Some 3mm scale diesels.

At long last a return to where it all started-3mm scale!

A rare meeting saw several scales running on our host, Nigel's, test track.

These included Nigels own class 33 and 08 plus Roberts two class 47@s, one a white metal kit, the other a resin casting. The 47's had Tri-ang TT adapted class 31 bogies.

The Brutes in the lower photo are to 0 gauge.

 

3mm BR&CW Type 3.

The transfers have finally been affixed and I am very pleased with the result.

Rather than having to fix individual numbers, often from several sheets, Railtec provide them as a complete loco set- everything you need on one sheet. They even supply an extra transfer in case you muck one up.

Steve is very helpful as to your needs and the service is usually very quick- allowing for present circumstances.

3mm Hymek Chassis fitted.

The chassis has been fitted to the Hymek. Also the first couple of handrails.

I am waiting for the numbering transfers to arrive from Railtec.

Once these have been applied then a coat of varnish before the windows are fitted.

These, as also on the 33'swill have to be cut individually or ,as I intimated before, I might try Glue N Glaze.

https://www.railtec-models.com/index.php

3mm Scale type 3 Diesels- slowly getting there.

The tedious bit is touching up paintwork and colouring the various grilles and windscreen surrounds. One of the Crompton's and the Hymek are just about ready for transfers to be applied. Then a coat of matt varnish before the windows are cut out and fitted although I might try 'Glue and Glaze' this time.

3mm Diesels.

There has been a couple of days I have missed posting.

Due entirely to me being busy painting and making things.

Firstly I have  painted the first of the Type 3's into original green without warning panel as delivered.

Some touching in to do and buffer beams painted red. The indicator panel will be black with code then glazed.

The engine room windows will be black then either glazed or glossed with varnish- not sure yet.

The Hymek has had the first coat after the Sherwood Green lower stripe has been applied- shown masked. It is amazing how long this takes and to be honest have lost track of time hence no posts!

3mm BR&CW Type 3 Chassis.

The dummy bogies have been fitted with sideframes.

Checking to get the chassis level took a bit of time as did working out the height that the body had to be mounted.

Haven't yet decided how the body will be secured to the chassis but there are bogies to paint first.

Now the chassis for the type 3's and the Hymek have been completed itis time to turn my attention to the paintwork to be carried by each model.

3mm BR&CW TYpe 3

After a bit of fiddling about the side frames have been fitted to both motor bogies.

Rather pleased with the result and very pleased with Lennies side frame castings.

The flywheels on the Halling motor bogies ensure good running, the only downside is that the wheels are only 9mm in diameter.

The 10ft compensated frames for the rear bogie arrived and have been assembled and height checked- these have 10.5mm wheels.

This shows the testing of height using some spare 8ft 6 inch wheelbase frames.

I had to modify the chassis to allow for swing of the sideframes and now it all fits.

The steps could do to be a bit further forward but that compromises the buffer beams but I can live with that.

3MM BR&CW Type 3.

The pair of Type 3's or Class 33's will both be powered by Halling 12mm gauge power bogies.

Halling bogies have adjustable wheel bases and the only real drawback is that the wheels are only 9mm in diameter- slightly too small for 3mm diesels.

A U shaped carrier has been made with mounting screw soldered into the predrilled hole. The mounting has been Epoxy Resin bonded to the motor.

Once the glue has dried, how to mount into the body? A length of brass (freebe from Worsley Works)
has been formed to shape as below but I have made it too long so will have to shorten. The upright is to provide rigidity

3MM Scale Hymek.

Time to change scale for a while. I have many unmade kits.  Locos both steam and diesel, Coaches both Southern and Western Region examples and lastly wagons which will all have Fencehouses etched Nickel Silver chassis.

First to escape from the box is a Bruce Smetham Hymek which will be powered by a Hollywood Foundry power bogie. These are no longer available unfortunately due to the owners retirement.

The chassis is scratch built with scrap brass. Already primed, the Sherwood Green stripe needs applying and the window surrounds painted white before the BR Green.

3mm BR&CW Type 3- it begins!

 These are a couple of type 3's from Lenny Applegreen.

Excellent mouldings and very crisp!

These two will accompany the Bruce Smetham version I already have.

Several locos are on the stocks to complete for use on East Boldre, I already have a Thumper and various Bullied coaches plus many suitable wagons.

