Thread: Stephenson's Rocket

Hi All,

Haven't posted for a while. I have been working on my base for the loco and carriage.

I cut 6mm grooves in the pine vertical sections of the base and then fitted 6mm MDF for the bottom of the track and sleepers. I have glued and screwed supports along underneath the MDF to prevent sagging. Because the base is so long (in excessof 2 metres) I have made it in 2 parts - as shown in photo 276 and 277.

The sleepers I have made in a similar way to that of the 4-6-2 locomotive and the Stirling Single locomotive. ie the sleepers are made of pine and I have "weathered" them by using a wire brush on my 4" angle grinder exposing soft and hard grain lines of the timber. I have then made up a wash of mission brown/white/black acrylic paint watering it down to about 50% paint 50% water. I made up in excess of my requirements in case of touchups required later.

The sleepers are glued to the MDF and then each sleeper screwed to the base from underneath to ensure the sleepers won't dislodge when I glue the ballast in position.

Ballast is next - followed by making the rails.

Regards

Keith

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Hi All,

Getting near the end now.

I have made up the rails and the rail clamps.

Used pine to make both of these lots of components. The clamps were cut using my table saw at different angles to get the correct shape and to fit onto the rail. There are 88 rail clamps needed to secure the rails

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The base colour of the rail clamp is "domino" which I found simulates the cast colour of a clamp.

I then weathered the clap using a wash of red oxide and water 10% Red Oxide 90% water. Let each coat dry and ended up giving the clamps (and rails) 3 coats of the wash to look like rust.

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These are the rails

283.jpg I used automotive spray paint "pewter" on top of the rails to look like wearing on top of the rail.

Have now started final assembly

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I enjoy the "weathering" aspects of the job. I may try weathering on my next loco.

Regards

Keith

Certainly kept busy with all those parts Keith and as all the track builds looks great

Hi All,

It has been just one month short of two years since I started the Rocket build. It is now complete. It has been an enjoyable and at times frustrating build but I am really happy with the outcome. One of the really good aspects has been gaining confidence in using body filler to create components that are difficult to turn or generally machine up. I am also considering buying a cheap MIG or TIG welder to weld my aluminium framework together in my next loco build.

Thanks to everyone who has looked at my work and for the comments and suggestions along the way.

A big thanks to Fletty for lending me his book on the Rocket - it was a fantastic aid in understanding the different components of the loco and also how it worked. Alan also provided heaps of beautiful photos of the Rocket from his visit to the Railway Museum in York - Thanks mate

My next task is to build more Display Stands for my locos. If I work it right I may be able to add enough storage / display space for the next 3 years of builds.

Thanks again for your support and I reckon I should be on my next build by the start of October.

Regards

Keith


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I cannot find the right words to do justice to the Rocket and your skills. We all know someone who would be very pleased with your efforts.
x 100

Sad it's done as I love coming in and seeing what you got done and how, but looking forward to your next adventure.

Originally Posted by rwbuild

I cannot find the right words to do justice to the Rocket and your skills. We all know someone who would be very pleased with your efforts.
x 100

I couldn’t have said it any better. Well done Keith! I am in awe of your skills, patience and dedication.

fletty

Another brilliant Keith, I am in awe of your patience and skills. Im not a model builder myself but I do like to follow your builds.

Tony

An outstanding build by a master craftsman. Starting at ground level with sleepers and rails, there is not only a well detailed engine (and tender) but a carriage as well.
The speed of the build is not what matters, it is the enjoyment of not only the build but of the final result.
Thank you for sharing the journey of the construction. Like me, I am sure many others will want a ticket to ride your next model build.

Only one thing missing in the photos of this extraordinary model.....

YEP! A photo with the loco and the master craftsman .....

Thank you for the journey Keith, my ticket was great value!!

Cheers, Peter

Originally Posted by crowie

Only one thing missing in the photos of this extraordinary model.....

YEP! A photo with the loco and the master craftsman .....

Thank you for the journey Keith, my ticket was great value!!

Cheers, Peter

And the can of beer that occasionally got a showing.......

Beautiful work

Keith I would think the beer has gone by know I have enjoyed the ride ,and I can only say " PAR EXCELLENT"

Sorry for late reply Keith, been busy with other things and mainly nothing to do with woodwork except repairing a couple of garden benches.

Anyway what can I say that has not already been said a fantastic build and I certainly enjoyed the build from start to finish.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words - it is most appreciated.

Cathie said that I couldn't get onto my next build until I built added shelving for my locos. Shifted some stuff around and relocated our chihuahua's bed (he's not impressed) and built my shelving.

Happy I can now display my Stirling Single as well as the Rocket and Carriage.

The shelving is built so that it cannot topple over (although until the next loco is built I will put some weight on the bottom shelf)

The shelving will allow me to position my next loco on the bottom shelf. I reckon I have enough room to accommodate a couple of smaller tank locos beside the Stirling and also beside the next loco on the bottom shelf.

I think I have enough space for the next 4 -5 years.

Regards

Keith

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