Derrick Crane for goods yard

The yard area is small at Evans' Gap, so the locals had to be smart about how they set it up for use. Beside the goods shed there is a second crane, and the first one constructed is similar to the photo taken above. Unfortunately the original crane has been decommissioned, so the model on SSC is the only 'proof' that a crane like this one actually existed on the site.

At the 2012 TMTEX I was lucky enough to find a nice model of a derrick crane at Xmas Every Day. I'd seen photos of this type of crane at a few different locations and I thought it perfect for something different at SSC. During the course of the show I was chatting with Daz and Peter about what I'd found, quite a popular crane it seems. Thanks to Peter Boorman for supplying me with a fret that will be used to model all the gears.

The crane is basically basswood with white metal detail parts. The fret that Peter gave me will provide a much finer gearbox, and should help detail the crane nicely. Ages ago when I built a buffer stop out of basswood I stained the timber first then painted it, and then sanded and stressed the paint so that some of the timber was bare. I've done the same for the timber work here, the key is to allow the stain to completely cure befor adding the paint, then let the paint cure j as well. I state cure as dry is a completely different state, as there is still moisture in the paint for days. I use acrylics and I've found in the humid atmosphere up here that it can be 5-7 days before the paint has cured enough to sand it without it coming off in clumps as you sand it to strip off the peeling off paint to expose the timber beneath.

The model is from Alexander Scale Models, nice laser cut timber, and white metal detail parts, that do require a little clean up. The only issue with the kit is the lack of detail in associating the parts with where they go on the model. The line drawing only identifies the part name, but does not clearly show the part so you know what and where each part goes. The company that produces the kit tells me that the instructions contained are all there is, most helpful.

Here's a photo of the laid out parts that might make it easier for those who want to build one.

I sprayed all the whitemetal with undercoat, then a nice rust colour on top. The pulleys in the kit are a bit coarse, well actually a bit more than coarse. So into the parts box I dove and came up with some pulleys from AndIan Models, nice. As I said earlier, I have a fret from Peter Boorman that will make up a nice gearbox. I just need to modify how this will all work to fit together.

Now that all the timber is weathered, I'll take a moment to mock up the crane on SSC.

 Here it is opposite the loading bank, which still gives room for the crane to swing around and unload from road vehicles also.

 The two stiff legs are in the scrub making setting them up a little easier.

The room in the lower part of this last shot will be the unloading area for road vehicles. 

So for now I might stop there so I can get a little more done, tick another item off the list. One...there are so many!

Anyway, have a good week,

Oorroo!

Geoff.

TMTEX 2013, Can you believe it?

Another year of modelling since the TMTEX 2012 has passed me by. The dates for Toowoomba this year are the 1st and 2nd of June. My modelling calendar begins and ends with Toowoomba. I set milestones, plans, joblists, deadlines, all by the coming of Toowoomba. I also state after each show, that I'll be better organised in ticking off those lists next year...well some things just ain't gonna happen! I am reminded that none of us are able to spend even half of the time we plan to on our hobby, yep H knows this fact well.

Each year before I head up the range, I try and encourage others to go as well. This is a weekend for the modellers as well as the general public. We showcase our hobby, and have some fun ourselves. It is enjoyable to catch up with others who are enjoying our hobby as much as us, and to show the public what we are trying to do.

I do wonder what people think as they view all the displays on show. Do they compare to their efforts? Are they inspired to have a go? Are they intimidated by what people have done? Do they learn something more than they knew before entering? What was their reason for attending in the first place?
Inquisitive fellow aren't I? Well I suppose without asking questions we don't learn more. I am aware of the fact that some people may never ask a single question whilst looking about the hall. The T'ba club always asks for us to be available for the public to speak with. We have a great time sitting out front, having a chat. There are some great stories/chats to be had each year, what will this year bring?


 Last year the weather was a little damp to say the least. Let's hope for a dryer weekend this year. The hall was pretty full of displays last year, let's hope for the same this year. We'll be there again with SSC,  and some comfy chairs to sit on out front. So definitely come and have a chat, stand about, wave your arms above your head, make a scene to be seen! Above all have a ball, and make some contacts, ask some questions. Looking forward to TMTEX 2013, see you there!

 PS. Some shots from last year, to remind me of what I've done (or not) since then.

Oorroo! Geoff.