Kit Building for Railway Modellers: Locomotives and Multiple Units

by George Dent

Overview

Locomotive kit building remains the best route to achieving a varied range of motive power in most scales but it also retains a mystique, being associated with expert modellers and expensive tools. In this invaluable, richly illustrated volume, George Dent demonstrates how anyone can successfully assemble working kits with only a modicum of inexpensive equipment and experience. All aspects of assembly are covered in detail including working in plastics, resin and metal; the very basics of working and joining materials; installing ready-made power units and performing more complex operations, such as assembling etched metal chassis frames and intricate valve gear.- Includes a full guide to essential tools, materials and adhesives.- Covers the art of soldering.- Explains the basics behind chassis construction and alignment.- Presents an in-depth guide to the assembly of cylinders, coupling rods and valve gear.- Examines a range of power unit and transmission options.- Demonstrates how to detail and modify kits for extra realism.- Illustrates painting, lining and weathering techniques.- Offers tips on running-in, testing and maintaining mechanisms.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847975515
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	12/01/2013
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Having grown up on a diet of Airfix and Matchbox plastic kits, George Dent is now editor and in-house model maker at Model Rail magazine, one of the UK's most popular hobby titles. He has built a well-earned reputation as an expert in detailing, painting and weathering models and has a long-standing passion for model cars and trucks. He has writte nine books for Crowood, including Airbrushing for Railway Modellers, Building Coaches, Kit Building for Railway Modellers, Weathering for Railway Modellers and Building Model Trucks.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Preface 7

Introduction 8

Chapter 1 Foundations 11

Chapter 2 Making a Start 24

Chapter 3 Next Steps in Plastic 34

Chapter 4 Easy Motoring and Electrical Matters 42

Chapter 5 Resin 53

Chapter 6 Superdetailing and Kit Bashing 64

Chapter 7 Metalwork - The Basics 74

Chapter 8 Metalwork - The Next Step 89

Chapter 9 Build a Better Body 97

Chapter 10 Chassis Fundamentals 104

Chapter 11 Bogies, Trucks, Motors and Gears 119

Chapter 12 Power Collection and Testing 136

Chapter 13 Outside Cylinders, Piston Rods and Valve Gear 148

Chapter 14 Painting and Finishing 166

Chapter 15 Decals and Lining 178

Chapter 16 Final Assembly 190

Chapter 17 Finishing Touches 202

Afterword 213

Useful Contacts 215

Bibliography and Suggested Reading 221

Index 223