Building Coaches E-Book

George Dent

• Herausgeber: Crowood
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

This beautifully illustrated and practical book covers a wide variety of materials and processes, and tells you everything you need to know about building model railway coaches. Master modeller, George Dent, guides the reader through the necessary techniques and skills. All aspects of the subject are covered from kit building in metal, plastic, resin and wood; soldering, weathering, painting and lining; 3-D printed kits and components; adding passengers to the carriages; upgrading off-the-shelf models; kit assembly, scratch-building and finishing.

Leseprobe

BUILDING COACHES

A Complete Guide for Railway Modellers

GEORGE DENT

THE CROWOOD PRESS

First published in 2016 byThe Crowood Press LtdRamsbury, MarlboroughWiltshire SN8 2HR

www.crowood.com

This e-book first published in 2016

© George Dent 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978 1 78500 206 9

Disclaimer

The author and the publisher do not accept any responsibility in any manner whatsoever for any error or omission, or any loss, damage, injury, adverse outcome, or liability of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any of the information contained in this book, or reliance upon it. If in doubt about any aspect of railway modelling readers are advised to seek professional advice.

Acknowledgements

For their help in the production of this book, I’m indebted to a variety of folks within the model and craft trade. My sincere thanks go, in no particular order, to Julie Lightburn (York Modelmaking), Jacqueline Hunt (Axminster Tools), John Peck (Precision Labels), David Palmer (Train-Tech), John Bristow (Deluxe Materials), Matthew John (Albion Alloys), Steve Bell (Railtec Models), Ralph Robertson (Palatine Models), Dave Mylett and Dave Martin (Hatton’s), David and Ron (SMTF model shop, Poynton), Lisa Munro and Alex Medwell (The Airbrush Company) and Tim Murrell (Everything Airbrush). Thanks are also due to Peter Harvey (PH Designs), along with Brian Hanson and the chaps at Shawplan/Extreme Etchings.

My colleagues at Model Rail magazine – Richard Foster, Chris Leigh, Dave Lowery, Chris Nevard, Mike Harris and Peter Marriott – have provided support and inspiration over the years, for which I’m grateful. So too has Ben Jones of British Railway Modelling.

I must also register my appreciation for the patience of the staff at Crowood and, in particular, all the various members of the Dent Collective.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1     RESEARCH, TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 2     EASY UPGRADES FOR READY-TO-RUN STOCK

CHAPTER 3     MORE READY-TO-RUN UPGRADES

CHAPTER 4     SUPERDETAILING

CHAPTER 5     MAKING A START WITH KITS

CHAPTER 6     RESIN & LASER-CUT KITS

CHAPTER 7     WOOD-BASED MATERIALS & 3D PRINTING

CHAPTER 8     CONVERSIONS

CHAPTER 9     COUPLINGS, GANGWAYS, LIGHTS & POWER

CHAPTER 10   FOUNDATIONS IN METAL

CHAPTER 11   METAL WORK IN PRACTICE

CHAPTER 12   ROOFS, BOGIES & FIXED AXLES

CHAPTER 13   DOING IT YOURSELF

CHAPTER 14   PAINTING

CHAPTER 15   FURTHER FINISHING

CHAPTER 16   WEATHERING

CHAPTER 17   FINISHING TOUCHES

BIBLIOGRAPHY & SUGGESTED READING

USEFUL ADDRESSES

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

Although railways have their origin in man’s desire to move freight, carriages for fare-paying passengers were in use as early as 1807, pre-dating the introduction of locomotives. Developments in carriage design were fairly slow, even following the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830, widely regarded as the first true passenger railway. Indeed, carriages remained similar in style to the stagecoaches they were soon to render obsolete.

Not until forty years later did the first bogie coaches appear, on the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway, of all places. The increased passenger capacity of longer, articulated vehicles soon saw mainline railway companies developing the bogie principle, although four- and six-wheel rigid underframes continued in use well into the twentieth century.

With the introduction of British Railways’ iconic Mark 1 stock in 1951, the use of all-steel construction finally became standard, albeit continuing the tradition of a separate underframe and bodyshell. The 1960s saw the development of the Mark 2, with its integral construction and improved crashworthiness, enhanced further by the adoption of electric heating and air conditioning in later batches.

Ready-to-run carriages have come a long way in terms of fidelity and production quality. Although the outline of this late 1930s Hornby ‘O’ gauge carriage is basic, the quality of the painted finish is actually very high. Have railway modellers always been a demanding customer group?

