High Density Insulation Foam

All,

I've been getting on with things. In order to 'bridge' a large gap associated with a window located in the wall on which the shelf layout is attached, I opted to use some high density insulation foam. Its stiff but light - I can see why many use it for exhibition layouts. Apart from applying some more cork for the track bed, I've also been 'sculpting' the foam. It's planned to construct a low trestle over a 'swampy, wet topographic low'. Its still a work in progress...

In response to Phillip Overton's question in my last post (sorry Phillip, I only saw your comment the other day), the brackets are removable. I built the layout such that I can save the metal brackets and wooden frames, along with (of course) the layout modules. Thus, I can take it with me in the event that we have to move house etc. So I guess its 'semi-permanent' in a 'semi-removable' kind of way!

Julian

Layout Takes Shape

All,

It’s been a while since I last posted – even longer since I posted about my own work!

I decided late last year to modify my plans for an exhibition layout and go for a permanent, shelf alternative. To that end, I have constructed the frame, surrounding box, and back board. I managed to install four LED strips and get some undercoat on the backboard over the weekend.

We’re getting there.

Julian 

VR Rail Tractor

Hi All,

I was in Australia for Christmas and was fortunate enough to meet up withe some excellent VR modellers - thanks to the organisational efforts of Damian Chrystie.

One such modeler, Brett Whelan, has been involved in some fantastic prototypical work. Brett models Proto48 and does so in a rather 'slave to detail' sort of way - is there any other? As Brett stated to me; "...the problems with larger scales, such as Proto48, is that more detail can be seen - so it must be included..." With that in mind, please see below some of the details Brett refers to.

Julian

 

Frank Kelly: S Class, F Class, and Baldwin W Class (4mm scale)

All,

Frank has sent me some more photos of early VR steam locomotives. This time it is S Class 4-6-0, F Class 2-4-0, and Baldwin W Class 4-6-0. Again, all items are scratch built by Frank's fair hand.

Julian

Frank Kelly: Various VR Locomotives and Rollingstock (4mm scale)

All,

And here are some more examples of Frank's work. This time there are some various locomotives he has scratch built in 4mm scale, including a B Class riding the turntable.

Julian

Frank Kelly: J Class (4mm scale)

All,

Frank Kelly agreed for me to post some pictures of his work.

Below is a VR J Class (that same class of locomotives that I am converting to P87 18.39mm). This model is scratch built in 4mm scale. A lovely replica of the prototype.

Julian

Frank Kelly: VR D4 Tank Locomotive P87 (18.38mm)

All

Below are some photos of a Victorian Railways (VR) D4 tank locomotive which Frank Kelly recently converted from 16.5 mm to P87 18.39 mm gauge. As Frank has told me "...a lot of machining had to be done but enjoyable work."

Frank has spent many years scratch building VR and South Australian Railways steam locomotives in 4mm scale. He is a relative new comer to working on P87 18.39mm locomotives. He's said that he would have got into it a long time ago - amongst other things, he said that prototype designs don’t need to be converted as the gauge (and everything associated with that) is correct scale. Amen to that, Frank.

Julian

South of the Border

All,

Proto87 stalwart and fellow Proto87 protagonist, Rene' Gourly, came down from Vancouver BC, Canada to Bellingham WA, USA for the day to help me out on my Australian prototype layout. These are the crazy things one can do when living close to the border.

We discussed several aspects of the layout, including legs, back scenes, carry cases for the layout and lighting. We also got the outstanding modules all but finished. Rene has had the good fortune of bumping into the modeling husband and wife team, Gordon and Maggie Gravett. (Some of the Gravett's wonderful layout, Pempoul, can be seen here.) Rene' suggested that I follow the Gravett approach by using the carry cases as layout 'legs'. They have to go somewhere, so I may was well put them to good use...

Anyway, a big thanks to Rene' for coming down - and for the box of Tim Bits. Legend.

Julian

We're off to the races!

All,

It’s been many months since last posting. However, I’ve made a lot of progress on the J Class; it’s finally running smoothly.

