thanks Richard.

As for the balsa stripper availability...

In Australia : https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MASTER-AIRSCREW-MASA4000-STRIPPER-BALSA-MAS-GR-PLASTIC-inc-BLADE/132305085960?epid=722832208&hash=item1ecdff6608:g:0YcAAOSwCcZaHyWw

In UK : https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2056350.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XMaster+airscrew+balsa+stripper.TRS0&_nkw=Master+airscrew+balsa+stripper&_sacat=0

Cheers, Gary.