Longtime no chat chum, about time to have a catch up whenever you can. There seems to be no end to your genius chum , cheers Paul

Hi James - an excellent piece showing the flexible use of card! The fact that it is so thin really does lend itself to layering for a 3-D effect. Great idea to have the window glass slotting in to allow detail on both sides to be shown.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

HI David, I've been quite surprised with how these turned out. There is definite potential to be explored. Thanks for watching, James

Layers of card and shellac is an old school method of building coaches... and its still great!

@BexhillWest

5 ай бұрын

It certainly is. :) Thanks for watching.

The perfect marriage of old and new techniques

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt, I think there is some potential in this. Thanks for watching, James

I ve made several coaches for my O gauge railway. I used two pieces of card glued together and before it dries the card is formed round a coach shaped wooden former and held tightly in place by a strip of cloth wound round it. Once dry you have a card shape card coach complete with roof. The details sides are cut out and glued on. Windows are cut and glazing added. Bogies and details to taste and the result is cheap robust coaches that have run many miles. A very under rated material card.

Hi James. As Matt says. A perfect blend of old materials with modern technology. Brilliant. Pete.

Hi James, I have just stumbled upon your channel, and this episode has inspired me to go and get myself a laser cutter. I am like yourself a model maker and diorama creator, and at present, I am in the early stages of building an OO gauge layout depicting a version of the Harringay Green Lanes area of north London, in the late 60's / early 70's. Although I thoroughly enjoy scratch building with the old school scalpel, the idea of being able to recreate multi layered cardboard or plywood designs, for creating the buildings and infrastructure of the layout is limitless. Many thanks for your input and effort to show your trials and conquests. Rufus

Well, I think we can call that a success, James. Much better than the 3D printed ones you tried (at least from what I remember of them). The card & laser cutting really seems to have produced a neat result. If you don't know it already, the Chandwell channel here on youtube is breathaking for what he achieves in N Gauge with cardboard, scalpels and PVA.

Love your work. Pondering midland coaches a la Jenkinson. I don’t like plastic are, it goes brittle over time.

James, as usual I am in awe with your Skill what an excellent concept, thank you for sharing.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Peter. It’s a reimagining of a very old idea for which I can take no credit, but it seems to have potential. Thanks for watching, James

I've a card stock sided box car that I build in my youth. The siding went onto a wooden frame and it looks just as good as the plastic kits. The siding had all the paint and lettering printed onto it.

video rating; entertaining ✅, inspiring ✅, fiddly ✅, over engineered ✅, watching paint dry ✅, slides in ✅, internal affairs (planking) ✅, details ✅, comfortable seats ✅, to be continued (endless end and roof missing) ✅, music ✅... till next time or I get a coffee and watch again, with constructive criticism then 😉

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Me too. :)

@lassunsschaun6859

Жыл бұрын

@@BexhillWest constrictivly; use the window slots as tongue and groove contection for the end parts, roof and underframe (guessing gona be etched brass, self drawn and build, similarly to the prior shown), so the sides not gona wobble around ;) have a nice rest weekend.

Wow, now that is impressive.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, that's kind of you to say.

Love it! Brilliant! Thanks for showing the jig. I needed this. Very motivating - and I love to see you working thru ideas. Thank you. Great video!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Klark. I'm pleased you liked the video. Thanks for watching, James

This is excellent, well done James, keep up the good work.

Another brilliant concept. I love the idea of card for rolling stock. Not to mention the cost savings. Well done Joames. 👏

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter. :)

Very interesting video James.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris. :)

A modern spin on a traditional idea/material, I think it's great.💜✌️😊👍

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Muso Seven. :)

@musoseven8218

Жыл бұрын

@@BexhillWest ✌️😊👍💜

This is great to see! I've often admired the cardboard carriages in O scale done by Joe Fischer in the US in bygone days. (He is something of a legend here among O scale enthusiasts.) Cardboard is capable of amazing detail and I love the current range of cardboard and paper scenery kits. I appreciate that you're combining an old-fashioned material with laser cutting and 3D printing! Subscribing to see how this project goes. Cheers!

Excellent James , you never fail to entertain , keep it up .