Mark 3 and Mark 4 stock, built in the late 1970s and 1980s, was designed for higher speed, increased passenger density and improved safety. Moreover, the introduction of push-pull locomotive working, in conjunction with Mk3 and Mk4 DVTs (Driving Van Trailers) and Mk2 DBSOs (Driving Brake Second Open) eventually paved the way for the mass ‘unitization’ of Britain’s railways, with the use of locomotive-hauled passenger stock dwindling in favour of multiple units.

Given the importance of coaching stock to the real railway, it’s not surprising that it also forms a vital part of the model railway hobby. Coaching stock, in a variety of forms, has been a key fixture in the ranges of virtually all ready-to-run (RTR) manufacturers, across the popular modelling scales. Only since the turn of the millennium, however, has the quality, accuracy and breadth of choice matched that of contemporary locomotives, especially for modellers of the UK scene. Up to the 1990s, Hornby and Bachmann Branchline offered a limited range of British Railways and Big Four (LMS, GWR, Southern and LNER) carriages in ‘OO’ gauge, many of which were models from former brands such as Airfix, Tri-ang and Mainline. Such products were variable in terms of detail and authenticity, some dating back to the early 1970s. Lima also offered a range of BR Mk1 stock, of dubious realism, while Jouef’s Mk3 stock was impressive for its time and remains sought after today.

In contrast, modellers in ‘N’ gauge enjoyed much less in the way of choice, with the predominant Graham Farish range developing little from the 1970s until the 2000s. Mass-market RTR ‘O’ gauge coaching stock has only recently emerged as a realistic proposition, thanks mostly to the efforts of the Danish brand Heljan.

The move towards all-plastic RTR models in the 1970s saw a rise in refinement and accuracy, with Lima, Tri-ang, Hornby, Airfix, Replica and Mainline producing some impressive models for the time. Some are still in production today, albeit under different guises.

A blast from my past: as a young enthusiast in the 1980s, much of my pocket money went on BR coaching stock of the day. While Lima’s Mk1 and Mk2 stock was just about passable, it was for the more authentic Replica and Airfix models that I yearned. The Jouef ‘OO’ Mk3 also gained a reputation for a high standard of finish and detail at the time of its release.

Airfix’s air-conditioned Mk2D stock, released in 1977, was especially good for the time. Continued under the Hornby brand, they have recently been superseded by a newly tooled version of the similar Mk2E.

Models with a long pedigree have been improved greatly with twenty-first-century standards of painting and lining, as evinced by this Hornby Collett carriage. There is a pleasant amount of relief in some of the mouldings, especially the bogies, but the chunky couplings and rudimentary end detail hark back to a different era.

The spartan nature of the Collett’s underframe is also a throwback to an earlier era. The shunting of stock like this into Hornby’s budget Railroad range, however, makes them great value, especially as a basis for detailing and repainting projects.

These days there is a comparative wealth of choice, with Bachmann’s popular BR Mk1s (released 1999) and Hornby’s LNER ‘Gresleys’ (2004) each marking important watersheds in ‘OO’ gauge coaching stock production. With the market’s expectations thus raised, we’ve since been treated to even higher-grade models, such as Hornby’s Hawksworth, Maunsell and LMS ‘Period III’ stock, and Bachmann’s LMS ‘porthole’ carriages and BR Mk2s. In ‘N’, Farish and Dapol have taken standards to new heights with much-improved steam- and diesel-age carriages, and we’ve even seen the first RTR ‘OO9’ narrow gauge stock, courtesy of Peco.

Although far from perfect, Hornby’s Gresley stock proved to be a game-changing release. Hitherto, only Bachmann’s BR Mk1 range had reached such heights of detail and finish.

Bachmann has produced a wide variety of vehicle types within the iconic BR Mk1 family. We probably take them for granted now, but they’re a great example of successful RTR product design.

Choice amongst ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge is still limited, but Heljan has been offering various Mk1 vehicles with a decent array of fine detail, especially in terms of underframe equipment. In terms of kits, there is plenty more to choose from, including the excellent Just Like the Real Thing range.

Hornby’s rendition of the varnished teak finish surpasses anything achievable by even an expert modeller in a small scale, showcasing the best of modern printing techniques.

Modellers in ‘N’ gauge have seen great leaps in quality in recent years. Compare the difference between these Graham Farish Mk1s: the older product on the right, with its flat, printed side overlays and basic underframe, looks a poor relation to the more recent version.

