oldravendale
Western Thunderer
That reminds me of my first visit to the Leighton Buzzard Railway. The loco was Chaloner and at one point the passengers had to de-train and push.
Let's roll - Finescale of a sort
- Thread starter Peter Insole
- Start date
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I think it can, I think it can... I know it can, I know....!
Eek, there's nothing like a deadline to focus the mind; so I have been making up the coupling pin brackets today. With a fair wind and weather permitting, we will find out tomorrow when some of the youngsters come round after school?!
Pete.
Eek, there's nothing like a deadline to focus the mind; so I have been making up the coupling pin brackets today. With a fair wind and weather permitting, we will find out tomorrow when some of the youngsters come round after school?!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
They did... and it did... it's a runner!!
Earlier in the day Mr. O and me had a bit of fun manoeuvring the beast out of the house and down onto the line. While he took advantage of the glorious spring sunshine to do a bit of tidying preparations in the garden, I made the first drawbar... in between essential, and copious cups of tea of course!
Surprisingly, still well ahead of schedule, the carriage was coupled (at one end) for the initial test:
After I had completed a couple of satisfactory round trips running light, Mr. O fancied being the first passenger... so away we went.
It was just as well that there was plenty of time before the "visitation", as the journey only lasted about three or four seconds! With several violent jerks, the loco decided to become a complete failure!
Multi-meter tests revealed that there was a full twelve volts running from the battery to the control unit... but nowt coming out at any other point. Thank goodness I had decided many moons ago to order a spare... although changing them over proved to be a rather fraught, under the bonnet exercise. First time around, I had connected the controller up and then fed the wires through various apertures. Reversing that procedure was deemed impractical time wise, but in retrospect it might have been the wiser move?!
Mr. O's fingers are much nimbler that mine these days... so it is entirely thanks to his assistance that the task was successfully accomplished!
Happily, the revitalised engine then proved to be quite capable of hauling one adult, (plus driver) but it does require a bit of practiced technique to avoid slippage or stalling on the two sections where the gradient is at the extreme - on the loop after taking the right hand junction, and at the top of the climb up to the driveway. Everywhere else, including when starting on the level, there seems to be more than adequate reserve of power and traction available.
Whilst that was a relief, my main concerns were how stable the carriage would be when moving under load... and perhaps particularly how the suspension would behave for all passengers, large or small during entry and egress! I need not have worried though; as to my utter amazement I found that I could step in and stand with my feet anywhere in the footwell, lean forward to grab a seat back or armrest, and rotate to lower myself into a seat! (Getting up again was no more of an issue than I am familiar with nowadays anyway!) The carriage does roll very slightly, but it is not in the least bit unnerving... and there is clearly no indication of bottoming - or that any of the wheels are even reaching the point of lifting off the rails.
I can still barely believe how smooth and comfortable the ride is too!
In all the excitement I forgot to take enough still photographs... but collectively, we did get some video footage, so I'm hoping that Mr. O or Glenn can sort out the means of putting some footage on here for later?!
Pete.
Earlier in the day Mr. O and me had a bit of fun manoeuvring the beast out of the house and down onto the line. While he took advantage of the glorious spring sunshine to do a bit of tidying preparations in the garden, I made the first drawbar... in between essential, and copious cups of tea of course!
Surprisingly, still well ahead of schedule, the carriage was coupled (at one end) for the initial test:
After I had completed a couple of satisfactory round trips running light, Mr. O fancied being the first passenger... so away we went.
It was just as well that there was plenty of time before the "visitation", as the journey only lasted about three or four seconds! With several violent jerks, the loco decided to become a complete failure!
Multi-meter tests revealed that there was a full twelve volts running from the battery to the control unit... but nowt coming out at any other point. Thank goodness I had decided many moons ago to order a spare... although changing them over proved to be a rather fraught, under the bonnet exercise. First time around, I had connected the controller up and then fed the wires through various apertures. Reversing that procedure was deemed impractical time wise, but in retrospect it might have been the wiser move?!
