POINT OF VIEW – Why model branchlines? – KIM ARMSTRONG
TIMBER BRIDGES OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES RAILWAYS – DON FRASER outlines a brief history of timber railway bridges and describes their types
TRACK AND WHEEL GAUGES FOR P-HO – P-HO is an adaption of Protofour standards to 3.5mm scale and a 16.5mm track gauge. The concept of P-HO was described in Issue 185 of QAMRM. It provides a practical way of modelling wheels and track to almost exact scale. The cost of this accuracy however, is that all pointwork has to be scratch built. STEPHEN OTTAWAY describes how to make gauges to simplify track construction and provide the basic dimensions necessary for reliable operation.
WATER SOLUBLE WEATHERING – The painting of a model can either make or break its final appearance. In the quest for greater realism, weathering can add the final touches that bring a model to life. PHIL PAIGE gives an overview of the water based materials he uses to simulate wear and tear in model form.
‘STONE’ COLOUR SCHEMES FOR NSWGR BUILDINGS – NSW railway buildings were painted in shades of brown known as ‘stone’ from at least the 1890s until well into the 1950s. JAMES McINERNEY presents the results of investigations into these distinctive colour schemes and describes how to model them.
EXPOSURE – Photos of models at the Branchline Modellers Forum.
FIBRE OPYICS, L.E.Ds AND AN MHG – GRAHAM WALKER regularly demonstrates the application of fibre optics to modelling at exhibitions. He explains how they work and uses one of his circuits to add directional marker lights to a Powerline MHG guards van.
ELECTROSTATIC GRASS – Faced with the problem of modelling large areas of grass, RODNEY JAMES used some components from a car ignition to make an applicator for grass fibres. By creating static electricity, fibres can be made to stand upright like real grass.
THE NSWGR TIMBER HALF THROUGH HOWE TRUSS BRIDGE – Between 1897and 1917, many of these bridges were built throughout the state. The plan prepared by KIM ARMSTRONG and the accompanying detail photographs provide sufficient information to build an accurate model of one of these characteristic bridges.
THE BASICS OF SOLDERING – Soldering has the reputation of being a skill that is difficult to master. By understanding what actually happens and following a few simple rules, the frustrations in soldering pieces of metal can be eliminated. PHIL BADGER describes the basic principles of soldering, showing this much feared skill is really not difficult to learn.
NSW FETTLER SHED – A Prototype Modelling Project – Hundreds of fettlers sheds were built around the state. They were often surrounded by drums, tools, rail, sleepers and other interesting junk. Inspired by prototype photos, KIM ARMSTRONG details a fettlers shed scene using proprietary products.
ASSEMBLING AND PAINTING POLYURETHANE KITS – Most of the specialist NSW outline kits are now produced in polyurethane. While this material has advantages in strength and weight, it is not as easy to glue and paint as kits made from other types of plastic. The independent FL kit by Stephen Johnson Models is assembled by STEPHEN OTTAWAY and painted by ANDREW HAYNE. They give a guided tour of of the assembly and painting of a typical polyurethane kit.
FINER MODELS…. FINER WHEELS….. FINER TRACK….. For some time there has been debate over track and wheel standards and the impact these have on the overall appearance of a model railway. Many modellers baulk at the prospect of laying points by hand, yet want the improved appearance of wheels that are closer to scale. Seeking models that were more proportionally accurate, TREVOR KNIGHTS began modelling to Protofour standards. With the benefit of hindsight, he examines the wheel standards available to HO modellers and looks at the practicality of each option.
TEA BAG TARPAULINS – The canvas tarpaulin was widely used by the railways and a variety of materials have been used to represent it in model form. KIM ARMSTRONG shows how to realistically simulate canvas with the humble tea-bag. They also provide an ideal representation of malthoid, a material applied to waterproof the roofs of wooden carriages and vans.
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