Heavy Narrow Gauge in 48th scale

[narrowgauger]

Hi Guys

interesting 48th scale model of a Baldwin Mikado built in 1907 for BHP Pty Ltd's Whyalla "Tramway".  This very large 2-8-2 was at the time of construction the largest locomotive on the Australian system, even more remarkable when considered that this was on a 3'6" gauge tramway.

the model is completely scratch built in brass with a minimum of commercial parts and to absolute scale with it's attendant problems of clearances etc.  I was fortunate in having available original Baldwin construction plans for the engine.  However the tender has to be approximated using photo's due to the complete absence of drawings.

Model runs on 22mm track gauge to match 48th scale for 3 foot 6 inch prototype gauge.

painted with Tamiya & Vallejo acrylics to as "new" condition in original colours.  Minimal weathering to meet customer's request for a well maintained almost new loco.

construction time around 160 hours.

enjoy
BernardS

[Chuck Doan]

Another beauty! There is a lot of work in that.

[Ray Dunakin]

That is mind-boggling work! Stunning!

[Hauk]

Hi Guys

interesting 48th scale model of a Baldwin Mikado built in 1907 for BHP Pty Ltd's Whyalla "Tramway".  This very large 2-8-2 was at the time of construction the largest locomotive on the Australian system, even more remarkable when considered that this was on a 3'6" gauge tramway.

the model is completely scratch built in brass with a minimum of commercial parts and to absolute scale with it's attendant problems of clearances etc.  I was fortunate in having available original Baldwin construction plans for the engine.  However the tender has to be approximated using photo's due to the complete absence of drawings.

Model runs on 22mm track gauge to match 48th scale for 3 foot 6 inch prototype gauge.

painted with Tamiya & Vallejo acrylics to as "new" condition in original colours.  Minimal weathering to meet customer's request for a well maintained almost new loco.

construction time around 160 hours.

enjoy
BernardS

Fantastic!
Have you got any tips for getting Tamiya and Vallejo to stick on brass?

[finescalerr]

Most adequate. -- Russ

[narrowgauger]

Hauk

I use an automotive acrylic self etching primer on all brass models.  Primer paint is thinned at least 35% with lacquer thinners and airbrushed onto the model.

preparation includes around 10 minutes in a ultrasonic cleaner using a mix of 40% ammonia and a small amount of dishwashing liquid in the water.  Tank temperature around 50C.

hope this assists

BernardS

[Hauk]

Hauk

I use an automotive acrylic self etching primer on all brass models.  Primer paint is thinned at least 35% with lacquer thinners and airbrushed onto the model.

preparation includes around 10 minutes in a ultrasonic cleaner using a mix of 40% ammonia and a small amount of dishwashing liquid in the water.  Tank temperature around 50C.

hope this assists

BernardS

Yes, Thanks a lot!

[narrowgauger]

Hi Guys

the model took second place in the Steam Locomotive category out of 16 entries in the category at the 12th Australian Narrow Gauge Convention in the last few days.  Was pipped by one point for First Place.

the consolation was that I also managed to achieve Best in Show & First in Freight Rolling stock with a lash-up of my skips and a couple of work cars (photos will follow in a few days), Best Passenger Rolling Stock with a couple of "Parlour Cars.  Also managed second in Diesel Locomotives and a third in Steam loco's.  So, all round a great convention and great to see that the Mikado rated so highly.

have fun
BernardS

[Ray Dunakin]

Congrats!

[Hydrostat]

Bernard,

that's an impressive prototype and the modeling is likewise.

construction time around 160 hours.

You seem to be a fast hand ... is that including the CAD part of construction?

Very impressed. And congrats for the convention result!

Volker

[Hauk]

Hi Guys

the model took second place in the Steam Locomotive category out of 16 entries in the category at the 12th Australian Narrow Gauge Convention in the last few days.  Was pipped by one point for First Place.

the consolation was that I also managed to achieve Best in Show & First in Freight Rolling stock with a lash-up of my skips and a couple of work cars (photos will follow in a few days), Best Passenger Rolling Stock with a couple of "Parlour Cars.  Also managed second in Diesel Locomotives and a third in Steam loco's.  So, all round a great convention and great to see that the Mikado rated so highly.

have fun
BernardS

Congrats, well deserved.
It seems that there are a lot of excellent modelers down under.  The quality of the models shown at a Australian Narrow gauge convention seems to be at least as good as a US convention. Thats not bad considering that the population of Australia is about 7% of the US population!

[finescalerr]

The model quality at the U.S. convention has dropped over the last decade while that in Australia seems to have risen. -- Rus

[marc_reusser]

Lovely engine and build.