Been a long time in the works, but my first scratch build is almost nearing completion. Its a 7 ton private owner coal wagon to the "South Wales" pattern ie dumb buffered at the solid end and sprung at the door end. The wheelbase is 5 foot and it has no side doors as it's main (probably only) purpose is on pit to port workings in the South Wales coalfield. The wife's old jewellery that she has given to me has been handy for producing 5 linked couplings. I've still got a few final bits to add on but it looks like a wagon at last.
Very nice - 5ft wheel base, it's surprising you fit all the bits in, how many more will you have to build for the train Paul
Most of the brake gear is spare from a Cambrian kit so it is very much a bodge job befitting a prototype effort - microstrip and an inverted V hanger with shaped balsa wood brake blocks - I think the next ones need a more fine scale approach (may god and satan have mercy on my soul for my choice) as per the photo I found on the netty webs below: I may go for another 9 more initially just to get a small rake going - strictly speaking they are a little before my chosen time period of 1900 onwards but as they're pretty local and unique to my area I can't help but feel like I need a few.
Just in case anyone needs to know just how small these tubs are here it is between 2 more conventional wagons.
You have done a good job replicating the prototype. A rake of 10 or so wagons will look great ! You will be a 'master builder' after the 10th model !! Cheers, Gary.
Well I've taken the plunge and started a second wagon. Flicking through my book on the Swansea Vale I found a picture of a 4 plank variation on the South Wales pattern to take 6 ton loads. Naturally I have to build one - the pictures show my basic boxy construction method. Good old amateur modelling at it's finest.