Let's roll - Finescale of a sort
- Thread starter Peter Insole
- Start date
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you both jcm and Bill for your suggestions. Looking at photographs, and bearing in mind all the usual caveats, the overall shade does look fairly similar to red oxide, but I do feel that it might be a bit deeper and richer in tone?
Red oxide is frequently variable, but I am quite happy that the subtle difference that can be observed at the main cantrail and clerestory edge on the cropped image below, (and other available pictures) does provide a fairly good indication:
(copyright image shown here for illustrative purposes only)
Although the colour balance and saturation on any two photographs will differ... I am hoping that a previous mix of Humbrol gloss "Crimson" and "Service Brown", (I seem to recall in roughly equal measures) produced something that turns out to be awfully close to the colour required now?
Admittedly, I repainted this little loco with the aforementioned mix a good many years ago, and also at the time deliberately cut it well back to give it a mildly weathered finish before simply polishing it back up!
It may have naturally toned down a bit, but there is not a drop of discolouring varnish on there. As can be seen, the exposed enamel paint has stood up extremely well to an awful lot of heat, various contaminants and a fair amount of hard, roughty-toughty, garden railway and exhibition service... before eventually being laid up for want of a second, major overhaul!
Of course, a genuine Canadian Pacific paint sample to work from would indeed be a wonderful thing... but is such an unlikely prospect that I shall have to be content with something that is, after all said and done, pure conjecture anyway!
Pete.
Red oxide is frequently variable, but I am quite happy that the subtle difference that can be observed at the main cantrail and clerestory edge on the cropped image below, (and other available pictures) does provide a fairly good indication:
(copyright image shown here for illustrative purposes only)
Although the colour balance and saturation on any two photographs will differ... I am hoping that a previous mix of Humbrol gloss "Crimson" and "Service Brown", (I seem to recall in roughly equal measures) produced something that turns out to be awfully close to the colour required now?
Admittedly, I repainted this little loco with the aforementioned mix a good many years ago, and also at the time deliberately cut it well back to give it a mildly weathered finish before simply polishing it back up!
It may have naturally toned down a bit, but there is not a drop of discolouring varnish on there. As can be seen, the exposed enamel paint has stood up extremely well to an awful lot of heat, various contaminants and a fair amount of hard, roughty-toughty, garden railway and exhibition service... before eventually being laid up for want of a second, major overhaul!
Of course, a genuine Canadian Pacific paint sample to work from would indeed be a wonderful thing... but is such an unlikely prospect that I shall have to be content with something that is, after all said and done, pure conjecture anyway!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Progress had been somewhat ponderous lately, as amongst other things there seemed to be endless niggling jobs to complete before breaking out the paintbrushes could even be contemplated! When it did eventually come to the priming point; just trying to work out how to handle the awkward pieces during the spraying process was bad enough... finding somewhere to hang them out to dry afterwards was even more fraught!
It took me a while to pluck up sufficient courage to start cutting the (expensively beautiful) timber slats as well... although it didn't exactly help knowing that there was not nearly enough offcut in the order to make allowance for wonky chops or any measuring muck-ups!
When it came to it, I was mightily relieved to find that "Tulipwood" is an absolute delight to work with... although I did find that some of the holes in the frames were a bit 'orf' when packers were used to space each slat..!
Mercifully no matter, as the original design called for short screws invisibly driven in from the underside only on all but the threshold and seatbacks - where more conventional, and critically located coach bolts were required.
Mrs I wondered why I chose to fit everything before applying the finish coats, but I reasoned (?) that I didn't want to spoil the nice new paintwork if anything needed "persuading" to fit!
Once happy that everything was reasonably nice and square, each separate piece was numbered and then removed again for fettling.
Only after finishing with all that dusty shaping and rubbing down stuff... and having a jolly good clear up too, could thoughts turn back to the matter of mixing enamels!
Pete.
It took me a while to pluck up sufficient courage to start cutting the (expensively beautiful) timber slats as well... although it didn't exactly help knowing that there was not nearly enough offcut in the order to make allowance for wonky chops or any measuring muck-ups!
When it came to it, I was mightily relieved to find that "Tulipwood" is an absolute delight to work with... although I did find that some of the holes in the frames were a bit 'orf' when packers were used to space each slat..!
