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

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