Tales from the carriage shops

[Mayner]

All 10 Ranks wagons completed with ladders fitted and ready to go into traffic. 

The ladders are quite resilient printed in the same resin as the wagon, the ladders literally plug into slots in the body and chassis.

One of the next jobs is to complete the scenic works/buildings and structures on this layout, before re-locating it from the workshop to the house in order to start work on a "permanent' layout I have been planning for the best part of 10 years, just maybe!

[Mayner]

Back to loco building this time a GSWR 52 Class.

I used a Mashima 10X24 motor and 53:1 Branchlines Multibox rather than the High Level 35:1 gearbox and coreless motor I used in earlier builds of this class.

High Level were furloughed (unable to obtain components from suppliers covid supply chain problems) when I ordered the parts in 2021, but fortunately Branchlines had a stock of gearboxes and motors.

I selected the 53:1 box to achieve improved slow speed running and a more realistic top speed, the builds with 35:1 gearboxes turned out to be racers!

I build/assemble 2-4-0s and 4-4-0s with weighted tenders and rigid drawbars to improve traction. The leading and center tender wheelsets are floating free to move up and down in slots lightly sprung to maintain contact with the railhead/power pick up.

I used self adhesive tyre weights for the tender and cast woods metal weights in the loco chassis and boiler.

 

Loco and tender wheels are Markits with 'live axle" pick up, the loco is DC the only wiring are leads from the loco and tender chassis to the motor brush terminals, a lot less hassle than wiring a kit or scratchbuilt loco for DCC.

The chassis weight was cast in a rubber mould, the loco literally poured into the boiler.

First load test 14 wagons no hint of slipping.

Even with the 53:1 box and motor of similar rated speed to the earlier builds this loco also turned out to be a fast runner.

Next job is to dismantle the loco for painting.

 

 

 

[jhb171achill]

Looks absolutely outstanding!

[David Holman]

Beautiful model of an iconic loco.

[Mayner]

Test running and final detailing including cab interior, fitting smokebox door and vacuum pipe under running board on drivers side.

Earlier photo, did not notice buffers were pointing upwards! Tender springs and tool boxes later removed for painting.

The model is based on a 1939 photo of No59 at Tullow including twin whistles, I have prepared a set of matching numberplates. The 52 Class appear to have been the regular locos on the Kingsbridge-Tullow passenger trains in GSR days possibly up to the end of scheduled passenger (and goods) services in 1947.

The loco is for a customer in the UK hence NEM coupler pockets on the loco. Didn't realise the GSR used knuckle couplers 

The challenges of fitting a cab interior to a OO gauge Irish Broad Gauge loco.

Test run  following some "final' adjustments.  Reasonably happy with speed range following light oiling of gear train, axle bearings and crankpins.

[Northroader]

 Beautiful job, looks good, well made, and runs smoothly.

 

[David Holman]

Going to be one very happy customer, methinks.

[Mayner]

Applied the final touches to No59 following a visit to the paint shop and a coat of GSR Grey.

The loco is finished in a flat lacquer not dissimilar to the dull rather dull appearance of the loco in the photo

The model is based on a 1939 photo of the loco at Tullow following its arrival with a Kingsbridge-Tullow passenger.

59 fireman's side, I modified the loco chassis by fitting an NEM pocket. I need to re-check the fit between the running board and valence at the leading driving splasher.

The faring that covers the space between the carrying and driving wheels on GSWR 4-4-0 locomotives was cut back on this particular loco possibly to improve access to the brake hangers and linkage on leading driving wheel.

59 Driver's side, rod/pipe visible beneath the valence and running plate represents vacuum pipe between cab and front vacuum pipe.

Number plates are etched N/S with raised number and edging exposed as its not really practicable to paint the raised detail in the prototypical yellow/cream in 4mm scale.

Shaded buffer beam numbers are from a Historic Model Railway Society (HMRS) LNER lettering sheet.

Screw couplers are Smiths couplings with the lower link glued into the shackle to clear the tension lock coupler.

Tender is basically standard SSM GSWR 1804 gal tender used with GSWR small passenger and standard goods.

 

[jhb171achill]

That is OUTSTANDING!!

[Mayner]

Almost a GSWR/GSR passenger train! 59 with JMD MGWR Horsebox and SSM GSWR 6 wheel coaches

I managed to close the gap that opened up the running board and valence at the leading driving splasher and disguised the skull duggery with a minor paint touch up. 

