Billy Body - Stage 4

The cab roof was painted with Halfords black gloss enamel and then loosely fitted to the body with two brass screws and nuts. These provided for the hinge enabling the roof to be opened for access. 

Tip - a drop of Loctite was applied to each nut to prevent it from moving.

 

The body was then carefully placed over the gas tank and lubricator and secured in placed with a brass screw, to the rear buffer beam.

A tank support was then fed under the boiler and attached to the side tanks of the body with two brass screws. 

The dummy brass sanding dome was then slotted over the brass screw in the centre of the boiler and secured with a brass cap. 

The brass dome just sits over the safety valve assembly.

 

Before the body was fixed in place, all copper pipes and the lubricator were painted with matt black Halfords V.H.T. Engine Enamel paint.

Next stage, fitting of the Radio Control.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

The 11.75 mile journey takes approximately one hour in each direction between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge but on this particular day, sadly no trains were seen running.  However I did manage to take some 'bits & pieces' shots of the railway. 

No.7 chassis belonging to engine 'Owain Glyndwr' awaits her wheels, boiler and body at Aberystwyth station. 

Rolling stock in various state of repair at Aberystwyth station. 

No.10 diesel outside Aberystwyth engine shed. 

The other end of the line at Devil's Bridge station. 

Devil's Bridge station. 

Looking westward along the line at Devil's Bridge station.

Train for a Laugh

En-route chuckling her way up the line. 

Giggles all the way, passing Buddleia Pond signal box.  

Tittering across Buddleia Pond bridge. 

Exiting the tunnel to the sound of laughter. 

All this humour and not a soul in sight.

Billy Body - Stage 3

The body is first shown here after folding and soldering of all tags. 

Soft solder was applied with Bakers No.3 soldering flux using a small butane blowtorch (the type/size used in the kitchen). 

Warning - The brass will get hot and therefore I recommend the use of oven gloves or similar.

Tip - Whilst soldering, I used a small piece of chamois leather to wipe and smooth out the solder prior to it setting.

The dummy tank fillers were glued in place with araldite and then left 24 hours to set. The whole body was then gently rubbed down with fine grade  wet and dry paper. 

Again, I applied Isopropyl alcohol cleaner with cotton wool balls to remove any flux and oil residue, followed by a hot water and detergent bath. The body was then dried using an electric hair dryer.

The body again was sprayed with one coat of etching primer and two coats of Halfords grey enamel primer. 

Not shown here, but the roof was also prepared as above. 

Left for 24 hours before the cab was sprayed four coats of Halfords Racing Green enamel. 

After a further 24 hours, the dummy whistle, spectacles and handrails were fitted. 

Tip - to secure the handrails, a drop of Loctite 601 was applied to hold them in place.

Next stage, fitting the cab and roof to the chassis.

KOF

Originally included in MTS Starter Sets, this little switcher has six directional lights, two flashing roof lights and one cab light. Until I added a little plasticine, its pulling power was a little weak but now with the additional weight, it's strength has increased.

Length: 240mm Weight: 1340g

Minol Tanker

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve, 99-01-98.

Length: 300mm LGB: 45400

Billy Body - Stage 2

Once painted the floor was fitted to the chassis. To do this the rear edge had to be flush with the rear buffer beam and the hole in the frame spacer had to be visible through the hole above the etched ROUNDHOUSE logo.

The additional two boiler bands were loosely fitted on either side of the sandbox until the boiler was refitted and the cab positioned.

The boiler was refitted and the temporary floor spacer, fitted earlier, was removed. 

The gas tank and burner were replaced and the pipes reconnected.  

The reversing lever was fitted to enable manual operation until the radio control is fitted. 

The lubricator was refitted and positioned centrally above the cab step, with the drain screw slightly overhanging the cab floor.

Next stage, the preparation and painting of the cab.

The First Day of Autumn

As Autumn begins the garden railway season draws to an end for another year. So to keep the memories alive, I've put together this little video of my coal train that I featured here on my blog earlier this year.

The Last Post

The last post service of the day prepares to depart Buddleia Pond Station.

Meandering through the undergrowth requires a vigilant driver.

With the post delivered, it was time to return home.

Approaching Buddleia Pond signal box.

Almost there, Loco 3 approaching home.

The shires in the valley seem to be oblivious of the passing train on Buddleia Pond bridge.