Thread: Stephenson's Rocket

I think as long as you do not use gloss paint on it the Rocket would look OK in a clean condition if you start to make it look used then there is a lot that would need weathering otherwise it would look wrong.

Originally Posted by Keith_1

I think nice and clean will be the way to go - thanks

I think your Rocket should be presented in one of the following conditions
as it was on the morning of the Rainhill Trials before the fire was lit -- clean and shiny
as it was at the starting line for the Railhill Trials -- mostly clean and shiny with some heat colouring of the metal work and some soot, especially inside the funnel
as it was after the trials -- some oil and soot staining and lots of heat colouring of the metal work

Thanks guys - as always - I really appreciate your comments and support

All the Best

Keith

Hi All,

I have been doing quite a bit of spray painting on my "brass" and "copper" components and pipework. I have found that you need at least 2 coats to get the desired result.
I have been tagging each of my components so they won't get mixed up when re-assembly of Rocket takes place.
The 2 components in the top right hand corner are the steam dome (made of copper with a brass ring) and the pressure relief valve cover )which was also made of copper.
The component in the centre of the top line of items is the control throttle which was made of brass.

The second photo shows that I have found for the first 2 weeks after painting using the metallic paints you need to handle with cotton gloves - otherwise I have found that the moisture in your skin will tarnish the paintwork.

Regards

Keith

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That spray certainly give the right effect. Top job as always Keith. A slow but worthwhile end result by taking your time. The devil is in the detail as they say

Hi All,

Being the impatient person that I am - I couldn't wait to partially re-assemble to see how the paint job on the left hand cylinder looked. The slide plate that connects the cylinder and rod is made of brass on the original, so I spray painted it in "super Gold" to get the brass effect. I have given the firebox a couple of coats of "Domino". The straps on the water tank are now done. 9 coats of paint on both sides and it doesn't crack when I bend the PVC strap - Pretty happy about that.

Now pull apart and start on the right hand cylinder.

Regards

Keith

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Beautiful work!!!
If I was to show up and see these pictures for the first time I'd think it was the real thing and that's what your after me thinks!!!

Originally Posted by htl

Beautiful work!!!
If I was to show up and see these pictures for the first time I'd think it was the real thing and that's what your after me thinks!!!

I really appreciate your comments - thanks

Regards

Keith

Hi All,

Haven't posted for a while.

Very slow work - the Rocket is is many pieces. Painting all individual components and will then re-assemble.

My computer also died. Needed another hard drive - fortunately my Computer guy was able to save all my old stuff. Now recommend an external hard drive backup to everyone. They cost $80.

Regards

Keith

I can only marvel at such great craftsmanship and be suitably inspired by such beautiful work.

Looks amazing Keith
Cheers, Kerry

Originally Posted by Keith_1

Hi All,

Haven't posted for a while.

Very slow work - the Rocket is is many pieces. Painting all individual components and will then re-assemble.

My computer also died. Needed another hard drive - fortunately my Computer guy was able to save all my old stuff. Now recommend an external hard drive backup to everyone. They cost $80.

Regards

Keith

I had that happen to me and now have a external drive which also means that if I go visiting i can take it with me to show family what I have been up to. Glad you managed to save your files and photo's

In the steam age they never had computer problems, yet a lot that was drawn on paper can still be read (yeah, I know not everything can still be read.) I would like to know how many hard drives will still be readable in 5 or 10 years time. I have plenty of 3 1/2" floppy disk - but no reader for them.
A lot of old steam engines can still be seen, some of them still operating.

Look forward to seeing your "Rocket" back together.

Thank you for your link to Fred Dibnah videos.

Hi All,

I re-assembled a bit of the locomotive to see how it looks after a bit of painting. Pretty happy so far.

I have taken a few photos but cannot insert them yet due to a "glitch" in the system for attaching photos. Will post as soon as I am able

The drive mechanism has been pulled out and is being painted in "Domino".

Have not started on the wheels or connecting arms to the wheels.

The smokebox and stack has been dismantled and have started painting the smokebox extension.

The job is MUCH BIGGER than I thought (10 coats of paint on the boiler)

Regards

Keith

I had been feeling unwell and couldn't figure it out what was going on, then we get some up dates and I feel much better.
So I must have been having withdrawal because of no new posts on the train.
Keep up the great work!!!