 

[Galteemore]

How lovely John. Straight out of a W A Camwell photo. The PP class of the GN were described as ‘spidery’ but I think that epithet belongs better to these old GSWR 4-4-0s. Thanks to this being 00 and not 21mm there will be a fair choice of large layouts where it can really stretch its legs and show that grace which few alive can now remember. 

Edited September 14, 2022 by Galteemore

[Mayner]

Some activity in the Carriage Shops completing some unfinished projects Tin Vans started between 2012 and 2020.

 

 

Fitting Kadee No36 couplers to a Heating and Luggage Van, the best way to achieve close coupling with the JMD 4W vans.

The van is the original test build with 3D printed gangways assembled in 2012.

The vans were designed with a coupling mount for a No 36 coupler, no messing about with NEM pockets!

The coupling mount, Kadee draft gear box and securing nut and washer is completely concealed within the fuel tanks on these vans

The orange peel paint effect is less obvious at normal viewing distance!

Retro-fitting the battery boxes and footsteps to the test build of the  MK2 version of the Luggage Van.

I made an error in the battery box CAD work for the MK2 version, the main reason for a test build before producing the production version.

I am not sure whether its a better option to try and make good or strip the existing paintwork and start again!

[Mayner]

Some more progress on the Tin Vans. 

I ended up stripping 3 of the vans with Tamiya Paint Remover rather than attempt to repair or touch up the existing paintwork. I left the vans soaking in a covered ice cream container over night, before removing the paint residue with a tooth brush before rinsing and drying, I strained the used paint remover through a fine strainer before returning to the original container for re-use.

I primed the model with an aerosol etch primer, before applying a couple of coats of white auto primer and gloss giving the paint a week to cure before masking out the white line with 2mm Tamiya tape, then sealing the tape with a light coat of gloss white.

I sealed the masking tape with a further spray of white gloss before spraying the model gloss black (paper masking the interior).

I left the models for a week before masking the black and white areas of the body, again sealing the tape with a light spray of black before spraying the orange panels (orange was a custom mix matched to a MM Craven but turned out to be a different shade).

I will leave the models for a further week to allow the paint to cure before masking the sides to spray out the ends and running gear in a lightly weathered black. Hopefully at that stage transfers should have arrived so I can finish the models with a clear laquer, fit glaxing, wheels couplings, gangway covers and door handles and finally finish my Mail Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mayner]

Re-powering a Duetz.

I built a G611 Class Deutz from a Worsley Works set of parts powered by a Black Beetle motor bogie several years ago, and recently decided to replace the motor bogie with a conventional chassis with a coreless motor driving 2 stage gearing to allow for a more realistic top speed for a shunting locomotive.

 

 

The Duetz is supplied with a neat 21mm gauge fold up chassis I decided to use the Worsley Works chassis as a template for a scratchbuilt OO gauge chassis using O.4mm  nickel silver strip and turned OO gauge frame spacers supplied with a SSM loco kit.

First task was to cut two strips over length, thin and solder the strips together before drilling out pilot holes for the axles in the Unimat set as a vertical drill.

 

I then used the Worsley Works chassis as a template for scribing the final frame profile cutting with a razor saw

I also used the pillar drill to drill the pilot holes for the frame spacers before separating the two strips of nickel silver

Assembled main frames motor and High Level Gear box cradles

I am planning to use two High Level Road Runner Compact gearboxes with 60:1 gearing through a layshaft powered by "Tender Riser" with 1:1 step down gearing, I used similar drive systems to power as an Impetus Ruston & Hornsby 88 DS loco during the 1990s.

I carried out a test assembly of the chassis to make sure the drive components fitted before soldering the frame spacers in place.

Luckily the motor fits within the bonnet/engine housing with space to add some weight.

I designed the chassis with one fixed and one rocking axle to improve power pick up. the "rocking axle" is designed to pivot in the gear cradle around the layshaft, it will be interesting to see if it actually works in practice!

Its likely to take some time before I can test the chassis under power. I need to source some 2mm-1.5mm brass tube from the UK to sleeve the motor shaft the nylon gears supplied by high level are 2mm bore, which should give me time to find the cab roof, complete the glazing and locate some large diameter buffer heads.

