The Old Chuffer – A Railway Blog

Category: Workbench

Tales from the Workbench

  • VIU 2

    Another project on the workbench is a model of the Network Rail VIU 2 unit, number 153376. This is what it looks like in reality.

    Network Rail Video Inspection Unit 2 (VIU2) 153376

    I bought a bargain Hornby Class 153 a couple of years ago and coaxed it back into life. I then immediately stripped it of its paintwork and put it in a box, meaning to crack on with the project after the 2023 exhibition.

    Fast forward to now and its back out of the cupboard and on the workbench.

    I have 3D printed the window blanks, including the ones with grilles for the on-board generator.

    And after a few goes i think these are looking pretty good.

    The ends are a bit special, with all sorts of lights and camera units. The actual equipment seems to vary, so I have drawn a representation of it fitted for one end, and just the mounting plate for the other.

    Just need to glue the bits in place now and it will join the queue for the paintshop. Hopefully the weather warms up soon!

  • A fascination with plastic pigs

    442417 on a Gatwick Express service to London Victoria on 7 May 2016

    I have been wanting to build a model of a Class 442 ‘Wessex Electric’ for more than 20 years.

    Having acquired all the parts from the former Hurst Models range, and a number of Hornby Mk3s back in the early 2000s they have been languishing in the cupboard ever since.

    Since then, I have acquired a number of other parts, from various sources.

    The time has now come to make a start, prompted by Pete Harvey making available his 3D print file for home printing.

    https://phd-design-etchings.co.uk

    PH designs class 442 cab printed on my Elegoo 3D resin printer

    I’m going to use the new Hornby Mk3 sliding door coaches (Cross Country livered) as these are available at bargain prices.

    I’ve cut out the doors and drawn and printed my own interpretation of the plug doors.

    Early prototype print positioned in place

    More to follow!

  • Nuclear developments

    So, prompted by the article in Hornby magazine, I thought it time to complete the transformation of the two Bachmann mk2a coaches to go with my accurascale KUA wagons.

    The Hornby mag article put me onto the NIU models 3D printed conversion kit, which saved a LOT of effort!

    https://niumodels.co.uk/ols/products/niu2054-brdrs-mk2a-nuclear-flask-escort-coach-conversion-kit?blogcategory=New%20Products

    Coaches were stripped of their paint using my usual Dettol method (I will never get used to the smell though!).

    After the bits were secured using Loctite 60 second glue they were set aside so the cyano fumes can dissipate.

    Next up into the painting shed, as soon as it warms up enough!