Time to build a railway...but where?

[SimonWood]

Somewhere in this thread I was talking about my latest build.

Previously I showed it in basic construction but it has moved on, now having beading on the passenger panels, rear springs and axle fitted and wheels temporarily placed for photographic purposes......

That is starting to look very fine!

I'm hoping tomorrow will be warm enough in the shed to allow me to spray the first primer coat.

As you know spray painting is not my favourite job, it makes me nervous! Wanting to be sure I don't mess it up I've been running a space heater when I've needed to paint just to be absolutely sure it's warm and dry enough but I don't know if this is always necessary. If you don't mind me mining your experience, how warm is 'warm enough'? For example my shed right now is 15.4°C and the rh is 64% - would you spray in those conditions?

[Jimmyb]

As you know spray painting is not my favourite job, it makes me nervous! Wanting to be sure I don't mess it up I've been running a space heater when I've needed to paint just to be absolutely sure it's warm and dry enough but I don't know if this is always necessary. If you don't mind me mining your experience, how warm is 'warm enough'? For example my shed right now is 15.4°C and the rh is 64% - would you spray in those conditions?

Simon, I understand your concerns, I like to ensure an ambient temperature of above 12 degrees C, as for RH, I understand that professional vehicle sprayers keep the moisture up to keep spray dust down, and I would think 64% RH is pretty good, as most houses are 55 - 65% RH.

[Peter Butler]

That's coming on well Peter.
How did you do the beading around the curved bottom edges? I always find it difficult to get it to sit actually at the edge rather than slightly over or under.

The beading is Slater's .20 x .40 Microstrip which I carefully pull through my fingers at an angle so a curve is established before I apply it. I fix one end and allow it to set enough to hold before moving along its length, following the curve as I go.

As you know spray painting is not my favourite job, it makes me nervous! Wanting to be sure I don't mess it up I've been running a space heater when I've needed to paint just to be absolutely sure it's warm and dry enough but I don't know if this is always necessary. If you don't mind me mining your experience, how warm is 'warm enough'? For example my shed right now is 15.4°C and the rh is 64% - would you spray in those conditions?

I have little patience so I take chances occasionally when painting. If possible I spray in a shed which is insulated, so never freezing. But, I have been known to spray outdoors, even in cold weather, quickly taking the model inside the house to warm up and dry. I always heat the spray can on a radiator before spraying and try to warm the model too..... Speed is important.
Several light coats are better than one thick coat and dry faster too. I often use a clear lacquer to finish, so slight imperfections on surfaces disappear.

[Peter Butler]

First coat of paint this morning. Plastic primer in two light coats, done in my shed and brought into the house to dry after about 20 minutes. No hurry this time as the temperature was OK .......

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[ge_rik]

Are those curlicues above the springs made of metal or plastic? They look just right however you've formed them.

Rik

[SimonWood]

Simon, I understand your concerns, I like to ensure an ambient temperature of above 12 degrees C, as for RH, I understand that professional vehicle sprayers keep the moisture up to keep spray dust down, and I would think 64% RH is pretty good, as most houses are 55 - 65% RH.

Thanks Jimmyb. There will be times the shed falls below 12°C but it sounds like in general I've been a little more overcautious than necessary and I can save a bit of time, electricity and worry with this information.

I have little patience so I take chances occasionally when painting. If possible I spray in a shed which is insulated, so never freezing. But, I have been known to spray outdoors, even in cold weather, quickly taking the model inside the house to warm up and dry. I always heat the spray can on a radiator before spraying and try to warm the model too..... Speed is important.
Several light coats are better than one thick coat and dry faster too. I often use a clear lacquer to finish, so slight imperfections on surfaces disappear.

Thanks Peter, that's both helpful and reassuring!

[Peter Butler]

Are those curlicues above the springs made of metal or plastic? They look just right however you've formed them.

Rik

Well spotted Rik, they are so small and insignificant but I think important detail to include. Thin brass bar was used, twisted round small pointy-nose pliers (an engineering term!).

[Peter Butler]

I had planned to scratch-build a flat wagon to carry the Brougham but, on reflection, I decided to ask Jerry Irwin whether he had anything suitable in his range. He did, although too short and narrow for the carriage to sit on. Never fear, Jerry to the rescue again with a redesigned deck to my dimensions and it is just right.....

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Alongside the horsebox it is a perfect match.....

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The kit arrived this morning and will be painted tomorrow, can't wait!

[Peter Butler]

The carriage wagon is now being painted, although not finished yet. Meanwhile the interior upholstery has been installed, padded (effect) on the side walls and seat, and leather coloured seat for the coachman....

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The glazing has also been fitted using canopy adhesive, which dries clear and leaves no marks.
Currently the roof section is being painted and will be permanently stuck when finished.

[ge_rik]

Very plush, Peter.

Rik

[Soar Valley Light]

It really is superb Peter. What an excellent chap Mr Irwin is too. The wagon really is 'made for the job'.

Marshalled that way round no one accuse you of putting the cart before the horse - apologies, but I just couldn't resist!

SVLR Andrew

[Andrew]

Very plush, Peter.

It is, isn't it?!

Lovely work Peter - I know you're not much of a fan of actually playing with your trains, but you're going to have to indulge us with some shots of all this lovely new rolling stock in action when the weather allows...

Andrew.

[georgesheppard]

The glazing has also been fitted using canopy adhesive, which dries clear and leaves no marks.
Currently the roof section is being painted and will be permanently stuck when finished.

Looks brilliant Peter!

For the interior glazing overlay, is that painted plasticard? Wondering if it might be easier to get a clean cut/finish than my current balsa wood attempts.

[Peter Butler]

Lovely work Peter - I know you're not much of a fan of actually playing with your trains, but you're going to have to indulge us with some shots of all this lovely new rolling stock in action when the weather allows...

Andrew.

You're right Andrew, I have little interest, or enthusiasm, in playing trains, however, it might be time for Rik to pack his video camera again and come to stay, restrictions permitting, so that all the new stock items can get a chance to stretch their legs?

[Peter Butler]

For the interior glazing overlay, is that painted plasticard? Wondering if it might be easier to get a clean cut/finish than my current balsa wood attempts.

Plasicard it is George. I have raised concerns about the use of balsa before as it is very weak in small sections and doesn't give a good pain surface.

[philipy]

doesn't give a good pain surface.

I have to disgaree Peter, it gives a very good PAIN surface but a lousy paint surface!

[Andrew]

it might be time for Rik to pack his video camera again and come to stay, restrictions permitting, so that all the new stock items can get a chance to stretch their legs?

Now that sounds like a plan...

[Peter Butler]

doesn't give a good pain surface.

I have to disgaree Peter, it gives a very good PAIN surface but a lousy paint surface!

Oops!!!! sticky key syndrome.

[Peter Butler]

Another one bites the dust.... I think my work is done on this build. The final details include door handles, Whip holder, shafts separated and laid on the wagon deck (normal practise), lamps, wheel chocks, and rope to secure the carriage. Happy with this one, probably worked out better than I imagined.....

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[Soar Valley Light]

Hi Peter,

I love all your builds but I have to say that I think this and the horse box together are probably my favourite. The Brougham is beautifully finished and a work of art in its own right. I think the wagon it sits on has worked out particularly well too. I love the way you have arranged the Brougham on it and the attention to detail in doing so adds tremendously to the realism of the whole thing.

You have inspired me again and thanks very much for doing so!

SVLR Andrew