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Steven, I try. :)

As usual, it has me rethinking construction techniques. Keep those ideas coming!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I will, and thanks for watching. :)

Dear James, love your comment on the cheezy youtube music. Absolutely beautiful carriage sidings, awesome method of construction.. Super level of detail. Like the French polish method, I’ll steal that one for stencil folder doors and windows. Curious for your next episodes! Cheerio

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi Vincent, I've only use this method on buildings before, but I think it could work well for a variety of rolling stock. I've made some SECR hopper wagons with it too and they've turned out really well. Far better than I could reliably achieve with 3d printing and much cheaper than etched brass. Definitely worth some more experimentation. The next episode will (I hope) be a good one. Although as you know by now, I have a habit of becoming distracted, so may well be some other completely random idea from the leftfield. :) Take care, James

Inspirational!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, I'm pleased you liked the video. Thanks for watching, James

Another very fine piece of engineering.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

HI Roderic, That's very kind of you to say, I hope you found it interesting. Thanks for watching, James

Great to see another video!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I need to get in touch with you - I've been mega busy over the past couple of months, but I'll send an email this weekend. All the best, James

Hello James Thank you for yet another fascinating insight to your developments of Bexhill West. These coach sides look fantastic with the level of detail on the card far surpassing some big companies products that are on the market. I am very intrigued to see in the next episode what RTR frames you have decided to go with if at all or if you have decided to custom build them. I would imagine that there would be quite an interesting market for these and not only for the professional modellers. Keep safe and model on. Regards Lee@NEAR

Great video James. Such a beautiful model and I congratulate you on the quality of the models you’ve made!!! Should you ever decide to market these I would definitely be interested in the guards third, and at least two of the second class carriages!! I live over the pond in the US, however I enjoy modeling UK railways. And these would be absolutely perfect for branch line I’m working on!! Keep up the good work I enjoy watching your videos very much. Well done!!

What a great idea to build coaches

Wow. What an interesting project. Maybe the way forward with laser cutters/ 3d printers all coming down in price and the cost of coaches from the major manufacturers heading up to £100 each !!!!! - maybe a business idea for you to sell your plans and so people can build the models at home. But just a great old school / modern take on the hobby. Well played sir , I salute you.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi Neil, There is definite potential here, but I think it still needs developing a little, but in theory yes. This could be a very cost effective means of producing very detailed stock. It certainly works well, as the idea has been around for decades and was very popular when modellers had to build their own stock out of necessity. Thanks for watching, James

Great news, I have a laser cutter but fear of fire stops me form using it. I am probably a bit stupid.

Nice job! I've been toying with a similar idea but for the Hatings DEMU's However laser cutting a bogie is the stumbling point atm as I don't have a 3d printer I think your window slots are an excellent idea and I look forward to seeing this model progress

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I'd like to try this with a Thumper too, but have struggled to find a decent drawing to work from. I could potentially 3d print bogies for you, again subject to having a decent drawing from which to create a CAD model. If anyone reading this has such a drawing, I'd love to hear from them. All the best, James

@ianshawyer9789

8 ай бұрын

In the current Hornby magazine for December 2023 there is an interesting article by Tim Shackleton about making a centre car for a Class 205 D.E.M.U. with links obtaing the bogies from Bachmann. Thought this may help you.@@BexhillWest

This is fantastic! I am now wondering about doing the same thing with plasticard. As an aside, there is one of these Restriction 0 coaches awaiting restoration at the Bluebell Railway, as well as the Hastings Diesels unit kept at St Leonards depot. All of them demonstrate the narrow bodies on the stock for the line.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I’d like to have a go at a Thumper, but can’t find a decent drawing anywhere. I only live a short walk from St Leonard’s shed, maybe I could arrange a visit to have a measure up. Thanks for watching, James

Interesting method, kind of suited to these particular carriage due to it's squared appearance due to the restrictions on the route otherwise known as restriction 0, one of which undergoing restoration on the Bluebell. Doubt it will work on other carriages with a tumblehome mainly due to the curvature of the lower part of the body shell.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I'm going to experiment with some curved sides, I've got a curved jig made for some Midland Clayton 6 wheel stock. It'll be interesting to see how the turn out. Thanks for watching, James

A great technique! Should be much easier (and cheaper) than etched brass. I'd certainly like to buy some kits if you were to make them available...

