Thread: First Class Passenger Carriage (Early 1900's)

Originally Posted by Handyjack

You might find "Handy" will fit the bill.

Keith, even if the corridor windows don't open, at least every other one should have a handle.

Thanks Kevin - but why is that please

Regards

Keith

Originally Posted by crowie

You'll soon have to employ a "window cleaner" Keith!!!

Yeah - that's me Peter

Regards

Keith

Originally Posted by Keith_1

Thanks Kevin - but why is that please

Regards

Keith

On your imaginary prototype, some of the corridor windows would be able to open - flow through ventilation, or so passengers can say goodbye. I'm just suggesting you have the handles on the frames, not necessarily that they can be opened.

Originally Posted by Handyjack

On your imaginary prototype, some of the corridor windows would be able to open - flow through ventilation, or so passengers can say goodbye. I'm just suggesting you have the handles on the frames, not necessarily that they can be opened.

OK - Thanks a lot Kevin

Regards

Keith

Hi All,

Over the past few days I have been making the carriage access steps. There are 4 sets of steps - on both sides of the carriage at both ends. These access onto an open floor area before accessing the carriage through doors at both ends.

The framework I made out of aluminium flat bar - bent at the appropriate positions to accommodate the steps. There are 2 aluminium frames to each set of steps, The step themselves are cut down to the scale thickness on the table saw. I used oak for these. The steps and kickboards are screwed to the aluminiun frame. The frame projects beneath the carriage and is secured by bolts to the subframe.

I have also attached a photo of access steps on a real carriage to give an indication of how it looks - although the open floor area on mine will be larger (in scale) than that shown in this real carriage photo. This photo is a Brisbane suburban commuter carriage.

Regards

Keith

access steps.jpg access steps 2.jpg

Hi All,

After a bit of discussion, changed design of my carriage window handle.

I made up a punch and a die out of aluminium. The "die" was made by rounding off the end of an 8mm drill and increasing the drill rake angle and then drilling into a piece of aluminium flat bar. The punch was turned in the lathe out of aluminium - a fraction smaller than the die piece.

I marked off the distance down the hole I wanted the window lifter to be so I get a consistent size.

I then punched 1mm aluminium sheet on the edge to the form and then cut with tinsips. Filed and then sanded with 120 grit sandpaper.

primed and then spray painted in gold paint (to look like brass). Made up 32 of these lifters.

Regards

Keith

window lifter jig1.jpg window lifter jig2.jpg window lifter jig3.jpg window.jpg

Bee's Knee's Charlie Boy!.

Cheers
Trev.

Looks more authentic. Good move to remake them.

Hi All,

Over the last few days I have be trialing making my first First Class seat. Although reasonably happy, I think I can improve on this - particularly the upholstering.

The seats are made of pine shaped to the form I wanted. The back is also pine and the headrest is part of a broom handle. I got the satin material from Spotlight (don't shoot me down for that )
I have a hightened respect for Cathie and her quilting - I wouldn't be able to work with this type of material all day - frustrating

The base seat I did first and has a few wrinkles - changed technique on the back of the seat and the headrest and no wrinkles in material. Also found that you don't cut out material where it has been folded in the shop - creates wrinkles. The materials have been pulled really tight and stapled at the back.

The armrests have been made of oak and stained with Rose Mahogany. Then a spray coat of full gloss clear.

The seat is held together with aluminium flat in 2 positions screwed to the seating components.

This will be a "prototype" - it has allowed me to make up templates for the components. There are 12 seats to be made for this carriage.

I will get onto another one to see how I can improve my techniques.

The good thing about this carriage is that there are so many things to make you never get bored from one day to the next.

Regards

Keith

PS - The red material will end up being my carpet where I don't have exposed polished floorboards.

first seat.jpg

Keith, the seat looks good. Don't worry about the wrinkles in this one, its had a few bums on the seat. Not sure about the color, I cannot recall railway seats being blue. (Be OK for a Ford though!)
I can see another production line coming up.

Originally Posted by Handyjack

Keith, the seat looks good. Don't worry about the wrinkles in this one, its had a few bums on the seat. Not sure about the color, I cannot recall railway seats being blue. (Be OK for a Ford though!)
I can see another production line coming up.

Thanks Kevin,

Yes - I have some photos of a Royal Carriage in this colour blue - that is why I chose it.

Yes - BIG production line. Need to ensure the correct cross sectional profiles as I go so I will possibly try and do all the seats in the one run - the profiling is quite time consuming though.

It is enjoyable

Thanks for your comments

Regards

Keith

PS - I actually ironed the remaining material (haven't had an iron in my hand for years) and got rid of all the wrinkles.

Ford blue seats look great Keith, but maroon on the carpet would look even better for First Class........Peter

Originally Posted by Keith_1

I actually ironed the remaining material (haven't had an iron in my hand for years) and got rid of all the wrinkles.

Hey Cathy...

Did you know Keith knows how to iron!!!!

Originally Posted by Keith_1

Thanks Kevin,

Yes - I have some photos of a Royal Carriage in this colour blue - that is why I chose it.

Yes - BIG production line. Need to ensure the correct cross sectional profiles as I go so I will possibly try and do all the seats in the one run - the profiling is quite time consuming though.

It is enjoyable

Thanks for your comments

Regards

Keith

PS - I actually ironed the remaining material (haven't had an iron in my hand for years) and got rid of all the wrinkles.

I have not had the royal treatment and that might explain why I have not seen it.
The only ironing I do, is iron on edging.

Look forward to seeing you without the wrinkles.