 

 

 

[Mayner]

More progress on the Bullied Vans painting complete and couplings fitted. 

I have gone as far as I can go with the vans at this stage as I used up my stock of usable decals and had to order another sheet to complete this project.

The Night Mail. Heating Van, PO van, 2 LVs, I will need to add a single GSR or 1950s coach and a short string of H vans to complete this train.

The alternate Mail Train  I am planning to repaint the Heating Van in as introduced silver and build an ex-MGWR 6w TPO for a 1950s mail train. There is a photo of a similar consist in Sligo complete with ex-MGWR Meat/Fish van.

The Heating Van is one of my original 2012? test builds with un-modified doors and 3D printed gangways.

Luggage Van 2754 Original state, paint touch up required above the doors & re-seat the interior insert (with bars). Capacity load decal broke up to be replaced.

CIE replaced windows on some vans with solid panels, again load capacity decal to be replaced before glazing securing the window in place.

I used Kadee "20 Series" couplings on this van my usual 36 couplings were unavailable.

The 20 series pocket is simpler to assemble than the 30 series, but not a practicable proposition for the Heating Van cause they are too large to conceal in the fuel tanks.

I guess its back to the G Class Chassis and J15s until the decals arrive!

 

 

 

[Mayner]

Family gone to the Cinema to see Avatar 2 this afternoon which means I got a chance to play trains in the workshop!

G617 Chassis now ready for final assembly. Some last minute changes included fitting mounting plates with 8BA captive nuts at each end for Kadee couplers

Starting the final assembly 

The motor drives a layshaft through a 1:1 "Tender Riser", the final drive to the axles is through two "Road Runner Compact" gearboxes.

A common arrangement in N and 009 locos I used a similar drive system in a RH DS88 shunting loco and a CDR railcar built during the late 80s early 90s

The first challenge was fitting the output gear to the Tender Riser, I used a "narrow" gear which is a push fit on the shaft.

 

The chassis is compensated with one fixed and one rocking axle gearbox/final drive unit, the "rocking' end of the layshaft is supported by a frame spacer & top-hat brush.

Final drives assembled with worms Loctited to the shaft. The top of the RH gearbox looks rough, I trimmed the top of the gearbox cradle (non structural) to allow the motor to fit.

The biggest challenge to the project was fitting the output gear to the motor.

the TendeRiser is designed around 2mm bore gears, while motors are currently available with 1mm and 1.5mm shafts.

I originally planned to buy 2mm-1.5mm bore brass tube from Eileen's Emphorium as no suitable tune was available locally, but managed to find a small section of 1.5mm bore tube in the scrap box.

I opened up the brass centered gear to a sliding fit on the tube using a tapered broach before Loctiting the gear to the tube and the tube to the motor shaft

Chassis almost ready for testing, fit pickups and allow Loctite 24 hrs. to set!

 

[Tullygrainey]

Ingenious!

[Mayner]

G617 on test!

Power pick-ups are two pieces of phosphor bronze bearing on the wheel tyres soldered to offcuts of copper clad sleeper strip.

I fitted the loco with a 6 Pin NEM socket & harness  to allow the loco to run on DCC, otherwise I simply connect the pick ups to the motor terminals  "just 2 wires" compared with the hassle of fitting a DCC chip.

I rigged up a temporary DC adaptor with a 6 Pin NEM plug for testing and running in the loco on DC or analogue control.

One of the next jobs is to find the cab roof, finalise the fixing of the body to the chassis before detailing and fittings couplers, should keep me busy to March/April!

 

[Mayner]

G617 on trial (on DC) after finding the cab roof and more extended running in. The 3 point suspension with the rocking leading axle seems to be bedding in nicely including running without stalling on Peco Insulfrog points, the main challenge is keeping the wheels clean.

A bit noiser than I would have liked, but may improve with running in reasonably pleased with the locos pulling power without adding additional weight to the kit

Although the loco managed to fry one decoder though there was no sign of shorting and motor stall current well within the decoder's current rating. I will run the loco for another 3-4 weeks on DC to allow the drive train to bed in before before trying another brand of decoder.

Question at the moment is whether to re-paint or weather the loco, the decals are wearing away and the white enamel wearing through the black!

Underside of the loco showing final drive boxes and spur gearing, there is very little clearance between the bottom edge of the final drive boxes and the Kadee uncoupling magnets.

