45 tonner under the knife...

[trammayo]

Well thanks for the comments, the general banter, and the links - all very interesting and most certainly thought provoking. I have never been a big diseasel fan (no puns intended on the big) but I now realise there is more to them than I generally dismiss

So I see its been done before - If I'd have known I might have gained inspiration from it and done the job a lot sooner. Mine might be the first (maybe) to operate regularly on the much maligned R1s, as I see the steps on the MLS posting don't allow for this.

My conversion was driven by the "what the he++ can I do with this big lump" mentality rather than the more purist view of basing it on a prototype (didn't even know there was one until it was mentioned on here!). Anyway, a few more jobs to do - as mentioned previously - and I'll post the results.

And, maybe, I'll start taking an interest in diesels!

 

[trammayo]

I think she looks better from all angles, food for thought indeed. Are you planning a change of livery ?

Hi Garry, I have contemplated it but, hopefully, my wobbly cutting of the bits shows up more in my mind than in reality, and I can retain the present livery. My naivety might show through though - having bought the little mogul first (in Mid West livery) not knowing HOW small that was and, bought the centre cab in the same livery also not knowing that it was the opposite end of the spectrum

And why Mid West? Living in the west and going to shows in the west and mid-west it made sense to me. Whilst model railways are not a big hobby subject in this part of Ireland, there is certainly a lot of interest!

 

[trammayo]

thats one great job

Nice to see you back on the forum Nico - and noticing you're getting back to your line - and thanks for your comment. Missed your postings - although I was taking a look a few days ago - how's things with the knees?

 

[trammayo]

I spent a couple of hours in the shed this morning to try and sort out the steps. Having placed the original steps in the tray with all the other bits (either wanted or otherwise) I noticed a couple of items I had forgotten about - the cab steps!

As things were...

They needed reducing in width and height and that was easily accomplished with the razor saw. As original, they had an upstand above the tread so this was easily removed and the step height remains.

Now glued to cab!

What I didn't expect was that the two steps were moulded from different coloured plastic - one self-coloured and the other a light grey. So I gave both a light spray over.

Then my attention was focused on the access steps. I had thought of some aluminium and rivets, then thought of brass which needed cutting out of sheet (saving it in case I need it) then turned to a scrap piece of corrugated sheet.

I scribed it and cuts a length off which had to be straightened and then draw-filed along the edges.

Armed with both the loco and a prototypical picture, it was easy to form the two pieces for the step - basic "squared off" U shape with a kink and the second tread flat with a right-angle bend. It was soldered up, then cleaned of flux, before bending and twisting at the top of each leg to make it stand off and to provide simple fixing points.

Placing it in situ, I then tested for clearance. I had to power up the truck to get the 'big end" in the right place and swivel the truck. All OK. Now I need to repeat the process - three more of the same - not forgetting that the offsets will need to be the opposite way round on two of them.

 

[beavercreek]

Oooooooo.....clever, that, Mick. It really looks so much better with all of the mods. I had one of these locos way back when I was starting in G scale but it looked so 'wrong'. Your kit=bash has made it have a real good proportion and even looks more solid if that makes sense.

I have got a little USA Trains 44 tonner that I am going to convert to Rio Grande..(yes they did have one, but only one). But it will not need such an adventurous mod as yous!

 

[trammayo]

Thanks Mike. I suppose, as an "Industrial" anything goes! I have still to finish it off - the main item of concern will be the beam mounted couplers - on R1s, the knuckle is over the outside rail - it will be a compromise. No good cutting it down to improve clearances if it cannot drag a train

 

[Rhinochugger]

Nice steps

But after all that - I'm gonna stay FAT

 

[trammayo]

Nice steps

But after all that - I'm gonna stay FAT

I've tried dieting too

 

[Don Gilham]

It sits really well, Mick, a fantastic job especially with all the little details

 

[Richie]

Fantastic work Mick you would never know that you've cut it about with a knife

 

[trammayo]

Thanks Don & Richie. Its nearing completion - all the bits are sprayed up and ready to fix back on (hope the white paint dries). I know where the cuts are though

 

[Don Gilham]

Mick, when all is finished, any chance of posting a "before and after" shot (shots) please ?

 

[Rhinochugger]

............... I know where the cuts are though

That's always the problem with your own models - there's a time when your eyes are drawn to blemishes that others haven't seen.

I've found a way to overcome this. It's called natural weathering, and involves leaving the locos out of their boxes in the garage. This allows an even layer of dust to settle, makes them look a little weathered and worn, and covers all those little blemishes.

 

[trammayo]

............... I know where the cuts are though

That's always the problem with your own models - there's a time when your eyes are drawn to blemishes that others haven't seen.

I've found a way to overcome this. It's called natural weathering, and involves leaving the locos out of their boxes in the garage. This allows an even layer of dust to settle, makes them look a little weathered and worn, and covers all those little blemishes.

Well that should work in my shed - plenty of crip flying around (sawdust, grinding dust and more) - everything is stored in open cardboard veggie boxes. The loco boxes are stored on a small mezzanine in bin bags and the like (if the mice and the long tails haven't destroyed them).

 

[trammayo]

Mick, when all is finished, any chance of posting a "before and after" shot (shots) please ?

Hi Don - I'll have a go! I never thought to take pics before the carve-up (doh!) but I might have some pics somewhere. I have the pilot boards to make but otherwise she's about done.

 

[trammayo]

Right, as said in my previous post, She's about done. I have just taken a couple of pics (and one of the left-overs!). I'm hoping to make wooden pilot boards which will go full width under the coupler (for strength and to save making any more brackets)

With regard to the couplings, at this moment in time, I'm going to leave them as they are. If pulling a weighted truck or coach, there shouldn't be a major problem (I hope) but I did find initially that pulling a J&S with plastic wheels it derailed the combine.

The new steps are pinned in position with 5mm long brass pins into pre-drilled (tight fit) holes. The steps and handrails have been painted white (as is obvious I suppose!)......

Pilot board brackets (cut out of original castings) in situ waiting for the boards...

And the bits left over .... will save some of the more useful items...

 

[Don Gilham]

Look terrific Mick !!!

 

[Richie]

FANTASTIC

 

[garrymartin]

Top Job ! You've taken something ugly and turned it into something less ugly

 

[trammayo]

Thanks Don & Richie. I must admit I like it better than I did a week ago!

Anyway, had a brainwave after tea - I use one of the long offcuts to make two boards - its finished

Sorry about the close up pic. I asked my brother how to get a good close-up pic yesterday and we went out and photo'ed a daffy - mine was as good as his! Took the pics below and now mine is as good as it normally is - poor!

So maybe some testing tomorrow!