Commission: 16mm skips…

Following on from last weeks ‘Commission Monday’ today I share a trio of Slaters 16mm/ft WDLR skips. These models are built from injection moulded plastic with one piece skips bodies…

The wheels are obviously the only weight in the model, and the construction does make getting a free running model slightly difficult. I quite often find the frames end up tight on the axles making them reluctant to rotate. Taking time with emery paper and wet and dry to slightly reduce and polish the end of each axle, and a tapered broach to ream out the brass bearings helps - but really, packing the side frames out by about 10thou would be even better. I’ll try to remember for ‘next time’…

They reward a considered finish, this trio have a sort of rusty iron oxide paint finish, well worn and with traces of a load in each skip. These effects started in the earliest stages of painting, to help with the interior  effect. Humbrol enamels applied by brush, washes in the usual manner and finished with set brushing brings them to life. Wheels painted a darker shade, but hopefully capturing the look of cast metal.

They are an interesting prototype, a nice size but unusual because if the lack of a central beam to transmit buffing forces - I presume a hand/horse trammed design. This would be easy enough to fabricate, for some variety.

If you have a model you’d like me to help turn from dream to reality, convert a box of flat etches and good intentions in to a 3D model or modify, detail and repaint a ready to run to make it ‘yours’ then get in touch to discuss your requirements and we can prepare a fixed price proposal. You can use the contact form here on the blog or via email on my Facebook page. Until next time, more soon… 

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