Just getting started
There is one project that has been on my bucket list for a long time. A train. Not just a train but a mail train that I incorporate a post office box door into it. You all know how much I like to do these door projects. The only problem is I have no idea how to make one. That has never stopped me before so I decided to give it a shot. I actually started this project many months ago, back in the mid summer by making some rough plans. I have read htl's blog on his train, the general, I bet 100 times and studied many others train versions just as many times. So with the rough plans drawn it was time to start. I'm going to be playing it by ear, trial and error so any advice will be appreciated.
First is my rough plans. Drawn to scale on green poster board so I can somewhat see how things will go. Plus I can revise as I go.
As I said, rough plans as it only shows side view. I'll have to determine the width later. These were drawn up as I said in the mid summer. Looks like they suffered some damage during that time.
In the early fall I had some time to work on it. I had some really nice walnut so I carried my lathe outside and began the boiler portion. Seemed like a good piece to begin with. Turned out to be tricky with the slope. It's ready for further work now but still rough. I left it set for future turning for more details.
Today, I finally got back to it and plan to keep up the work before other projects jump up. I had some 3/8 oak, the size and material I planned to use so I began the cab sides. I marked and cut out for the windows. I plan to recess plexiglass into the inside for an added detain and "seal" the cab.
Time for a test fit and start trying to figure out the width for the front and bottom pieces. I have to remember the door so I also have to figure out how I want it to be.
I think I got a good start going! I'm hoping I can stay with it and get it finished but it may take some time. Deciding details ahead of time. Thanks for looking and if any model builders have any advice or tips, please let me know.
There is one project that has been on my bucket list for a long time. A train. Not just a train but a mail train that I incorporate a post office box door into it. You all know how much I like to do these door projects. The only problem is I have no idea how to make one. That has never stopped me before so I decided to give it a shot. I actually started this project many months ago, back in the mid summer by making some rough plans. I have read htl's blog on his train, the general, I bet 100 times and studied many others train versions just as many times. So with the rough plans drawn it was time to start. I'm going to be playing it by ear, trial and error so any advice will be appreciated.
First is my rough plans. Drawn to scale on green poster board so I can somewhat see how things will go. Plus I can revise as I go.
As I said, rough plans as it only shows side view. I'll have to determine the width later. These were drawn up as I said in the mid summer. Looks like they suffered some damage during that time.
In the early fall I had some time to work on it. I had some really nice walnut so I carried my lathe outside and began the boiler portion. Seemed like a good piece to begin with. Turned out to be tricky with the slope. It's ready for further work now but still rough. I left it set for future turning for more details.
Today, I finally got back to it and plan to keep up the work before other projects jump up. I had some 3/8 oak, the size and material I planned to use so I began the cab sides. I marked and cut out for the windows. I plan to recess plexiglass into the inside for an added detain and "seal" the cab.
Time for a test fit and start trying to figure out the width for the front and bottom pieces. I have to remember the door so I also have to figure out how I want it to be.
I think I got a good start going! I'm hoping I can stay with it and get it finished but it may take some time. Deciding details ahead of time. Thanks for looking and if any model builders have any advice or tips, please let me know.