8BA nuts secure the coupling mount boxes, 10BA bolt through the cab floor and rear frame spacer aligns the body and chassis and keeps everything in the correct alignment.

Need to add Alan Gibson 14" buffers, vacuum pipes, glazing and a driver to add the final touches to the loco.

Edited January 1, 2023 by Mayner

[Mayner]

Almost managed to finish G617, one buffer head missing from the "Loco Stores" collection of bits & pieces.

Found some lost wax vacuum pipes from another project, decided to chemically blacken using Carr's "Metal Surface Conditioner" and "Metal Black" I had in stock for many years.

First step was dipping the vacuum pipes in the surface conditioner, before rinsing in cold water and drying with a tissue.

I then dipped the castings in the metal black until the metal began to turn black, removing, rinsing and then repeating the process until I was statisfied with the result, then sealing by painting with a small paintbrush with Carrs "Electrofix".

Some people recommend applying the metal or gun black by wiping/working on the surface with a cotton bud but I found dipping the most effective.

I fitted the loco with a 3D printed control desk, I printed several years ago and glazed the cab with "clear" plastic packing from Wills Materials pack fixed with superglue.

The loco is currently operating on DC though I have ordered a selection of decoders from the United States that have a higher current rating/superior overload protection compared with similar decoders available from Europe.

 

I decided to re-paint my original prototype 4w Heating and Luggage Van of 2012 from Black and Tan to the original silver scheme.

I used Tamiya Paint Remover which struggled with the 10 year old primer coat, using IPA for the final clean up with some interesting results.

Although not pretty the IPA is an effective cleaner and de-greaser and the staining does not affect the adhesion of the new primer and paint coats.

The original van had 3D printed plastic gangways which did not survive immersion in the IPA. Luckily I had some spare gangways, 21mm gauge brake riggings and a foot step to replace missing/damaged parts.

Finish the HLV in silver is a step in re-producing a late 1950s consist of a Sligo-Dublin Mail Train which included a mixture of 1880s MGWR and recently introduced CIE coaching stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Galteemore]

Very nice John - nice patina on the Deutz too - has a good ‘in traffic’ look. Look forward to the 50s mail train - as seen in Tim Shuttleworth’s photos??

[Mayner]

Spray can ran out painting HLV, "Bare Metal Silver out of stock in local hobby shop but expected at some stage next week.

Model consist inspired by F W Shuttleworth photos of " Night Mail" at Sligo in the Summer of 56, the original consist included an ex-MGWR 6W TPO dating from the 1880s and and ex-MGWR Meat/Fish van. a GSWR 3rd brake filling in for the photo of the model.

An ex-MGWR 2-4-0 appears to have made up the train at Sligo during Shuttleworth's visit with an A Class hauling the train to Mullingar and a connection with Galway-Dublin Night Mail.

I haven't a 2-4-0 in CIE condition, so No 33 Arrow in late MGWR condition posed with the "Perishable" made up mainly of ex-MGWR stock carrying urgent traffic.

I will probably remove the "Capacity Load" information from the luggage van the backing film is quite noticeable and does not appear to have been used before the "black and tan' era.

Mixed consists of ancient and newly introduced stock appears to have been fairly common during the late 50s, there are excellent photos of a Rosslare Harbour-Wexford Mixed in Alan Burges "Chasing the Flying Snail: the passenger accommodation is made up of a 4w Bullied Luggage Van, and ex MGWR 6w 3rd and an ex GSWR bogie Clearstory Brake Composite, hauled by a large Coey 4-4-0

[David Holman]

Love this type of train - a real mix of vehicles height, length and colours. 

[Mayner]

A bit like New Year Resolutions I made a decision several years ago not to start any new modelling projects without first completing the existing ones, but I am not very good at sticking to my own decisions!

Last week was something of a milestone with the arrival of decals from SSM to complete some coaching stock in GSR livery and some Bullied 4w Vans.

I started to assemble a pair of ex-GSWR 6W coaches from SSM kits in May 2018 and although the coaches have been substantially complete for over 4 years only managed to get around to sorting out decals of the 6 wheelers and ex-Midland Non-Passenger stock assembled 8-10 years ago late last year.

I went for the GSR era mainly for a change from CIE green and less run-down condition of the locos and stock and greater variety compared to the CIE era.

