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

Broad Gauge J Class

I recently purchased a Steam Era Model’s J Class kit. This will be regauged to 18.37mm using P87 standard wheel profiles.

The driver wheels have been turned down and the wheel centres reduced correspondingly. Full compensation (ie suspension) will be installed using the Continuous Spring Beam (CSB) approach. This will be achieved with hornblocks from High Level Kits in the UK. I have put the horn blocks together and commenced reworking of the side frames to accommodate them (reshaped to enable the square bearing to fit).

The next step will be positioning the hornblocks, using a jig, and then soldering in place. Several other aspects will need to be addressed, such as coupling/driving rod width and associated linkages.

Jules

Layout Module and Daughter MkII

With the arrival of our new daughter, Aine (pronounced "Anya" for all you non-Gaelic types), things have been pretty busy. However, I've been sneaking in some modelling here and there.

I will be entering one of my six layout modules in the upcoming Perth AMRA exhibition. The 'diorama' is getting close to completion, but there are still many details that require attention - the track work being the most obvious.

Fellow P87 HOb 5.25 modeller, Damian Chrystie, has made up a VR 'frog' for the point work, and is providing some of his P87 18.37mm wheel sets that he has just received from Northwest Short Line (NWSL) in the US. Cheers, Adrian.

Jules

P87 and 18.37mm Broad Gauge: Utter Madness, Sir!

Hi all,


Well I have had been very busy on the modelling front of late. However, I have been equally as busy on the family and work front. This has left me little time to update the blog - something that I will attend to shortly.

I guess the most significant news is that I have decided to model to P87 standards, using 18.37mm gauge (ie true HO scale VR broad gauge).

By joining the ‘criminally insane’, I have taken on a few challenges, including retro-fitting full compensation to my four wheel fleet, and developing P87 standard VR spoked wheels. However, I am reliably informed that this can be overcome by persistence and weekly therapy sessions...

Speak soon,

Jules

QB Well Wagon: Reprise

Way back in March of last year I posted about my efforts regarding a Steam Era Model’s QB well wagon. After a long hiatus, the model was recently finished. Painting and weathering was accomplished using the same method as those outlined for the QR, in the post below.

This model was completely soldered, apart from some minor details that were attached using ethyl cyanoacetate. Overall, this is a lovely kit to construct, and I would highly recommend it to those with some confidence in their soldering skills.

Update: I have updated the photos, after receiving a new camera.
Jules

QR Wagon

I have just completed a Steam Era Model’s QR kit. The first QR wagons were manufactured in 1890, and were used well into the 1980’s. This model represents the three door version, and features inside detailing and an end-mounted handbrake infrastructure.

According to Mark Bau’s site the QR's were relegated to departmental service after a long life as general service open wagons. In departmental service, they often carried sleepers and dirt. The doors were dropped and the sleepers would be manually thrown out of the wagon. They saw occasional service in revenue traffic when wagon supply was scarce.

Tamiya matte acrylic Red Brown (XF 64) was applied as the undercoat, followed by Humbrol matte enamel Red Brown (#100). The Humbrol paint was lightly applied to enable the darker and browner Tamiya undercoat to ‘ghost through’. This resulted in a deeper and much more interesting finish. Next, a coat of Pascoe Long Life floor polish was applied, which provided an even, glossy surface for decals to adhere to. Weathering was achieved by using a heavily thinned 50:50 mix of Citadel’s ‘Chaos Black’ and ‘Scorched Earth’ acrylics paints. The extremely fine pigment in the Citadel paints has really brought out much of the fine detail.

Update: I have updated the photos, after receiving a new camera.

Jules

AFV Acrylic Techniques by Mig Jimenez

Why is it that military modellers so proudly strive for prototypical appearance, while such goals are derided as ‘rivet counting’ or ‘elitist’ amongst model train enthusiasts? Discuss in 500 words or less...

I recently borrowed a friend’s DVD called ‘AFV Acrylic Techniques’ by Mig Jimenez. Mig is considered to be one of the best painting and weathering practitioners within the military modeller’s fraternity. For those of you not familiar with his work, please visit his blog site migjimenez.blogspot.com. It will take you around 10 seconds to realise that this guy has some serious talent.

The DVD follows the entire process of painting and weathering a WW2 tank, and includes tutorials that cover:

• filters
• washes
• fading
• mud
• rust
• chips
• metal effects
• dust

As the DVD name suggests, Mig uses only acrylic paints. However, I believe that many of the techniques can be used with enamel paints.

If you are striving for a more accurate, prototypical representation when painting and weathering your models, you could do worse than get your hands on a copy of this DVD.

Jules