The Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling - Issue 12 - December 2017

GUIDE TO ANNIVERSARY

Modelling Welcome to the world of

W J Bassett-Lowke

DCC – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED P22

REPLICA RAILWAYS REVISITED

P28

P32 WIN TICKETS TO THE LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION

ISSUE

DECEMBER ISSUE, 2017

EDITORIAL | 3

December 2017

From the editor

GUIDE TO

Modelling

W

Staff

Editor Sarah Palmer RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk Contributors Tony Stratford, Lucian Doyle, Nigel Burkin, Ian Lamb, Ian Holloway Production editor Pauline Hawkins Designer Tracey Barton Picture desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Advertising manager Sue Keily Publisher Tim Hartley Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Subscription manager Paul Deacon Circulation manager Steve O'Hara Marketing manager Charlotte Park

To advertise, contact: Lynsey Young 01507 529454 lyoung@mortons.co.uk Fiona Leak 01507 529573 fleak@mortons.co.uk

Where to find us

Editorial, advertising and administration Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel 01507 529529

Copyright

© Copyright Mortons Media Group Ltd. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or part, without prior approval in writing is prohibited. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in articles or advertisements, or for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations.

Printing

Mortons Print, Horncastle, Lincs.

Tel 01507 523456

Next edition

Find stockists online at

www.railwaymagazinemodelling.co.uk.

January issue of RMM is out on Friday, December 22, 2017.

Sarah Palmer Editor

ell, it’s been quite a year for RMM. When we launched the publication at last year’s Warley show I was trepidatious about how it would be received. Would we have anything new to bring to the modelling party? After 12 months of lovely letters, comments and emails from RMM readers it would appear that yes, we are bringing something new to the party with our mix of advice for newcomers and returners, reviews, nostalgia and inspiring layouts. I am very grateful for the support of model shops and advertisers as well as all of you who have picked up a copy and taken the time to drop me a line to say how much you have enjoyed it.

As this is also our Christmas issue a few of our writers have recalled their memories of receiving train sets on Christmas morning, and in some cases, how this sparked a lifelong love of railway modelling. This is true in the case of Lucian Doyle, in Letting off Steam on page 33.

One name over the last year of editing this publication that has loomed large has been that of W J Bassett-Lowke and last month I was lucky enough to visit 78 Derngate, his former home in Northampton. You can read about this on page 14.

We’ve also got a couple of inspirational layouts in Layouts we Love – one in particular shows great skill and dedication on the part of its maker. Turn to page 18 to read about them.

On page 22 we’ve also got the second and final part of Nigel Burkin’s backto-basics series on DCC; judging by the letters we’ve had in defence of DC recently, it seems to be something of a modelling hot potato!

I hope that you enjoy this anniversary issue and wish you good tidings and happy modelling for the new year.

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December 2017

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

Collectors' Club exclusive

W

e thought you might like to see these B4 Deco sample photographs from Dapol. They are decorated samples and changes have already been proscribed by Dapol’s design team to correct where necessary.

Number 91 in L&SWR lined green is a Dapol Collectors’ Club exclusive and will only be available to club members directly from Dapol.

Model Railways Buy Sell Have Fun Have you visited the 3000-member Facebook group Model Railways Buy Sell Have Fun? Lee Goodall and Graeme Morrison run the group to bring helpful and friendly modellers of all scales together to provide help and advice.

Opportunist thief strikes at The Model Railway Club Police are investigating the opportunist theft of 84 items of model rolling stock from a van parked outside The Model Railway Club’s headquarters in Calshot Street near King’s Cross station at 8.30pm on October 15. Volunteers from the Islington club were unloading the vehicle after visiting an exhibition in Peterborough when a thief took a case containing 81 wagons and three coaches from the unoccupied front seat.

Guild president’s Lichfield painting tops Railart vote Sixty-one paintings were displayed as part of the Guild of Railway Artists’ annual Railart exhibition, held at Kidderminster Railway during September. The winner, which received 202 of the 1045 votes cast,

was a night-time scene at Lichfield Trent Valley painted by John Austin, a fellow of the guild and its president. It depicts LMS Princess Royal No. 46208 Princess Helena Victoria on a Down Liverpool express.