Hi James, thoroughly enjoyed this video, the detail you have in these coaches it excellent, I’m looking forward to seeing how this project /experiment turns out. Could there be a market for kit coaches? I think there could, obviously lots depends on production costs, etc, to make it viable, worth considering once you’ve completed this project. Cheers for now, John

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi John, thanks for watching and I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. I'm working on this as a kit for myself really, but these could certainly be developed and offered for others to build if there was interest. It's a quick and fun way of putting something together. And potentially recyclable. :)

Very nice as usual James, but and I could well be wrong on this, were the carriage sides completely flat ? The only pics I have seen of Bexhill West seem to show a slight, but noticeable, curve to the sides, both above and below the window lines, if so then your laminating of the sides is still an excellent method but it would mean you will need curved formers and also that every sheet will be slightly larger than the one below to allow for the convex (ish) surface. I do in particular like the sandwiched "glass" idea, this would make adding an open widow or parially open window much easier

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

HI David, These particular coaches were slab sided. The drawings show a very slight turnunder or tumblehome to the lower edges of the sides but it is almost imperceptible at this scale. I have made a curved jig for some Midland coaches which I hope to try out later this week, I just need to finish the artwork for the sides. It'll be an interesting further experiment. Thanks for watching, James

Interesting, these kinds of kits used to be common in the US in the 1930s. Obviously yours are a lot more precise of course.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I'd be interested to learn more about these kits. Do you know who the manufacturers were? Best wishes, James

@dexecuter18

Жыл бұрын

@@BexhillWest not clued in entirely on the manufacturers outside of my local hobby shops line from the time period. “Shop-Craft-Dunellen,NJ”. But they did run on the same principle of thin wood cutouts veenered onto eachother in layers then sanded flush, details in the form of zinc castings, and decorated with paper prints.

As glazing may I suggest either microscope slides or even slide covers although the latter may need packing into the gaps. Like coal, in miniature, glass looks remarkably like glass.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

That's a great suggestion. Would you know a simple method to cut microscope slides? I'm guessing a usual glass cutter/scribe - but is there a better method for small pieces like this? Thanks for watching, James

@Cardmodeller

Жыл бұрын

@@BexhillWest A friend uses a diamond stylus held in a pin chuck.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, that's very helpful.

@alanholland979

Жыл бұрын

The slides can be scribed and snapped with just a steel scriber, but a glass cutter would result in fewer breakages. The covers are very very thin and just need the steel one. There will be a fair bit of wastage but they are cheap and the process for your system means a little nick or two on the edges isn't going to matter.

@johnarkell4493

Жыл бұрын

I use a diamond phonograph stylus in a pin chuck. The item number is a GP65 if you can still get them. or Tonar No. 5. Microscope cover slips are best and can be bought from Galvoptics Ltd economical size is 24 x 60mm in boxes of 100 and cut them to size. They are 0.13-0.17mm thick

Actually card seems to be back on the menu for some manufacturers. Advice from some builders i got was to use a base coat paint, either from a spray can (automotive quality) or airbrush. I'd stay away from shellac as in my experience it's sensitive to moisture. Otherwise a very impressive project!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

That's helpful feedback, thank you. I used shellac as that has been my prior experience. However, I've now made 12 coach sides, and I intend to experiment a little differently on each to develop a straightforward reliable method. All suggestions welcome on here, and I'll try them out. Maybe there can be a future video of the text results. I've got what I think will be a great idea for the numbering and detail painting which I think might be of worthy of a video, I could add it in too. My best wishes, Jamed

@tompetty1880

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating. Greatly admire your attention to detail and ‘sandwiching the glazing between the layers is pure genius.

Good effort! I am not sure French polish is the right thing to use, as it has a tendency to craze when painted over. Maybe use artist's matt acrylic varnish? Thanks for uploading.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I've had success with this method before, but I am aware of certain finishes reacting to the shellac. But you raise a good point. I've got lots of coach side prepared, and I'm going to do a thorough test of different finishes and try to come up with a reliable recipe which is simple to replicate. Thanks for watching, James

Hello James, I'm a recent subscriber to your excellent channel. I've watched a few videos now and have enjoyed the all and learnt something new. A question - I think I have gleaned that you are using Solidworks for your 3D designs, but what programme have you used for the 2D coach work? I apologise if this is clear in your other videos, but I haven't got that far yet! But I will. Thanks again, Paul

Would using shellac out of an aerosol can rather than the brush? I can see shellac gumming up the insertion of the plastic for the windows. A great effort that got my juices running.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi David, I'm not sure it would make much difference. The Shellac, whether French Polish from a bottle, or made up with flakes, needs to be really thin (like parafin). It then just soaks in. The secret is to stop applying it as soon as brush marks remain after application. I've had no trouble with it gumming-up the slots and as you can see in the video I've just been brushing it on with an old brush, taking no particular care. Thanks for watching, James

Loved watching this, I have just added a laser cutter to my workshop to create my own "Metcalfe" style kits, I'd love to have a go at rolling stock as well. Can you tell me the grade/weight of stencil card you have used? P.S. just recieved the ballast "vac" brilliant piece of kit!

