Scratch-Building BR (SR)EMUs
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 9:42 am
I do have quite a collection of EMUs now, built over the last four years. The first two scratch-built units were commenced without reliable information and far too few prototype reference photos. Problems came to light over the window shape and cab side window dimensions during the construction of the first of my two Bullied 2 HAPs (i.e. those units built by BR using the jigs at Eastleigh originally erected by the SR for the all-steel 4 SUB building programme in 1946). Dave Smith's (another friend from RMweb) posted photos of the prototype units and the 'look' of the real things was far removed from what I had achieved.
The models themselves were built using plasticard for just about all the body work and most of the chassis. I did spend a few years in denial until a friend on RMweb published a dimensioned prototype photo of the windows, which was used as a reliable reference for the construction of a Tin HAL, a further variation on the 4 SUB theme. Now the window of the Tin HAL looked spot on and now the two Bulleid 2 HAPs looked really unsatisfactory.
Moving to P4 has given me the spur to bring all the rough models up to scratch. I have been working on eight new sides to replace those of the two units. This will involve carefully removing the original sides and fitting the new ones in, retaining the inner ends, roof and cab fronts. The picture below shows how the new sides will look. There is still plenty to do in terms of laminating and building up layers on the inside, to create recesses for the glazing and thicken the sides up to 40 thou. for strength. Hopefully the difference in the shape of the windows is apparent!
Another major improvement on the units will be the glazing. Although the new glazing will not be flush at least it will be close-to flush and a whole lot tidier than the hand-made attempt at fitting press-fit flush glazing which was not at all satisfactory.
The units will eventually be converted to P4, using the method already discussed for the Black Beetle motor bogie. (Only one unit is powered, the other being a dummy to form a 4-car set as required.)
Colin
The models themselves were built using plasticard for just about all the body work and most of the chassis. I did spend a few years in denial until a friend on RMweb published a dimensioned prototype photo of the windows, which was used as a reliable reference for the construction of a Tin HAL, a further variation on the 4 SUB theme. Now the window of the Tin HAL looked spot on and now the two Bulleid 2 HAPs looked really unsatisfactory.
Moving to P4 has given me the spur to bring all the rough models up to scratch. I have been working on eight new sides to replace those of the two units. This will involve carefully removing the original sides and fitting the new ones in, retaining the inner ends, roof and cab fronts. The picture below shows how the new sides will look. There is still plenty to do in terms of laminating and building up layers on the inside, to create recesses for the glazing and thicken the sides up to 40 thou. for strength. Hopefully the difference in the shape of the windows is apparent!
Another major improvement on the units will be the glazing. Although the new glazing will not be flush at least it will be close-to flush and a whole lot tidier than the hand-made attempt at fitting press-fit flush glazing which was not at all satisfactory.
The units will eventually be converted to P4, using the method already discussed for the Black Beetle motor bogie. (Only one unit is powered, the other being a dummy to form a 4-car set as required.)
Colin