Atlantic's works: Portable layout update

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's how that peculiar paper tube fits over the locating pins. The paper was initially formed up over a suitable rigid tube of course, with just spots of super-glue holding the paper together where those two flat leaves now extend upwards. Paper ends where then stuck on after removing the rigid tube. The pins pierce the paper tube, but a seal will be created by blobs of Vaseline around the holes. Care has to be taken to get the paper tube as nearly on the centre line of the boiler as possible so that a flexible but sufficiently strong layer of rubber will form all around it. The tube should crush down easily when the mould core is first pulled out of the loco body, and the long leaves of paper projecting from the top surface of the core piece ought to allow me to pull the paper out completely.

[Atlantic 3279]

With the paper tube removed again so that you can see what's going on, here's the final stage before pouring in silicone mixture. The extra course of bricks has been added around the top of the box. All exposed areas of the pink rubber of the outer mould have been coated with Vaseline to prevent adhesion to the core piece. A feed for the resin has been added where one of the frames dips down behind the pony wheel, and numerous risers have been stuck on. These have been positioned anywhere that the rising level of resin within the mould might be likely to trap air, bearing in mind that the mould will be tilted somewhat "nose down" whilst the resin is being fed in. Working out where these risers ought to be is partly a matter of simple logic, and partly a matter of hedging my bets based on experience of finding annoying and unexpected air pockets in past resin castings.

[52D]

Tantalising Graham, cant wait for finished result to pop out

[Horsetan]

The resin moulding process is quite fascinating.

[Atlantic 3279]

Core piece successfully produced and first fill of resin in the mould has given quite encouraging results. Removal of the outer mould has revealed a near-perfect first casting, although I daren't try to free it from the core piece of the mould until the resin is thoroughly hardened. That will have to be tomorrow.

[S.A.C. Martin]

Looking superb Graeme. Is the K2 proving any easier compared to the V2? I suppose the P2, despite the length, as a streamlined model would be easier to mould...?

[earlswood nob]

Good morning all

I find the resin casting procedure very interesting.

Everytime I visit the model shop, I spot the resin casting materials and wonder.

Earlswood nob

[Atlantic 3279]

K2 body casting definitely a good un. Details later.

A Bugatti nosed complete P2 body ought to cast up fairly well, but my plans are only to produce nose sections.

[Atlantic 3279]

[S.A.C. Martin]

Fair enough Graeme, I'd certainly be up for a couple of noses and the K2 looks terrific. As good as the V2, easily, in terms of the crispness of that moulding.

[LNER4479]

Terrific stuff, Graeme.

One's getting quite good at this, isn't one?

[Atlantic 3279]

Dunno? I imagine some with a formal training in casting work would find my activities amusingly naïve.

Here's the fettled main resin casting plus separate resin cab, chimney and dome fitted to the previously molested V3 chassis. Other resin parts such as buffers, steam pipes to cylinders, valve chest fronts, snifting valve, lubricator, backhead and even a pair of Ross pops in case I can't get turned ones are all ready, so my own layout and Grantham should not go short of K2s this year. When the fuss of trying to get ready for the baptism of fire in September dies down I may be able to make more of the K2 bodies should others want them.

[john coffin]

Very impressive work Grahame.
I do not think that anyone who has been trained would sneer at your work, you are using the simple techniques that you have evolved and made them work to produce an pretty accurate, attractive item

Well done.

Paul

[teaky]

That looks excellent Graeme. Another impressive result. Well done.

[mick b]

Nice work.