All of this product development naturally comes at a price, with the cost of some of the more ornate carriages approaching eye-watering levels. Modern fitments such as automatic close-couplings, interior lighting and DCC compatibility are impressive additions that add value to each car, but may not actually be desired by some modellers. Happily, there are still bargains to be found, such as Hornby’s recent BR Mk1 and Mk2E stock, plus the ex-Airfix LMS carriages now offered by Dapol. Such models may appear a little rough-and-ready in some respects, but they do offer great potential for the budding detailer.

Cost is a significant factor, with even a recreation of a sleepy branch line requiring at least a few carriages for each service. Furthermore, any attempt to replicate a main-line location will demand a significant investment in rolling stock. Talk of expensive UK-outline models should be tempered, however, by the prices that Continental and North American modellers have been expected to pay for decades. Brands such as Lilliput, Fleischmann and Rapido have long offered high levels of detail and specification at the kind of prices that some of us would be thinking of paying for a locomotive only.

The question of time is also pertinent, with a modest rake of improved RTR carriages potentially absorbing many hours of detailing work. When kit assembly is introduced, the time requirement increases exponentially.

KITS OR RTR?

While RTR choice has increased, surely the need for kit building has passed, especially in the everpopular ‘OO’ gauge/4mm scale? This is far from the truth, as the sheer weight of numbers in terms of carriage types and sub-classes (even amongst the BR ‘standard’ marks) means that there remain a vast number of prototypes untouched by the RTR brands. Many slight variations can be modelled by using RTR models as a basis for conversion projects, or employing underframes to recreate different designs altogether, perhaps by fitting an etched brass or resin body kit.

Even Irish railways are now catered for by the RTR ‘OO’ market: Murphy Models produces a range of high quality ‘OO’ gauge carriages, taking away the hitherto necessity of RTR conversions or kit building.

Modellers with an interest in pre-Grouping railways, narrow-gauge or Irish railways, on the other hand, are still faced with kits as the primary source of their coaching stock. And that’s just taking ‘OO’ as an example. For those working in other scales, kits or scratch-building may be the only routes available. Carriage kits remain available in a wide range of scales and media, ranging from plastic, metal and resin to laser-cut wood. Many offer a complete package, leaving only paints to be sourced separately, while others provide the bare bones, such as a basic bodyshell, and leave the modeller to fill in the gaps. Recently the growth in 3D printing has allowed an even greater range of obscure prototypes to be replicated, offering pre-formed bodies as a head start for the scratch-building process.

Some kits may demand significant extra work to match the best RTR models (it used to be that RTR models were substandard to kit-built models!) or simply to meet your own set of specifications and preferred coupling and operating practices. Whatever format that a model takes, there is nearly always room for further enhancement, whether it be in adding a more detailed interior or improving the finish by buffing up the paintwork and adding some weathering for a more lived-in appearance.

Adding new glazing to RTR models, such as the sublime laser-cut glazing packs from Extreme Etchings/Shawplan, produces a significant visual improvement for relatively little effort. Introducing some extra variety to your rolling stock may also be desired, perhaps by recreating a particular type of catering vehicle employed on the route that your layout depicts, or maybe even reproducing an unusual rake of non-passenger stock such as an overhead line maintenance train, both of which may only be possible by employing kits.

Although far from universal, this is the kind of underframe detail that we’ve now become accustomed to with ‘OO’ gauge RTR stock. Anything less is an inevitable disappointment. Have we become spoilt?

At the other end of the scale, maybe it’s only a change of running number, regional prefix or livery that’s required on a rake of RTR models. Either way, this book is intended as a broad guide to getting the best from ready-made and kit-built coaching stock.

WHAT’S IN THE BOOK

As with my previous books in the Crowood series, the onus is on techniques, hints and tips rather than simply a series of specific projects. There are, however, a few undertakings that can be followed if you so desire, but the main purpose of the work is to furnish the reader with a full range of skills that are transferrable to any coach modelling project, whatever the era, scale or region.

This book seeks to demonstrate how RTR models can be improved, modified and converted, as well as looking at a range of kits in various materials. Where kits and RTR still don’t offer a solution, we’ll look into the subject of scratch-building entire vehicles or the most vital components, such as underframes, bodysides and interior fittings.