Accurascale launch gets nearer There’s a lot of speculation on the forums about the launch around the end of January of Accurascale, which is promising uncompromising fidelity in 4mm scale. You can sign up for a newsletter and more news here https://accurascale.co.uk/welcome/

Uncompromising fidelity in 4mm scale.

Coing soon.

Sign up and get notified the moment we launch.

Railway Children Christmas cards This year there are 10 railrelated designs to choose from in the Railway Children Christmas card range. The £5 cost of one pack of cards alone could provide school materials for a child in India. Buying six

packs could fund first aid for 10 children on a railway platform or feed a child in Kenya for a month.

To order Railway Children Christmas cards visit www. railwaychildren.org.uk/shop

Help save Saltash station

The winning work of art by John Austin.

Hornby unveils decorated Class 87 October saw Hornby display decorated samples of its upcoming OO-gauge Class 87 at exhibitions, the company also releasing photos for those unable to attend these events. As expected, these show No. 87035 Robert Burns in BR blue with an AEI cross-arm pantograph fitted while No. 87010 King Arthur carries InterCity Swallow with a Brecknell Willis pantograph in place.

The manufacturer has also confirmed that both pantographs are plastic and poseable only, there being no springing or linkages to make them functional. Both models are expected to be released in February and currently have a RRP of £169.99. www.hornby.com

RAILWAY fans are being urged to vote online to help obtain a grant to revive the GWR’s Saltash station.

By registering and voting online, at no cost, you can help local residents gain a grant from The Aviva Community Fund for up to £25,000 towards the cost of renovating the station building at the western end of Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar.

The Aviva Community Fund allocates grants of up to £25,000 determined by public ballot – so you can vote.

Everyone voting gets 10 votes that can all be placed for one project by use of an online slider. Voting is by registration to avoid voter duplication.

The link is avivacommunityfund.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-6109

Product updates from Protocab

Protocab is a system whereby each locomotive or powered train contains a rechargeable battery to provide power for the motor and other functions for several hours’ running.

This removes completely the need for wheel pick-ups and any wiring to the track and having to keep the track and wheels spotlessly clean. Also in the locomotive is a computer circuit known as the Acc+Ess Protocab Locomotive Control Unit – or LCU – and a device to charge the battery without having to take it out of the loco.

Locomotives are controlled wirelessly from the Protocab controller and can be selected to drive simply by the press of the respective button. For more information visit www.protocab.com

Shortage of steam footplate crews could hit tour operators Fifty years after the end of BR steam, a growing shortage of main line steam drivers is set to hit parts of the charter market.

West Coast Railways, which along with DB Cargo, is the principal provider of steam operations for tour operators, has said that it will struggle to provide them in the future.

West Coast’s managing director Pat Marshall has said: “When it comes to steam, it is a fact of life that there are fewer and fewer experienced, suitably qualified railwaymen out there. The requirements to train and pass out new crew are becoming ever more onerous and time-consuming and, in the current climate, we don’t see the position changing.”

It is understood that this position will not affect WCR’s diesel-hauled operations or ‘whole package’ operations, which include locomotives and stock along with the crew.

A spokesman for Vintage Trains said: “We have expressed our concern to West Coast about the reducing numbers of crew available in our region for some time. With the recent retirement in the last few years of several key drivers, and the apparent difficulty in training replacements, it comes as no surprise to us that West Coast are forced to downsize. This is why in 2015 Vintage Trains established plans to become self-sufficient and form our own Train Operating Company.”

December 2017

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December 2017

in What's the shops

Bachmann OO gauge ‘Standard’ 16t mineral wagons

A runner pack of three weathered and rusted 16t mineral wagons with stone loads is due to hit the shops shortly, writes Nigel Burkin.

An attractive ‘runner pack’ of three 16t mineral wagons with different running numbers will be a welcome addition for late steam-era modellers. Each model features different rusting, weathering effects and markings.