Mr. O's fingers are much nimbler that mine these days... so it is entirely thanks to his assistance that the task was successfully accomplished!
Happily, the revitalised engine then proved to be quite capable of hauling one adult, (plus driver) but it does require a bit of practiced technique to avoid slippage or stalling on the two sections where the gradient is at the extreme - on the loop after taking the right hand junction, and at the top of the climb up to the driveway. Everywhere else, including when starting on the level, there seems to be more than adequate reserve of power and traction available.
Whilst that was a relief, my main concerns were how stable the carriage would be when moving under load... and perhaps particularly how the suspension would behave for all passengers, large or small during entry and egress! I need not have worried though; as to my utter amazement I found that I could step in and stand with my feet anywhere in the footwell, lean forward to grab a seat back or armrest, and rotate to lower myself into a seat! (Getting up again was no more of an issue than I am familiar with nowadays anyway!) The carriage does roll very slightly, but it is not in the least bit unnerving... and there is clearly no indication of bottoming - or that any of the wheels are even reaching the point of lifting off the rails.
I can still barely believe how smooth and comfortable the ride is too!
In all the excitement I forgot to take enough still photographs... but collectively, we did get some video footage, so I'm hoping that Mr. O or Glenn can sort out the means of putting some footage on here for later?!
Pete.
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Tim Watson
Western Thunderer
Splendid!
Tim
Tim
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
It's not got that bad yet Tony! 
Pete.
Pete.
Tom Insole
Western Thunderer
You'll be alright dad as long as you don't start using abbreviations..
Saying such things as "the P.way gang had a works train out..." or shortening the "private railway" to Privy railway. Then the boys and girls here just might not believe you!
Jokes aside, it does provide the perfect cuppa stash space.. gentle acceleration and braking required.
Tom.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
After all the excitement, the last couple of weeks have been a bit of a trial as my ongoing treatment regime continues to accelerate.
I really had hoped to have a little more time to get the carriage work pretty much done before things became too tiresome, but sadly the appalling and seemingly relentless cold, wet and windy weather has prevented me from applying the final paint to the underframes. Gloss enamels will require at least three coats for decent coverage, but with the carriage being awkward to handle when returning it to temporary storage at the best of times, doing so with tacky paint on significant areas of it is unthinkable!
I only needed a few consecutive days of settled, dry conditions to be able to put up the gazebo for protected working outdoors... but such was not to be! There had been a few odd moments that allowed me to sit quietly in the preciously rare sunshine and at least get some paint the bogies though:
I had wanted a high level of corrosion protection, and felt that an overall dull silver seemed "right" for something that hopefully represents a sort of North American practice, (?) but it didn't quite turn out as expected... as I had completely forgotten just how horrible brushing Hammerite out of a tin really can be!
It was supposed to be a specific finish - and only require "two coats to cover bare metal" Ha! I did my best to follow all the instructions... but it was my own mood - as well as my lungs that ended up slightly "hammered"!
Still, they are well coated now... albeit looking rather more like enormous white metal castings in the process?!
Pete.
I really had hoped to have a little more time to get the carriage work pretty much done before things became too tiresome, but sadly the appalling and seemingly relentless cold, wet and windy weather has prevented me from applying the final paint to the underframes. Gloss enamels will require at least three coats for decent coverage, but with the carriage being awkward to handle when returning it to temporary storage at the best of times, doing so with tacky paint on significant areas of it is unthinkable!
I only needed a few consecutive days of settled, dry conditions to be able to put up the gazebo for protected working outdoors... but such was not to be! There had been a few odd moments that allowed me to sit quietly in the preciously rare sunshine and at least get some paint the bogies though:
I had wanted a high level of corrosion protection, and felt that an overall dull silver seemed "right" for something that hopefully represents a sort of North American practice, (?) but it didn't quite turn out as expected... as I had completely forgotten just how horrible brushing Hammerite out of a tin really can be!
