Llangollen display diorama.

I'm not sure this could truly be termed a "Plank" more like a "Stick" really in view of its short size. Right for the benefit of all new and recently joined members this is what this thread is about, basically Platform 1 is going to present the Llangollen Diesel Group with a display model of D5310 as a way of creating shall we say a cultural exchange opportunity. The loco we will present to Llangollen is the prototype model of BRCW Type 2 Sulzer locomotive D5310 as designed by Steve Beattie and being built by myself, the loco will be finished in BR green livery and will sit in a display case with simple scenic ground cover. The size of the case is 11" x 22" as this seems a good enough size that doesn't cramp the loco, bearing in mind of course the Diesel group are limited for space on their station display. Negotiations for this are being driven by Andy Sollis who is the contact with the full size loco owner and Toto because this is the forerunner and test build for the new Highlander Models Class 26 and Class 27 kit range currently under development.

So here are some pics of the styrene profile I glued onto an 8mm ply base, to give some idea of how this will work I place a Toad brake van to give a perspective. The loco will sit on a slight embankment with a shallow cutting behind.

 

I should have built this bit a few weeks ago so you could have layered the scenics with the static applicator when you called round the other week. Never mind Andy you can airbrush the loco

 

Ok fair do then... how about soldering kits instead ... or at least stacking safely away all the reals that will be needed over the coming few months.

 

as they say Toto its always a damn big Platform 1 privilege

 

yup soon to be buying by the box full... whats coming through the pipeline over the next twelve months or so

 

With the styrene ground former pieces fixed securely with the CT1 compound which had overnight to cure I knocked up some Multi Finish to quite a "wet" consistency and applied it randomly to the styrene building up the ground contours gradually. The Multi Finish should stick to the styrene without drying back with cracks because the water content cannot be sucked out quickly as often happens on masonry walls, there is no need to PVA the surface first, with the plaster still nicely wet I liberally sprinkled grit sand on to add some terrain texture. Once the mix has dried I shall seal the whole surface with SBR Admix which is a latex bonder available from all good builders merchants or if you are feeling flush you can buy the same stuff in fancy 500mil spray bottles labelled Static Grass Basing Glue.

 

Andy annoying doesn't even describe it... that's my Gladiator Duchess down the pan for the time being, but as I keep reminding Toto and Dundee it is an absolute privilege to spend so much on extruded polystyrene for such a worthy project. At least we can all say Platform 1 takes a green approach in helping to save the planet.

 

I think Toto may well have something like that in mind Gary.

 

When the time comes Toto will make an official announcement so all Platform 1 members wishing to attend the presentation ceremony can be present, this would be a great opportunity for a group meet up and social. Toto and Andy will keep us all informed when this will be because it is a matter of timing really and availability at Llangollen. I believe the loco is undergoing a full repaint with bogies out and may not be available again until September