Thankyou to all the well-wishers that have come through over the last 14months after a much unexpected event rocked my life and I am slowly piecing back together my life and Spirit Design.

A consequence the ‘Flat Top T has been delayed and all other projects for which I truly apologise but they are now moving forward again.

Since nearly completing the T many advances have been made in modelling field of which I have decided to incorporate some into this kit to make it easier on the builder.

The comprehensive instructions have been checked by two noted builders and I now just await the 3D printed parts for some items to then start releasing the kits.

The ‘Flat Top’ kit is for the discerning builder who wants heaps of detail and is prepared to put the effort in assembly one. This kit is easier than the Y class of which I have so many favourable comments.  The kit will include screen printed VR chevrons with ‘Easy mask’, brass numberplates, paper numbers, marker light numbers for the entire class, injection moulded parts, 3d printed parts, and laser cut windows.  Each kit comes with a pre-formed, tack soldered ‘Mansard long hood to ease construction. You will need an Atlas VO 1000 to complete the loco.

Also well advance is the 2 series T class with ‘Mansard’ long hood.  ABE and ABU/W country carriages are well advanced.  A new range of 3D printed items will be available as well as some new LCL containers. For steam lovers a ‘C’ class water crane is being drawn up in 3D as well.

Enjoy your modelling.

Chris Pearce

3D printed marker lights

3D printed exhaust plate and exhaust

3D printed head lights

Series 2 T class 'High cab'

 

I have had positive feedback from the N scale Y class hands on workshop with many completing or nearing completion of their units. Darren showed me how he had altered his chassis further and I’m incorporating these ideas plus a few others into the new chassis which current builders can have when I finish prototyping it for free.

With my Y’s up and running I decided that Wallan needed a ‘T’ or two.  With this in mine when I did the recent Y etch I left a small area devoted to testing and as a result my first effort is below.  From the feedback received prior to even doing this blog update is that many want to sink their teeth into these.

The ‘T’ will be a lot easier than the Y and will fit the standard VO 1000 mech with a couple easy and minor mods. There have been some minor changes to the first etch and I’ll do a new prototype soon to gauge feedback.

My two completed brass N Scale T's (so far) on my mates layout.

Cheers

Chris

Y class workshop

I note that with the large RTR HO market the amount of builders wishing to tackle projects has dropped off immensely and so as a consequence skills are diminishing as well.  In N scale this is also starting to happen with many modellers preferring to buy rather than hone their skills which is a shame.

With this in mind when I created the Y class etch I wanted only to sell to modellers who would be likely to finish the kit as I personally get more satisfaction when I see the builder ACTUALLY finish their model and not put it in a draw.  I would rather not have the sale if someone were not going to ever start a kit.

So with this in mind I kicked off the 1^st of 2 Y class hands on workshops.  Each group was given ahead of time the kit instructions, a list of 34 tools required and two websites to hone their soldering backgrounds on before commencement.

I had quite a few eager builders who for the very first time were going to attend the workshop and build their locos.  Every novice said to me that had I not had a hands on workshop they wouldn’t have attempted such a kit (my point for holding these).

The kit would teach soldering skills, loco mechanism cannibalization, wood working skills (plywood chassis) and other essential modelling skills not generally given out these days.

The day turned out to be an overwhelming success for the pupils who now say they are willing to tackle more scratch building and soldering, my ultimate aim in the first place.

Well I must say that I very pleased with the positive attitude, willingness to have ago shown by all present and when someone found difficulty with a particular step, others or myself were willing to assist which made for a great day.

Part 2 of their workshop is on soon and group 2’s will be starting shortly.

It was immense fun.

Cheers

Chris Pearce (Spirit Design)