Hi Paul, I know that you are building the loco version and these are the tank version but a gent has just posted loads of prototype photos of a standard 4 tank on Western Thunder - Here You may need to join to see the full sized photos but i would think that many of the details would be the same for your build.
Thanks for the link Rob, according to records both versions have 18 x 28" cylinders and 5' 8" driving wheels so the measurements should be the same.
Moving on from last weeks "issue" with what is right or not right dimension wise with the cylinder block which incidentally is near as damn it resolved now thanks to a response for information I put up on the Guild Forum, I set to and soldered in the axle bearings on the compensation beam. I'd held back on doing this job until some thin brass washers were delivered which would add strength to the beam which is quite thin really. I've also added the spring laminates and the wire which will hold the brake hangers. There are plenty more bits to be added to the chassis yet but for now I'm happy with what's done so far.
So back on went the driving wheels and side rods to see if everything rolls freely... yes it does so thank you whoever http://www.click yes the wheels rotate freely and there is absolutely no binding on the rods and the whole unit sits level on my marble flat board. With this attention was turned to the running plate and cab, to be honest the cab was not an easy assembly at all and the etches are susceptible to getting dings which I hadn't realised. Hopefully I can loose these dints in the pre-painting prep stage but it is a wake up call for when I start Owen Glendower which comes from the same Scorpio stable. Thankfully the Britannia is a totally new kit and not from the Acorn / Jim Harris drawing board or lack of one.
Finally the obligatory gloat picture of every put together so far, the cylinder block is still loose as yet but we can definitely see a loco emerging from all this chaos.
Hi Paul, I am glad to hear/see that you have got the current problems cracked. Shame about the dings is that because it's half etched?
It is because I didn't realise the half etch could be so susceptible when forming the curved profile to shape prior to soldering. The lower cab roof fold looks simple but there are three angles that have to come together in unison, the slope of the roof, the inward lean of the side windows and the angled front spectacle plate, all three have to meet with the curved roof piece. I have since managed to "tone down" the dings to some degree by rubbing in a gentle pressing action the affected etches between two pieces of flat wood, I think any more surface faults will show up in the primer stage, but the warning flag is flying now for any further builds of the BR design... a good old LMS cab looks so much the simpler me thinks.
Very impressive Paul. For the next one maybe tape some card to the half surfaces during the handling / bending phase. If you dink the dinks in the way, you could then fill the dink with solder and then flatten it out. Paul
Just recently I've managed to grab a couple of hours on the work table with the Standard 4 build, things have been manic at work and of course the Morris season is in full swing now so we are out and about drinking ale in nice settings http://www.clickhttp://www.clickhttp://www.click:lol: and bringing good luck, fertility and sunshine as we go but only if coins of the realm are deposited in the hat. So here is where we are right now with 75031 or possibly 75030 depending on which number plate I use, the backdrop is the Elton Crossing layout for a change to white card backgrounds. Started making up the firebox so that I can see how the loco cab sits in relation to the tender, the firebox has to be dressed now with cladding bands, side step and other furniture but you get the general idea. And a view from the back. And another from the front, the other job ongoing along with the boiler will be to make up the smokebox. Note the raft of parcels vans that seem to have accumulated in the Co-op Siding, the BG's are Kirk kits and the BY and Vanfits are by Slaters.
Now I've made up a little form jig which is the same internal diameter as the smokebox ring, the wrapper needs trimming along the bottom edge and some scrap etch soldering over the seamline then the brass forms can be inserted and soldered, the smokebox ring should then fit snugly into position when the smoke box wrapper is dressed and fitted to the boiler barrel. And not forgetting the chassis I've laminated the con rods in readyness of building up the cylinders. So that's it for now, I won't be able to get back on the workbench until Sunday unfortunately so any work I do on the loco will more than likely be attending to all the other little outstanding jobs such as fitting the cab steps and dressing the firebox in readiness to accept the boiler.
Jesus ..... fantastic. I love seeing the progress shots. its great to see these things come alive. a terrific quality build. I am envious. top job.
Thanks Toto, sadly on my kit building learning curve I didn't anneal the firebox wrappers so they are not as smooth as I'd like... disappointing really but I think I can stopper out the imperfections when it comes to the painting stage. Now I did look at the Micky Mouse on Ellis Clark's site and I'm quite tempted I must say but that Flying Pig has very strong magnetic qualities also. But thanks for the link anyway.