Mercifully no matter, as the original design called for short screws invisibly driven in from the underside only on all but the threshold and seatbacks - where more conventional, and critically located coach bolts were required.
Mrs I wondered why I chose to fit everything before applying the finish coats, but I reasoned (?) that I didn't want to spoil the nice new paintwork if anything needed "persuading" to fit!
Once happy that everything was reasonably nice and square, each separate piece was numbered and then removed again for fettling.
Only after finishing with all that dusty shaping and rubbing down stuff... and having a jolly good clear up too, could thoughts turn back to the matter of mixing enamels!
Pete.
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michael mott
Western Thunderer
Pete, those seats are the "bees knees" beautiful legacy work Sir!
Michael
Michael
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you Michael... and as they are rather open framed seats, there might be a little more to see sometimes...
!
Ahem, sorry! I know at the moment I'm hosting this thread, but I'm still grabbing my hat and coat!
Pete.
!Ahem, sorry! I know at the moment I'm hosting this thread, but I'm still grabbing my hat and coat!
Pete.
Tom Insole
Western Thunderer
I'll grab mine too and head your direction on Saturday to see the progress!Thank you Michael... and as they are rather open framed seats, there might be a little more to see sometimes...
Ahem, sorry! I know at the moment I'm hosting this thread, but I'm still grabbing my hat and coat!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Seriously though, it would seem there is consensus within the family that when this carriage is completed there will probably be some competition to ride in it... for once in preference to the driving seat?!
Still a way to go before then!
After my interesting experience with the Humbrol yellow paint used on the "speeder", I was a little concerned something similar might happen with the red and brown mix required for this one?
It is now quite clear that the changes Humbrol have made to their paint formulation is indeed right across the range! Similarly, as has already been discussed in another thread, the pigments in number 10, "Service Brown" and 20, "Crimson" appear to be pretty much identical to the original when the tin is first opened, but immediately the paint is applied it is obvious that they have almost completely lost their covering power. Even with these supposedly "dense" colours, it still takes at least three brush coats to obtain a reasonably consistent spread of colour tint. What is somewhat more puzzling is that in spite of this, the actual "intensity" of the pigments is yet again almost dazzlingly bright!
I am not sure, but I imagine that the slightly dull, almost "greyish" hue that was just perceptible in all the earlier colours was in fact the base material... and that itself might have been providing the level of opacity, especially considering that to keep the paint cheap, for sale at common outlets such as Woolworths etc., they probably skimped on the pigments?!
Public demand, marketing and all that nonsense notwithstanding, the colours are certainly more "cheerful"... but I fear that the almost useless nature of the new version of a traditional product is unlikely to be doing the company any favours? Of course, the proprietors might justifiably claim that; "One walks over London Bridge every day"... and if proof were required; that by evidently not being capable of learning anything, this particular mug (!) still keeps coming back and ordering more of the stuff.
Oh well! I ever live in hope, and it is still cheap, but I would have preferred not to be slapped in the face by the sheer brilliance of the colour... and not have been so disappointed either to find that a familiar 50/50 mix, nor indeed any other combination come to that, produced anything approximating the original, subtle shade?!
I'm afraid that a form of "Tuscan Red" it certainly is not at this stage, being significantly too "rich" a colour, but I think I might be able to live with it as is?
I even took it outside to see if it looked much different in full natural daylight, although the test was somewhat unsatisfactory without the appearance of that rare commodity of sunshine this particular autumn?!
Mention of the "golden orb" brings me neatly to another dilemma, guess what?!
My natural instinct was to consider what shade of stain, or particular type of varnish to finish the beautiful, hardwood seat slats and backs with. You, my dear reader might also be wondering... or at least may come to similar conclusions?
Careful examination of photographic evidence has however revealed a rather surprising fact:
The perfectly even and consistent tone of the items that can be seen in the above, including that of the coach-bolt head in view on the nearest seatback, along with all the other images available, rather clearly indicate that the slats were painted also.
Further searches elsewhere, and on other subjects, as a result of a growing suspicion in my mind actually confirmed that outdoor seating - in whatever form, always seem to be painted! Indeed, I was quite unable to find any genuine evidence for the use of varnish. Slatted seats in tramcars, (and notably in the L & B carriages) were thus treated - but only for interior treatment - and definitely not on open top decks of buses or trams!
