A strange joy I've found is equipping guards to my brake vans.
I love brake vans! It's one of my obsessions in this hobby. It's why I can never model modern stuff, since to me, a train isn't finished without a brake van/coach at the back.
So now that I've given most of my vans guards, they feel much more complete.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422081330.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121336)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422081416.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121337)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422081454.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121338)
My only van without a guard is my Queen Mary, because I'll need to get the roof off, but I've got the dexterity of a ape, and I'm scared I'll break it.
You have made a neat realistic addition there.
Most of my steam locos have crews, as they are visible, but only a couple of brake vans.
Photos of the back of a train are rare-and possibly the guard feels most comfortable with his little coal stove to keep him warm!
I've also added tail lamps to them, but only a centre red one on most. Some have the white one at each side at the top.
Nice work, though.
Martyn
Very good. The first copy of Railway Modeller magazine I ever saw was a 1957 issue which had a layout called Stephenton as railway of the month.
The front cover featured a close up of a guard's van disappearing into a tunnel, complete with a guard figure. I've never forgotten that picture (I still have that issue), and it's effect on me and my modelling philosophy.
Cool! :thumbsup:
Nice work - are you adding tail lamps next?
Steven B.
Quote from: Steven B on April 05, 2022, 08:49:39 AM
Nice work - are you adding tail lamps next?
Steven B.
If I knew where I could get some, probably.
Quote from: martyn on April 05, 2022, 08:28:56 AM
Most of my steam locos have crews, as they are visible, but only a couple of brake vans.
I'd want to do that, but I can't. My 54xx's DCC chip is in its cab, so I can't give that a crew, and my A4 has a drive sharft going right through its cab! I could most likely get away with the A4 if I was clever, but I'm too scared of getting the way of the drive sharft to try.
Quote from: mca0004 on April 05, 2022, 09:01:28 AM
Quote from: Steven B on April 05, 2022, 08:49:39 AM
Nice work - are you adding tail lamps next?
Steven B.
If I knew where I could get some, probably.
ModelU do tail lamps. Select your preferred item and then select scale when the page opens.....
https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/detailing-components/loco-rolling-stock-lamps/tail-lamps/ (https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/detailing-components/loco-rolling-stock-lamps/tail-lamps/)
Note - the guard should be facing down the train rather than watching the scenery in most cases ;)
Hi;
You can buy tail (and head) lamps from, amongst others, Springside (rather large) and Modelu; these are much smaller. Langley may also do them.
Appreciate this may be a bit difficult for you to obtain as you are in Oz; but short cuts of plastic rodding or strip can look convincing with a blob or two of paint on them.
I also have no crews in my Britannias for the same reason as you, likewise some of the tank engines. Just not enough room! But the 0-6-0s, 4-4-0, and 4-6-0s have them.
As NPN has said, the guard should be looking forward along the length of his train; it was part of his duty to make sure that the train was running correctly, and at least on passenger trains, if practicable, should also keep a look-out for signals to make sure they were being obeyed. Not sure about look out for signals on freight trains.
Martyn
I managed to get a guard into my Queen Mary.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422104808.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121342)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422104922.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121343)
And with that, all my vans have guards!
Quote from: Newportnobby on April 05, 2022, 09:30:58 AM
Note - the guard should be facing down the train rather than watching the scenery in most cases ;)
Quote from: martyn on April 05, 2022, 09:31:31 AM
As NPN has said, the guard should be looking forward along the length of his train; it was part of his duty to make sure that the train was running correctly, and at least on passenger trains, if practicable, should also keep a look-out for signals to make sure they were being obeyed. Not sure about look out for signals on freight trains.
Thank you both for the tip! I didn't realise that, I've been running trains with the guard facing away from the trains. I'll have them the correct way now.
Quote from: Bealman on April 05, 2022, 08:40:30 AM
Very good. The first copy of Railway Modeller magazine I ever saw was a 1957 issue which had a layout called Stephenton as railway of the month.