Starting with a range of rudimentary techniques, including renumbering RTR stock (without the need for repainting) and adding passengers, we’ll gradually move on to the more challenging pursuits of soldering, shaping metal parts and casting your own components. All techniques are described and illustrated in full, with a complementary study of the most essential tools, equipment and adhesives. As with any practical pursuit, it helps to know something about the materials we’ll be working with, so there is plenty of information on this scattered throughout the chapters.

Furthermore, the chapters are arranged roughly in order of difficulty, although the subject of painting and finishing is saved until Chapter 14. Readers who aren’t yet ready for scratch-building or working with metal kits may prefer to skip straight to the later chapters for a look at applying the final touches. On the other hand, much of the content of the metalworking chapters will prove essential for anyone contemplating the use of etched brass detailing or conversion parts, as the subjects of soldering and shaping are covered in depth in Chapters 10 and 11.

Other interesting – yet often overlooked – subjects, such as interior lighting and couplings, are also discussed, helped by the proliferation of a wide range of innovative new products. The intricacies of finescale modelling are touched on, too, in an effort to whet modellers’ appetites. The fundamental aspects of compensation, for example, is a topic attractive to most modellers who are aiming a little higher, so that is included in Chapter 12, along with other hints and tips to improve the appearance and performance of fixed-axle and bogie vehicles.

Changing running numbers, adding passengers and making a few detail enhancements to the exterior can drastically improve the look of even the best RTR products. A suitably weathered finish adds the finishing touch.

Kits offer the route to recreating a wider range of prototypes as well as a more rewarding experience than simply titivating a ready-made product.

Older kits remain a viable option, providing joy of a different kind, as well as many unique challenges. More up-to-date kits employ a multimedia approach, taking advantage of developments in photo-etching, 3D printing, laser cutting and resin casting.

ONE MORE THING …

It only remains for me to stress the importance of enjoyment in our hobby. Any undertaking that causes frustration and stress in our spare time hardly seems worth the hassle. On the other hand, learning new and unfamiliar skills always involves a degree of trepidation. What this book aims to do is to arm the reader with all of the necessary information and to illustrate a range of tried-and-trusted techniques. In other words, I’ll show you how to avoid the many potential pitfalls, offering the benefits of my experience.

It is to be hoped you won’t make the same mistakes that I did when I was starting out. But, even if you do, it’s often the best way of learning. Just don’t let it put you off!

The subject of scratch-building is also touched upon in this book. How else would a modeller set about recreating Queen Victoria’s Royal Train? The late Cliff Newell – a master coachbuilder if ever there was one – crafted this ‘EM’ gauge depiction, which now resides in the National Railway Museum. See Chapter 13 for more details.IMAGE COURTESY OF MODEL RAIL

CHAPTER ONE

RESEARCH, TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Getting started with any modelling endeavour involves differing degrees of enthusiasm and trepidation. By equipping yourself with a clear working plan, copious amounts of prototype information and a decent understanding of the tools and materials involved will lessen the amount of apprehension considerably. Furthermore, maintaining enthusiasm is essential, especially when embarking on more complex projects, where a greater number of challenges are likely to occur.

Thorough preparation has many benefits. Ensuring that all of the necessary resources are at hand, before work starts, should help the project to continue unhindered. Continual interruptions inevitably cause a waning of interest and will often lead to postponement or eventual abandonment. Ask any modeller how many unfinished projects are laying around their workshop and they’ll have to admit to at least a handful – I’ve lost count!

Careful study of the prototype in terms of build details, differences between batches, equipment upgrades and refurbishment, liveries, interior details and eventual withdrawal dates provides invaluable titbits of information that will reveal what extra parts will be needed, especially for kit building, superdetailing or conversion projects.

Sourcing extra detailing or conversion kits and components may involve a number of different suppliers and, according to how intrepid the project, your shopping list may be a long one: bogies, wheels, bearings, underframe details, couplings, lighting units, transfers, paints, interior fittings, passengers, glazing, buffers and gangways are the most common items required. There are also a number of useful ‘stock’ materials to have at hand, such as fine metal wire for handrails and pipes, plus plastic and metal sheet, strip and section.

Adhesives, to suit different materials and applications, are crucial, along with a variety of tools. If metal kits are involved, the need for soldering equipment and consumables must be added to the total cost, although, as will be explained in due course, this need not break the bank. Basic, intermediate and advanced modelling tasks demand a range of specific implements and in this opening chapter we’ll consider the most fundamental of tools, with more specialized equipment discussed in later chapters.