A

lovely set of three Bachmann 16t mineral wagons with stone loads (37-237) is set for release in early winter, finished with unique weathering and rusting features. The models are based on the once-numerous Diagram 1/108 wagon which was built between 1951 and 1959 by various builders including Butterley, Metro Cammell, Pressed Steel, Cravens and BRCW to mention a few. Of all-steel construction, the Diagram 1/108 16t mineral wagon was regarded as the ‘standard’ mineral wagon with side doors complete with top flat together with an end door. The wagons were used on a wide variety of mineral traffic flows. The most common use was for coal – from domestic coal flows to industrial and power station coal flows.

The Bachmann model represents the ‘typical’ 16t wagon with welded body and doors, including the top flat over-the-side doors. The underframe is the correctly modelled 9ft wheelbase design and features oil axle boxes and spindle buffers. Each model is ‘unfitted’ in that there are no train brakes, just simple brake linkages on one side of each wagon referred to as ‘Morton’ brakes.

The design was low-cost but rugged with many 16t mineral wagons from this era being rebuilt and modified to extend their operational lives and to upgrade the brakes. Repairs and conversions saw them fitted with new bodies; different buffers and axle boxes, and even some variation in the design of the side doors.

No. B150600 is heavily rusted and dusty in appearance.

Although marked as ‘Coal’ or ‘Coal16’, 16t mineral wagons found use on a variety of mineral traffics.

WHAT'S IN THE SHOPS |

December 2017

The model The three wagons are individually finished with weathering and markings unique to each one. Look at them carefully: the underlying unfitted grey livery is different on each model of the threepack representing the slight differences in shading between construction batches and weathering. The rusting effects are different too and vary in colour from wagon to wagon. The overall finishing of the models is very well done with patching, numbering and shading making each model in the pack unique.

On the technical side, NEM-362 coupling pockets are fitted to the underframe with small tension lock couplings fitted. The weathering applied to the underframes has been applied to the couplings too for a consistent finish.

Wheels are of metal and are the correct three-hole disc pattern. They are fully concentric – no sign of wobble – and free rolling in the underframes.

The models are individually numbered to represent a random selection of Diagram 1/108 wagons: B120883 represents a wagon from Lot 2381 built at Butterley in 1953 as part of a lot of 1200 wagons numbered B120061-B121260.

B133964 was built by BRCW in 1953 as one of 1500 wagons built to Lot 2390

numbered B132861B134360.

Finally, B150600 was built by Metro Cammell in 1954 as one of Lot 2523 which consisted of 500 wagons numbered B150495-B150994.

As the building dates show, the wagons appeared to see the last decade of BR steam and would fit with a layout theme based on the BR steam – diesel transition era.

The condition represented by the models is more representative of them after a few years of regular service and perhaps more representative of the typical condition of these wagons towards the end of BR steam.

To have such well-finished models of typical wagons built in large numbers during the 1950s and 60s is much welcomed and the quality of the weathering effects is also to a very high standard. Bachmann needs to follow up with more runner packs of common wagons with different running numbers such as the Diagram 1/108 16t mineral wagons in weathered and rusted condition to allow a decent collection to be acquired and full-length trains to be operated.

No. B133964 is a dusty grey colour with faded weathering as if used on stone traffic.

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Model details:

Standard BR Diagram 1/108 16t mineral wagon.

Weathered with stone loads.

Manufacturer:

Bachmann Europe Plc.

Scale:

4mm (1:76) scale, OO gauge.

Era:

1951 until the early 1980s (various rebuilds etc.).

Web:

www.bachmann.co.uk

Suggested retail prices:

The finish applied to each model of the three-wagon pack differs slightly in weathering and rust colouring.

The models represent Diagram 1/108 wagons in original ‘unfitted’ condition with ‘Morton’ brake.

37-237: £56.95.

No. B120883 has a rusty tinge to the weathering.

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December 2017

in What's the shops Of the four N-gauge Class 40s released by Bachmann under its Graham Farish label, No. D211 in BR green (371-180) is the perfect model for a lateBR steam-to-diesel transition layout theme.

The brand new N-gauge model of the English Electric Class 40, a transition-era diesel-electric locomotive, which worked alongside steam traction, is described by Nigel Burkin.