2-3 6w coaches and a trail of vans was a fairly common consist on passenger trains in the pre-emergency/CIE era.

The MGWR 'Vans' were test builds from 2013-5

ex-GSWR composite 329 Originally a 1st, 329 was re-classified as a 1st-2nd Composite before the Amalgamation and possibly re-classified as a 1st-3rd Composite after the GSR abolished 2nd Class accommodation during the late 1920s.

The coach is modelled in the GSR/LMS maroon introduced during the mid 1930s using Duplicolour "Ford Red|" from a rattle can. Although I am reasonably happy with the small yellow running numbers and GSR crest I am not 100% happy with the Class numbers and may replace with HMRS Pressfix transfers. I have a sheet somewhere.

I am quite pleased with the lettering and numerals for the Non-Passenger coaching stock, not sure of the colour used for the Horse Box .

I bought a further 4 ex-GSWR 6w coaches (of different types) to build two passenger/mixed trains, I am tempted to assemble at least a couple in the GSWR/early GSR Purple Lake as the decal sheet included gold GSWR lettering and numerals. 

Its possible coaches overhauled/painted during the lead up to the Amalgamation retained GSWR lettering/numerals into the 1930s possibly into the Emergency. 

The next stage (once I decide on the class Nos) is to seal the paintwork with a clear laquer, before fixing final detail including door handles and grabs, glazing and fit the interiors, before returning to the display case for another year or two before fitting couplers.

Edited May 22, 2023 by Mayner

[David Holman]

Always an interesting thread and this latest is no exception. Why is it that mixed rakes of non passenger rolling stock are always so attractive?

[Mayner]

Glazing the GSWR 6 wheelers something I had been dreading, but turned out quite therapeutic. 

For some time I had been dreading glazing the 6wheelers (and CIE) Van, but had to bite the bullet in order to start/complete an more urgent project.

 

Glazing the 6 wheelers is challenging because I had already fitted the interior partitions and the drop-lights are glazed separately from the quarter lights and the roof securing bracket gets in the way!

 

1st 3rd Composite coach. Originally an all 1st re-classified by the GSWR to a 1st 2nd and re-classified by the GSR following the abolition of 2nd Class on the former GSWR system during the late 1902s. Legroom is a lot better in the 3rd Class compartment in this coach than original GSWR 3rd Class compartments!

A trick of the light the floor is grey not blue! I attempted to model the matchboard panellng above the seatbacks with Evergreen planked plasticard, but 3 layers of plastcard were too thick for the Brake 3rd! I didn't get to the stage of adding landscape photographs or 'no spitting' signs!

While the quarter lights are fixed in place with superglue, I used double sided tape to locate the drop lights!

I mislaid some of the seating while assembling the Brake 3rd so added afterwards.

The main lesson from the build is to complete the exterior and glaze the interior before fitting the interior to the next batch of coaches!

 

[David Holman]

Isn't hindsight wonderful? As are indeed the models.

[Mayner]

Finished glazing the ex-GSWR coaches including the birdcage lookout and skylight in the luggage compartment, so to pose a train 

 

I still have to add vacuum and steam pipes, ducket lamps and couplings, but unlikely to happen for a long time.

Next in line is to fit glazing and gangway end covers to a rake of Bulleid Vans I assembled 2-3 years ago, then assemble some MGWR 2-4-0s out of the pile of scrap/part built kits lurking in the background behind the Bk3rd! 

 

[Mayner]

A Tale of two vans digital workshop.

Clogher Valley Passenger Brake Van.

I bought a pair of Clogher Valley Coaches and a Horsebox after Branchlines released the kits in the late 80s and later bought a pair of Backwoods Miniatures CVR Wagon/Van chassis and though it was time to complete the train by adding one of the distinctive 4w Passenger Brakes.

The starting point was to find a suitable drawing in this case Dave Holman's sketch plans of the Passenger Brake and other CVR stock.

Going down the 3D printing path, the first step was to prepare a 2D Cad drawing of the sides and ends from Dave's sketchs using the software I used for general Cad work including artwork for etched kits etc.

The 2D drawings are then imported into a 3D modelling programme, in this case Fusion 360 as templates for designing the 3D model. 

Rendering of CVR Passenger Brake.

Screenshot of Van body ready for printing. 

