Fossil Fuel

The Victorian Railways had 60 J Class locomotives. Half of the fleet were coal fired, while the remainder were oil fired.

As well as modifying my own oil fired J Class steam kit, I am also undertaking ‘broad gauge surgery’ on a friend’s coal fired kit.  

I’ve just completed constructing the coal fired tender (see below). The obvious differences in the two fuel types can be seen by referring to my earlier post ('Progress', November 29 2011), outlining completion of the oil burning tender. The differences are clear; a tank for oil verses a bunker for coal.

Jules

The Right Frame of Mind

One of the key aspects of converting the J class kits to 18.37mm VR broad gauge, is to return the frames to the prototypical location. Being very close to prototype width, the P87 tire profile permits this to occur.

The frames spacers that come with the kit are considerably narrower than they should be. This has been done to allow the ‘standard’ HO gauge (16.5mm) and RP25-110 tire profile to be used, while preserving the 'correct' overall exterior appearance.

Replacement frame spacers were fabricated from ~0.4mm brass sheet. Apart from the modified width, all other dimensions follow that of the original parts.

The next step will be to modify the infrastructure that is connected to the now wider frames, such as cylinders and the like. That will take place in the new year. Until then, I will be enjoying Christmas with my extended family in Connecticut, USA.

Merry Christmas dudes!

Julian

Progress

Since the modelling room has been up and running, I’ve been hitting the soldering iron. The J Class tender has been completed, along with a small road grader project .

The tender has come up well, which is a tribute to the manufacturer (Steam Era Models) as much as anything else. As can be seen, the tender is from an oil burning version. However, I’ve started a coal burning kit also. It’ll be interesting to see the differences in the two - apart from the absence of an oil tank, of course! The new frame spacers for the broad gauge conversion have arrived, and will be fitted to the kits tomorrow night. Stay tuned.

After the significant amount of detail on the J Class kit, my eyes were starting to see double. Therefore, I decided that a short diversion was in order. My first visit to Central Hobbies in Vancouver resulted in the purchase of a 120 road grader kit (1:87 scale) from GHQ. It took me around and hour to solder up the white metal components, using low melt solder and a variable temperature soldering iron. It’s a nice kit and will come up well after painting and weathering.

Jules

Watson & Co Foundry, Vancouver, Canada

Well, after many months of moving and living in temporary accommodation, my family and I have finally arrived at somewhere permanent!

Apart from being able to relax and ‘put down some roots’, the new place features a basement. This has enabled me to annex two rooms for modelling. After a trip to IKEA, the much dreamt of modelling room exists!

I have also purchased a Badger 260 abrasive gun and sand blasting booth. Used in conjunction with the ultrasonic bath, brass items can be readily cleaned before painting.

I have a lot to do, with the first ‘cab of the rank’ being the two J Class steamers...

Jules

So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish

While there may have been little VR Days blogging action of late, much work has been afoot on the J Class steam loco kit.

The chassis frames spacers that accompany the kit are 13mm in width, rather than the prototypically correct ~15.9mm (4'6½"). I would guess that this has been made to allow the RP25-110 wheel sets that come with the kit to be fitted. Consequently, the chassis will require new spacers, while all infrastructure associated with them will also need modification (such as the steam chests/cylinders and air tanks located between the frames). I will detail their modification in a future post.

As previously mentioned, continuous spring beam (CSB) compensation is being installed. Therefore, the connecting rods will need to be articulated (currently one piece).

In the mean time, a good modelling mate of mine has turned down all the tires to P87 profile. The driver wheels have been pushed back on to their centres but not yet on to the axles. However, the front pony truck and tender wheels sets are complete (see figures).

On another matter, my family and I are about to relocate from Perth, Australia, to Vancouver, Canada. The removalists are due tomorrow. So you will have to excuse the rather filthy and incomplete tender! On a brighter note, I have made contact with P87 modeller, Rene Gourly, who resides in Vancouver. His works can be found here: http://www.proto87.org/. We intend to meet up soon after my arrival in Vancouver.

Anyway, to all my modelling mates in Australia (you know who you are), so long, and thanks for all the fish.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Between changing nappies, broken sleep, and a hectic work schedule, I have snuck in some time on the J Class.

Using a chassis jig, loaned to me by fellow modeller, PH, I have set up the frames with the High Level Kits horn blocks. I have only tack soldered the frame together at this point. Just as well, as I have already noticed one minor inaccuracy. (While hidden from view, its existence will irritate me unless rectified!) To ensure correct axel spacing, the chassis jig was set using the side rods from the kit.

For those of you who are interested, the chassis jig is from Hobby Holidays in the UK (http://www.hobbyholidays.co.uk/). If it’s okay by PH (a guy who has built hundreds steam loco kits, largely for paying customers), then it’s okay by me...

Jules

2011 Perth AMRA Exhibition Diorama

Below are some photos of the ‘diorama’ that I have entered in to the Perth AMRA Exhibition, which is taking place this weekend. This module is one of six that will become ‘Sutton Grange’ layout.

The two items of rolling stock feature P87 18.37mm gauge wheel sets (Northwest Short Line), and a VR prototype point (point throw by Steam Era Models). The wheel sets and constructed point work were generously supplied by fellow VR P87 modeller, Damian Chrystie. Cheers, bro.

This was all put together very quickly. However, l have learnt a great deal in the process, which will be used on the remaining 5 modules.

I will be around for much of the Exhibition weekend (held at Claremont Showgrounds). When not helping with the large Hawkesbury River Bridge layout (amazing), I’ll be undertaking some demonstrations. Feel free to drop by and chat.

Jules