Graham Farish ‘Whistler’ E

nglish Electric Class 40s are a symbol of the transition years when BR began to make a concerted effort to replace steam traction with diesel electric locomotives. Introduced between 1958 and 1962, the Class 40 was constructed as an express passenger locomotive for use on top link routes including the Anglia, West Coast and East Coast main lines and is documented as the first BR main line diesel to be procured for such roles. Ten pilot scheme locomotives were ordered numbered D200-D209 to assess their suitability as replacements for high-powered main line steam locomotives. A further order for 190 locomotives was placed numbered D211-D399, despite opposition from some managers who considered them under-powered for the role they were expected to fulfil.

Class 40s performed well for the most part. However, a 2000hp locomotive tipping the scales at more than 130 tons and riding on basic plate frame bogies was never going to be able to sustain the high-speed running with heavy trains over long distances that large steam locomotives were capable of. The East Coast and Anglia main line soon saw the introduction of lighter, more powerful locomotives, (the ECML refusing further deliveries of Class 40s) allowing Class 40s to be concentrated on the West Coast main line where the line profile and generally lower speeds played to their strengths.

Class 40s are large locomotives, nearly 70ft long and with a 1Co-Co1 wheel arrangement – the figure 1 denoting load-bearing wheels, such was the weight of them. They were soon displaced to secondary duties, primarily in the north and west of the UK. Passenger services in Scotland and North Wales continued to see them used on a regular basis. Until the end of steam, Class 40s finished in plain green livery with grey painted roofs were to be found working alongside many

older designs of steam locomotive on secondary and freight duties making the green-liveried versions of the new Graham Farish model particularly useful for late BR steam-era layout themes.

Withdrawal started in 1976, not that long after the last BR steam train ran.

Problems with the bogies, the lack of spares and further introductions of lighter, more powerful locomotives, both diesel and electric, fitted with air brakes and electric train heating, saw the steam heat and often vacuum brake-only Class 40s sent to the breakers’ yard. However, it remains a popular class of transition-era locomotive which had a large following of fans who chased them around the country where they could turn up unexpectedly (many parts of the Southern Region being the exception).

They appeared on almost any duty in the North West including mail and parcels trains; ballast workings, revenue freight and deputising for other locomotive classes. Their popularity saw seven Class 40s preserved on heritage railways together with D200, which is part of the National Collection. One Class 40 sees regular main line use: No. 40 145 being a popular choice for rail tours and charter trains.

It is worth pointing out some of the important ‘spotting’ differences between the Class 40 locomotives.

Train reporting code discs and gangway doors were fitted to the first 125 locomotives, which is a feature replicated on the review model.

Some disc-fitted locomotives also had ladders fitted to the bonnet fronts, a feature that did not last for very long.

Four-figure train reporting codes saw the discs give way to ‘split box’ head codes with the same centre gangway door. During the latter stages of construction, the gangway doors were deemed unnecessary and the bonnet front cleaned up with a neat head code box and tail-lights.

The model Two N-gauge versions of the Class 40s were announced by Bachmann in early 2015, to be marketed under its Graham Farish label: head code disc and centre head code versions. The model was to be a completely brand new tooling, replacing the ageing Graham Farish model which dates back to the days when Graham Farish was an independent company based in Poole.

The model was to be the first Graham Farish diesel to have factory-installed digital sound and facility for the simple fitting of sound to those models not so equipped at the factory. Completing the range of new technical innovations is a coreless motor and fully working running lights.

The 125 disc fitted locomotives are represented by No. D211 ‘Mauretania’

Model details: English Electric Class 40.

Manufacturer:

Bachmann Europe Plc. under its Graham Farish label.

Scale:

N gauge, 1:148 scale.

Suggested retail prices:

£139.95 for 371-180, 371-181 and 371-182. £209.95 for digital sound fitted 371-183DS.

Era: English Electric locomotives such as the Class 37 and Class 40 have complex curves which are difficult to capture well in model form. The shape of the Graham Farish Class 40 is very good and compares well with pictures of the full-size locomotives.