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Search for Oiled Manilla Card or Stencil Card, it's available in a variety of thicknesses. I've used 375 microns for this experiment simply because I have a stock of it. By mixing thicknesses some great detail effects can be achieved. Another material to try is 'laser board' available from Hobarts. This is wonderful stuff too, not necessarily for a project like this, but it is a great structural base for architectural projects as it's really strong and dimensionally very stable. I find the 0.8mm stuff really useful. All the best, James ps. I'm pleased you are enjoying using the ballast vacuum. Thanks for the feedback. :)

Brilliant technique. Looks like your vision is coming on leaps and bounds. Do you think there would be a market for Hastings stock kits?

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I've no idea. I'm doing these for myself obviously, but when the kits are finalised they could go in my online store. Even a one-off would be possible. Thanks for watching, James

Hi Jame, very interesting as usual. Assume your coaches being the Hastings gauge where flat sided ?

An exciting and innovative project. Another product (kit) for your shop?

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Hi David, Maybe, although I'm working on these out of necessity as there is nothing available. When (if) I master the technique, and I'm convinced it's replicable, I might offer some out to others to test first. But in principle they could go in the shop if there was interest. Thanks for watching, James

@mattlander9119

Жыл бұрын

Just to add I would be very interested in getting a Brake 3rd to replicate 3687 from the Bluebell as I've done a few small bits for it's restoration. Im sure a few others involved in it would also be interested.

It's difficult to see from the video, but are the registration pins and holes spacing asymmetric so that the pieces of card cannot be installed in the wrong orientation?

This technique looks brilliant. How much does a laser cutter cost? Keep going as it looks great.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

It depends what one wants from a machine. But the cheapest on Amazon would be capable of cutting stencil card with ease.

Hi James nice results, is this stock flat sided or have you built in the tumblehome - if so how. Cheers Paul

@mattlander9119

Жыл бұрын

Having seen 3687 at the Bluebell up close I think they are completely fat sided.

Impressive, thanks for sharing, what drawing package are you using. Cardboard instead of plastic because the laser would melt the plaster ? Thanks again.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I'm using Techsoft 2d Design, which is what I use in my day job as a teacher. I have AutoCAD, Solidworks, etc. but prefer this simple software for straight forward 2D drawing tasks. I always use it to lay out sketches for my 3d CAD work too, preferring to import 2D profiles into my 3D CAD package. I've used card, as I have a good stock of it, it's cheaper and laser cuts really well. Thanks for watching, James

Roxey makes etched brass kits of restriction 0 maunsells

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

That's right, but they are unavailable at the moment which is a shame as I like Roxey kits. Thanks for watching, James

@michaelmiller641

Жыл бұрын

@@BexhillWest Oh that's a shame! it would have saved a lot of work, James, but well done on what you are doing!

I echo what others have said - top rate modelling Would this method be adaptable for other, wider. coaches with a tumblehome ?

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Brian, I've done some trials today, and most definitely yes :) More in the next video and thanks for watching, James

Interesting... Are you going to make these available for others to buy?

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

I hadn't intended to, but there has been some interest. I'll give an update when/if I've perfected the technique to the point that it is repeatable and reliable. It would certainly be nice to see others have a go at building them. Thanks for watching, James

Display Mount seems like a good idea but I find tat it has a limited life.

Can a Criscut or Silhouette cutter produce similar results I wonder?

@BexhillWest

8 ай бұрын

Almost certainly I should think. :)

@paulgodwin604

8 ай бұрын

@@BexhillWest Thanks for your reply James. I have been around long enough to have seen articles in model railway magazines from the ‘60’s featuring cardboard rolling stock so thought these machines worth a mention.

How did you afford SolidWorks? Would love a copy as I used it at work before I retired.

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Like you I have it for work. They now do a non-commercial licence which is much more affordable and designed for the home user.

... and all it takes is a laser cutter...

@BexhillWest

Жыл бұрын

Back in the day, folks would have cut these out by hand. It wouldn’t take long.

@nick-c

Жыл бұрын

You could probably do the same with one of the cheaper 'silhouette' type cutters?

You lost me when you used a laser cutter