1:24 DL & DSG Decals

Today see's the 1:24 DSG & DL recieve decals.

I've put the decal images up in case anyone needs them.

I'm using testors white & clear decal paper & the decal bonder spray from the local model shop, hymbrol decal fix when applying.
I printed the decals on an inket printer $50 on special at harvey normans. Print settings where "glossy photo paper a5".

Running trains

Over the last few months I've been lucky enough to run a few of the 1:24 prints on a wonderful outdoor railway built by Michael Hilliar in Manurewa.

For most of the stuff I've built its never had the opportunity to fully be run in, and of course a few tweaks were required to enable the larger loco's to run around some tight bends.

1:24 Dbr

1:24 De, Dsg, Dh

1:24 Wab

NZR Locomotive Shells for HO 1:87

Going some what off tangent in terms of scale, some New Zealand Locomotive Shells for HO were requested. The DC, DH, DI, DB, eeDF, DL, DXR & Ja converted to 1:87 scale so far. The intent is to print a shell & utilise chassis from donor locos or preferably buy a custom diesel chassis from North Yard Model Railway Parts (www.northyard.co.nz) at a reasonable price. The price for a shell will range from $60 - 200 & a chassis should set one back at least $150.

Currently the 1:87 market for NZR is catered for by the Frateschi Range, which from memory is limited to DA/DC/DX/DH in terms of Diesels

The models in 1:87 scale are only available in the Detail Plastics.

(Frosted Detail & Frosted Ultra Detail). 

HO American dynamic brake details, grills , air hoses, couplers, handrails etc to finish off

A new shop section for 1:87

1:87 (HO) Scale New Zealand DC

1:87 Dh General Electric - Pre Shunters Refuge

1:87 Di Class

1:87 Dxr Original Cab

1:87 NZR DB Class

1:87 DL Class

1:87 Df 1954

1:87 Scale DSG

1:87 Ja Body

1:87 Ja Tender And Bogie Sideframes Oil

Layout for the steamers.. & new designs

The weekend just passed saw development of a layout purely for the nz120 Steam Engines. Perfectly level with a lazy 2% grade climbing a whole 3/4 inch in elevation.

A wee video of it working

 I'm considering buying the instant grass mat as seen on a recent motorised dandruff post. However I have given static grass an attempt. A wee diorama showing off the DSG crying out for some decals!

Purely as an after thought,

New Designs...

Kiwirail AK Class, Available through one product, scaled correctly and waiting on a test print.

F Class Version 1, simple little tanker. Other versions are following pending printing outcome.

NZ120 ZH.

Third post in a month..

Showing off new developments

The scenery on my layout is finally receiving more attention, I'm not too fond of house's or built up environments so its mainly going to be good ol kiwi bush. I've been acquiring punga tree's at a premium from the local model shop but well worth the money when I consider time of being far higher in value.

The DSG is finally getting some finishing touches & hopefully decals by weekend end.

The streamlined J now has brass bearings & working wheels, I did find I had to burr the axle ends a little with a file to make the wheels a bit more free rolling. Next job is installing lights!

December already!! What happened to November?

First up we have the dxr receiving correct bogie side-frames, available from Trackgangproducts http://trackgangproducts.co.nz/product/item/1114

Showing the bare bits

Last month saw the completion of both the AB and WAB Classes, I found filling was needed on both the chassis and the body in various small areas which took about 2 minutes of my day. The sideframes on the WAB's rear truck look a bit fat but considering its a first I'm more than happy with em.

WAB Class available here Kiwitrains WAB

AB Class available here Kiwitrains AB

Showing the good ol fat rear bogie

Standing alone, shes a beaut alright.

The next locomotive to be completed is the long awaited DA, the paint job was a bit rushed admittedly. Pictured in front of a rather smart looking Etch eta DC brass locomotive. 

DA Class available here Kiwitrains DA

Thanks to Jolon & Jerry I've now secured a chassis for the planned DJ, definitely going to do the side-frames with this one as well. 

The chassis once ready will hopefully progress my enthusiasm towards the DSG, complete with sideframes.

DSG Class available here Kiwitrains DSG

The DF (1954) is now finished, 1 test print so far is a success but still in transit.

DF available here Kiwitrains DF (1954)

Finally to end the post we have a group shot!

Layout Update, I'm not sure how much more track I can fit in a small space but definitely worth points for trying! Kato Unitrack is in no way prototypical, but simple enough to adjust at a spur of the moment.
(No ma'am, I don't want to buy the whole cow, just a glass of milk thanks)