1956-1988 depending on the livery and fittings. Review model represents the class shortly

finished in plain BR green with a grey roof and white cant rail stripe (371-180). Centre head code box locomotives are represented by No. D369 finished in BR green with a small yellow panel (371-181). Moving away from the transition is the model of No. 40 159 fitted with a centre head code box and finished in BR blue (371-182). Following feedback from modellers, the split box version of the Class 40 was added to the catalogue, completing the three production versions of the locomotive. Split box No. 40 141 is also finished in BR blue and features factory-installed digital sound (371-183DS). It is the plain green model of No. D211 (371-180) that features in this edition of ‘What’s in the Shops’ – a model that will sit very nicely in a late-BR steam-era setting.

after introduction.

Web:

www.bachmann.co.uk

Model features in a nutshell: Coreless motor for fine operation and control.

All-driving wheels have electrical current collection.

DCC-ready with NEXT18 interface socket.

First Graham Farish diesel model with digital sound (371-183DS).

NEM coupling pockets fitted with standard ‘Rapido’ type couplings.

Digital sound-ready with ‘sugar cube’ speaker fitted as

standard in all models.

Detailed cab interiors.

Working cab lights – switched with a decoder.

Working head and tail-lights with circuit board switches when used with analogue control.

Circuit board switches to control running lights when operated on analogue control.

Detailed bufferbeams and accessory pack with brake pipes.

Available with different bonnet versions, including centre and split head code boxes and reporting discs.

WHAT'S IN THE SHOPS |

December 2017

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Sophisticated electronics fitted to the model include working marker lights, cab lights and a NEXT18 push-fit decoder interface socket that will allow control of a variety of marker light positions when a decoder is fitted.

The first toolings of the model featured a separate fan grille and frame, which looked a little coarse. This was changed to a moulded grille that looks neater and more refined.

Body shell Some diesel locomotive models are particularly difficult to capture in model form and it has taken years for decent models of the Class 40 be tooled with the correct body shape together with subtle detail and panel lines in OO gauge and now in N gauge. The Graham Farish model certainly makes the grade with a body shell capturing the unique curves over and around the bonnet area and cab windows.

The roof profile looks the part and the level of moulded detail is excellent and not overdone.

The EPS version of the model showed it to have an etched fan grille, which has been subsequently changed for a moulded one as part of the body shell moulding. I think this looks better on N-gauge models, particularly when the etched grille option appears to be over-scale and clumsy compared with the rest of the body tooling. The roof panels and side grilles have good definition but are not too raised from the surface of the body shell. Overall, the use of a one-piece moulding for the main body shell has worked very well.

The bonnet fronts are separate toolings to allow the three versions of the bonnet fronts to be represented: discs (as reviewed), split box and centre box variants as described earlier in the review. Moulded detail to the front of the bonnet of the review model is as refined as detail on the main body and the mounting holes for the separately moulded train reporting discs are reasonably small – an important point given that many locomotives lost their discs in the BR blue era. The seam between the bonnet moulding and the main body is too apparent, especially for N gauge. While the seam line may be disguised at the join between blue and yellow on BR blue versions, this is an area that would benefit from further attention at the assembly stage. The full-size locomotives do not have a join at this position on the body panelling.

Fine details In addition to the train reporting disc mouldings, a variety of other small details are included in the accessory pack, including etched grilles to fit over the side radiator louvres. The body itself is fitted with close-fitting flush glazing and some wire grab rails, while the buffer beams feature factory-fitted multiple working jumper cables and sockets. The brake pipes are included in the accessory pack for the modeller to fit.

Underframe and bogies One of the key features of the Class 40 is the relationship between the body and the upper edge of the large plate bogies. The gap between the two should be little more than 1mm on the model, yet this has to be balanced against the practicalities of running the model on a layout. There has to be sufficient space for the bogie to move up and down as it runs over uneven track or the top of the buffer beams will catch the underside of the body. The model appears, on testing, to have managed a good compromise between the two, retaining the appearance of the body sitting hard over the bogies, which is a fundamental characteristic of the locomotive – it should have a heavy appearance with the body overhanging the bogies. The bogies rotate freely, allowing the model to negotiate curves as tight as second-radius set track curves.

