yvesvidal

Not being ready to build all the numerous seats yet, I decided instead to look into the Clerestory section of the roof. This part of the roof is what makes this coach car so interesting. The roof is planked like a hull would be, using 2 x 4 mm planks and a lot of wood paste to fill up the cracks: In situ (at least almost there): The roof fits perfectly and I am impressed by the precision of the assembly. I have also built both roof ends to receive the clerestory section. Light are installed inside: Now, on to the 10 third class seats. I cannot procrastinate any longer.... Yves

Finished building the luggage racks over the Second Class area: These are very delicate to put together. CA and Acrylic (Gator) glues are your best friends. The roof holders are now glued to the walls. That step concludes the Second Class Compartment. The only missing feature is the numerous ashtrays, usually located between the seats, right under the windows. OCCRE did not provide that small details. There won't be any update for a while, as I need to build all the Third Class seats and build the racks above. Lot of work in perspective. Yves

Great kit. I built it 39 years ago and still enjoy it. I will be following your progress. Yves

That is so true. Building the Quarter Galleries on my HMS Bellona (1/48th) was by far the most difficult part of the kit. And to make both look identical is definitely a challenge. Yves

I am so glad they released that beautiful pilot boat in the scale of 1/48th. This, like many others, was my first Model Shipways kit in the scale of 1/96th, some 30 years ago. I probably will never build that boat (again) in that scale but I will enjoy watching your progress. So many kits and so many ships, and so little time..... Yves

Nice work Kevin. It reminds me of the agonizing hours spent cutting and drilling that massive hull, with a Dremel. Yves

Second Class compartment is completed, at least the sitting part: Now, I have to work on the Third Class compartment: For a change of pace, I may try the luggage racks in the Second Class area. We will see.... Yves

Giampiero, the plastic/resin are just a prototype to define the shape and alignment. Scrubby will CNC machine boxwood blocks for the final parts. At least that is what I could understand 🙂 Yves

Valeriy and his infamous giant match 🙂 Yves

Great to see you back Antony. Yves

The other side is finished....phew!!! That was tedious. I am glad I painted the window frames in red as it brings a nice contrast to that car. It is now time to move to the interior details. I am no longer following the instructions in a religious way.... Yves

I have been working on the windows of the coach and that unit has a LOT OF windows..... First painting both sides with three coats of red. Then installing the window frames after staining them with some dark walnut liquid: Then, fine sanding to remove all traces of the sprues links and to make the frame fit into the painted opening.... I am so glad I did not finish the interior as suggested by the instructions. If you ever do that model, do not follow the instructions. Instead, build each side of the car on a flat surface, paint, glue, smooth and finally, glue the sides to the main frame. Also, I have decided to not glue and install the clear window film provided in the kit. I will leave everything open for a much better peek inside the coach. Now, on to the other side..... Yves

That is so realistic. Fantastic work. Yves

Craig, how much did you pay for the Corvette kit? I was lusting their Auto Union kit (1/12th) but I am afraid to ask for the price in US dollar. I may simply go with the Portuguese kit of Fernando Pinto Portugal.....in 1/24th. And sorry for hijacking this beautiful thread with mundane questions 🙂 Yves

Yes, I love it too. It is like a floating steam engine. Yves

I am now working on the window frames, which is a very tedious work. Especially the painting in red that requires at least three coats in all directions.... The frames are made of basswood in 2 x 2 mm. In the meantime, the other side has been partially completed: The original side has all its window frames, painted: Spaniards love the red color.... Honestly, I think it brings a nice contrast to all this dark wood. Yves

Those modern ships are scary! Way too high above the water and not enough rescue boats, to accommodate 2-3000 passengers. Yves

Fantastic job on the carving of the bow and stern. Staining or painting? I understand it is difficult to let go and hide all that beautiful wood. However, because is it mostly basswood, it will require a lot of sanding and preparation to make it look good. Personally, if you go with the staining, I would take the light color (right choice). Yves

Some small progress. Second truck built and rolling very smoothly: These trucks are crude overall, and I hope that once painted, they will look a little bit better. The modification I brought, allows them to roll freely and behave so much better on a layout than the original design, created for static purpose. Overall view of the car (above). Again, I find the trucks slightly oversized..... Just my opinion. I built the end platforms and I am waiting for some KADEE couplers to finalize them. Height and strength have to be adjusted very precisely. The car is sitting high and the couplers will be located underneath the platforms, which is conflicting with the location of the bumpers and usually, where the European couplers are located. I will try to come up with a decent solution. Third Class seats..... You should really bring your own cushion or have a fat bottom... Honestly, I'd rather pay a few more pesetas and travel in Second Class..... The instructions booklet is superb: glossy paper and full colors. Hope you are enjoying this trip in the early 20th Century Cataluna. Yves

Absolutely superb. Yves

Canute, yes they do have plenty of wiggle to negotiate curves and irregularities in the track. Yves

Beautiful work and .... beautiful wood !!! A feast for the eyes. Yves

I also started working on the chassis, as I need to plan for the couplers and their height: The platforms on each end will have to be strengthened to be capable of accommodating some pulling. Again, OCCRE thought in terms of static model, here. The height of the platforms is also too large, due to the excessive size of the trucks. We will have to be creative.... Yves

I think it is time to move away from the instructions and work on the chassis of the car, before going any further. I want this model to be able to roll on tracks, which is a little bit in contradiction to the Occre kit, that takes a very static approach. I may never get a chance to use that car outside, on G gauge tracks, but it is always re-assuring to know that it may be capable of doing that, if the opportunity shows up. The original kit calls for some rather fragile trucks with a brass axle spinning on wood brackets. I have an issue with that approach, for multiple reasons. Again, the Occre solution is perfect for a static model, but not for a potentially running car, on an outside track as are most Gauge 1 layouts. I am also not too enthused by the toy like wheels provided in the kit and decided to go with some Kadee Gauge 1 axles which are so much better and spin true. For train enthusiasts, it is no need to present KADEE. Others should look at the incredible portfolio of couplers, wheels and cars they offer for trains in N-scale (1/160) all the way to Gauge 1 scale (1/32). They have become the absolute reference for trains enthusiasts. The KADEE axles are made of stainless steel as seen on the picture above. Using some parts of the original OCCRE trucks, I ended up drilling precisely in the truck flanges, provided in the kit. Using some small washers, I am limiting the side motions and after trying that truck on a piece of track, I am quite happy with the smooth running qualities. Once painted in black, they should be acceptable. OCCRE in my humble opinion, created a truck that is a little too large for that kind of cars. But we will have to do with it. Yves

I wonder if they sell a wooden deck for this model. That could be a solution. Yves