Atlantic's works: Portable layout - Scenic details next

[Woodcock29]

Brilliant stuff as always Graeme

Woodcock29

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's the next allegedly "riveting" instalment. A tale of mixed fortunes.....

Production of the first, outer part of the running plate mould worked like a dream. I was delighted . Even if in separating the redundant base and supports from the moulding box I had also dislodged the master from its place in the rubber, everything appeared so cleanly formed and simple in shape that I should have no trouble getting the master to re-seat exactly as it originally was. I expected no trouble in producing a nice second part to the mould. I removed the 5 thou plastic from the central space in the running plate, added formers for feeds and breathers to the underside of the running plate master, applied Vaseline to the rubber surfaces that would be exposed and went ahead with the second pour of rubber.

On opening up the mould the following morning I was less than happy! The master had risen just enough to allow the dense liquid rubber to creep beneath in several places, getting on to some of the surfaces of the first portion of the mould which had not had a thorough coating of Vaseline. They shouldn't have needed it, they weren't supposed to be exposed. I did my best to peel away all that had crept under without causing damage to the mould. Thanks to the new layer being thin and possibly not 100% cured much of it did come away fairly easily, but some of it wouldn't shift without use of force or a blade of some kind, especially in the awkward edges of the splasher recesses. Inevitably, some marking/pitting of the mould surfaces resulted. More awkwardly still, in the vacant spaces either side of the running plate the slight elevation of the master had allowed the new pour of rubber to form taller ridges that it should have done. The effect of these was going to prevent tight closure of the upper and lower parts of the mould and cause the castings to be much thicker than they should be, with the added thickness most pronounced in what should be the thin lip at the edge of the running plate. I considered starting the mould all over again, or having another go at producing just the second part. If I want to be able to produce a larger number of running plates as effortlessly as possible I shall have to do one or other version of the re-make eventually, but I really didn't want to sacrifice more time and materials at this stage. I've therefore tried some careful trimming down of the edges of the new part of the mould in order to try to get it to go fully "home" in the recess of the first part of the mould. I've had partial success after one round of trimming, the casting being good enough for use after a fair amount of fettling up. It features in the picture below. Inspired by that relative success, and informed by its remaining faults, I've further trimmed the mould and another casting is curing as I type. I hope it might be closer to useable condition just as it comes from the mould. Fingers crossed.

[manna]

G'day Gents

Still looks good enough to eat

manna

[Horsetan]

In many ways, it's a shame Graeme isn't really motivated by Great Eastern tendencies - there's a small family of 0-6-0s that might lend themselves to small scale casting; I'm thinking J17, J19, J20 in particular....

[Atlantic 3279]

Never say never.....

[earlswood nob]

Good morning all

I am enjoying the thread and learning a lot of practical details about resin casting.

I think there are still possibilities for more GNR locos.
The J6 boiler is also suitable for the D1, N1, J2 etc.

However, the J20 does interest me even if they mainly worked from March to Temple Mills. I did bid for an old McGowan kit of the J20, but was trampled in the rush.

The H&B did a couple or 0-6-0's (J23 & J28) that might be of interest. I think Millholme did a J28, but I've never seen one.

Earlswood nob

[S.A.C. Martin]

It looks absolutely superb Graeme. Is there a proprietary RTR chassis that would be suitable for putting under your J6 - for those of us a little daunted by building their own chassis still.

I know that you're a little unhappy with some elements of the casting but it looks excellent to me. What is particularly good is that - unlike some resin cast products of locomotive bodies - yours has no major imperfections such as wonky running plates or misshapen bunkers. As to be expected, frankly, with the range you've built up having very high standards anyway.

[Horsetan]

Theoretically, there's scope for a whole host of boiler-only castings, particularly if you want to make your own footplates.... I'm thinking K4

[earlswood nob]

G'day all

I have just spotted a Millholme J28 on Ebay. It is fitted to a Hornby chassis and at a high price, so I won't bother buying it.

Earlswood nob

[Atlantic 3279]

I think I remember that somebody (perhaps Mick Nicholson - if so he ought to know what he's talking about) scrutinised the Millholme J28 and found it well adrift from scale in various respects, apart from any shortcomings due to its cast whitemetal nature.

[Atlantic 3279]

G'day Gents

Still looks good enough to eat

manna

Shall I do a version with nuts as well as chocolate?

Maybe fruit and nut? Anybody for rum and raisin?

[Atlantic 3279]

It looks absolutely superb Graeme. Is there a proprietary RTR chassis that would be suitable for putting under your J6 - for those of us a little daunted by building their own chassis still.

A little way back wasn't there some speculative discussion about use of the Hornby Blackmotor chassis? I think a cut out in the bottom of the boiler would be needed to admit the motor and I don't know how the ends of the running plate might fit on to the chassis, but following that suggestion I did make a point of leaving most of the space within the front sandboxes vacant in order to accept wheels a fraction further forward that they ought to be.
A Hornby J50 chassis with a wheel swap for something larger might turn out to be suitable. We are yet to see.

[earlswood nob]

Evenin' all

Well remembered GK, I have found the note from Micknich.

Beware of the Millholme "J28" kit, I have it on good authority they got their research wrong and produced a "Hybrid" and some how combined a L/L1/LS into one. No doubt a good basis for a "Scratch Built" job.

No need to say more.

Earlswood nob

[Flying Fox 34F]

It was I that mentioned the Drummond 700.
Admittedly, the J50 chassis has potential, when it is released! I can see an outbreak of bodies on that certain website, if it proves to be versatile.
By the way a Black Motor is the nickname for the LBSCR C2X.
As for Rum and Raisin J6, yes please

Paul 4475

[earlswood nob]

Afternoon all

Sorry to bring dissent, but the LSWR 700 was called Black Motor. The C2's and C2X's were called Vulcans. There were several at the local shed (75B), including one nicknamed "The Earlswood Queen" which was always shunting the Earlswood sidings.

Earlswood Nob