Can anyone remember any park, garden benches and similar railway station furniture in anything other than variations of "Corporation" green, or in the latter case, the company or regional colours all over?
I therefore suggest that our feelings of "rightness" are unlikely to be anything other than a result of recent, and popular fashion?! It is particularly noticeable that even within the respected "preservation" movement, such new notions and ideas are unwittingly, but invidiously creeping in? This tendency might have something vaguely to do with the scarcity of hardwoods these days, and a common desire to enhance the beauty of precious commodities. It may also be partly that modern varnishes are much easier to apply by amateur hands, and are generally more durable - thus maintaining a decent appearance for slightly longer in hardwearing environments?
Whatever the case may be, if I really want to build a reasonable replica, or at the very least keep it within the spirit of historical accuracy, (!) I know precisely what I should do.
The problem is that current colour on the frames is perilously close to a deep maroon... and I painfully became only too aware of how efficient the colour is at absorbing every part of the Sun's radiation spectrum! Many years ago, I decided to paint my front door in a nice, Victorian style... while completely unaware of the reason why so many householders (including my own aunties) used to hang deckchair fabric in front of their doors during summertime! I would swear that if we could turn the door horizontally after an hour or so in the morning sunshine - we could fry our breakfast on it!
I can just imagine the scenario as my hapless passengers settle themselves into the carriage... only to rise out again rather rapidly!
Could I get insurance indemnifying myself against claims of grievously griddled bottoms I wonder?
Pete.
Still a way to go before then!
After my interesting experience with the Humbrol yellow paint used on the "speeder", I was a little concerned something similar might happen with the red and brown mix required for this one?
It is now quite clear that the changes Humbrol have made to their paint formulation is indeed right across the range! Similarly, as has already been discussed in another thread, the pigments in number 10, "Service Brown" and 20, "Crimson" appear to be pretty much identical to the original when the tin is first opened, but immediately the paint is applied it is obvious that they have almost completely lost their covering power. Even with these supposedly "dense" colours, it still takes at least three brush coats to obtain a reasonably consistent spread of colour tint. What is somewhat more puzzling is that in spite of this, the actual "intensity" of the pigments is yet again almost dazzlingly bright!
I am not sure, but I imagine that the slightly dull, almost "greyish" hue that was just perceptible in all the earlier colours was in fact the base material... and that itself might have been providing the level of opacity, especially considering that to keep the paint cheap, for sale at common outlets such as Woolworths etc., they probably skimped on the pigments?!
Public demand, marketing and all that nonsense notwithstanding, the colours are certainly more "cheerful"... but I fear that the almost useless nature of the new version of a traditional product is unlikely to be doing the company any favours? Of course, the proprietors might justifiably claim that; "One walks over London Bridge every day"... and if proof were required; that by evidently not being capable of learning anything, this particular mug (!) still keeps coming back and ordering more of the stuff.
Oh well! I ever live in hope, and it is still cheap, but I would have preferred not to be slapped in the face by the sheer brilliance of the colour... and not have been so disappointed either to find that a familiar 50/50 mix, nor indeed any other combination come to that, produced anything approximating the original, subtle shade?!
I'm afraid that a form of "Tuscan Red" it certainly is not at this stage, being significantly too "rich" a colour, but I think I might be able to live with it as is?
I even took it outside to see if it looked much different in full natural daylight, although the test was somewhat unsatisfactory without the appearance of that rare commodity of sunshine this particular autumn?!
Mention of the "golden orb" brings me neatly to another dilemma, guess what?!
My natural instinct was to consider what shade of stain, or particular type of varnish to finish the beautiful, hardwood seat slats and backs with. You, my dear reader might also be wondering... or at least may come to similar conclusions?
Careful examination of photographic evidence has however revealed a rather surprising fact:
The perfectly even and consistent tone of the items that can be seen in the above, including that of the coach-bolt head in view on the nearest seatback, along with all the other images available, rather clearly indicate that the slats were painted also.
Further searches elsewhere, and on other subjects, as a result of a growing suspicion in my mind actually confirmed that outdoor seating - in whatever form, always seem to be painted! Indeed, I was quite unable to find any genuine evidence for the use of varnish. Slatted seats in tramcars, (and notably in the L & B carriages) were thus treated - but only for interior treatment - and definitely not on open top decks of buses or trams!
Can anyone remember any park, garden benches and similar railway station furniture in anything other than variations of "Corporation" green, or in the latter case, the company or regional colours all over?
