I've change the title as I am determined to build this loco for as little money as possible. Firstly my thanks to Ge_rik for his advice on the source of parts and an order has gone off to Cambrian.
Now you will notice that the driver has had a coat of paint and looks a little different. He came from a car boot sale and cost 10p. Repainted with acrylics and sprayed with matt varnished he looks just the part. I think he looks like one of the station staff at my local station but he is now known as Dougal MacDougal.
A close look at photos reveals the cab front is made in 2 pieces and bolted together. A sharp gentle knife cut is followed by a run over with a sharp centre punch gives an effective seam. I then drill 0.65mm and add Grandt Line 1:43 scale hex bolts that looks convincing. Note I always centre punch holes in Plastikard. Too many times have I drilled a hole out of line. I only hand press the centre punch just enough to stop the drill wandering.
The side doors on the bonnet come next using 10 thou plastikard from the scrap box. The distinctive ribs are glued in place and the hinges made in 3 pieces. 10 thou for the hinge plate, a hole for a hex head bolt and a small piece of micro rod for the hinge pin etc.
Finally the control desk has been assembled and and painted and fixed in position. It would be too fiddly to paint in situ. All bits come from the scrap box except for the dress makers pin for the throttle handle which is on long term loan form my wife's sewing box. Just the gear lever and direction lever to be made and added.
So lets say the power bogie was £25, 2 sheets of 60 thou plastikard at £6.00 and 10p for the driver. There is £20 worth of bits on order which should see it finished for less than £60.
Off to the 'Steam on the Levels' tomorrow on car parking duty so no more work for a few days.
Ken
Now you will notice that the driver has had a coat of paint and looks a little different. He came from a car boot sale and cost 10p. Repainted with acrylics and sprayed with matt varnished he looks just the part. I think he looks like one of the station staff at my local station but he is now known as Dougal MacDougal.
A close look at photos reveals the cab front is made in 2 pieces and bolted together. A sharp gentle knife cut is followed by a run over with a sharp centre punch gives an effective seam. I then drill 0.65mm and add Grandt Line 1:43 scale hex bolts that looks convincing. Note I always centre punch holes in Plastikard. Too many times have I drilled a hole out of line. I only hand press the centre punch just enough to stop the drill wandering.
The side doors on the bonnet come next using 10 thou plastikard from the scrap box. The distinctive ribs are glued in place and the hinges made in 3 pieces. 10 thou for the hinge plate, a hole for a hex head bolt and a small piece of micro rod for the hinge pin etc.
Finally the control desk has been assembled and and painted and fixed in position. It would be too fiddly to paint in situ. All bits come from the scrap box except for the dress makers pin for the throttle handle which is on long term loan form my wife's sewing box. Just the gear lever and direction lever to be made and added.
So lets say the power bogie was £25, 2 sheets of 60 thou plastikard at £6.00 and 10p for the driver. There is £20 worth of bits on order which should see it finished for less than £60.
Off to the 'Steam on the Levels' tomorrow on car parking duty so no more work for a few days.
Ken