As can be seen from the images below, a lot of detail must now be added. This ‘prototype’ is my model. But I can now finally move forward with confidence onto the second J Class kit modification, which I have promised a mate. Thanks for your patients, Damian!

Actually, there must be something in the water for 18.37mm broad gauge Prooto87 steam locos. Firstly, Damian is anticipating delivery of another Victorian Railways (VR) steam loco. While a mutual modelling friend is close to producing a South Australian Railways (SAR) steam loco kit. But I’ll let the respective modellers provide more details…

VR and SAR broad gauge Proto87 steam locos? We’re off to the races!

Julian

Take that, you cad! You bounder!

All,

Further to my last post, I promised to write some more about the J Class.

The J Class and I have been eyeing each other off from opposite corners of the room for a while now. Just when I think I'm getting somewhere, it flicks me the bird and tells me to "...jam it where it fits, pal..." (Well, that's what it felt like to me, anyway.)

So after many long months of fruitless effort, I finally went back to the start. I spoke with some local modellers, read many posts on  www.rmweb.co.uk, and revised some of Iain Rice's books. To cut a long story short, I took my time, became meticulous, and methodical - no advancing to the next stage until I was absolutely sure that the previous one had worked. I'm embarrassed to say that it sounds pretty obvious, doesn't it...?

I'm happy to say that I have finally cracked it. What a relief. While I will not go into every detail, I will tell you about the application of Markits crank pins and nuts. In particular, I installed the nuts into the connecting rods (from behind) and filed back the protruding section (also from behind). Thus creating a brass sleeve (see below). Now all connecting rods are snug on the crank pins, and the wheels rotate freely when lightly pushed along the track, and when driven by the rear axle.

In hindsight, I should have been taking far more care from the very start; treating the chassis, wheels, and motion gear like a clockmaker would a fine time piece. Also, I have to say that I have learnt far more from what hasn't worked than what has. Not to mention the palpable sense of satisfaction.

We're moving next weekend from Vancouver, Canada down to Bellingham, USA. Within a few days, the modelling room will be up and running in the new basement. So the next photos of the J Class should have it looking a lot more like the finished product.

At long, long last.

Julian

Moving Forward

All,

Due to a young family, a busy job, and vacation, I've been very lax about posting in recent times. Nonetheless, things have been happening!

The local Proto87 'Possie' gang moves around to each other's places to help out with layouts and consumption of beer. Although I have to say that my layout, Sutton Grange, has been getting a lot of attention. Rene' Gourly and Andrew Hutchinson have been rolling up their sleeves and getting down to some track laying. Thanks guys! With the help of some rapid-printed switch components (compliments of Rene's drafting skills), we again did battle this week. And by the end of the session, things suddenly started to look like a layout.

Apart from the track laying, the J Class steam loco and I have finally come to an understanding, with the chassis running very nicely. It's been a hard slog to get to this point, but it's very gratifying to look back and see the base camp from where I started. Thomas Edison is now known as the inventor of the incandescent light bulb. However, he suffered a lot of setbacks on the way. Before finally identifying the light bulb that worked, he commented that “...I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” So to misquote Mr Edison, I’ve found a few ways not to make a reliable Proto87 steam loco chassis!

I'll put up another post about the J Class shortly.

Julian

Rapid Prototyping

While trying to work out an effective way to represent the detail around some track work, fellow Proto87 modeler, Rene' Gourley, suggested rapid prototyping (i.e., 3D printing).

So I provided some VR drawings and Rene' reproduced the heal section of the points in 3D electronic space, shrunk, meshed and had some trial copies printed by Shapeways.

The initial design featured a 'floor' that continues below the sleepers. However, Rene' printed a second version that looks a little closer to RTR track (i.e. with the webbing).

The local Vancouver Proto87 group met at my place last week and we decide to see how it worked and looked. As you can see, the Code 55 rail is laid directly over it. (Note that the final version will use dropper to operate the points - not the copper clad method).

Rene has been undertaking the same for his layout. As can seen, he has had a trial printed for the 'v' section (16mm gauge), which includes the check rails, with the rail slotting in against it. It will be noted that a different material has been used, which results in crisper detail.