Lock and load...

I've not done much work on my G scale projects for a week or so, spending what little modelling time I've found fiddling with tiny bits of plastic on my 009 Schoema diesel kit.

So this evening I was determined to make some real and visible progress on my roll-wagen project. I decided to start with fabricating the locking chocks. These are two pieces of 60 thou plasticard glued to a chock made from 120thou plasticard, all glued permanently into position as this wagon is not envisaged to be a working model, so robustness is more important.

Once these were in position I decided to do something about the white rimmed wheels on the OBB standard gauge wagon I have as a load. These were cleaned up by scraping the white rim off, then sprayed with rattle can Matt black. Some scraped off when fitting but since I have some other details to touch up that's no problem.

The wagon looked much better but just felt naked without it's brakes do these were carved off the LGB pivoting plates and superglued into position, trying to get some contact with the wheel to suggest they have been applied.

So all in a productive evening's modelling. I'm looking forward to the finishing details on the roll-wagen now so I can get it painted!

Testing the roll-wagen (on video)...

I've uploaded a short un-edited video of the small Lilliput diesel shunter pulling the Roll-wagen. You can see it traverse R1 reverse curves (through the point) and around longer sweeping R1 curves successfully. I also have one of it pushing but my daughter is in the way a lot on that one, whereas on here, you just get her audio commentary!

Another batch of transfers arrive...

I've had another batch of transfers printed by John at www.precisionlabels.co.uk and they arrived this morning.

This is another sheet I designed myself and there enough here for five items. We have the Schoema with modern logos in black and white with white numbers and details, a set in black for the modern box van, a set in white for the steel bodied brake van (when I make it), a set in white for the roll-wagen and finally a set for the third, un-used LGB green bogie coach that I plan to repaint into a more modern EJ&KLR livery in brown with some white details.

Look out for these projects as they role out through the rest of the winter and into the spring, with the Roll-wagen and diesel shunter due first...

Roll-wagen on test...

Just a couple of snaps to show the Roll-wagen on test on a carpet line paid this afternoon, along with the LGB OBB 2095 diesel. It gives you a sense of scale, the top of the wagon is about level with the roof of the 2095 now, whereas before I swapped the wheels it was at least 5mm lower.

Rolling on the big wheels...

Thanks to Tony I sourced a pair of Bachmann 'Emily's coach' wheels.

These arrived today and I brought them over, with the Roll-wagen to Chester and the EJ&KLR. To fit them I've removed the LGB pivoting mounting, and then eased out the wheels on the axles until they were a tight fit between the wheel faces and the axle boxes, not prototypical but it serves two purposes, one it keeps them from turning so the load can't roll off, and second means I don't need to fabricate new axles or move the existing axle boxes out.

Obviously these need painting and I need to cut the brake blocks off the LGB pivot things and fit them in line with the wheels but it's looking good so far and raises the theoretically standard gauge wagon a bit higher and with obviously larger wheels!

Roll-wagen detailing...

I've begun to add some of the details to the Roll-wagen this evening.

The hand wheels are LGB spares from the RhB bogie ballast hoppers, and are just superglued on. I've also fabricated the four wheel chock runners, which are scraps of 60thou plasticard for the ends and some fine plastic straws from my daughters craft set.

I've also been drawing up the artwork for the custom transfers for this wagon.

Starting on the Schoema...

I felt I needed a break from the roll-wagen and didn't fancy working in 009 this evening so have made a start on the LGB starter set Schoema.

This is really just a repaint project but I wanted to lift the detail on the well proportioned model so have spent the evening carving off the moulded handrails and replacing them with neatly bent 0.9mm brass wire. The door handles are 0.9mm wire that has a flat filed on to it before fitting.

I haven't got any primer at the minute so this is as far as it can go, but I can start on the transfer design and talk to Steve at Narrow Planet about works plate options.

Braking system...

I managed to cobble together the start of the roll-wagen braking system last night, from off cuts of brass wire, plastic tube and bits in the junk box. It will look the part when painted I expect.

I have also added some graphite powder to the axles which has massively improved the rolling resistance when carrying a load!

Roll-wagen load arrives...

A parcel from Dragon G-scale arrived today, my standard gauge 1:29ish OBB gondola. Yes it's a touch small as a load but it has a few advantages...

1) a lovely moulding with crisp detail
2) high quality finish
3) fits within most peoples loading gauges so can visit other lines!

I'll be removing the couplings and adding the appropriate draw gear to the buffer beams. I'm also planning on fitting a pair of Gauge 3 wheels when I track down something suitable.

Modern 1980s era van...

Along with the new diesel I've acquired a LGB MOB van from German eBay to repaint and decal to represent the modern image on the EJ&KLR. This will be a straight forward repaint, silver body, black roof, black and white custom transfers, or possibly blue in the style of this StLB van that inspired the repaint. It will contrast nicely with some of the other rolling stock.

Braking news...

Oh I'm on form with the puns this evening...

Tonight I've fitted an approximation of brake shoes to each wheel as well as starting on the brake setup on the roll-wagen itself. I've got some 15mm copper tube cut to size for the vacuum reservoirs, but haven't yet built the actuator. This will go to one side where the two arms are slightly further apart. The brake rigging then runs down the centre of the wagon to each bogie. Once that is done I can add a box to represent the gear drive on the brake wheel and fit those to the outside of the chassis.

After the brake system i'll be moving on to the wagon locking system, and then fine detailing.

Dinner is served...

I managed to pick up this LGB model of the OBB dining car used on the Steyrtalbahn. It's a gift for my daughter, to keep up her interest in the garden railway. She will be very excited when she gets home from gymnastics to find a red box on her bed waiting...