So, must find the drive bogies and pluck up the courage to complete the type 3's.

Still, one thing is that I have the complete decal set from Railtec to number both.

3mm Scale BR&CW Type 3.

 A new 3mm casting appeared on the scene recently.

Lenny has been producing quality resin castings for 3mm for some time. Indeed, I have one of his 4MT 2-6-4T which replaces the ancient GEM offering which was produced to fit the Tri-ang TT Brittania chassis so had some compromises.

This is a really excellent casting, crisp with no flash.

Also available from Lenny is a set of bogie sides which, are well cast in whitemetal. These are also suitable for the class 26 and 27 which he also produces.

Lenny's products are offered on e-bay and feature quite a large selection of both steam and Diesel outline.

Both products are strongly recommended and will be a pleasure to motorise.

3mm scale Worsley Works M7.

It has been  a long time in construction but at long last, minus couplings, it has been completed.

I must admit that the lining has been quite a challenge as my hands now shake and make exact positioning difficult- so please excuse.

Slowly the loco stud for East Boldre is increasing- now have an M7, Q1, Adams Radial, Crompton Diesel plus a G6 kit to make and , when I am feeling brave, a 'N' Class mogul.

3mm M7

 The M7 has, at long last, it's final coat of paint applied.

A coat of satin black by my local car paint supplier, Rainbow Paints, has been applied which has improved the look no end. Next to apply transfers which will be the 4mm Pressfix type.

Below is the body sitting on the chassis which needs the spacing washer before final fixing.

The roof has been similarly treated but will not be fitted until a crew has been set in place.

3mm scale M7.

 It is starting to look like an M7!

Built from a Worsley Works scratch aid kit, the main part has been constructed by a friend.

The whitemetal fittings plus steps have been added plus the vacuum tank under the front buffer beam.

The smokebox darts were made from a couple of handrail knobs.

The roof has been made as designed and a pic will follow shortly.

So- looks like an M7 so must be an M7. Must get on and complete the Maunsell Pull Push 1959 conversion.

Ex LSWR 02 0-4-0T.

 The 02 has finally been finished!

Am I pleased with it? Not really. I feel i could do better and with three more kits I may eventually produce a good one.

It  does,however run well so that is something to build on.

Next one is an Isle of Wight version and then another mainland runner.

The numbers have to be small so rub down 'n' gauge transfers from Replica Railways were rubbed onto a  black waterslide transfer and then applied to the loco-simples!

3mm Scale BR(Southern) 02 0-4-4T.

After priming the 02 has had a coat of satin black.

As the Adams Radial I am using 00 scale lining transfers as they are a lot less fiidly than the 3mm ones which have a habit of the lines separating when soaking.

Not particularly happy with the bunker lining which will have to be re-done.

Must order the smokebox number and shed code from Narrow Planet.

3mm scale locos and little and large!

 This is how far the 3mm scale 02 has progressed. It has been sat on the rolling road and performs well.

Lead has been added to aid balance and this appears to have made to haulage capability quite acceptable'

Bear in mind that this loco will probably pull no more than a push-pull set, it will be left to other classes to fulfil the roster capabilities.

Below is the 02 surrounded by completed SR roster. Just need to add interiors to the Bulleids!

Narrow Planet 3mm Scale numberplates.

 I ordered these some time ago but knowing the quality I was going to receive then the 6-8 weeks lead time is not excessive.

And I wasn't disappointed- these are excellent and entirely legible by far the best 3mm plates I have experienced.

Easily parted from the carrier etch, a deft touch with a fine abrasive pad to remove the nub and secure in place with a couple of spots of superglue.

These are superb!

3MM Scale Southern 02 0-4-4T.

The 02 kits in varying states of assembly have been in the to do box for too long. So out with the etches and let building commence.

To the right is an Isle of Wight version with extended bunker. This still needs the near side splasher attached and handrails put in place.

As this will be a push-pull loco the various castings have been obtained.

Below is the mainland version already sprayed black waiting for transfers before finally finishing.

3mm scale BR&CW Type 3.

 In an effort to complete the 'Crompton' I took the easy option and used things which I had available rather than going and buying things which would have one use.

OK- I know the numbering is too large and the stripe is too wide but I had these available.

Moving on , I now have a green Crompton which can be used on all of my layouts.

Now for the Hymek!