18th - 22nd May 2009

PATTERN MAKING - DARREN

The new BRK 154, Chevrolet Yeoman has arrived and work has started.

PATTERN MAKING - Mr. P

The Pinkster has been grinding a brass master all morning and he is a mess.

PATTERN MAKING - DARREN

The etchning for the Yeoman has arrived too.

SMALL PARTS CASTING - IAN

Ian has been casting the rear sections for the US Lowboy.

SMALL PARTS CASTING - IAN

This is a roll of steel that will come with US 34.

SMALL PARTS CASTING - IAN

This is one of the Locomotive axles that will come with US 35.

MOULD MAKING - RICH

Rich is in the 'Dirty Room' (NOT as kinky as it sounds!!!).

This is where a graphite powder is applied to the two mould halves to stop them sticking together during vulcanisation (The rubber curing process).

MOULD MAKING - RICH

A small brush is used to rub the powder into the rubber.

There is a very powerful extraction fan in the back to stop the powder from going everywhere.

BODY CASTING - BIG ANDY

No, he's not looking for devine inspiration, he's checking the underside of the model for defects.

Not sure why he's holding it so high................

FETTLING - LITTLE ANDY

Andy has been 'Fettling' the BRK 152's.

Note: Fettling is not a rude word.

SUB ASSEMBLY - TIM

The new US 34 & 35 have to be sub assembled before spraying.

SUB ASSEMBLY - TIM

This photo shows the brass tubing that has to be glued in to reinforce the structure

The model is so long that the original white metal trial castings sagged under their own weight.

SUB ASSEMBLY - TIM

This is how it looks just before spraying.

SUB ASSEMBLY - TIM

And just after spraying.

The wood effect panels look really nice.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

This photo made us all laugh.

Andy (left) and Dave had to re-organise all of the moulds this week.

It would have left dust and dirt all over their clothes so some protection was necessary.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Caption Competition !!!!!!!!

Dave was not amused when I told him that I'd put superglue around the edge of his mask.