Atlantic's works: Portable layout - Scenic details next

[Atlantic 3279]

By the way, those "solid" cab windows are only 5 thou films of resin which will clean out easily enough, and the backhead is fully moulded, but a big challenge to photograph.......

Another thought: I have produced a set of resin smoke deflectors with tapered thickness edges (on the backs) to give a combination of looks and strength, but I imagine they will still not be highly robust. If this conversion turns into a viable "several times over" project, it might be better still if a custom N/S etch for the smoke deflectors and the necessary motion parts were available. So does anybody with the relevant knowledge of etching fancy advising or getting involved?

[manna]

G'Day Gents

Jezzer's, you've been a busy boy, and don't they look good, massed A2/3 production is go

My Trix Peppercorn A2 arrived today (body only)

manna

[Atlantic 3279]

Cheers Manna. Good luck with the A2/3 by the "other method".

These Milky-Bar parts remain distinctly camera shy even in good daylight, but here's an attempt or two to portray a cab with window aperatures cleaned out, including some thick flash around the edges of one side window where the rubber hadn't fully sunk in to the angle, but which trimmed away easily. I've also done the spectacles, the rough bits around the leading edge where the rubber mould meets the top closure sheet, , and other little bits here and there. The holes that I drilled in the backhead for screws/bolts to attach the assembly to the original boiler can of course be filled.

That access hole for the plug in the lower cabside will need to be drilled centrally and have a new stub of wire implanted, as the centre stud hasn't been reproduce by the moulding and casting processes.

The original bolt-heads on the roof have all reproduced nicely, invisible as they may be in the above shot

That slab-front still clears the motor and the infernal chip socket. With due and cautious regard for the known problem of lead-shot reaction with PVA glue, I am hesitantly considering the possibility of casting some weight into future cab fronts.......

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's the "other parts" moulding box as first opened up by un-taping of the plastikard bottom sheet. That smokebox extension ring, firebox extension piece, and the two frame overlays had each been tacked down onto the base with four spots of superglue, hence the slight rubber creep under their edges. Had I been 100% confident of success, with no possible need to revert to use of the master parts and abandon the resin project, then I'd have glued the parts down more thoroughly, ensuring no whispy little bits of rubber to peel off in order to tidy up the mould.
Anyway, I suppose this picture provides further proof of what most of us already knew about super-glue, certainly when joining plastics - it is fine until a load is applied, then it breaks!

[Blink Bonny]

Looks, good, old chap. Well done!

[Postman Prat]

Hi

Got to say that this 'serial' is gripping (no, I'm not being sarcastic!) The results so far are stunning!!

A lot is way over my head, and certainly I'll have to wait for Hornby or Bachman to get my 'Straight Deal'

Can't wait to see the final result.

[Atlantic 3279]

Very kind of you to comment PP. If I get this project sufficiently "right" you may not have to wait for Red China to produce your A2/3....

I'd have posted these images of a test assembly of the Milky-Bar Express much earlier this evening, but I had to go to the pub, and as you know, late arrival at one's favourite licensed premises is rude.....

To my enormous relief, all fits pretty well, save for the need to file out a little at the base of the backhead in order to clear a screw-head. I should have anticipated that problem, but compared to other things that might not have worked out, I think it is a minor hitch.

[Atlantic 3279]

Afew more pictures to bore you all with the details, including the "rivets" on the smoke deflectors and running plate edges, one image almost adequately showing the frame details (bolt-heads, splashers, bogie bearing plates, steam ducts and access panel), and only thanks to a waft of contrast enhancing primer, focussed pictures at last of the captured cab roof and backhead details:

I think I've now just about mastered the ins and outs of producing good castings of these parts on a reliable, repeatable basis too.

[davidwest]

Graeme - this really is a brilliant conversion!

[S.A.C. Martin]

Excellent work, and it's purely and simply, an A2/3 through and through.

Can't state the plaudits enough!

[Blink Bonny]

Have I got this right.

Are you planning to market this?

Gotta be worth a try - its a good as anything I've seen.

[Atlantic 3279]

Whilst I am not set up to handle any more than small numbers at this stage, the general idea is indeed to offer either sets of parts for DIY use, or finished conversions of owner's own locos (patch painted in final colour and with cab lined, to genuinely match the rest of the loco, so long as that's dark green with a diagram 118 "long dome" boiler, otherwise it would be up to the owner to sort out the paintwork). I mostly just don't have the time and will-power to do full repaints (e.g. following dome changes), or fully lined LNER livery, unless it is for my own loco collection. The question for all is, I suppose, would resin smoke deflectors satisfy, or are etched metal ones essential? The additional question for DIY-ers would be regarding the valve gear: Are they happy to modify Comet parts as I did, or would only a "ready to use as is" custom etch be good enough?

And although price is yet to be determined, I'm tempted to think that long-established participants in this LNER forum would deserve a preferential rate.

[52D]

I for one am extremely impressed with everythimg you have turned out and long may your efforts continue. However dont feel obliged to give your supporters on here discount over and above your efforts as i feel an honest days work deserves an honest days pay. I think the guys on here will back me up with this.
I will be sending you a pm shortly on a possibile sponsorship deal with minority interests of locos that are relevant to this forum.

george52D

[davidwest]

Whilst I am not set up to handle any more than small numbers at this stage, the general idea is indeed to offer either sets of parts for DIY use, or finished conversions of owner's own locos (patch painted in final colour and with cab lined, to genuinely match the rest of the loco, so long as that's dark green with a diagram 118 "long dome" boiler, otherwise it would be up to the owner to sort out the paintwork). I mostly just don't have the time and will-power to do full repaints (e.g. following dome changes), or fully lined LNER livery, unless it is for my own loco collection. The question for all is, I suppose, would resin smoke deflectors satisfy, or are etched metal ones essential? The additional question for DIY-ers would be regarding the valve gear: Are they happy to modify Comet parts as I did, or would only a "ready to use as is" custom etch be good enough?

And although price is yet to be determined, I'm tempted to think that long-established participants in this LNER forum would deserve a preferential rate.

Graeme, regarding your question with respect to modifying Comet parts - I've built a few kits but without knowing what changes you made I 'd personally be hesitant, in modifying them. I'll look back through the thread to see what you documented.
Cheers

[mick b]

I agree with above, some more detail on the valve gear changes are needed. Etched deflectors are a must