Time to build a railway...but where?

[Peter Butler]

I have a 1:19ish Isetta in my 3D print queue... Looks like it's time to restock my filament!

I'm keen to see that one Drew, keep us posted.

[Peter Butler]

Continuing with the build, I found a motor with attached gearbox in my 'useful' collection and, to my delight, the axle fitted the second set of wheels....

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More modification (AKA destruction) of the underside soon followed in order to sink the motor inside the body shell. Fortunately, the interior is quite tall and the motor hangs low between the wheels leaving a good space to install the battery pack above the motor with the receiver underneath what would have been the engine cover....

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The view from the back shows it all fitted together and everything remains secure by means of whitemetal axle boxes with brass bearings. The cast axleboxes had to be bonded to the wheel arches with epoxy adhesive as the solvent was insufficiently up to the task. A new plasticard disc (shown in white) keeps the motor at the correct alignment...

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A vertical separation sheet behind the rear seat disguises everything from view from inside the bus and helps secure the electrics.

[FWLR]

Thats very neat Peter. Wont be long before it's running on your line will it.

Now where are the many "that will come in useful boxes" or "I will save that for something else' boxes....

[Old Man Aaron]

This is making me want to tear into that Model T waiting in the cupboard for a rail conversion.

[Peter Butler]

Model T's make into great rail conversions. If I had one it wouldn't last long!

[Peter Butler]

I haven't added to this thread since mid February and failed to notice the viewing numbers have now shot over the one million mark, and then some!
It is hard to believe it has proved so popular and I have to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has followed this thread and made it such an enjoyable experience for me.
I started out knowing nothing about garden railways, so everything I know now has been passed on to me by those willing to share their own ideas.
Thank you again.
I'm still enjoying the journey and hope the terminus is a long way ahead.

Peter.

[ge_rik]

I haven't added to this thread since mid February and failed to notice the viewing numbers have now shot over the one million mark, and then some!
It is hard to believe it has proved so popular and I have to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has followed this thread and made it such an enjoyable experience for me.
I started out knowing nothing about garden railways, so everything I know now has been passed on to me by those willing to share their own ideas.
Thank you again.
I'm still enjoying the journey and hope the terminus is a long way ahead.
Peter.

Congratulations, Peter. Well deserved! This thread is a treasure trove of information and inspiration.
I just wish there was some way of indexing useful posts ...... Not just on your thread but across the forum.

Rik

[Peter Butler]

The VW bus is finished and runs well under test on my indoor layout. Pictures show it outdoors but the railway isn't tidy enough to even attempt a circuit. All of the RC control gear is in the rear of the model and well hidden. A black painted plasticard screen conceals everything from view through the window....

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The on/off switch and charge socket are set under the floor, so out of sight.

A few years ago I stripped out all of the left hand drive controls and altered it to RHD, however, as it was still a road vehicle at the time I didn't bother to install a driver figure in a stationary vehicle. Now it can be used on rails it must have a driver....

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And the finished article....

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My next project is one of the new releases from Boot Lane Works, and is currently on order.

[Old Man Aaron]

Tidy with lots of character.

Boot Lane does some nice kits, this'll be good to watch as always.

[ge_rik]

That driver looks well posed. He's clearly just about to change gear...

Rik

[drewzero1]

That driver looks well posed. He's clearly just about to change gear...

Rik

He looks like he was meant to drive that bus, even if his height reminds me of a certain VW ad involving a basketball player. Or maybe he's just sitting up a bit in his seat to watch the rails ahead.

The van looks right at home on the rails, especially in that shot from the back.

[Peter Butler]

I have been active on the Forum recently although not on this thread. Hopefully the 'Bot' which was attacking so many of the posts by hyper inflating visitor numbers has now got fed up and gone away somewhere. So time to get back to business.
My last post on this thread was dated 4th March, and in the meantime I have added another loco to my stable and another digit to my advancing years.... 75 now!.... Where does the time go?
My latest build has been the Boot Lane Works, 'Varsity', inspired by the Hunslet, Mills Class, 'Vaenol' of 1895 vintage. Later, renamed 'Jerry M', it was joined by a second of the class at Dinorwic Quarry, built 1898 and named 'Cackler'.
This has been another well designed 3D printed and laser cut 2mm acrylic kit, up to the high standard Boot Lane can be proud of. Like all kits of similar material, it responds well to additional care and preparation during the build. I strongly advise reading the instructions fully before attempting assembly and paint items before construction.
The kit is provided with a 3-6v motor with printed gearbox. However, an MFA 385 5 pole motor (6-15v) can be sourced and an alternative worm and gearbox are included to fit. That was my choice and it works!
It is an outside frame kit so the chassis can be partly assembled with the substantial spacers before painting. The cylinders can also be pre-painted so that everything goes together and forms a smooth running chassis with everything in perfect alignment.

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To make life easier an 'idiot proof' quartering jig is provided, and it is brilliant!...

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By 'it' I should say them, because the templates holds the cranks on one side while the other locates the cranks on the other at perfect 90 degrees.... you cannot go wrong!
Cab detailing is provided but can be further improved with the addition of gauges and pipework, some of which I have fitted, although it is difficult to see clearly with a driver figure in there too....

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[ge_rik]

Love it already!

Rik

[FWLR]

Thats looking fantastic already Peter.


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PETER

Sorry I forgot to send a card

[Phil.P]

Wot they said!
:
As well.

Phil.P

[Peter Butler]

Thanks guys, it's good to be back.
As previously mentioned, painting, lining and naming was done to individual sections of the loco which makes a far better job. Each unit then bolts to the next making access for maintenance far easier too. For this loco I used 'Trimline', which is self adhesive vinyl on a roll. I have a sheet of similar lines which my friend, Kay, cut for me, so far only in one colour, but I am going to ask for a number of different colours for future use.
Once applied and lacquered it stays put.
Here are the sand boxes prepared as above....

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The smokebox and chimney. The darts have been replaced with white-metal ones as the resin ones supplied are vulnerable....

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And the saddle tank, complete with appropriate name....

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[FWLR]

Looks great Peter. Likings the colour

I use Trimline also and I have used it when I’m painting half and half, but the slightly wider ones.

[ge_rik]

Lovely satin finish

Rik

[Peter Butler]

The loco is fitted with another receiver from Phil P (R.C. Trains) and powered by eight AAA low self discharge batteries, all housed in the boiler. Access to them is made simple by removing two screws underneath the smokebox which enables it and the boiler to be withdrawn from the chassis.
The kit is supplied with cut-outs for an on/off switch (included) and a suitable location for a charge socket (optional) set underneath the cab and hidden by two internal coal bunkers....

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A little additional lead weight was sited in the smokebox and firebox to increase and even out the weight.

The only detail parts which I chose to add are sliding roof vent, brass pressure gauges, brass handrail and knobs, copper spectacle rings, white-metal buffers, smokebox darts and springs, (most replacing the printed ones supplied), brake-pipes, real coal in the bunkers and a Clavey driver figure. Tread-plate has been attached to the front and sides to give texture....

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Not built for speed, but smooth and very controllable when running slowly.

[-steves-]

Looks brillaint Peter, another spot on finish