Lego Class 73 (73 142 "Broadlands") WIP
Its been a while since I've posted anything; however, that is not an indication of non-activity! On contrary, I have been very busy both with preparing my Fareham train layout for Brickworld Chicago (in June) and finishing off some MOCs in time for my next show: Ottawa TrainExpo 2015 (Apr 24-26).
This photo shows a WIP of one of two British Rail Class 73 "electro-diesels" I am building. The electro-diesels nominally work off of 3rd rail DC for traction power; however, these locos had a diesel engine for operation off of 3rd rail territory or within unelectrified yards. This ability, along with its compatibility to operate with virtually any Southern region EMU, made this an extremely versatile locomotive. Many Class 73s are still in service today since introduction in 1962. This version illustrated here is in the so-called "large logo" British Rail blue livery--I am modelling it based on number 73 142 "Broadlands". I have an OO-gauge scale model of 73 142 made by Lima--so I guess its a bit of a nostalgic nod to one of my early model trains. I am also building a handsome Pullman livery version of this locomotive as it appeared when operated with the Orient Express trains (73 101 "Royal Alex").
I've struggled with this locomotive for quite some time, in particular the front end cab roof. Luckily Lego has introduced one of my favourite elements: the 1x2 bow slope. This element has allowed me to sculpt the roof more to my liking. The rest of the locomotive (as well as her sister 73 101 "Royal Alex" in Pullman livery) have undergone a few iterations of rebuilding. The key changes are as follows:
1) Revised cab roof
2) Revised roof panels - modular and stronger
3) Underframe details
4) New bogies
5) Steel handrails - made from recovered TLG train wheel axles and retained with TLG elastic bands.
The stickers are placeholders for now until I am happy with the final build. I'm going to have to revise the battery box covers by lowering them to make room for the "large logo" BR numerals for example.
Finally, for the sake of completeness, I confess to the following "sins":
1) Cut whip antenna elements for the front handrails and for some underframe details
2) Cut minifig horsewhips for the multiple unit jumper cables on the front
Sorry, I can't help it! Detail trumps purity sometimes--but I try not to overdo it! ;)
Lego Class 73 (73 142 "Broadlands") WIP
Its been a while since I've posted anything; however, that is not an indication of non-activity! On contrary, I have been very busy both with preparing my Fareham train layout for Brickworld Chicago (in June) and finishing off some MOCs in time for my next show: Ottawa TrainExpo 2015 (Apr 24-26).
This photo shows a WIP of one of two British Rail Class 73 "electro-diesels" I am building. The electro-diesels nominally work off of 3rd rail DC for traction power; however, these locos had a diesel engine for operation off of 3rd rail territory or within unelectrified yards. This ability, along with its compatibility to operate with virtually any Southern region EMU, made this an extremely versatile locomotive. Many Class 73s are still in service today since introduction in 1962. This version illustrated here is in the so-called "large logo" British Rail blue livery--I am modelling it based on number 73 142 "Broadlands". I have an OO-gauge scale model of 73 142 made by Lima--so I guess its a bit of a nostalgic nod to one of my early model trains. I am also building a handsome Pullman livery version of this locomotive as it appeared when operated with the Orient Express trains (73 101 "Royal Alex").
I've struggled with this locomotive for quite some time, in particular the front end cab roof. Luckily Lego has introduced one of my favourite elements: the 1x2 bow slope. This element has allowed me to sculpt the roof more to my liking. The rest of the locomotive (as well as her sister 73 101 "Royal Alex" in Pullman livery) have undergone a few iterations of rebuilding. The key changes are as follows:
1) Revised cab roof
2) Revised roof panels - modular and stronger
3) Underframe details
4) New bogies
5) Steel handrails - made from recovered TLG train wheel axles and retained with TLG elastic bands.
The stickers are placeholders for now until I am happy with the final build. I'm going to have to revise the battery box covers by lowering them to make room for the "large logo" BR numerals for example.
Finally, for the sake of completeness, I confess to the following "sins":
1) Cut whip antenna elements for the front handrails and for some underframe details
2) Cut minifig horsewhips for the multiple unit jumper cables on the front
Sorry, I can't help it! Detail trumps purity sometimes--but I try not to overdo it! ;)