7mm O Scale

Can't believe that it has been a year since I posted to this blog. Well I am still here so that is very good from my point of view. I am currently expanding my modeling skills by doing some builds in UK 7mm O Scale. This is quite a change from all of my past modeling experience which has been confined to North American US models.

I have chosen to start with a kit of a open coal wagon from the turn of the twentieth century, Slaters kit 7044S. Everything about this is new to me, terminology, parts, how the cars are constructed ( both prototype and model) so it is quite exciting to undertake this build. I have been directed to some useful 7mm modeling sites which have helped bring me up to speed.

The following photos on Picasa show what is included in the kit.

Slaters Kit 7044S

The first thing of note is that the interior of the model is not detailed. In searching the internet I discovered a vendor who provides etched brass interior side an floor components. They look really nice but since this is my first attempt at one of these kits I have chosen to take a conservative approach and create my own interior details. By using no.40 grit sand paper I textured wood grain on the interior surfaces of the sides, ends and floor (both top and bottom). I then scribe planks to match the exterior spacing and 6" floor boards. I also textured the underframe members as well as adding the seams for the side door.

More later, David