Tullygrainey

My usual method for making a compensation beam for the 2 floating axles on a six-coupled chassis is to use a length of 0.7mm or 1mm brass rod soldered at right angles to a tube rotating between the frames on another, fixed, brass rod, thus: The beam is soldered onto the pivot tube after the horn blocks and wheels have been fitted and is then fettled (a polite term for ‘bent with pliers and swearing’) so that it makes contact with both axles and the chassis sits level. This last bit can be a bit of a trial, especially if the beam is hard to get at, thanks to frame spacers getting in the way. For this chassis, I’m trying the method more often found in etched kits, that is, a beam cut from nickel silver sheet like this: The challenge is to get the pivot in the right place so the beam is in contact with both axles because once made, the beam can’t be bent like the brass rod, no matter how much you swear at it. This is the method I used. It needs to be done after the frame pair has been shaped and the axle holes have been pilot-drilled but before the horn block cutouts are done or the 2 frames separated. 1. Cut and shape a beam from 2 layers of 0.015” nickel silver sheet soldered together. The shape isn't critical but it needs to be long enough to bridge the two floating axles. Establish the centre point and drill a 1mm pivot hole. 2. Ream out the axle holes on the frames to be a tight fit on 2 axles (not bearings), 1/8th inch diameter in this case. 3. Insert two axles into the holes and rest the beam across them so that it makes contact with both. Hold or clamp it in place. 4. Using a 1mm drill, drill through the beam’s pivot hole into the frames. The holes thus drilled in the frames will locate the pivoting cross tube in the right place when the frames are assembled. The beam will make contact with both axles and the chassis will sit level. Yeh! Assembling all these bits is next. Getting it all straight is always bit of a challenge. I anticipate more swearing... Alan If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer

Lovely stuff David

I had a very prompt response to my email request to the Ulster Transport Museum but unfortunately, they weren't able to turn up anything in their archive relating to BCDR 0-6-4T Number 29. However, having already made the rods, I'm going to push on with a chassis anyway. Who knows what we'll end up with. It'll be fun ( won't it?). I'm using a High Level Loadhauler gearbox. I think these little devices are hard to beat. The motor also came from HL. The chassis frames are in 0.015" nickel silver, cut and shaped as a pair then separated. The rods were used to mark out the axle spacing. Spot the deliberate mistake - the bits that had to be let in thanks to cack-handed cutting out in the first place One fixed driven axle and compensation on the other two, using hornblocks and a beam. Hornblocks and sliding bearings are MJT, from Dart Castings. I've never built anything with a bogie before so we'll see how that goes Travelling hopefully, Alan

Good idea Patrick. That should work well.

I always felt the quayside at Loughan was a bit too pristine for a working harbour so it's been cluttered up a bit... The good ship Wild Rose seems to have drifted off. That'll teach them not to tie her up properly. A few more hidden corners round the back. Nobody about. Must be lunchtime. Alan

What a great little film! Absolutely full of interesting detail. Really enjoyed it. Many thanks

Go for it!

I've had one of these on pre-order with Hornby since it was first announced - June 2021. I despaired of ever seeing it so I built the Judith Edge kit in the meantime Alan

From what I've read, Number 29 was ordered from Beyer Peacock in 1922 and delivered to the BCDR in September 1923. By 1950, the Ulster Transport Authority was the custodian. They renumbered it 229 and it was finally withdrawn in June 1956.

Many thanks. I came across those yesterday while browsing. They'll be very useful.

It felt a bit that way

Thanks everyone. That's helpful. I've had a look at Manchester Science Museum website but found I was going round in circles a bit. There may be something there - there's definitely an index of drawings for the right period. I'll give Cultra a try too. Regards, Alan

Like most of us I imagine, I have a head full of ideas and potential projects, most of which will never get beyond the daydream stage. Some will though and this thread will be the sounding board for those that do, all being well. So, first up... Now that BCDR Diesel No. 2 is more or less signed off (the fitters are still arguing about how best to rig the brakes), my attention has been drawn to another County Down engine. This one... No. 29, an 0-6-4 tank locomotive, was delivered from Beyer Peacock in 1923 and spent most of its career shunting the Belfast harbour lines on the BCDR's side of the river. It lasted long enough to be renumbered 229 by the UTA and was withdrawn around 1955. As far as I know, it was the only loco in the County Down fleet ever to have this fairly unusual wheel arrangement. As yet, this project has only just passed the daydream stage because all that exists are these.. .. a set of coupling rods made to the wheelbase dimensions recorded in Desmond Coakham's BCDR book (Colourpoint, 2010) using a universal rods etch (4M92) from Alan Gibson. I made a jig from single-sided printed circuit board with short lengths of 1mm brass rod soldered in. So far, so good but a very long way to go yet! If anyone knows of a source of drawings for this one, I'd be grateful. Cheers Alan

I knew AJ couplings were tricky things to make and set up David but that looks seriously challenging! However you seem to be well on the way and the end result will be worth the effort. Most coupling systems look cumbersome so the idea of (almost) invisible ones is very appealing not to mention the clever delayed uncoupling action. It will look like magic to the uninitiated

Many thanks JBG. I used stuff from the Polycraft range which I bought on-line from MBFibreglass (www.mbfg.co.uk). They sell starter kits in various sizes with everything you need. I've no connection with the firm except as a satisfied customer. I found it fairly straightforward to use and it did what I needed it to. The components are mixed by weight which is easier that working with volumes. I used a small set of digital kitchen scales which were perfectly adequate for the job. Good luck if you have another go. Regards, Alan

Thank you Derek. Most of the figures on the layout are from the Monty's Models range sold by Dart Castings. The bloke leaning on the doorframe with the tea mug is MSV27: Worker (maybe he does work, sometimes. I've never seen it), the fellow with his hands in his pocket is MSV10: Porter (another busy individual) and the lad in the uniform is from one of those 'station staff' packs from Bachmann (I think) The signage was all done on the computer using a word processor, in my case 'Pages' on an Apple iMac. Regards, Alan

Nice one Patrick. The soundtrack is spot-on and really adds atmosphere to all the images. You've woven a totally convincing story around Brookhall Mill. So much so, I'm resisting the temptation to start looking for it on the OS map! Cheers, Alan

Wonderful stuff! Your attention to detail is a joy - the window displays and interiors really convince. Some very skilled modelling here. The bridge isn’t bad either

BCDR No.2 doing some work at last - placing empties on the quay, later running round and drawing the now loaded coal wagons away. (Still no brakes or sand pipes ) No2 coal.mp4

Enough!! Will yez quit horsin' around.

Took a while for the penny to drop here

No, that's the failed projects cupboard.

There was relief on the footplate when Mr Weaver relented and allowed a non-steam interloper to call at the mill. What may have swayed him was the order from the Slieve Donard Hotel for a significant quantity of the finest Brookhall Mill damask which we'd come to collect. Many thanks Patrick for the invitation to visit this exceptional location on the GNR(I) network. We had a grand day out. Looking forward to welcoming your UG, or one of those fine diesels, to Loughan Quay soon. Alan

I would absolutely encourage you to give it a go FS. We probably all have drawers (or bins) full of failed projects but by trying, we learn and by learning, we get better at it. That's been my experience anyway. Cheers, Alan