Atlantic's works: Portable layout - Scenic details next

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's a way to make the add-on cantilevers for the bogie wagon, using the smallest size of T-section Plastruct (if you can't quite tell, the broad flat face of the T-section is at the bottom in the image). I've filed the ends of some 14.5 mm lengths of this material to shape, thus:

This isn't actually that hard to do, going gently using fine files and supporting the material in the pads of your fingers so that you don't break it. The long taper of each piece can then be curled around a file handle so that it will follow the curved lower edge of the wagon body. Here I've lightly glued four of them to the wagon to test the fit and appearance. As I cannot glue down and blend in the tips of the curled ends yet, since I don't wish to mark the body of the master wagon, these are still gaping slightly, but the final effect should be just what is needed.

In the above image I've taken the ride height back down by 0.5mm - not a lot but it gives a more accurate 14.5mm buffer height and helps to make the wagon appear to sit down heavily on its bogies, rather than teeter around like a spinning plate on a stick.
Here's an early look at the comparitive proportions of the wagon and the Baldwin loco:

[Horsetan]

I still find the twin outside cylinder arrangement on that 2-10-2 most unconventional.....

[Manxman1831]

That master wagon looks more impressive with the Baldwin. With a little imagination, I can see what twenty of those would be like behind it. Six-wheeled brakevan on the end, maybe?

[2002EarlMarischal]

I think this is definitely an occasion when the American exclamation "awesome" seems totally appropriate. What a pity the actual loco was never built. The wagon now puts the loco into context and they look so right together.

On a minor point, I did not know that t-section plastic was even available.

[Coronach]

Marvellous work. The Baldwin is truly distinctive. In some aspects it reminds me of the kind of machines that used to be seen in New Zealand.

Dave.

[Atlantic 3279]

NOTE TO SELF: Must fit representations of the hinges just below the bottom edge of each door as only the hinge straps are so far present. The long projecting spring strips that catch/support the opened doors will have to be an extra fitment (in metal for strength) after main body casting, for anybody who can be bothered......

[manna]

G'Day Gents

Congratulations on 2000 posts................and still going STRONG

manna

[Atlantic 3279]

Thank you, I hadn't noticed!

[WOOTANG]

atlantic
a little off topic any chance you have created an A4 with opening streamlined casing please

[Atlantic 3279]

I've not considered having a go at that.

[Blink Bonny]

Ay up!

Looks like Mrs Atlantic will shortly be sending for the men in white coats.....

[Dave]

This wagon just gets better...and with that loco .....wow

[Atlantic 3279]

I've spent a little tiome tinkering around with the previously taped-on main trusses today, devising a structure to support these, along with the main brake hangers. By casting the brake cylinders (in rudimentary form) integrally with the main body of the wagon it becomes possible for the trusses and main hangers to be grouped on two easily cast pieces that will slide in between the brake cylinders and the sides of the main girder of the wagon. Secure glue-mounting should therefore be no problem. Maybe some cast-in stiff brass wire in the trussing would be a good idea?

There are a couple of small additional hangers to create as supports for the brake screw handles, but aside from these I think that the necessary additional underbody fittings are all rods, levers and pipes that can be simply created from wire and strip. I'll have to improve the bogie mounting points a little before a body mould can be created, but that task should not be far off now.
As regards buffers, maybe I should consider casting the flat bases of the sockets as part of the headstocks, and producing separately some round, stepped sockets into which steel heads can be fitted?

[Atlantic 3279]

I thought it was about time I checked behaviour of this wagon on the track. Luckily, there are no snags. Even with the slightly lowered ride the flange backs in OO appear to clear the central girder for free running on a 2 foot radius curve. The wagon will also just about scrape round a "second radius" toytown point without trying to go straight-on at the crossing. Oddly enough, with the central girder being the limiting factor on this wagon rather than the more usual issue of outboard solebars on bogie coaches, modellers in the broader gauges would have more wheel clearance on tight curves - but they wouldn't have tight curves, would they?

[Horsetan]

Elsewhere, I went back quite a few pages to the K4 conversion. Having retrieved some drawings, it does look like my leftover old Hornby B17 footplate could be adjusted to form the underpinnings of a K4 body.

My only problem is where to get a P4-able chassis from