I therefore suggest that our feelings of "rightness" are unlikely to be anything other than a result of recent, and popular fashion?! It is particularly noticeable that even within the respected "preservation" movement, such new notions and ideas are unwittingly, but invidiously creeping in? This tendency might have something vaguely to do with the scarcity of hardwoods these days, and a common desire to enhance the beauty of precious commodities. It may also be partly that modern varnishes are much easier to apply by amateur hands, and are generally more durable - thus maintaining a decent appearance for slightly longer in hardwearing environments?
Whatever the case may be, if I really want to build a reasonable replica, or at the very least keep it within the spirit of historical accuracy, (!) I know precisely what I should do.
The problem is that current colour on the frames is perilously close to a deep maroon... and I painfully became only too aware of how efficient the colour is at absorbing every part of the Sun's radiation spectrum! Many years ago, I decided to paint my front door in a nice, Victorian style... while completely unaware of the reason why so many householders (including my own aunties) used to hang deckchair fabric in front of their doors during summertime! I would swear that if we could turn the door horizontally after an hour or so in the morning sunshine - we could fry our breakfast on it!
I can just imagine the scenario as my hapless passengers settle themselves into the carriage... only to rise out again rather rapidly!
Could I get insurance indemnifying myself against claims of grievously griddled bottoms I wonder?
Pete.
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Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I did try stitching seams for the sails of a pond yacht once.
The result was similar to earlier comments... re; Nora Batty and the suggestion of likeness!
We do have our own sewer in the family already... Nooo, I'm not talking about my humour... but needles and thread!
Pete.
The result was similar to earlier comments... re; Nora Batty and the suggestion of likeness!
We do have our own sewer in the family already... Nooo, I'm not talking about my humour... but needles and thread!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I have been going for the procrastination trophy lately, if indeed such a thing exists! Mortice and tenon joints and me are really not good friends - and come to that, the constant bish-bashing coming from the workbench is not exactly helping to maintain family and neighbour relationships either! In between brief bouts of determined activity, I have been slamming the cellar door shut and pretending that there are other more important things to do.
Last night, having eventually completed ten out of the twelve joints required I realised that I had collected an awful lot of photographs... that all looked very much the same; so I apologise if some images appear to be repetitive.
Over so many years I have managed to find every alternative imaginable in order to avoid making this type of joint... but as the frames of this carriage are open all round, and at the same time being particularly keen to replicate the original construction method, I didn't feel that I had much choice?
Perhaps I should warn any proper, professional carpenters to look away now?
I did try to remember being taught by an old boy to "always cut on the waste side of the line"... but nothing could prevent me from being a bit too clumsy with the saw at times!
And I wasn't much better with the chisel!
Every time one went home fairly snug... I was utterly amazed:
Yeah, I know there is a tiny bit of light showing under the square in the above image... but for a first try in almost fifty years, I reckoned that it was entirely a matter of luck, rather than any judgement on my part?
Only eleven to go... so plenty of opportunity to muck up yet?!
It is awful, but I felt only brave enough to manage one - or perhaps occasionally two at a push on any given day! The silly thing is that even though I was quite aware of it, I was actually doing little more than prolonging the agony... but there we are, ho-hum!
They kept going in:
Although I still have two more mortices to do, (to complete the footwell bulkheads) I decided to test the main assembly by refitting the headstocks... just to make sure the frames were still flat and square:
So far, for some utterly inexplicable reason, it seems to be sound?!
The real fun will be drilling out the headstocks, solebars and bolsters for eight truss rods to clamp everything in place. Why do I have the terrible feeling that tightening the nuts will be when all the barely visible errors become horribly compounded into a twisted mess?!
Pete.
Last night, having eventually completed ten out of the twelve joints required I realised that I had collected an awful lot of photographs... that all looked very much the same; so I apologise if some images appear to be repetitive.
Over so many years I have managed to find every alternative imaginable in order to avoid making this type of joint... but as the frames of this carriage are open all round, and at the same time being particularly keen to replicate the original construction method, I didn't feel that I had much choice?
Perhaps I should warn any proper, professional carpenters to look away now?
I did try to remember being taught by an old boy to "always cut on the waste side of the line"... but nothing could prevent me from being a bit too clumsy with the saw at times!
