Time to build a railway...but where?

[Peter Butler]

The cab mods mentioned above have now been carried out. There are four screws supplied which attach the smokebox and firebox to the frame, even with those removed it wouldn't be possible to slide the boiler from under the cab sheet due to the vertical motor poking up into the boiler. I have managed to fill in the small section between the top of the boiler and the bottom horizontal bar frame of the cab sheet making a strong joint between them, then by cutting the two vertical cab sheet side supports the assembly is now removable from the coal bunkers either side. (Stay with me on this!).....

Once separated, the battery pack and receiver can now be accessed by removing the firebox back-head, which I have fitted with a circular collar to form a friction fit inside the boiler....

All this became necessary for several reasons, including the design of the cab roof, which would be glued to both front cab sheet and rear support frame, meaning that it wouldn't be possible to remove the boiler assembly at all. If so, access to the boiler interior from the rear would be blocked by a driver figure, which in turn would be permanently mounted due to the only location possible for the installation of an on/off switch and charge point underneath the cab floor, so no screw fixing possible. This all sounds complicated but I can't think of another way with so little space available.
What could go wrong?

[FWLR]

Hopefully nothing Peter.

[ge_rik]

Ingenious - as always.....

Rik

[Lonsdaler]

You certainly come up with some ingenious solutions to the problems that modelling throws our way. I'm looking forward to the next instalment

[Peter Butler]

I'm looking forward to the next instalment

Wait no longer....
Here she is in full grey primer ready for top coat paint. Colour as yet still undecided!....

As planned, the boiler assembly, along with the front cab sheet is removable leaving the bunkers and back-rail in position, just as intended. I have fitted a half length cab roof instead of full coverage, which I think works really well and gives an interesting look to the overall design, not seen on any of the Wren images on Google. Once painted I have a range of cab fittings to install, which will make the semi-open cab much more interesting. The driver figure is already painted and ready to take up his new position.

[ge_rik]

That does look good!

Rik

[FWLR]

See I said you are a quick builder... It looks fantastic Peter.

[Lonsdaler]

I'll be very interested in the cab detailing when you start that.

[Peter Butler]

I'll be very interested in the cab detailing when you start that.

It will either look like a children's toy or Concorde.... I need some guidance I think!

[Lonsdaler]

I'll be very interested in the cab detailing when you start that.

It will either look like a children's toy or Concorde.... I need some guidance I think!

I've used a YouTube video for guidance, in particular this one https://youtu.be/5hgtrt0-asY?si=SGhL__hG5lBKLQ-E which has nice cab views. Plenty of inspiration!

[Peter Butler]

Thank you Phil, that is most useful and I can work around it I'm sure. I still have little understanding of the fittings but as long as it looks purposeful I will be happy.

[Andrew]

Very nice indeed - and the re-styled can really suits it!

[FWLR]

I'm sure you will get your head around it Peter and turn out another masterpiece.

[Peter Butler]

A start to the body paintwork. I'm painting small sections and lacquering each in turn before assembly. Some of the parts fit so closely together it would be difficult to reach them evenly without causing paint runs. Once dry I can mask the blue and paint the black areas.....

[Andrew]

Great colour!

[Peter Butler]

Thanks Andrew, I thought the light blue would reflect the dainty appearance of this tiny loco. It is in direct contrast to the other, much larger project on my workbench, which is to replace the lining on the PDF Double Fairlie. This is the one I originally lined with tape and has now been fitted with purpose made, two colour, self adhesive vinyl, kindly cut by my good friend, Kay....

[FWLR]

Mmm that colour looks familiar....Well it did until I saw the last photo with the Fairlie Peter ...

[FWLR]

It does look good though Peter. Think I need to pull you know what out and get on with finishing projects from years ago.

[Lonsdaler]

Thank you Phil, that is most useful and I can work around it I'm sure. I still have little understanding of the fittings but as long as it looks purposeful I will be happy.

That's exactly the approach I've taken with my tram engine cab. When I'm back home I will try and get some pictures together. Hopefully it will withstand a 'casual' glance

[Peter Butler]

A chance find on YouTube has given me all the details I need to complete the cab fittings.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fQjlIarfJM

This has also given me inspiration to include more exterior fittings than I have attempted before.
Meanwhile, my driver has chosen to use the rear rail as a seat in the absence of a proper one. He has an ample backside which neatly folds around the rail and gives added support to his position. I need the cab floor to be removable as it would not be possible to take out the driving wheels for maintenance if required. Therefore the figure is screwed to the floor with countersunk screws into his feet, but his bum isn't glued to the rail, just slotted over it....

This build has given me more to think about than many others before, but it is coming together well.