In all the 3D model took 2-3 days to complete, because of the small size of the 4mm model the bottom sliding door track is not really noticeable and the end steps tend to curl up!

I found it necessary to use two different types of software because although my general CAD software has 3D capability its not really suitable for producing models for 3D printing and 3D modelling software has its limitations in terms of drawing 2D profiles, or maybe its just my age!

Cavan and Leitrim Railway Milk Vans 1&2.

Used as passenger brake vans on C&L Main Line trains in GSR and CIE days, these Ballinamore built vans were distinctly different in outline and appearance to the original Metropolitan Passenger Brake Vans.

The starting point was to prepare a 2D tracing from DGCs 1961 drawing and photos from the IRRS Flickr Site.

The research was interesting revealing considerable detail differences between the two vans during CIE ownership IL retaining its original side doors with droplights, while 2L lost its droplights, with different framing at (least)one end. The end posts on both vans had a distinctive inward taper from solebar to roof level a trap for the unwary

The next step is to prepare a 3D model of the van which could take some time!

 

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by Mayner

[Phil3150]

Looking good Mayner. It looks like the Bawnboy Road version will look something like yours. It needs some detailing before being paired with one of Simon de Souza's chassis.

Phil

[Mayner]

1 hour ago, Phil3150 said:

Looking good Mayner. It looks like the Bawnboy Road version will look something like yours. It needs some detailing before being paired with one of Simon de Souza's chassis.

Phil

 

Interestingly DGCs drawing shows the brake cylinder end of the van with modified end detail, though I haven't found a photo showing both ends of 1L though 2L appears to have dis-similar ends.

Possibilities for a chassis are Backwoods Miniatures (more straightforward to assemble than Foxrock Models (Simon/Iain Rice) or 3D print.

[Basil]

18 hours ago, Mayner said:

A Tale of two vans digital workshop.

Clogher Valley Passenger Brake Van.

I bought a pair of Clogher Valley Coaches and a Horsebox after Branchlines released the kits in the late 80s and later bought a pair of Backwoods Miniatures CVR Wagon/Van chassis and though it was time to complete the train by adding one of the distinctive 4w Passenger Brakes.

The starting point was to find a suitable drawing in this case Dave Holman's sketch plans of the Passenger Brake and other CVR stock.

Going down the 3D printing path, the first step was to prepare a 2D Cad drawing of the sides and ends from Dave's sketchs using the software I used for general Cad work including artwork for etched kits etc.

The 2D drawings are then imported into a 3D modelling programme, in this case Fusion 360 as templates for designing the 3D model. 

Rendering of CVR Passenger Brake.

Screenshot of Van body ready for printing. 

In all the 3D model took 2-3 days to complete, because of the small size of the 4mm model the bottom sliding door track is not really noticeable and the end steps tend to curl up!

I found it necessary to use two different types of software because although my general CAD software has 3D capability its not really suitable for producing models for 3D printing and 3D modelling software has its limitations in terms of drawing 2D profiles, or maybe its just my age!

Cavan and Leitrim Railway Milk Vans 1&2.

Used as passenger brake vans on C&L Main Line trains in GSR and CIE days, these Ballinamore built vans were distinctly different in outline and appearance to the original Metropolitan Passenger Brake Vans.

The starting point was to prepare a 2D tracing from DGCs 1961 drawing and photos from the IRRS Flickr Site.

The research was interesting revealing considerable detail differences between the two vans during CIE ownership IL retaining its original side doors with droplights, while 2L lost its droplights, with different framing at (least)one end. The end posts on both vans had a distinctive inward taper from solebar to roof level a trap for the unwary

The next step is to prepare a 3D model of the van which could take some time!

 

 

Hi Mayner,

Any plans to produce the CVR van for sale?

Been on my agenda to make a few for years now without any progress.

Appreciate I'm likely one of two/three potential customers...

 

[commerlad]

Add me to the customer list (If they are) and fairly certain that @Lynbarn would be interested as well.

[Andy Cundick]

Make another Andy.

[David Holman]

Lovely stuff! In 7mm scale, Branchlines do an etched chassis, to which it is not that difficult to add a body from plasticard. Indeed, Fintonagh has four - made a side and an end, then a mould for each to cast the rest in resin. 

 Yet to learn CAD and maybe never will, but always impressed by what can be done.