Modifying an LGB Post Van
I'm going to share with you guys my latest detailing project - and first in G - based on the popular and long running LGB Post Van. I managed to secure one in good condition from Paul (miniman's of this parish) with the intention of using it as a test bed for tinkering in the larger scale! Please feel free to chip in, make suggestions or ask questions. I'm going to write in a conversational article type style, so that this can become a record for anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps at a later date.
Step One: Dissassembly
First impressions - solid construction and quality materials. The LGB models are renowned for this, however as the first one I've taken apart I am really impressed. The model is in 'used' condition so I've had to repair some steps and re-attach the corner bracing of the buffer beam but it all seems solid.
Start by removing the roof - the simply unclips. It is secured by four plastic tabs, located about 1/3 and 2/3 down the body. By opening the doors the body can be eased out slightly and the roof popped out.
Unscrew the light (if one is fitted) and put the screws safely to one side.
Whilst the model is still upright gently ease out the ornate roof porch supports from each side, then remove the lamps from the body - on this model they are simply clipped over the top of the body.
Remove the parcel desk from the rear compartment, and ease out the light bulb by gently gripping the brass collar. Also remove the light bulbs from the lamps by gripping the collar. Store the lamp bodys and desk carefully.
Flip the body over so you're looking at the underframe.
The next step is to remove the steps (pun intended). By removing the steps, you can also gently remove the sliding doors. The steps are secured by 2 screws each - remove these and store carefully.
Once the steps are removed you need to un-solder the lighting connections from the plunger pickups. Once these are removed you then need to un-screw the 4 retaining screws located in each corner of the chassis. Once the body is removed the end verandah of the underframe simple lifts away so do not be concerned if this falls off at this stage.
The model will then be stripped down into it's component parts and is at a suitable level for detailing and getting ready for priming.
I have carefully removed the stickers using a small 'chisel' type blade in my craft knife. 1200 wet and dry paper was used to remove the markings from the sides.
I have also removed the horizontal bars from the guards compartment windows, gently cutting them out and tidying up the opening with a needle file.
The model was then cleaned with a cloth moistened with thinners to remove dust and grease build up in preparation for priming.
Step Two: Priming (next!)
I'm going to share with you guys my latest detailing project - and first in G - based on the popular and long running LGB Post Van. I managed to secure one in good condition from Paul (miniman's of this parish) with the intention of using it as a test bed for tinkering in the larger scale! Please feel free to chip in, make suggestions or ask questions. I'm going to write in a conversational article type style, so that this can become a record for anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps at a later date.
Step One: Dissassembly
First impressions - solid construction and quality materials. The LGB models are renowned for this, however as the first one I've taken apart I am really impressed. The model is in 'used' condition so I've had to repair some steps and re-attach the corner bracing of the buffer beam but it all seems solid.
Start by removing the roof - the simply unclips. It is secured by four plastic tabs, located about 1/3 and 2/3 down the body. By opening the doors the body can be eased out slightly and the roof popped out.
Unscrew the light (if one is fitted) and put the screws safely to one side.
Whilst the model is still upright gently ease out the ornate roof porch supports from each side, then remove the lamps from the body - on this model they are simply clipped over the top of the body.
Remove the parcel desk from the rear compartment, and ease out the light bulb by gently gripping the brass collar. Also remove the light bulbs from the lamps by gripping the collar. Store the lamp bodys and desk carefully.
Flip the body over so you're looking at the underframe.
The next step is to remove the steps (pun intended). By removing the steps, you can also gently remove the sliding doors. The steps are secured by 2 screws each - remove these and store carefully.
Once the steps are removed you need to un-solder the lighting connections from the plunger pickups. Once these are removed you then need to un-screw the 4 retaining screws located in each corner of the chassis. Once the body is removed the end verandah of the underframe simple lifts away so do not be concerned if this falls off at this stage.
The model will then be stripped down into it's component parts and is at a suitable level for detailing and getting ready for priming.
I have carefully removed the stickers using a small 'chisel' type blade in my craft knife. 1200 wet and dry paper was used to remove the markings from the sides.
I have also removed the horizontal bars from the guards compartment windows, gently cutting them out and tidying up the opening with a needle file.
The model was then cleaned with a cloth moistened with thinners to remove dust and grease build up in preparation for priming.
Step Two: Priming (next!)
