Giles

So far as I can tell from photographs, the front end should still taper in more. The 'nose' would appear to be about 70% of the width at the bottom compared to at smokebox level. Giving something more like this, also with the doors narrowed to allow for support framing, and raised to a more correct level (by eye!) The vallance cut out curve also needs adjustment to make it shallower

Very nice! I contemplated a Chinese CO2 before I bought my Emblazer- but I really wanted something small and plug and play. However, you were obviously aware of the need to prepare and commission the machine properly yourself beforehand, which is excellent. It sounds like a really useful Tool! (I still don't have room for one Though! ) 10 1/4 track is NEVER wasted.....!

Thanks Chris. Likewise I plan on running both machines, as the E1 is superb for some of the stuff I do, and thing so like the silicon mats are not so useful for some of the really small stuff..

I must say - that is rather good Chris! I can't wait to see what you're going to build with that window..... How many passes did that take you in practice? .....still enjoying my Emblazer 1......

Dear little maddened F-Unit, I apologise for the shortcomings of the service you have received. This is entirely due to the failings of the Royal Mail, who singularly failed to deliver the item before I posted it. Rest assured that I took this matter up with them yesterday - however to no avail. Sadly, you can look forward to more poor service. Have a lovely weekend on your hands a knees searching for the wipers you dropped.... Best Giles.

Just to let people know, I have commissioned the guard iron etch sheets, and although I won't get a price until some time after they are delivered to me - I am expecting them to work out at £4 a set. I won't take any actual orders until I have them! Best, Giles

A great pile went in the post box at 1.00pm today, consisting of all orders paid for at that time. Do let me know if anyone has any problems. To do with 08 wipers, obviously.

I haven't finished the artwork for the guard iron etch sheets yet, and then there will be a delay while they're done - so as yet (before I commission the etches) I looking to see how many are Wanted, but I'm not taking payments for them.

I could organise some etched brass Guard Irons if there was similar interest (there would have to be at least a similar level because of the capital outlay.) They would be as per my loco (again), requiring bending and glueing to fit

Shove a PayPal thing through... There is a flaw in the organisation. Names that come through on orders bear no relationship to all your user names on RMWEB, so all I can do is make sure everyone gets them..... (There seems to be a vast number of 08s out in the wild!)

Just sling a PayPal order through - I've been a busy chap (I don't know if I've been busy enough, mind....)

Right folks..... I've done two batches this far..... Price, UK. Inc postage 1 set £5, 2 set £9, 3 set £13 PayPal to giles@gilesfavell.com including your address please....! These are as fitted to my loco, and include drilling jigs for front and back window (each set has three wipers of each size) I will dispatch in the order they've been requested.

Dapol's extremely good 08 came in for the rub down and polish technique

I think I'm rather oversubscribed for the initial ten sets.... let me produce them first....

I could do ten sets of wipers (3 of each type) and drilling jigs as a batch at this stage. I think it would be £5 Inc postage (uk) But I would want to send them out as a batch.... so if there are a few orders out there.... You would need a 0.6mm drill to fit, using a pin vise or similar, rather than an electric drill. I put the smallest smear of superglue on the blade and push it onto the glazing to ensure it remains in contact. Paint before fitting is easiest.

Very nice!

I'm lost in admiration for your 3D drawing skills..... I've recently bought my wife a Flashforge Finder, which I hope to use occasionally - but although I earn my living designing in Autocad - I have yet to learn any 3D. Giles

They're lifting eyes.

Basically done now - I got the air-brush out to give a bit of a blow with a matt black/metalcote gunmetal mix (go light on the gunmetal, otherwise it's very grey), followed by straight matt black. This was particularly for the baneful of the bonnet top. After about three minutes (Quick drying thinners used...) I got a clean, flat brush, and worked some of the spray off again - always in vertical strokes. This allows for a bit of rain washing. Various bits have also received some very subtle dry brushing, with an extremely dry flat brush. gently working it on until you only just see the tint coming on and then stopping. This was mostly done with rust colours, and gives a little dimension and layering - on the body, this was only done in vertical strokes (again.) This is of course after the usual cut with 2000 grit wet-and-dry, and a buff to get a nice smooth paint job initially..... followed by a base weathering with oil soluble Lamp black.

Basically done now - I got the air-brush out to give a bit of a blow with a matt black/metalcote gunmetal mix (go light on the gunmetal, otherwise it's very grey), followed by straight matt black. This was particularly for the baneful of the bonnet top. After about three minutes (Quick drying thinners used...) I got a clean, flat brush, and worked some of the spray off again - always in vertical strokes. This allows for a bit of rain washing. Various bits have also received some very subtle dry brushing, with an extremely dry flat brush. gently working it on until you only just see the tint coming on and then stopping. This was mostly done with rust colours, and gives a little dimension and layering - on the body, this was only done in vertical strokes (again.)

No problem....! The rubbing down is with 2000 grit wet & dry (used wet). Coarser grades won't give quite the same effect. The W&D takes out all the bumps of the natural paint (though the 08 has the smoothest paint finish on a model I've come across) and then just needs buffing to bring back the 'gleam'. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/80509-giles-weathered-locos-rub-down-and-polish-technique/&do=findComment&comment=2435871 This then provides a realistic and practical surface for weathering. On the bodies, where more subtly is required, I rather like to use Winsor & Newton Water-soluble oil paints - 'Lamp Black' being one of them. Worked into joints, corners, rivet lines etc., and then immediately wiped off (as you go!) if leaves subtle staining, which can then be added to by more conventional means. Hi CME - I confess I haven't done anything with the spacers other than paint them black! I haven't found them so much of a problem that I've needed to have a go - although I very greatly admire those that have!

D3043 in the early evening

A bit more work done - though it doesn't show is this photo! Dapol have done really well with this loco.

Thanks both...... I laser cut the wipers myself in 0.5mm Trotec (after a bit of trial and error, size-wise - as I've done some before as replacements for one of my vehicles.) The green bodywork has already had a rub down and polish, and a first work-over with lamp black, which takes the 'newness' off of it.

Fitting the rear guard iron Fitting the front guard iron. Note the little cylinder smack in the way!