yaxxbarl Posted June 27, 2023 Share Posted June 27, 2023 (edited) On my workbench the past few days has been my Sonic J50 conversion - wheels now painted and on a test run... Also, my NCB Austerity No. 8 finally has its new chassis under it... Both need couplings and No. 8 will get a spot of weathering. This is effectively a rebuild of my first 2FS loco from over 20 years ago - now updated with a proper chassis to replace the original Farish/Ballantine wheels conversion. It's also had a full repaint and updated detailing using etches and details that have become available since its first iteration. Cheers, John Edited June 27, 2023 by yaxxbarl 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted June 30, 2023 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted June 30, 2023 Initial track testing for the Area groups proposed plank looks like the nearest point needs a tweak or two The class 24 and Jinty ran fine however. First time the C has been run properly since Derby 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted June 30, 2023 Share Posted June 30, 2023 2 hours ago, nick_bastable said: Initial track testing for the Area groups proposed plank looks like the nearest point needs a tweak or two I'd say that either the between checks is a bit wide or the back-to-back on the C is a bit tight. If the Jinty and diseasel were OK, the latter is what I'd check first. Jim 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Higgs Posted July 1, 2023 Share Posted July 1, 2023 On 28/06/2023 at 00:29, yaxxbarl said: On my workbench the past few days has been my Sonic J50 conversion - wheels now painted and on a test run... Also, my NCB Austerity No. 8 finally has its new chassis under it... Both need couplings and No. 8 will get a spot of weathering. This is effectively a rebuild of my first 2FS loco from over 20 years ago - now updated with a proper chassis to replace the original Farish/Ballantine wheels conversion. It's also had a full repaint and updated detailing using etches and details that have become available since its first iteration. Cheers, John If you want to see how British N gauge RTR has come in the last few years (decades?) these two photos are it. Chris 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Square Posted July 1, 2023 Share Posted July 1, 2023 (edited) On my temporary workbench at Railex Buxton, wagons. Some for painting, some for fabrication. Edited July 1, 2023 by Yorkshire Square 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt.S. Posted July 2, 2023 Share Posted July 2, 2023 16 hours ago, Yorkshire Square said: On my temporary workbench at Railex Buxton, wagons. Some for painting, some for fabrication. Ahh, one from the Queensland group? 1 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Richard Hall Posted July 2, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted July 2, 2023 I'm not an especially good modeller. My approach is crude and my methods unsound. But just occasionally by sheer good luck I manage to pull off something like this: Even before adding weight and general fettling it actually runs quite well, at least in a straight line. I lengthened the driveshaft at both ends and it now shows no signs of binding up. The Black Five crossheads turned out to fit the Farish cylinders and slidebars perfectly. Advice to anyone else doing this conversion: don't even bother messing around with the Farish crossheads, just use the Association ones. It is a pity they are not available on their own: anyone want a Black Five smokebox door? I broke the valve spindle covers so I need to fabricate some replacements and find a way to secure the front end of the radius rods so they do not move up and down. Balance weights on the wheels, dummy coal load to hide the motor and then some new numbers. Blyth North (52F) had a handful of 2MTs for a short time in 1960-61, just long enough for a couple to venture to Rothbury. I know 46474 was one of them but I already have that one in N gauge. After this things should get easier: all my other locomotive requirements have inside cylinders. Richard 14 1 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaxxbarl Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 On 01/07/2023 at 08:24, Chris Higgs said: If you want to see how British N gauge RTR has come in the last few years (decades?) these two photos are it. Chris I'll dig out a picture as what's probably more as interesting is no.8 as it was when first converted in the early 2000s compared to now. Certainly the proper chassis under it as opposed to the initial Ballantine conversion does make a difference! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaxxbarl Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 As I've said already my Austerity is a reworking of one of my first 2FS models - here's a photo of it from 2008 compared with now showing what 15 years of progress makes... 2008 - Ballantine wheels on Farish Chassis... 2023 - Association chassis to correct spacing, RT Models detailing etch ⁷ Ultimately there needs to be a new generation of Hunslet Austerity Tank model as a basis, but it's probably still years off since the proposed DJ Models one failed to appear. Cheers, John 6 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt.S. Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 From the smaller upside down area group - two Harris minerals and an assoc V23 on the bench, with two Ex Southern opens departing. I'm rather grateful for the printed buffers and axleboxes which have sped up the process. 13 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Hall Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 Grrr. Looking at the 2MT last night while trying to figure out how to make some valve covers I realised I have fitted the expansion links back to front. Also the combination levers seem to be about 0.75mm short compared to the Roche drawing, which means the radius rod sits almost horizontal rather than being angled upwards towards the front. The union link looks to be attached slightly lower on the crosshead which doesn't help, downside of using Black Five bits I suppose. Question: do I go back and have another go (and risk ruining all my previous work) or leave it as it is and be pestered by rivet counters at shows for evermore? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Michael Edge Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 5, 2023 It's a common enough mistake but it's really glaring even in 2mm. Don't take the Roche drawing as gospel there are lots of errors in these. It looks as if you have it in mid gear, in which case the radius rod doesn't move so the easiest way to stop it waggling about is to solder it to the valve spindle which you don't appear to have fitted yet. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DavidLong Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 5, 2023 On 04/07/2023 at 10:00, yaxxbarl said: As I've said already my Austerity is a reworking of one of my first 2FS models - here's a photo of it from 2008 compared with now showing what 15 years of progress makes... 2008 - Ballantine wheels on Farish Chassis... 2023 - Association chassis to correct spacing, RT Models detailing etch ⁷ Ultimately there needs to be a new generation of Hunslet Austerity Tank model as a basis, but it's probably still years off since the proposed DJ Models one failed to appear. Cheers, John Couldn't agree more, John. Absolute plethora of choices in 4mm scale but no sign of an N version since the aborted Jones project. I always hoped that RT would do a 'normal' cab etch to consign that ridiculous Poole cab side cut-out to the dustbin of history but it has never happened. David 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 5, 2023 39 minutes ago, DavidLong said: Couldn't agree more, John. Absolute plethora of choices in 4mm scale but no sign of an N version since the aborted Jones project. I always hoped that RT would do a 'normal' cab etch to consign that ridiculous Poole cab side cut-out to the dustbin of history but it has never happened. David Agreed, a new generation austerity would be nice. Mine is a hybrid of white metal (Marsh?) and a brass footplate on an Association chassis. Bit crude but looks the part - I really must put a bit of paint over those wires! Jerry 6 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaxxbarl Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 37 minutes ago, queensquare said: Agreed, a new generation austerity would be nice. Mine is a hybrid of white metal (Marsh?) and a brass footplate on an Association chassis. Bit crude but looks the part - I really must put a bit of paint over those wires! Jerry Yes, that does look good - I actually have a Marsh white metal kit for an Austerity so I may have a look into combining it with detailing parts from the RT Models etch. The main thing I'd have to do with the etch is slim down the etched cab back a little - I'll need to check how their rear window spacing compares with the Marsh castings. Cheers, John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 5, 2023 22 minutes ago, yaxxbarl said: Yes, that does look good - I actually have a Marsh white metal kit for an Austerity so I may have a look into combining it with detailing parts from the RT Models etch. The main thing I'd have to do with the etch is slim down the etched cab back a little - I'll need to check how their rear window spacing compares with the Marsh castings. Cheers, John I think that combination would be the best approach at the moment John. I don’t think the RT etch was available when I did mine otherwise I would have used it. Im a fan of grubby industrials with chevrons - it’s the only working steam I remember from the early 70s. One day I’ll do a little cameo for them to play on - it’s on the list! Jerry 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DavidLong Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 5, 2023 3 hours ago, queensquare said: Agreed, a new generation austerity would be nice. Mine is a hybrid of white metal (Marsh?) and a brass footplate on an Association chassis. Bit crude but looks the part - I really must put a bit of paint over those wires! Jerry That Austerity has an excellent name, Jerry. I thought that you were a Gas man rather a fellow Gooner😄 David 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 5, 2023 1 hour ago, DavidLong said: That Austerity has an excellent name, Jerry. I thought that you were a Gas man rather a fellow Gooner😄 David Its Highbury in Somerset though my Dad was a Gooner! 