And I wasn't much better with the chisel!
Every time one went home fairly snug... I was utterly amazed:
Yeah, I know there is a tiny bit of light showing under the square in the above image... but for a first try in almost fifty years, I reckoned that it was entirely a matter of luck, rather than any judgement on my part?
Only eleven to go... so plenty of opportunity to muck up yet?!
It is awful, but I felt only brave enough to manage one - or perhaps occasionally two at a push on any given day! The silly thing is that even though I was quite aware of it, I was actually doing little more than prolonging the agony... but there we are, ho-hum!
They kept going in:
Although I still have two more mortices to do, (to complete the footwell bulkheads) I decided to test the main assembly by refitting the headstocks... just to make sure the frames were still flat and square:
So far, for some utterly inexplicable reason, it seems to be sound?!
The real fun will be drilling out the headstocks, solebars and bolsters for eight truss rods to clamp everything in place. Why do I have the terrible feeling that tightening the nuts will be when all the barely visible errors become horribly compounded into a twisted mess?!
Pete.
Peter, I can only aspire to your level of joinery! Re painting v varnishing, I think varnishing is always nicer if you have somewhere to store it when not used. It would be a dreadful shame to cover up that grain. And if it does take on a little patina, all to the better. Then the only question is would you varnish as is or apply some sort of stain? Myself, I think a walnut stain would look rather nice, befitting the director's inspection car or chief engineer's personal rail skiff, but it is up to you. Now all you need is the very finest folding top hat and a pair of Victorian blue tinted railway spectacles.
Piet
Piet
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you to everyone, but I'm still not sure if I will get away with it. One thing is certain; I will not want to try that exercise again... which latter point means I probably will end up doing exactly that?!
Never mind cheating Giles, if I had such a machine, believe me I would have gladly used it!
As I also seem to be breaking more and more of my self imposed dictates; I am in full agreement with you Fitzroy about varnishing the beautiful hardwood seat slats... so as you see, fashion or not, I went ahead and did just that!
I love the idea of the topper by the way!
Here are some more pics from yesterday:
We had a rare showing of autumnal sunshine, so I couldn't resist setting the beast up on blocks atop the trial bogies... hopefully to keep the juices flowing!
I keep telling myself it is going to be fine?
I was becoming quite concerned that it might prove rather too heavy for our lightweight locomotives, but in between taking photographs, and whilst chatting with a neighbour, there was the very slightest breath of wind... and the carriage quietly started rolling away!
No worries on that score anyway!
Pete.
Never mind cheating Giles, if I had such a machine, believe me I would have gladly used it!
As I also seem to be breaking more and more of my self imposed dictates; I am in full agreement with you Fitzroy about varnishing the beautiful hardwood seat slats... so as you see, fashion or not, I went ahead and did just that!
I love the idea of the topper by the way!
Here are some more pics from yesterday:
We had a rare showing of autumnal sunshine, so I couldn't resist setting the beast up on blocks atop the trial bogies... hopefully to keep the juices flowing!
I keep telling myself it is going to be fine?
I was becoming quite concerned that it might prove rather too heavy for our lightweight locomotives, but in between taking photographs, and whilst chatting with a neighbour, there was the very slightest breath of wind... and the carriage quietly started rolling away!
No worries on that score anyway!
Pete.
michael mott
Western Thunderer
Pete Personally I believe you are not only selling yourself too short on your abilities now moving on to joinery, I am sure that many woodworkers would be amazed at your skill and tenacity in putting together such a carriage. Beautiful metal work for the benches no fancy machines thank you very much, then clean mortice and tenon joints to finish off. Well done Sir!!!
Michael
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you Michael, you are too kind. Setting myself challenges, along with trying to maintain sufficient focus on projects like this one is sometimes the only thing that keeps me going. I am rather aware of my lack of experience when attempting all these new things, so while the joints do look quite clean and square on the outside, I am rather worried that they are not really accurately cut enough to stand up to the rigours of service?!
Of course, it is always nice to be pleasantly surprised if things do work out... but when they don't, I maybe hope to be marginally less disappointed if I was already anticipating failure right from the beginning?!
Pete.
Of course, it is always nice to be pleasantly surprised if things do work out... but when they don't, I maybe hope to be marginally less disappointed if I was already anticipating failure right from the beginning?!
