Dad-1's 'Bufferstop Competition' diorama

[Dad-1]

Ok, I suppose I need to bring that base picture in here.



My piece of ply is quite small and an odd shape. I have a Teutonic brain that doesn't like
the odd shape so I shall square it up with an outer frame. Because I like an easy life I shall
also add 4 small pieces of wood underneath as feet, to help in picking it up !!

The only certain thing so far is adding a Bufferstop. I have had this laying in my shed for years,
I think the packaging proves that.



That will need some aging, but how to use. I'm moving towards a run-down gravel extraction works
where I might be able to introduce water. Time pressure a problem in making some worn out
equipment, a rusty shed no problem ????? Still flexible as it should be possible to make in about
4 weeks once the ideas fill out.

Geoff t.

[Lofty]

We are up and running Geoff!

[Dad-1]

That darned Peco stop !!
I've tried to saw down the planks, bend a few
Then made a fill of rocks. I've had a jam-jar full of fine volcanic gravel from Tenerife for years.
Brought back by my Sister-in-Law, I've used the sand, but couldn't find a use for it. Perhaps,
only perhaps, this will work out.



I recently ordered a Dapol JCB kit. Not that I particularly wanted it, but the kit was 'Postage Free'.
I really only wanted a packet of 3D printed buckets, but they weren't postage free !!
I've also received a duplicate order, haven't made contact with them yet, I don't know if I've been
charged twice, or they have accidentally sent twice. However NOW I can make one up as a shovel,
not adding the rear bucket.
There is time to make one ...... But is this the plan ????

Geoff T.

[Phred]

Dad-1 wrote:
Not that I particularly wanted it, but the kit was 'Postage Free'.
I really only wanted a packet of 3D printed buckets, but they weren't postage free !!

That's exactly my wife's thinking when ordering online! I wonder if she has a Teutonic brain. I don't actually know what a Teutonic brain is but it could explain something.

[Dad-1]

Phred,

Strictly ordered - I couldn't live with an odd uneven shaped board.

2 months is a long time, a lifetime by Lofty's work rate. He could probably have 3 done with time to spare.

There is time to experiment and scrap ideas that don't work. I have squared up my board with a small piece
of scrap ply just PVA'd underneath. 4 small lengths of square beading fixed to lift the whole thing off whatever
I stand it on. This also allows for a rough underside as I know I will have some matchstick fence posts to dig in.

I already have a Dapol JCB, as seen here, but Lofty once used one as just a dozer/bucket machine so I've
pinched his idea. My time is currently going into finishing the 'Prize' and building the shovel JCB.
I have already decided that the add-on piece of ply will become a shallow lake, or darned great puddle. For
that I hope to find a thick piece of clear plastic - I remember buying it over 30 years ago !!
As to railway track that will be from Peco code 100 with sleepers re-spaced, no, not to get prototypical spacing,
but to have very odd & damaged spacing.





Already failed idea - To create a girder from my excessively large bag of matchsticks. Difficult to get accurate
enough and won't look like rusting scrap steel section.

Geoff T.

[Lofty]

I already have a Dapol JCB, as seen here, but Lofty once used one as just a dozer/bucket machine so I've
pinched his idea.

Pinch away, no problem.

[Dad-1]

Very Slow Progress, but progress it is !
I found my sheet of Perspex, yep bought over 30 years ago and nibbled at to achieve certain
clear material for aircraft models.
Here laying on the pond bed - lots of thinking and a few experiments due.



Meanwhile the JCB shovel is coming along.
2 months gives lots of thinking, planning and re-building time !!!

Geoff T.

[Mountain]

You are way ahead of me!

[Dad-1]

Perhaps Mountain, but this has to be finished before more base is done.



The normal JCB is off my Chalkhill layout, the new one is a bucket
only, with a large 'bin' at the back. A special for use in a gravel pit.
I've been pondering if I should fix some dumb buffers on the box and
a hook, imagining that this can move wagons at a lower cost than using
a horse to move in a private siding where there is NO locomotive
available for on-site movements ??

Still lots of time to play with ideas

It could also be on Chalkhill if I ever take that lyout out again.

[Dad-1]

Sleet & snow, not even gone out for the paper. In fact I think
the front door is still locked, not even wanted to step outside !!

So I'm putting glazing in my JCB. First angle cut spot-on, within a few thou
on depth. Just the sort of thing to do on such a bad day. I feel so lucky that
I seem to have 'an eye' for guessing correctly. That's probably why I'm still
alive, although loosing a door handle to a tree when I used to be a crazy
rally driver was probably closer than recommended !!



It's a shame the Dapol JCB comes without glazing, but this is my second one
although I am not planning on adding a wiper motor and wiper blade as I
did on my first build. There is a third one in stock ........

Geoff T

[Dad-1]

It was never my intention to build a shed suitable for two tractors.
So how did this happen ?
Just as well there is plenty of time, or so it seems at the present time ?



Geoff T.

[Dad-1]

My shed now has windows with glazing, but will need some tidy up of the window frames
when all glues hardened.
A corrugated roof, complete with two clear panels. I've had a S E Finecast sheet for years,
but only used a couple of small pieces. All being well the masking tape edges will stay after
being painted a darker colour.
This afternoon I'll scratch/cut in plank lines on the other side and perhaps add a couple of
internal roof beams.
Should I add a concrete floor ? Although it'll be sitting flat on a wooden base I could scratch
in safety planks to look like coverings of a work pit ? Once you start ideas keep coming !!
I thought I'd lost my Mojo for making things, but this I'm enjoying.



Blue Tack needed to hold when painting !!

Geoff T.

[Lofty]

I thought I'd lost my Mojo for making things, but this I'm enjoying.

Good to hear

[aleopardstail]

I'd give it a floor, even if its just a bit of card that gets painted, could cut a section out to look like a covered over inspection pit

[Phred]

The clear panels in the roof are a nice touch.