Modelling for Pleasure

After 18 years of modelling to deadlines with Kyle of Sutherland, and now St Donats 1963, some blue sky modelling is a very good idea. And there’s nothing like scratch building to restore one’s zest for life.

Nickel blanks for a GNR J52

Alan Sibley’s J52 article in MRJ 35 from 1989 supplied the drawings, photos and build notes. Transport Treasury supplied a couple of enlargements of the particular variant I wanted to make. The drawings were not dimensioned, but armed with the wheelbase and a few key dimensions from the LNER Diagram Book (thanks, Alex) I worked out a compromise scale factor.

The first 19 parts above, fretted and fettled from various thicknesses of nickel silver (8 thou up to a single part at 32 thou), will make the basic superstructure. Now follows a period of final shaping, drilling, riveting, and forming before some trial assemblies.

I use two riveters: a Dick Ganderton edge riveter (currently being refurbished) and a GW Models index riveter for arrays and patterns. No doubt the edge riveter, so vital for the footplate, will return soon. Meanwhile, there’s plenty to keep me occupied. Bliss.