Overall, the level of fine tooling on the bogies, particular the spring and axle box detail is excellent and subtle enough for the discerning modeller but with enough relief to be highlighted with weathering colours.

Electronics The electronics are highly sophisticated and include fully working marker lights, cab lights and

a NEXT18 decoder interface socket, which will allow control of a variety of marker light positions when fitted with a decoder. The Class 40 is the first of the diesel and electric locomotive range to be fitted enabled for digital sound and one of the four models has a sound decoder factory installed. All of the models come with a factory-installed sugar-cube speaker as standard, with contacts that touch pads on the circuit board meaning that a sound installation does not involve soldering – simply buy a NEXT18 compatible sound decoder and plug it in.

There are no wires linking the body and chassis circuit boards together – all contacts for running lights and the sound speaker is by sprung contacts.

Consequently, the body, which is held by four clips, just lifts off the model, making decoder installation a simple task.

Mechanism Mechanisms in new Graham Farish models are becoming increasingly refined, resulting in superb running qualities and good hauling capability.

The Class 40 is equipped with a coreless motor, which drives the main axles in both bogies via drive

shafts and gear towers. Flywheels provide further momentum to help smooth out the model’s performance.

The hauling capacity of the model is impressive and there has been no need to fit traction tyres to any of the wheels. The coreless motor should not be run on an analogue layout equipped with high-frequency electronic track cleaners and the use of feedback controllers may not achieve the best results with the motor.

Overall There is little doubt that the brand new Graham Farish Class 40 looks the part, in terms of its shape, how it rides on its bogies and finish – the paint work is flawless and opaque. It is neatly applied and covers the fine raised detail without drowning it.

The printed numbers and nameplate detail are also very fine and the whole is finished in a dull eggshell, with an almost totally matt finish, which has scaled the livery down very nicely.

Some subtle weathering will bring the raised detail through very nicely too, particularly on the roof. In all, the heavy character of the Class 40 has been replicated well and the model of No. D211 will suit a steam-to-diesel transition-era layout perfectly.

A coreless motor, flywheels and refined drive components have resulted in a very smooth performing model. It was tested extensively on a rolling road and a layout after running-in.

Class 40s have a 1Co-Co1 wheel arrangement which is correctly represented on the model complete with the heavy plate bogies. The 12 main driving wheels are all powered.

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| GIVEAWAY

December 2017

WIN a copy of Constructing 5in Gauge Wagons 'A book for modellers WIN

of any scale'

The HMRS has published a fine book about modelling 5in gauge wagons entitled Constructing 5in Gauge Wagons, written by Doug Hewson.

Says Doug: “This book has been written for modellers of any scale as all the information is common to all models. In it I have described the different types of all the common wagon brake gears. I have then gone on to describe all the components that go into making up wagons.

“There are scale drawings in the

book for 32 different wagons, which can be built to any scale, including full size. The wagons I have covered in this volume are minerals, opens, vans and brake vans. For all those wagons there are tables for each kind of wagon in the book giving all the building dates, diagram numbers, types of doors etc. and all the running numbers.”

The book is available from hmrs. org.uk, but we have a copy, worth £50, to give away to one lucky RMM reader. Just fill in and post the coupon below for your chance to win!

CLOSING DATE: Friday, December 8, 2017 RETURN ADDRESS: RMM December 2017 Constructing 5in Gauge Wagons Competition, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6LZ

CONSTRUCTING 5in GAUGE WAGONS Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (Please circle) First name .......................................................................................................................................

Surname ...........................................................................................................................................

Address............................................................................................................................................. ............................................................... Postcode ..........................................................................

Email..................................................................................................................................................

Phone........................................................................

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Terms and conditions apply. Please see www.railwaymagazinemodelling.co.uk for full

terms and conditions. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. There are no cash alternatives available.

I want to receive news and offers from Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling via: (please tick all that apply)

Email

Post

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SMS

December 2017

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| WHAT'S IN THE SHOPS

December 2017

in What's the shops The author’s painting area is located in a tool shed, well away from the domestic environment. Nonetheless, care is taken to protect it from overspray using a spray booth, filters and extractor. A spray-out pot does much to control the overspray of solvents and paint from airbrush cleaning.

