Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T and other builds

[persistent_bodger]

Thanks everyone for the kind words, I'm really pleased with how all 4 have turned out. I think the success of each locomotive was due to each being built over a long period of time. This allowed things to dry properly and then re access bits before moving onto the next stage. I usually get carried away with the build and forget about how I might paint things or if I need to repair something how I might take things apart. All the locomotives break into small modules so each section could be worked on separately. This meant that while one sectioned dried I could work on another, satisfying my need to finish everything quickly.

I've also found while building 09 locomotives that a small amount of preparation after a coat of primer works wonders. I now spray everything with halfords grey primer and then wet and dry any imperfections. Sometimes areas need to be filled so I use a green putty filler (shows up well against grey), this takes about 24hrs to harden but it can be sculpted and sanded to a sharp point. Once sanded I give everything another coat and then if I'm happy leave the loco for two weeks in a warm dry place to harden. I've found even if I begin painting after a week sometimes reactions occur and damage the surface. The final paint job is done sticking firmly to the directions on the spray can. Each locomotive had 3 light coats of body colour and was sanded between each coat, its suprising how deep a finish can be achieved, far better than one single heavy coat. Once transfers are added and everything is touched up railmatch satin or matt varnish is applied. This is by far the best varnish I've found and evens off perfectly the paint job. It sprays like a splatter gun with quite large droplets forming but given an hour these disappear leaving a perfect finish, I think this has something to do with the spray can nozzles which give a wide spray as opposed to a direct squirt like most on the market. Sorry if this was a ramble but over the past 3 years I've struggled with paint jobs and think now I've finally cracked it.

The little red tank was born out of a desire for a small Bagnall saddle tank. I based the chassis on one but found the body wouldn't accommodate the battery and motor so I went freelance. I've always thought wing tanks were quite odd and felt this prototype would allow some space for the electrics. In hindsight I think a more conventional side tank would have been better as the boiler on this locomotive is rather large. The size of the locomotive was determined by the wheels and a desire to build something as small as I could in this gauge. Its really just a bit of fun costing about £14 to make and satisfies my need for a small tank as funds won't allow an LGB Fieldbahn steam locomotive. It has proved really useful in terms of chassis construction, the skills of which will be transfered to a future project.

I'm looking forward to testing the locomotives next time I get chance to visit a certain Austrian line, might need some more stock now to run behind?

thanks again for the kind words
Best
Tim

 

[musket the dog]

4 really great builds there, all original ideas and a credit to your skills. I especially like the idea of that little tank for £14

 

[ge_rik]

These models are a delight - and thanks for all the construction details (especially how you painted them - which has often been my nemesis!). A unique and impressive collection of locos

Rik

 

[persistent_bodger]

While I painted my 15mm Aveling Porter I finally got around to finishing my small weed killing train. This will be pulled behind the the little red wing tank as all my other stock is far too big. Both these wagons are built to a freelance design but give the impression of a device that might be capable of such a job. They use parts from IP engineering and then odds and ends from the scrap box. I always accumulate many odd useful bits over time and these have been recycled to form all the details. Hand wheels are all Cambrain models as are the rivets with a GRS Tank Filler and parts from a Bachmann Coach.

The couplings are from a DIY shop and where once small shelf brackets. They are very simple with a small section of bar to link the two wagons. These will also be added to the locomotive but perhaps modified slightly to resemble a universal coupling. Paint scheme I think will be all over Halfords Grey and weathered heavily.

I still have a few parts left over from the IP engineering kits so I think a small carriage will also be constructed for the work men. This will be built in balsa wood and incorporate Cambrian Models wheels. My only reservation is if the locomotive will be able to pull 3 coaches? it is a powerful little beast but the wagons do weight quite a lot.

One last thing on my work bench are the name and works plates for all 4 locomotives. These have been custom produced by narrow planet to a Manx design. They are beautifully etched and should really suite the locomotives.

best

Tim

 

[trammayo]

That's a rather neat ensemble - very purposeful - like it

 

[jameshilton]

Looking forward to some pictures once their painted, and of the stock when the nameplates are added

 

[The90733]

Looks good, I've just started my own little battery loco (steam outline) inspired by your own!

 

[persistent_bodger]

Looks good, I've just started my own little battery loco (steam outline) inspired by your own!

Thank you, the little red beast is close to being finished just needs some more weight on the front. In hindsight I should have positioned the motor further forward as the weight is a little unevenly distributed.

Thanks James and Mick. I've primed both wagons and hope to get them painted up by the end of the week. I've also added name and works plates to one of the locomotives which makes a huge improvement to the finish. Maybe able to get some pictures up tomorrow

best

Tim

 

[persistent_bodger]

This evening was the first proper test run of the little red wing tank. Named 'Foawr' Manx for Giant and sporting custom works plates, incorporating the railway, build number and location. I have a few small areas to touch up but apart from that its all finished. I've weathered a few areas very lightly and now just need someone to drive it.

After a solo test run I attached the weed killing train. To my suprise the loco had no difficulty and powered around a small circle of plastic track. The couplings need some modifications as they came un done but that should be easy to resolve. Both wagons have been heavily weathered using powders and acrylic paint. The open wagon has also received some coal to fuel 'Foawr' as it only has a small carrying capacity.

Due to the success of the test run, I'm considering a small carriage to accompany the train. I have mocked something up (pictured at the back of the last photo) so perhaps on holiday I can knock something together in Balsa wood

best
Tim

 

[ge_rik]

The works wagons complement the red tank really well - you can tell I'm getting on a bit now when I consider that phwoar!!! (or similar) seems a highly appropriate tag for this kind of model (ie one in 15mm scale!!)

BTW - how do you achieve such effective lining? Are they transfers or do you do it by hand (if so you must have a really steady hand!)

Rik

 

[persistent_bodger]

Thanks Rik, I'm really pleased with the little train, I just wish I had a garden to build a layout in.

The lining is transfers and probably the best I've found. I've used Fox Transfers 2.5 inch gauge/13.5mm to a foot BR transfers. They are quite pricey but I've been able to use a couple of packs for all 3 locos. I need some more for the 4-4-0 which should cost about £28 to line but I think it is worth it and I'd have plenty left over for other builds at a later date. The plates, paint and lining are usually the most expensive bits but I think its worth it in the long run

Tim

 

[trammayo]

Beautiful - a real joy to behold

 

[persistent_bodger]

Almost completely finished a year after I started them, the locomotives have received their names and works plates. Both names are Manx again with works plates consisting of the railway, order of build and location. I opted to position them as Beyer Peacock originally did on their Norwegian designs. I did consider names on the tanks but everything looked a little squashed.

I think I need to sort out spectacle glass and perhaps add the fabric sheets the manx engines carried around their cabs.

I was wondering where is best to buy locomotive drivers and firemen? I have some LGB items but I'd like some variety. Any help would be much appreciated
best
Tim