😊 Jerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Doncaster Green Posted July 5, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 5, 2023 This may seem like a silly question, but I've seen a number of references to an RT etch in relation to the Austerity. What does it cover and where would I get one? John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaxxbarl Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 23 minutes ago, Doncaster Green said: This may seem like a silly question, but I've seen a number of references to an RT etch in relation to the Austerity. What does it cover and where would I get one? John John, Here's the link to RT Model's 2mm detailing parts page - https://rtmodels.co.uk/rt_models_009.htm Currently, the Austerity detailing etch, the Lambton Cab etch and a Sentinel body are listed. Cheers, John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaxxbarl Posted July 7, 2023 Share Posted July 7, 2023 On 05/07/2023 at 17:39, yaxxbarl said: John, Here's the link to RT Model's 2mm detailing parts page - https://rtmodels.co.uk/rt_models_009.htm Currently, the Austerity detailing etch, the Lambton Cab etch and a Sentinel body are listed. Cheers, John Jerry, A bit of research on Shapeways shows that Recreation21/Rue d'Etropal does indeed do an Austerity body - https://www.shapeways.com/product/6F9KTM9NN/b-148fs-j94-austerity-loco?optionId=299292697&li=marketplace I'll have to see if I feel like paying the postage BUT that combined with the RT etch might be another option. I'd really need to get one and see and also work out how where I'm going to put some weight in it! Cheers, John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt.S. Posted July 9, 2023 Share Posted July 9, 2023 One into paint, one built... Harris minerals are a bit addictive. 11 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanFogg Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 (edited) Searching through my gloat box, I came across one of David Eveleigh's etches, labelled "LNWR single bolster chassis". It seems a good match to a Diagram 12 Timber Wagon, or its counterpart Diagram 13 Twin Timber Wagon. The brake gear is not quite the same as that depicted in LNWR Wagons Volume 1 but could well be a later modification. Since there are two chassis on the etch, I opted for Diagram 13. The etch only provides for a base, fold down sides, W irons, brakes and axle boxes, there are no ends or any form of body. The ends came from my spares box. One end has conventional buffers, the other a circular version. The latter I cut from a slice of brass tube, infilled with solder. The body is a simple styrene structure. The prototype bolster was made from a block of 10 inch timber. Searching for something suitable with which to make it, I hit on turnout sleepers, glued back-to-back. The lower one was drilled to take a 12 BA bolt with the head chopped off to act as a pivot. The bolt will be shortened after final assembly. The stanchions are 0.5mm brass and small loops were added from phosphor bronze. The curved guides were made by scanning the plan, reducing to actual size and using the print as a template to cut thin styrene. The long bar joins the two bolsters from below, making it rather like a very short bogie wagon. Painting will have to wait for the weather to get warmer. Duncan Edited July 12, 2023 by DuncanFogg 9 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 Work on Kirkallanmuir has somewhat stalled over recent months as I've been working on other things (2 locos and a set of 65ft carriages, among others). At present I'm working on a water tank for the F&C groups new layout 'Mearns Shed'. (see the blog). It is based on the one at Forfar which sat on a stone base with 4 windows in the front. The base is constructed from 40thou styrene with a 20 thou cornice round the top. The tank, windows and door were on my latest sheet of etches which arrived last week and so allowed me to get started on this. The base with the windows and door. The windows for the shed itself were also on the etch and have been soldered up so that they can all be painted together. The tank, also on the etch, has been put together, glued to a 40thou base, which has been shaped to form the bottom of the tank, and fitted with a piece of styrene which will become the water surface. The stonework is a download from Smart Models, the colour manipulated in Microsoft Picture manager and then a screen snip imported into AutoCAD where the quoins and window surrounds were added, in the same way as I did for the warehouse on Kirkallanmuir. Windows and door ready for painting (the slips of paper are to prevent the paint clogging the space for the glazing to be slipped in) and the tank sitting on the base. The paper overlay is just lightly tacked on with Pritt, so the window reveals are not folded in. Jim 15 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt.S. Posted July 17, 2023 Share Posted July 17, 2023 One of these almost certainly was motivated by Jerry. One less wagon clogging the gloat box and absolutely useless for my needs. The others are a step towards building more plain workaday wagons using the fencehouses chassis. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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