'Planet' Motorised Skip

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. 

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. 

A side frame part directly from the box. Lots of 'striping' from the printing process and springs in a condition I have to replace.

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. 

Test assembly with wheel sets inserted in axle boxes.

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.