2002's 4mm projects - Pacifics +
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:50 pm
It's time I stopped being an observer and started being a doer! Time to go on record and declare some aims and show some progress!
Those aims are:
[1] To add to my display cabinet LNER collection with both RTR models, some purchased kit-built items and hopefully some of my own conversions and maybe kit-built items - the latter categories being new ground;
[2] To create a simple diorama of 4472 Flying Scotsman at the Empire Exhibition (as discussed in my earlier thread);
[3] To build a desk-top top shed style scenario recreating those images of A4s and A3s standing outside or being prepared for the off - simply a larger diorama I suppose but perhaps using the Bachmann 4 road shed;
[4] To build an early WW2 layout based on a fictitious main-line location near to a fighter airfield (again as discussed in a recent thread).
Some years ago I purchased Jaycraft bodies for J17, J19 and D16/3 locomotives and finished them to a reasonable standard. Being based on Hornby chassis's, they looked OK next to the Hornby and Bachmann models of the 1990's and earlier but I recently sold them on eBay when I decided the newer RTR offerings just made them look crude. As others have stated, it is so hard to achieve a finish that bears comparison, unless you have significant skill. The problem with the display cabinet scenario is that you are inviting comparison, whereas on a layout one can probably get away with more imperfection, expecially with a little weathering!
A recent attempt at changing a BR green A3 Windsor Lad to wartime livery was quite successful but then wartime black is not exactly a tough livery to achieve!
I have just tried two of the published alternative techniques for removing lettering/numbers from the Hornby A1 Great Northern which I am changing to the Empire Exhibition Scotsman. The GN tender will be used elsewhere so I wanted to remove the small LNER and 1470N characters.
First I tried Graeme's sharp blade screwdriver method but annoyingly I have caused some scratch marks. Having used some wet and dry I hope that masking off the panel within the lining I will be able to restore a decent surface with spray paint. Clearly I was not gentle enough and re-reading Graeme's instructions I probably did more pushing than pulling!
On the other side of the tender I used the T-Cut on cotton bud method. This has left a shiny surface, and again annoyingly, I caught and will need to repair a little of the lining (which seems to be a transfer unlike the letters/numbers?).
Held at an angle, I can still see where the lettering was on both sides. (I have found this impossible to photgraph clearly). So again it looks like I need to respray the side panel.
I would like to achieve a good finish on my models before I spend a lot of time on conversions or kits, because poor painting and lining can clearly ruin a model. To that end I'm going to respray a couple of spare ex-Mallard garter blue non-corridor tenders apple green, and try my hand at lettering and lining. (To remove the tender tops I see there is a lug at the front but I'm not sure what is securing the tender top at the rear - I don't want to use brute force so can anyone guide me please?)
If the results are acceptable I'll move onto creating an apple green A4 using a Railroad Falcon. The I'd like to move onto a workshop grey Woodcock using a garter blue Kingfisher but this will require more intricate masking.
In the case of the garter blue A4 tenders, I wonder whether you would recommend leaving the LNER letters and simply spraying over - after all I could use them to locate the new transfers afterwards?
The layout will take a long time to come to fruition. Whilst I have an L-shaped shed which will permit a 19ft x 5ft-ish run along the long section of the "L", the family use it as a dumping ground and there are many things that need to be found a home before I can start. The shed insulated and lined and is fitted-out with cheap kitchen floor and wall units with worktops that will support the baseboards.
Having been a member for a couple of years, I realise that there is nothing new or exciting here, but setting out this statement of intent may get me moving!
Those aims are:
[1] To add to my display cabinet LNER collection with both RTR models, some purchased kit-built items and hopefully some of my own conversions and maybe kit-built items - the latter categories being new ground;
[2] To create a simple diorama of 4472 Flying Scotsman at the Empire Exhibition (as discussed in my earlier thread);
[3] To build a desk-top top shed style scenario recreating those images of A4s and A3s standing outside or being prepared for the off - simply a larger diorama I suppose but perhaps using the Bachmann 4 road shed;
[4] To build an early WW2 layout based on a fictitious main-line location near to a fighter airfield (again as discussed in a recent thread).
Some years ago I purchased Jaycraft bodies for J17, J19 and D16/3 locomotives and finished them to a reasonable standard. Being based on Hornby chassis's, they looked OK next to the Hornby and Bachmann models of the 1990's and earlier but I recently sold them on eBay when I decided the newer RTR offerings just made them look crude. As others have stated, it is so hard to achieve a finish that bears comparison, unless you have significant skill. The problem with the display cabinet scenario is that you are inviting comparison, whereas on a layout one can probably get away with more imperfection, expecially with a little weathering!
A recent attempt at changing a BR green A3 Windsor Lad to wartime livery was quite successful but then wartime black is not exactly a tough livery to achieve!
I have just tried two of the published alternative techniques for removing lettering/numbers from the Hornby A1 Great Northern which I am changing to the Empire Exhibition Scotsman. The GN tender will be used elsewhere so I wanted to remove the small LNER and 1470N characters.
First I tried Graeme's sharp blade screwdriver method but annoyingly I have caused some scratch marks. Having used some wet and dry I hope that masking off the panel within the lining I will be able to restore a decent surface with spray paint. Clearly I was not gentle enough and re-reading Graeme's instructions I probably did more pushing than pulling!
On the other side of the tender I used the T-Cut on cotton bud method. This has left a shiny surface, and again annoyingly, I caught and will need to repair a little of the lining (which seems to be a transfer unlike the letters/numbers?).
Held at an angle, I can still see where the lettering was on both sides. (I have found this impossible to photgraph clearly). So again it looks like I need to respray the side panel.
I would like to achieve a good finish on my models before I spend a lot of time on conversions or kits, because poor painting and lining can clearly ruin a model. To that end I'm going to respray a couple of spare ex-Mallard garter blue non-corridor tenders apple green, and try my hand at lettering and lining. (To remove the tender tops I see there is a lug at the front but I'm not sure what is securing the tender top at the rear - I don't want to use brute force so can anyone guide me please?)
If the results are acceptable I'll move onto creating an apple green A4 using a Railroad Falcon. The I'd like to move onto a workshop grey Woodcock using a garter blue Kingfisher but this will require more intricate masking.
In the case of the garter blue A4 tenders, I wonder whether you would recommend leaving the LNER letters and simply spraying over - after all I could use them to locate the new transfers afterwards?
The layout will take a long time to come to fruition. Whilst I have an L-shaped shed which will permit a 19ft x 5ft-ish run along the long section of the "L", the family use it as a dumping ground and there are many things that need to be found a home before I can start. The shed insulated and lined and is fitted-out with cheap kitchen floor and wall units with worktops that will support the baseboards.
Having been a member for a couple of years, I realise that there is nothing new or exciting here, but setting out this statement of intent may get me moving!