The front cover featured a close up of a guard's van disappearing into a tunnel, complete with a guard figure. I've never forgotten that picture (I still have that issue), and it's effect on me and my modelling philosophy.
Cool! :thumbsup:
I did some fact checking :) - mainly because I was curious! It was April 1959.
Here is one of my guard's vans!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/1787-050422135304.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121348)
All the Best
Nigel H
TRADE for anyone else interested in equipping their guards vans try https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww--aln043-goods-guard-3d-printed-unpainted-figure-44149-p.asp (https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww--aln043-goods-guard-3d-printed-unpainted-figure-44149-p.asp)
Quote from: mca0004 on April 05, 2022, 10:54:40 AM
I managed to get a guard into my Queen Mary.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422104808.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121342)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-050422104922.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121343)
And with that, all my vans have guards!
Quote from: Newportnobby on April 05, 2022, 09:30:58 AM
Note - the guard should be facing down the train rather than watching the scenery in most cases ;)
Quote from: martyn on April 05, 2022, 09:31:31 AM
As NPN has said, the guard should be looking forward along the length of his train; it was part of his duty to make sure that the train was running correctly, and at least on passenger trains, if practicable, should also keep a look-out for signals to make sure they were being obeyed. Not sure about look out for signals on freight trains.
Thank you both for the tip! I didn't realise that, I've been running trains with the guard facing away from the trains. I'll have them the correct way now.
That's a lovely selection. They are very enigmatic.
When you get a chance, you could have a go at building one of these...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5604-050422224647.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121360)
Quote from: emjaybee on April 05, 2022, 10:47:04 PM
When you get a chance, you could have a go at building one of these...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5604-050422224647.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121360)
I'd live too, but I don't know where I can get that kit in N gauge. I found it in O, but not N.
Thanks @nharding99 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1787)
You're quite correct. It was April 1959. :thumbsup:
Quote from: mca0004 on April 05, 2022, 11:30:45 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on April 05, 2022, 10:47:04 PM
When you get a chance, you could have a go at building one of these...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5604-050422224647.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121360)
I'd live too, but I don't know where I can get that kit in N gauge. I found it in O, but not N.
Oh, should have said, it's not a kit. I cut up three Graham Farish brake vans and made it myself.
Quote from: emjaybee on April 06, 2022, 07:39:53 AM
Oh, should have said, it's not a kit. I cut up three Graham Farish brake vans and made it myself.
Oh, I see. I think that'd be a bit to advanced for me. I've never even built a peco wagon kit!
@emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604)
Did you post a thread about that, or did I dream it? :worried:
Quote from: mca0004 on April 06, 2022, 09:01:54 AM
Quote from: emjaybee on April 06, 2022, 07:39:53 AM
Oh, should have said, it's not a kit. I cut up three Graham Farish brake vans and made it myself.
Oh, I see. I think that'd be a bit to advanced for me. I've never even built a peco wagon kit!
It wasn't particularly difficult. Just cutting and filing and filling. The only bit that was repainted was the roof. You can work out the measurements by counting the planks on the side!
Like George, @Bealman (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=255) said, I did a thread on it here...
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=45360.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=45360.0)
The only particular bits I had to buy were bogies, they were from the N Gauge Society, but you could probably source something from a secondhand coach or wagon that would suffice. Other bits were just bits of plasticard and tubing.
Quote from: Bealman on April 06, 2022, 09:04:44 AM
@emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604)
Did you post a thread about that, or did I dream it? :worried:
No, didn't dream it, athough I wasn't sure myself. Took some finding mind. The more comprehensive version was in the NGS Journal.
I did this a few days ago, but forgot to post about it: My Hymek now has a driver.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-090422085603.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121470)
It's actually a figure of a passenger meant for coaches, but all my loco crew figures all have legs, so they wouldn't fit into the high floored cab. I think it's close enough though.
If you have a look on Ebay, you can get a bag of 100 assorted figures for a few quid/$Aus/bucks. They're not that well painted, they're very generic, but they're perfect for fitting inside carriages, diners, shops, etc.. Plus, you can always paint them up a bit if you need to.
