Station Awnings - running into trouble
LVR tour train leaves Wagga in the 1990s |
After success with the etched brass ironwork, progress on the eastern roadside awning then moved to the decorative treatment of the veranda roof.
The awning roof decoration is built up from styrene strips. The little corbels are individually cut from 0.040 square strip, and cemented in position by eye. |
I wanted a design that sandwiched the etched brass in a shallow channel
The styrene is placed on top of the etch, and the small corbels provide a "key" to hold it in position |
The future guttering is already in place. I have found that it is easier to add and re-inforce the guttering during initial construction, than to try and retrofit later |
Checking the awning against the station showed up a problem. The veranda floor sloped away to the LHS of the picture. This was an error that had to be corrected. |
During the recent refurbishment, the end of the station is seen. The concrete pad below the windows is flat. Note the chimneys still have the original colours. |
Trouble 1. The last model picture showed up a problem that had developed since I started construction over 12 months ago. The 53cm wide station had developed a slight upwards bowing at each end - around 1mm. The solution would be to secure the station to a flat board, although this was not without concerns. A suitable plank was obtained from Bunnings - large enough for a future diorama
Trouble 2. I had NO half round styrene strip for the decorative columns. I thought I did, but the 0.080 I had was too fat. So I ordered some 0.060 - approx 1.5mm diameter - almost a match for the 1/16 tubing of the posts. With the delays in Covid, it took 2 weeks for the postal service to deliver
Trouble 3. How do I secure the awning roof to the station, so it can be removeable?
From the station side, the holes were drilled larger. The white scribe line above the hole was the top of the corrugated styrene. |
Trouble 4.
Just over a week ago, whilst I was sitting at the workbench, Tracy deposited into my lap, a kitten. The kitten was approx 3 weeks old, and had wandered out of the weeds (masquerading as my garden), whilst Tracy was watering. Not sure, but suspect the kitten was dehydrated, and maybe abandoned by its mother - we had some feral cat activity in the last month. We have named the kitten "Trouble". Trouble is taking up a lot of my time - and as I am writing this, Trouble wants attention
Trouble hiding in the fluffy blanket. We are using a dog crate to keep her safe at night, and in case Tracy's collie dogs make an appearance |
Contemplating what trouble she can cause, to live up to her name |
Next step
Fixing the station to the plank is a two edge sword. Gives me a solid base to protect the station, and size for a future diorama, but adds awkwardness to the construction, as the plank is unweildy and needs extra time to set up. I can no longer use my workbench for fitting parts. And whilst Trouble kitten could become a great companion, I am spending quite a number of hours per day with her - affecting my current progress.
Further work will be the remaining roadside awnings. Hopefully faster, as I am not inventing techniques
Until next time.
Beautiful work Rob
ReplyDeleteHi Rob, I have been following your work on Wagga for a long time now and just wanted to say what a great job you are doing on the station building. I think it rates with best I have seen on line and at exhibitions. Cheers, Phil Collins
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the comment Phil. Really nice. I will try and keep the updates coming.
DeleteHi Rob.Love the kitten and the station building. A nice combination of trouble indeed!
ReplyDeleteRob
ReplyDeleteVery nice work and the station building is looking great!
Ray P