Author

Timothy Watson

Date

19th April 2020

Reading Time

2 minutes

Continuing the story, I have taken to lining out the backend of the A3. Not quite to 2mm standards, but good enough for starters.

The lining out around the cab and firebox has progressed quite quickly by using an ‘easi-LINER’ pen. These are tube capillary flow-type pens that take straight gloss enamel paints. In sizes 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00 mm they are easily fine enough for a 3/4” scale model.  They work well in this size and are much quicker and more versatile to use than a bow pen over the distances to be covered.  The washout plugs were first lined out freehand in white: these can be quite thick lines as the black will be use to reduce the line thickness. In fact, of course, the white lines are grey as this produces a much less prominent line. The pen was used to follow suitable edges to back fill the black lines and the set can use an edge follower where appropriate.

The extra lining has really made the back of the engine much busier – as seen in the top picture. The finish is OK, but is hampered by the relatively rough paint work beneath, especially where I have made the modifications to the body work.  On final assembly, I will make some adjustments to the line weight and evenness.   I will probably also make greater use of templates when I do the definitive re-paint.

The last remaining lining will be the boiler band immediately in front of the cab. This will actually be made as two separate pieces, joined with a nut and bolt at the top: you can’t do that in 2mm scale!

Tim

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