Loading gauge for St Mewan.

The Ratio GWR loading gauge builds to a lovely model but boy is it fiddly!

Eventually , after trying to use the enclosed ,that looked like fishing line, I decided to use .33mm nickel silver wire. Then given a coat of matt white primer then the lower part matt black and ready to plant!

This not only, to my mind, looks better but makes the structure much sturdier.

Just the question of where best to place it is the next decision.

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.

KATO N-Gauge 11-109 Power Bogie.

The replacement for the KATO 11-103 the 11-109 arrived by post recently.

A very quick turnaround by Top Slots and Trains which were the best value in my opinion. Yes, they can be obtained from Japan direct but that can take a while to arrive. Top Slots took 2 days from order.

The outward appearance is changed, the chassis side frames look very similar but the motor housing is now black and of a different design.

The way the assembly is held together has also changed. Previously the 11-103 had a couple of screws, one at each end which, on unscrewing enabled the unit to be dismantled easily. I haven't attempted dismantling yet! Mustfind a suitable candidate for fitting this one to.

https://www.topslotsntrains.com/topslotsntrains/final.asp?ref=Kato-11-109-Ex-11-103-N-Gauge-4-WHEEL-POWERED-MOTORISED-CHASSIS-54mm-&id=10681&manufacturer=%27KATO%20N%20Gauge%27

No association except as a very satisfied customer.

 

12MM Gauge tram chassis.

This is one I obtained through the 009 Secondhand Sales. It is awell engineered chassis and runs beautifully.

However, I have been unable find out where it comes from or who the manufacturer is.

The letters PMt are etched into the bogie baseplate and despite frequent searches have been unable to find more information. If anyone can supply more information I would be very grateful.

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