I thought I'd post a small progress report on my Mink F etchings that I've been (slowly) working on this year. My life has changed somewhat over the last 6 months, what with moving to Portugal, taking on a renovation project, and expecting our first child in April, however I can still manage to find the odd hour here and there for modelling...
Anyway, I've developed a bit of an obsession with Iron Minks over the last few months and did a few etches earlier in the year that are basically scratch aids for building a 16" V6. While it was fresh in my mind I decided to produce some etches for a Mink F, and here are some build photos of the test etch so far. I should point out that I've had a lot of help from my colleagues at CLAG during this process, as well as correspondence with John Lewis who has provided me with a lot of information and some original drawings of the brake gear which will be incorporated into further developments of what will hopefully turn into a kit.
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The basis of the wagon is a brass "box" around which the sides and ends are formed and soldered to.
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The ends and sides are half etched with the strapping incorporated, Martin Finney style. Hundreds of rivets need to be tapped out from behind, but the end result is well worth the effort. The corners of the "box" allow easy forming of the characteristic rounded iron corners.
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(Above) Sides and ends all attached, along with solebars and buffer beams. Everything fits! Waiting details...
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Doors are built up from laters of 12 thou brass with a half etched detail layer on top. Hinges and other details are be added to the door sub-assembly, and then all four are attached to the body.
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(Above) Doors, t-stanchions and other detail added.
It's my intention to use Bill Bedford 5'6 bogies which 247 Developments cosmetic sides, David Geen sprung buffers and MJT vac cylinder.
At some point in the not to distant future I'll put together some revised artwork with the correct brake gear.
Cheers, and Merry Christmas! Nick