It was supposed to be a specific finish - and only require "two coats to cover bare metal" Ha! I did my best to follow all the instructions... but it was my own mood - as well as my lungs that ended up slightly "hammered"!
Still, they are well coated now... albeit looking rather more like enormous white metal castings in the process?!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Although there is still so much to do this summer, I really don't want to move onto anything else until this carriage is finished. I am perhaps even more pressured by the impending radio therapy sessions that will entail daily trips to Cambridge for a month! While each session might be only a few minutes in duration... it is the way of these things that rather large chunks of time will have to be set aside getting there, waiting and getting home again!
Despite the sense of urgency described, I didn't want to start the main paint job until I was satisfied that the vehicle was completely stable, safe and comfortable to ride in... just in case any serious modifications ruined a hard won (effort wise - and lets face it, rather expensive) finish?! Now the beast has been thoroughly tested, I have still been waiting for that run of warm, dry weather... enough at least to get a couple of coats of "Maroon" all over anyway.
Finally, this week actually looked promising:
It was a bit tricky painting round the insides of the frames with the seats still attached, but while there are a couple of layers of primer in between the timber and metal parts, I wanted a good, weatherproof seal on the outside as well. There might be a few runs and streaks under there at the end of the day, although I do take comfort in knowing everything is otherwise thoroughly covered.
With the pleasantly warm conditions prevailing for a couple of days significantly aiding drying time, I did manage to get two coats on the upper parts, and had intended to turn it over and make a start on the underside this afternoon.
The forecast was supposed to be dry until tomorrow...
A bit of a hoolie and near horizontal rain has arrived early... threatening to carry away the pots, old duvet and my tarp cover... so further play has been postponed yet again!
Pete.
Despite the sense of urgency described, I didn't want to start the main paint job until I was satisfied that the vehicle was completely stable, safe and comfortable to ride in... just in case any serious modifications ruined a hard won (effort wise - and lets face it, rather expensive) finish?! Now the beast has been thoroughly tested, I have still been waiting for that run of warm, dry weather... enough at least to get a couple of coats of "Maroon" all over anyway.
Finally, this week actually looked promising:
It was a bit tricky painting round the insides of the frames with the seats still attached, but while there are a couple of layers of primer in between the timber and metal parts, I wanted a good, weatherproof seal on the outside as well. There might be a few runs and streaks under there at the end of the day, although I do take comfort in knowing everything is otherwise thoroughly covered.
With the pleasantly warm conditions prevailing for a couple of days significantly aiding drying time, I did manage to get two coats on the upper parts, and had intended to turn it over and make a start on the underside this afternoon.
The forecast was supposed to be dry until tomorrow...
A bit of a hoolie and near horizontal rain has arrived early... threatening to carry away the pots, old duvet and my tarp cover... so further play has been postponed yet again!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you James, it is beginning to look a bit "posh" innit? - According to one of our young visitors today... and who was otherwise disappointed not to be able to ride in it on account of another coat of paint being applied at the time!
Pete.
Pete.
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
If you upholstered one seat would it become first class or Pullman? 
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Aye indeed Dave... at least one other member of my family, (the "treasurer" actually) has also suggested that I should start charging a supplementary fee for the privilege of riding in it!!
It is certainly making our existing passenger provision seem a bit "parliamentary"!
Pete.
It is certainly making our existing passenger provision seem a bit "parliamentary"!
Pete.
3 LINK
Western Thunderer
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you for the vote of confidence 3 link, but fear it really depends on how daring I feel at any given moment! After managing to do the decorations on the Horwich engine I vehemently swore "never again!"... but as evidenced here, (and in other threads) what do I usually end up doing?!
