Modelling steam engine underframes I am the first to admit I have not completed all that many locos, but I have designed a few and completed a lot more running underframes, so maybe that qualifies me for the forthcoming pontification. I’m currently in the throes of finishing a couple, and developing a couple more, so…
Here on the blog, I’ve pontificated on all manner of matters relating to Rewanui (real and model), but it has been a while since the line’s raison d’être has featured. The extraction, movement to the bins and loading of the coal is outside the scope of the model (taking place ‘off scene’ as it were),…
Rewanui, and the mines that shipped coal from the various bins there, was situated in the narrow valley of the Seven Mile Creek. The creek, it’s tributaries, and the bridges that span them are significant features of the prototype and my representation of it. The creeks are not especially large, but they are quite steep…
If you are modelling the New Zealand scene then there’s a good chance you could, or maybe should, incorporate some tree ferns into your modelling. Not only are they common in the wild but they are also cultivated as ornamentals in gardens. Modelling characteristic foliage is a good way to place a layout or diorama…
A few blog posts, and some time, ago I expounded on some fairly general tree making thoughts focussing on the armature. At the time tree making was not my focus and the blog described some experiments and test pieces. Hopefully useful in a general way. This time around I have spent many hours working on…
In which your correspondant ponders the merits of the journey over the destination and the benefits of technology in speeding things up… In NZR modelling ‘the layout’ is an almost mythical concept. Widely aspired to, often started, but seldom developed to a stage even approaching completion. It’s not hard to understand why. With a prototpe…
Interesting times here at NZF, where we’ve been reminded yet again of the pace of technology change. The trusty Solus 3d printer that we’ve been churning out casting patterns on for a few years has died, and been replaced with something higher resolution, faster and cheaper. While that has been going on, production of parts…
After a number of teaser posts, here at last is the finished 1:64 BP3688 30′ van pilot model. Like all pilots it has suffered the odd reversal and a number of parts have been remade and redesigned. There are one or two things about this build that will be altered for the kit release, and…
Photoetched number and class plates provide a very accurate representation of the real thing. Painting them to bring out their best is another thing entirely. Locomotive plates are relatively easy to deal with as they can be painted with the base colour and carefully sanded back to reveal the brass numbers. NZR car and van plates…
There are many occasions in model making where there is a need for small (0.2-0.6mm) holes. If you are building a kit these holes may be present, but undersized. You can, of course, use the correct drill to open out holes but you may not have the ‘correct’ drill on hand. In any case drills…
The Addington car Many of my blog posts offer some philosophical insight (I hope) or practical dodge that I feel a burning need to share with the modelling fraternity. In contrast, this post is a shameless promotion for an upcoming kit that I’m super excited about, having just completed the assembly phase of the pilot…
If I were to look out, and blow the dust off, my degree certificates I’d remind myself that once upon a time plant science was my life. Thus when it comes to modelling trees and foliage I have always viewed them as models in their own right rather than just a soft green backdrop. ‘Tree’…