The Iwata universal spray-out pot may be attached to the airbrush stand for neatness and convenience.

Product details and prices Universal airbrush holder (IWA-AH-400): £29.95.

Spray-out cleaning pot (IWCL-300): £29.95.

Airbrush lubricant 10ml (IWA-015001): £8.99.

Manufacturer: Iwata

Scale: Any

Supplied by:

The Airbrush Company Ltd 79 Marlborough Road (East) Lancing Business Park Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UF UK distributor of Iwata airbrushes and equipment.

Web:

www.airbrushes.com

Iwata airbrush work station accessories Nigel Burkin looks at some useful tools for your painting booth.

E

xcellent spray painting results can be achieved by novice modellers with a little care and practice, using budget airbrushes and compressors. All it takes is a little practice to learn how an airbrush works and how to use it to apply paint evenly and consistently without runs, dust or other imperfections. Part of the process of learning how to paint is setting up a suitable place for safe airbrushing, equipped with work station tools that will do much to make the task of painting models easier and safer. Safety is an important concern when applying any type of paint, even water-based acrylic paints. Furthermore, an airbrush is a delicate piece of equipment which should be carefully housed between bouts of spraying during a painting session.

Due care has to be taken when cleaning an airbrush out between colours and when the spraying session is complete. The fumes from solvents and cleaners must not be allowed to spread around the room as overspray. Finally, the airbrush must be carefully cleaned after spraying and all moving parts kept in good working order. The Iwata work station range of accessories has been designed to make spraying work easier, safer and cleaner.

Airbrush stand Looking after an airbrush includes having a safe place to stow the airbrush between spraying bouts. The Iwata airbrush stand is designed to be fitted to the edge of the desk or table being used as a spraying work station.

The clamp is a screw fitting that will allow the stand to be secured to a table or work bench top up to three inches thick.

It has hangers for two airbrushes, which are designed to hold them safely ,without the risk of them being pulled off the stand. The hangers are designed to allow any type of airbrush to be securely held in place including those with side feed cups, bottom feed and trigger handles – they can be adjusted to suit your particular airbrush.

To assist with the setting-up of the painting work station, the holder comes with a bracket to secure the Iwata universal spray-out pot to the stand to keep the equipment together. A small screw, which fits the holder bracket, is supplied to secure a regulator using a second bracket that is sold separately.

An airbrush holder is an essential piece of kit and should prevent

spillages and damage to your airbrush through being a safe place to dock your airbrushes during a painting session, especially when the cups are loaded with paint or solvents.

Balancing a loaded airbrush over a tray or box is not the best way to keep your working area safe and clean!

Universal spray-out pot A neat and heavy glass universal sprayout pot is produced by Iwata which provides somewhere to discharge excess paint and solvents used to clean the airbrush, ensuring that the liquids are trapped safely in a secure vessel. A filter is fitted to the lid of the pot to allow air to escape when an airbrush is being unloaded and cleaned.

Features of the Iwata universal spray-out pot include a tough rubberised sleeve, which protects the glass pot from breakage and prevents it from sliding across the table top.

A hole in the side of the lid is fitted with a tight sleeve to accommodate most airbrushes, providing a tight seal when spraying-out work is under way. Part of the design includes a single hanger for holding an airbrush and a stabilising stand to prevent

the pot assembly from tipping over when an airbrush is docked in the pot. It is perfect for a painting work station or for moving around a layout when painting scenery, track and other features.

The key benefit of a spray-out pot is to eliminate overspray when cleaning and discharging an airbrush after use or between colours. Instead of discharging it into the filter of a spray booth (filters are expensive), the pot captures the waste liquids so they may be safely disposed of (check local recycling regulations regarding the safe disposal of paint products). The glass pot is easy to clean, provides enough weight for stability and is dishwasher and solvent safe.

The Iwata universal airbrush stand is designed to clamp to a table top and support two airbrushes safely when they are not in use. Why would you have two airbrushes in use at any one time? For different spraying techniques or simply for colour blending on one work piece with each loaded with different colours of paint. To do that, there has to be somewhere to dock one airbrush while the other is being used and the stand is the perfect solution.