Garden Railway Forum

I hadn't realised the lettering is proud rather than indented... It does really look convincing

Rik

LNR wrote: ↑Sun Jul 19, 2020 1:16 pm Aaron you didn't really think that I wouldn't be doing just that !!! It will definitely look like a working engine when I've finished with it LoL.
Grant.

I wasn't sure what to expect, if I'm honest. People often surprise me in the detailing they go to, only to stop just a hair's width short of really tying it all together - I'm sure there's people that look at my own work, and think the same thing. Long as the builder's happy with his or her work, that's all that matters.

In any case, the job you've done on that engine is nothing short of spectacular. If I can manage to do half as well on my own sawmill engine, I'd be content. (on the off chance I ever get round to it)

Many thanks Aaron, somewhere back in one of my posts I made the statement "I don't like new", I model things as I see them and to me that's in working condition. From what I've seen of your work, your following and achieving a similar state of "working condition". The rust job on that wagon is one thing that comes to mind.
Grant.

Well thanks, Grant. Though I must admit, I'm still quite new to weathering, and that iron powder really does provide almost fool-proof results. That "miniaturised window into a past world" effect, along the lines of what you've achieved, is my eventual goal.

Looking forward to seeing that mill progress.

Wow, so that’s sentimental grumpy old man Aaron then?
Tim
Ps nice work on the weathering

LNR wrote: ↑Mon Jul 20, 2020 6:48 am One oily sawdust covered Austral steam engine.

Sawmill Steam Engine 17.JPG

Grant.

That is superb Grant. Looking at it takes me straight back to childhood visits to the old Science Museum in Birmingham - I can smell the hot oil from here. And don't worry about the lettering, but in future, plan ahea
d.

I got the new concrete foundations done for the engine, along with some steam pipe work and a throttle valve.
Grant.

The boiler and mill engine actually came from the original mill down at Leawarra, being shipped up in pieces to the new bush mill sight . The new mill being capable of handling larger logs, the boiler and engine were found under powered. A larger boiler and more powerful engine were ordered from Melbourne, involving new concrete foundations and an engine boiler house erected to give some weather protection.
The first test steaming of the boiler and engine combination took place today watched by company representatives and some mill workers. The boiler was specifically built to be fired on large timber offcuts and has a large fire door for this purpose. Young Jack opened the throttle valve very tentatively and allowed the new engine to warm through and run at low speed. All was deemed satisfactory by the Austral fitters.
Grant.

Wonderful Grant.

There is no need to say anymore as the pictures speak for themselves.

It all looks magnificent in its new setting, excellent job Grant.

Thanks Tom and Peter, I am rather pleased with how it's turning out.
Grant.

You've done it again Grant! How you get such realism in, is beyond me.

Nice work on this Grant. You have nailed it with the engine. The steam boiler is brilliant also.

Another marvellous little scene. It's the little touches which bring thing to life.
Have you installed a smoke generator in the chimney?

Rik

ge_rik wrote: ↑Sat Jul 25, 2020 1:55 pm Have you installed a smoke generator in the chimney?

I have both Rik, I've built a grate for wood firing which works OK and makes plenty of smoke. I thought I would try the smoke unit from my paddle tug, substituting the double manifold for a single one. It makes heaps of smoke (smells like a babies nursery using baby oil!) and is far more convenient.
Grant.

Wow Grant that looks fantastic you've captured the feel of an Australian mill perfectly

Thank you Jake.
Grant.

There was some sunshine today, boiled some water in the Lumberjack.
That curve again! Grant.

Another great picture, Grant. Do the telegraph poles stay in situ, or do you deploy the for each running session?

Rik

They've been out for years Rik, to the point that a couple have rotted away in the ground and I've turned a spigot on the lower end that was left and added a 1/2" steel tube to give them a bit more life. I also have two full loads of new poles for the flat wagons when the time comes.
Grant.