Billy Boiler - Stage 3

After first giving the wrapper a light rubbing down with fine 'wet & dry' (2000 grade), I applied Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner with cotton wool balls.

The wrapper was then given one coat of U-Pol etching primer, two coats of Halfords enamel grey primer and finally several thin coats of Halfords enamel Racing Green gloss spray paint.

After the paint had hardened for 24 hours, the screw for the square sandbox was fitted before the wrapper was repositioned over the boiler. Then a rear brass boiler band was fitted around the wrapper and the boiler mounting foot. Another brass boiler band was positioned but this one is flush with the wrapper and fitted directly around the boiler. Both bands will be fully tightened before the unit is positioned and secured to the chassis.

Next stage, fitting the boiler.

Billy Boiler - Stage 2

Firstly I applied Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner with cotton wool balls to the smokebox.

For the smokebox primer is not required, therefore three thin coats of Halfords High Temperature Black spray enamel were directly applied.

After painting, the two cylinder exhaust pipes were carefully bent vertically to allow the smokebox chimney to fit over. The chimney was secured to the chassis with three brass screws.

Next stage, the painting system for the boiler's brass wrapper.

Sunday goods train

Badgers playing close by as the afternoon goods train breezes past.

Meerkat Alley - A Simples Life.

The Ranger stops, looks and then listens for the train to pass.

Passing through Homestyal Meadow at the end of the day.

The signalman switches the line for the Sunday goods train to pass.

Shires plod through the mud at Buddleia Pond as the goods train passes.

Billy Boiler - Stage 1

After putting the completed chassis to one side, the boiler assembly was started.  Firstly the boiler's brass wrapper and smokebox has to be painted.

To prepare for this, all fittings were removed including the boiler, regulator and pressure gauge. (Kit HBK3 comes with these already loosely fitted.)

Next stage, the painting system.

DR Box Car

This short box car was used as an equipment car for many years on the DR. 

Model: The doors on both sides of the wagon slide open, 97-09-37.
Length: 250mm LGB: 40075

DR Box Car

This short box car was used as an equipment car for many years on the DR. 

Model: The doors on both sides of the wagon slide open, 97-09-23.
Length: 250mm LGB: 40075

BP Tanker

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve.

Length: 300mm LGB: 4040 B

Shell Tanker

Many petroleum companies own their own tank cars, which are deployed on various railways throughout the world. This perhaps explains why these tankers are so often colourfully decorated as the companies use them to advertise themselves. 

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve.
Length: 300mm LGB: 40402