Mercifully from my point of view, Tony was only teasing, and this time a full lining job will not be required... although I still have some significant signwriting in prospect:
(Above cropped from a copyright image, and shown for illustrative purposes only)
I have already tried my best at drawing up a full size representation of the original in pencil on paper, and am now thinking of every "cheat" in the book to apply it to the carriage solebars in the simplest way possible:
Cutting out self-adhesive vinyl letters is definitely not an option though, as Mr. O's prized shrubbery has a tendency to "tickle" the sides on this maximum loading gauge vehicle at certain times of the year, especially when traversing the top curve! Repeated trips are bound to start picking up the edges of anything stuck on?! Whilst I don't particularly mind the effects of natural wear and tear on what is effectively a "working" railway, potentially peeling signage could look horribly inauthentic?!
Looking at the slight nuances on precious few photographs of the originals clearly reveal the lettering was painted by hand, so it would seem I have little alterative other than doing it in the same fashion?!!
The "canvas" is nearly ready... although I would like to rub it down and apply one more top coat on the upper works before then:
It would be nice to start out with something reasonably pristine anyway!
Pete.
Mercifully from my point of view, Tony was only teasing, and this time a full lining job will not be required... although I still have some significant signwriting in prospect:
(Above cropped from a copyright image, and shown for illustrative purposes only)
I have already tried my best at drawing up a full size representation of the original in pencil on paper, and am now thinking of every "cheat" in the book to apply it to the carriage solebars in the simplest way possible:
Cutting out self-adhesive vinyl letters is definitely not an option though, as Mr. O's prized shrubbery has a tendency to "tickle" the sides on this maximum loading gauge vehicle at certain times of the year, especially when traversing the top curve! Repeated trips are bound to start picking up the edges of anything stuck on?! Whilst I don't particularly mind the effects of natural wear and tear on what is effectively a "working" railway, potentially peeling signage could look horribly inauthentic?!
Looking at the slight nuances on precious few photographs of the originals clearly reveal the lettering was painted by hand, so it would seem I have little alterative other than doing it in the same fashion?!!
The "canvas" is nearly ready... although I would like to rub it down and apply one more top coat on the upper works before then:
It would be nice to start out with something reasonably pristine anyway!
Pete.
Last edited:
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I always like to try and bring some wit or jolly tales into every post, but unfortunately in the last couple of weeks my "cancer meds" have really started messing with my sense of humour! The prospect of a whole months worth of daily radio therapy sessions (and the inevitable side effects) commencing in just a little over one weeks time is not exactly helping matters either. I don't expect to be able to do very much on the railway for a while to come?
Despite feeling generally groggy, awfully shaky and not just a bit apprehensive, the promise of a few days of warm and settled weather encouraged me just enough today to be brave... and set to the lovely maroon finish on the carriage solebars with a loaded paintbrush!
Before taking the fearful plunge, I finally made up my mind to settle for a simple, graphite "push through" method of marking up the lettering:
Using this process would leave a slight indent all round each letter, and which I hoped might help to guide my freehand brushwork...
Hmmm!
Not quite...
It definitely doesn't bear close inspection... even though the overall appearance at a distance is a reasonably satisfying representation of the prototype... ?!
I've got quite a bit of cleaning up to do tomorrow - especially on the corners and ends of each letter... and then I have to do it all again on the other side!
Pete.
Despite feeling generally groggy, awfully shaky and not just a bit apprehensive, the promise of a few days of warm and settled weather encouraged me just enough today to be brave... and set to the lovely maroon finish on the carriage solebars with a loaded paintbrush!
Before taking the fearful plunge, I finally made up my mind to settle for a simple, graphite "push through" method of marking up the lettering:
Using this process would leave a slight indent all round each letter, and which I hoped might help to guide my freehand brushwork...
Hmmm!
Not quite...
It definitely doesn't bear close inspection... even though the overall appearance at a distance is a reasonably satisfying representation of the prototype... ?!
I've got quite a bit of cleaning up to do tomorrow - especially on the corners and ends of each letter... and then I have to do it all again on the other side!
Pete.
