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…
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…
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.
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Hi James
ReplyDeleteHope you are recovered from what looks like an enjoyable but exhausting few days. Must be a relief in some ways to get back to the commissions!!
The side tippers look great and how I remember them rattling over the tracks of gravel pits in the 1960's. In spite of efforts to empty them fully there always seemed a residue of the load in the bottom. Perhaps some weight masquerading as left-over sand would help to give them more mass
Hope you have a good week
Best regards
Alan
I've been looking forward to seeing these James and they look superb.
ReplyDeleteRoger.