Vacation. The time where one can relax and enjoy a hobby. I have begun to prepare for assembly and detailing the Loco Remote F. C. Hibberd & Co Ltd 'Planet' 6 hp self-propelled skip. A 3D printed kit that was marketed for a limited time frame in 2023-2024 and that I was instantly tempted by. A small, simple vehicle that would be very much at home on Nystrup Gravel's railway.
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| A view of the main parts for the 'Planet' self-propelled skip. New table cloth in the cottage means a shift from the chequered cloth. |
As readers that have followed the blog for a long time may remember I bought a 'Planet' in Feburary 2024 and examined it briefly. Since then it has been in storage. Now it's out of the cupboard and the first stage in its construction has begun.
As I found out during my first look at the parts, some of the printing is a little coarse with the layers of the printing clearly visible. That is one of the things I will have to attend to during the build process. As usual I will also add and replace detail on the kit.
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| A side frame part directly from the box. Lots of 'striping' from the printing process and springs in a condition I have to replace. |
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| Some work done on one part with an original for comparison. |
While sanding some of the main parts like side frames I have been making a list of what I plan to add or replace on the kit. As usual the list, I may be shorten or lengthen it depending on my mood as the build progresses. So far the list looks like this:
- Sanding away the worst traces from the printing process
- Replacing bolt heads
- Adding metal springs for the axle boxes
- Rebuilding floor under the skip body
- Rebuilding and detailing the driver's position
- New buffers
- Detailing skip body
- Modifying driver figure.
Not too different from what I usually do to my models. I hope to build the 'Planet' next to my Baguley-Drewry that should be in a an almost finished condition by Christmas.
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| Test assembly with wheel sets inserted in axle boxes. |
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| Holds together quite well withou glue! |
There is a lot more sanding to do before parts will be glued together, and I have some reservations with Loco Remote's assembly sequence and will probably differ a bit along the way.
