Member postings for RICHARD WILLS 3

Above you can see most of the tender parts (except the main base plate and the sides . The steps , wheels and axle boxes are all shown and do contain a reasonable amount of detail . I have etched some of the details on , which with the way the laser works , gives a nice shadow contrast . The larger parts with the 45 degree sides form the coal chute in the middle front part of the tender .

I am using PVA for the whole build , but I do use it very sparingly and am careful not to get it on any of the surfaces that will show , just in case I want to stain the model at a later date . You can use cyano/ super glue if you prefer .

Sorry about the delay everybody . I had a couple of other projects to finish ,

I'm going to start with the tender . Remember , this is a big model of around three feet long , so there aren't really any fiddly bits to worry about . The laser cutting is a real bonus as Ive been able to add tabs to most of the parts , making the assembly straightforward . Its a lovely subject too, and as you will see , the completed model does have real wow factor.

Thanks for taking an interest Paul and Jeff . The wheels are laser cut in three pieces . The flange at the back is 1mm flat version with spokes , The middle (or meat of the sandwich ) is about 3mm with spokes that match the flanged version but is of a lesser diameter ,and finally there is a fine 1mm rim that goes on the front to give the wheel depth , They take seconds to assemble but look interesting thanks to the shadow effect of the laser. I have also used the same file to make resin versions and 3d print versions so that I can experiment with finish .

The funny thing about the model is that you forget how big it is , until you put it next to a Hornby 00 version . Imagine if we could have had train sets this size when we were kids !

Yes Steve , the parts are laser cut the first one was hand cut in 3mm foam board and then the parts were re drawn for the laser cutter . I have a friend who has always cut my designs for me . The beauty of having the files ready to laser cut means that changing detail or even scaling up or down is a doddle . I have another one that has at least 50% resin parts which I made in a latex mould . That has rivets and other details all moulded in . Its currently finished in GWR colours.

Having said that , I took them both to a model railway exhibition at the weekend and it is the wooden one that gets more attention . The wooden version jig tabs together because I wanted my 14 year old godson to be able to make one . Some of my model aircraft designs have been turned into long running kits by my friend in the past , so I may not rule that out based on response I got at the weekend . Either way , its a fun project ,

I normally make model aircraft from scratch , but I guess i have always liked big steam locos . I cant afford a live steam model , nor do I have the time or equipment to make one . But I did want to be able to admire those gorgeous lines in something much bigger than 00 or 0 gauge.

I made the first prototype in foam board about two years ago . it was about 30" long and quite simple , but it inspired me to try to go to the next level . At the same time I discovered that ready made track was available from Cliff Barker at the 3 gauge society , so that if I scaled up a bit , I could sit my model on realistic track .

I am cutting some more sets off parts to do an on line build which I should be able to start in about ten days for those that are interested .

Im not sure if any will be interested so in the mean time let me know if you'd like to see one come together .

Richard

Hello Chaps Ive made a wooden display Locomotive in Guage 3 , Its just over three feet long with a the idea of having a bit of wow factor to put on the mantle piece . I am going to make a second one so wondered if you would be interested in watching the build ? I was inspired by the fabulous Pitchford hall which is at the Epping and Ongar Railway. The Cracking chaps that run it , Dean and Tony , let me have really good look and were incredibly helpful with advice . I know they are running it at half term so if the weather is dry get down there for a treat ,

Hello Chaps . Bit of a strange one here , A Hall Class Locomotive to fit Gauge 3 track (63.5mm) . It is not powered and only intended as a static display model . I have made it with a laser cutter and a some moulded 3D parts .

I normally make aircraft but after our local heritage railway ( The Epping and Ongar line ) got their beautiful Hall Class running (Pitchford Hall ) , I thought I would make a whoppa to go on my mantlepiece . I 'm going to make a second one and record the build if anyone here shows interest , Totally understand if not your thing .Richard