G`day Folks, I finished the exterior inset panels this afternoon Now before the interior panels go in, the floor and steps needs to be painted. I`ve started on a flight of stairs but was beaten by the light today, so will continue tomorrow. Gormo
G`day Folks, Once the steps and floors were painted on my footbridge, I started adding interior paneling. The paneling was printed and added to the same thickness card that I used for the outer panels. Each section had to be carefully trimmed to fit just right in between the posts, and then the panels were glued with PVA to keep them in place. Clamping was required until the glue set. The height of each panel was set slightly below the top rail on the girders to give the impression that the panels were set into the girder frame, whereas in reality they are not. All panel edges were coloured with a graphic marker to hide the tell tale white cuts Then two coats of Cream paint were required on the interiors of the roof frames, as they can be seen if you pick the right view point. Once the second coat had dried, I started applying the valances The valances also have a coat of cream paint on the back of them, once again, if you choose the right viewing point you will be able to see the back of the lower portion of the them. Cereal box card was used for the valances, so the back of the card has printed material on it that needed to be concealed. This is where we are at end of play today. I need to prepare some more valances before moving forward. I am busy for the next couple of days so I can`t see much happening until late in the weekend. Gormo
Just proves what a bit of patience can produce. I always start out intending to take my time but then suddenly whooosh I get carried away.
An example of that is the brake linkage under a plastic wagon kit. Some are quite complicated and I think this time I'll do it properly. Then half way through I think sod it, you can’t see it unless the wagon is on its back.
Well Brian, Some detail is purely to satisfy the owner, especially if it`s not easy to see. My patience was tested doing the interior panels, I would have scrapped at least 4 or 5.......I thought it doesn`t look quite right, so start again and get it right. A fraction of a millimeter can make a lot of difference It`s a pain, but worth the effort in the end, because it won`t be annoying me for forever and a day Gormo
Attention to the fractions even in 4mm scale is essential for a satisfying end result But like Brian, these days if I can't see it I don't spend time on it, the same will go for when I might get some kit built/bashed wagons finished I started in the 70's, I shan't be lettering them now, difficult to apply, and mis-aligned even slightly will annoy me intensely Jim
G`day Folks, I `ve finished putting on all the valance sections and now can focus on the roof sections. So here we have different views of the bridge sporting valance all around now. So I have roof trusses printed and glued to thin card. They will be cut out and glued back to back and fitted to most of the upper part of the bridge. The last flights of stairs on both sides that connect to ground level, will have a flat roof, and if I`ve got the angles on the roof trusses correct, the flat roofs will look like a continuation of the gabled roof.......fingers crossed... More as it happens Gormo
The chocolate and cream of the GWR really blends well with the English countryside and that is reflected in how much better the footbridge is looking since its conversion from the original austere grey, it's looking very good Gormo, Jim
I’ve never been a GWR fan, but have to say I totally agree. Gormo has totally transformed this bridge!
G`day Folks, Well we are now onto the tricky bit.....I guess there have been other tricky bits, but this section dealing with the roof, and especially getting it right, will be crucial to getting the model to look right. Basically I`m building the roof as you would a real footbridge roof, however with compromises that the scale allows. For example, the corrugated card, although it is thin and flexible, if it is supported well and glued at various points, should hold it`s shape without bowing. I`m taking a bit of a punt on this, rather than backing it with extra card to beef it up. I think the single layer of card will give a better impression of a typical lightweight corrugated iron roof Below are roof trusses being cut out.....they are very fine and delicate and only span 25mm....so careful cutting is required. They gain some extra strength through being glued back to back later on. Once secured to the support beams, they form that rigid triangular shape which will strengthen them a bit more The first pair assembled and glued ( Superglue ) in place. Eight fitted below and at least two more to be made. They are all lining up rather well, which is a bonus. Test fitting some corrugated card. It`s cut initially 36mm wide, and then scored at 18mm along it`s length and folded. This is another method that will add strength to the roof, rather than adding separate panels each side. I should be able to do this for all the gable sections, however cutting the angled sections correctly will take some trial and error. The angled sections, that will take the flat roof, will require additional support beams fitted near the posts to once again stop the card from bowing, although extra card could probably be fitted here without too much trouble. Will have to ponder that one......... Well......I`m still plugging away at it, but the end is in sight. Gormo
G`day Folks, Progress in little steps. Decided to do some card inner ceilings for the flat roof sections on the stairs. They will fit snugly in between the longitudinal support beams for the roof and give a good surface area to glue the flat roof onto. Then cut out and coloured some roof sections And the roof sections have been glued into place More roof sections to make and fit and then we`re nearly done Gormo
G`day Folks, Got the roof finished today.......now it needs ridge capping, weathering etc.etc.etc. Gormo
Another beautiful kit bash Gormo. You have enhance the old Airfix/Dapol footbridge dramatically. Cheers, Gary.