Pete.
simond
Western Thunderer
David LO Smith was a very talented engineer and modeller. I recall rather pessimistically looking at a job that I didn’t much fancy. His sage words were along the lines of “plan to make seven if you need six, and it won’t be so bad if one of them comes out wrong”. So I girded my loins and set about making seven, but the first six were good. He said something along the lines of “told you so”
.On the other hand, it may have been Mikoo who advised that, when I announced the purchase of a 3D printer, I should also purchase a bigger bin…
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I know it seems a bit crazy to have expended all this effort so far on the new carriage based solely on theory. Throughout the process I have had no idea whether it would actually be stable enough in transit, comfortably traverse that infamous top curve, or indeed would even remain within loading gauge and safely clear all permanent lineside structures. I could only be certain of the latter points once the frame structure was complete enough to attach the bogies... albeit temporarily minus any elements of suspension.
Since my last post, getting those frames to such condition for any sort of test has been intense enough to keep me thoroughly occupied:
Cutting threads on each end of the 8mm steel truss rods turned out to be a bit of an ordeal... not only because I was using an "el-cheapo", throw away die, but the drawn steel rod itself was somewhat uneven. I came across several hard spots during most cuts, and on a couple of occasions it was so bad that I had to resort to blasting the affected sections with the gas torch!
I did make the (lets face it, usual!) measurement mistake of acquiring sixteen, 50mm square washers - when I really wanted rather more appropriate 40's... but in a way, that turned out to possibly be a slight advantage:
On the 1925 design, the plates met the upper and lower outside edges of the solebars, which naturally means that the transverse trusses would be further off-centre than ours are perforce to be. Fortunately, the revised dimensions still permit just sufficient clearance to allow the longitudinal rods to pass between! I do admit to the rather naughty feeling that the new arrangement is, purely by default, applying slightly more even clamping force on the joints than that which the honourable Mr. Greenly originally specified?!
Before any further thought could be given to building the footwell and floor into the frame structure, I felt that carrying out the aforementioned clearance checks would be a wise move... and yesterday's weather forecast seemed promising enough. We were also expecting a family visit, so it seemed opportune for a late season running session on the railway.
While the children played... and in between service trains:
With both seats temporarily attached with short screws, the carriage was successfully given several (fully laden, and in Fred Flintstone style) trips along the full length of the line!
I was so busy with all the excitement of the day... including acting not only as the engineering inspector - but also at the same time providing the essential propulsion (!) that I completely failed to take the necessary proving photographs!
Little Miss S., declaring that the carriage is "really so cool", is at the very least giving me a bit more confidence now that this project has got wheels!
Pete.
Since my last post, getting those frames to such condition for any sort of test has been intense enough to keep me thoroughly occupied:
Cutting threads on each end of the 8mm steel truss rods turned out to be a bit of an ordeal... not only because I was using an "el-cheapo", throw away die, but the drawn steel rod itself was somewhat uneven. I came across several hard spots during most cuts, and on a couple of occasions it was so bad that I had to resort to blasting the affected sections with the gas torch!
I did make the (lets face it, usual!) measurement mistake of acquiring sixteen, 50mm square washers - when I really wanted rather more appropriate 40's... but in a way, that turned out to possibly be a slight advantage:
On the 1925 design, the plates met the upper and lower outside edges of the solebars, which naturally means that the transverse trusses would be further off-centre than ours are perforce to be. Fortunately, the revised dimensions still permit just sufficient clearance to allow the longitudinal rods to pass between! I do admit to the rather naughty feeling that the new arrangement is, purely by default, applying slightly more even clamping force on the joints than that which the honourable Mr. Greenly originally specified?!
Before any further thought could be given to building the footwell and floor into the frame structure, I felt that carrying out the aforementioned clearance checks would be a wise move... and yesterday's weather forecast seemed promising enough. We were also expecting a family visit, so it seemed opportune for a late season running session on the railway.
While the children played... and in between service trains:
With both seats temporarily attached with short screws, the carriage was successfully given several (fully laden, and in Fred Flintstone style) trips along the full length of the line!
I was so busy with all the excitement of the day... including acting not only as the engineering inspector - but also at the same time providing the essential propulsion (!) that I completely failed to take the necessary proving photographs!
Little Miss S., declaring that the carriage is "really so cool", is at the very least giving me a bit more confidence now that this project has got wheels!
Pete.