They're despatched from China/Far East, so you have to wait a bit, but they're perfect for 'not so visible' people.
Quote from: mca0004 on April 09, 2022, 08:59:04 AM
I did this a few days ago, but forgot to post about it: My Hymek now has a driver.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-090422085603.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121470)
It's actually a figure of a passenger meant for coaches, but all my loco crew figures all have legs, so they wouldn't fit into the high floored cab. I think it's close enough though.
I hope he's not driving whilst legless!! (hic)
The body of the Hymek doesn't seem to be sitting squarely on the chassis from that frontal view :hmmm:
Quote from: Newportnobby on April 09, 2022, 09:48:03 AM
The body of the Hymek doesn't seem to be sitting squarely on the chassis from that frontal view :hmmm:
Yeah, factory defect unfortunately, it has and had quite a few of those...
I'm afraid my guards tend to enjoy the view rather than supervise the train. Maybe it's a shunt move...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/3603-090422132119-121460127.jpeg)
My latest crew instalment, I'm very happy with how this turned out.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-200422100333.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121974)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-200422100406.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121975)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/10029-200422100449.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121976)
Is that Blu-Tack you've used to hold the driver and fireman in place?
You might want to track down some Black-Tack. It's the industrial equivalent of Blu-Tack but is stickier and it's black so will less visible in the gloom of the loco cab.
Steven B.
Forgot about this thread, so here's a crew equipping I did just minutes ago.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/123/10029-080722071334.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=123997)
This was one of the harder ones to do, since the N Class isn't big to begin with, and the tender was constantly in the way, but I did it!
Well done, but a tip too late-the N class tender comes off very easily to give better access to the cab....
You might consider taking the tender top off if you do more locos, it does make life easier.
Try also adding a dab of matt black paint to the Blu-Tac to help disguise it.
Martyn
See if you can find some black-tac/tack. It's an industrial version of blue-tack and is much stickier. You'll need less of it, and being black it'll be harder to see.
Steven.
With the suggestion too paint the blu-tac black: I don't actually mind it being slightly visible, since in most cases the feet are out of view enough that it doesn't matter.
And with the suggestion to use "black-tac": I actually want it to be easily removable in case I need to. Besides; the locos and brake vans get moved around a lot and I've never once had a crew fall out, so the blu-tac is working just fine in my books.
Black-tac isn't permanent - you'll still be able to remove the crew should you need to.
Steven B.
I thought I should come back to this post to show my newest crew instalment. This time; a driver at both ends of my new Class 28!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/128/10029-211222043429.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=128658)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/128/10029-211222043523.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=128659)
I put a driver at both ends so it can be driven in both directions. If someone ask: the driver in the rear is a guard (I remember reading guards would be placed in the end of twin cab locos if there was no brake van).
Nice One.
Quote from: mca0004 on December 21, 2022, 04:39:20 AM
I put a driver at both ends so it can be driven in both directions. If someone ask: the driver in the rear is a guard (I remember reading guards would be placed in the end of twin cab locos if there was no brake van).
You'll also need a secondman in each cab - they were still in use until after the class 28s were withdrawn. Their job was to assist the driver - operating the train-heating boiler and double checking signals being their most important jobs after brewing up (although the hot-plate in the 28 was in the main body of the loco rather than in the cab like most locos).
Steven B.
Quote from: Steven B on December 21, 2022, 08:57:58 AM
Quote from: mca0004 on December 21, 2022, 04:39:20 AM
I put a driver at both ends so it can be driven in both directions. If someone ask: the driver in the rear is a guard (I remember reading guards would be placed in the end of twin cab locos if there was no brake van).
You'll also need a secondman in each cab - they were still in use until after the class 28s were withdrawn. Their job was to assist the driver - operating the train-heating boiler and double checking signals being their most important jobs after brewing up (although the hot-plate in the 28 was in the main body of the loco rather than in the cab like most locos)
Steven B.
The secondmen were in the model but were both making a brew at the time of the loco being 'spotted' ;)
Or in the toilet ?