One of my hobbies is running a Garden Railway which I built after moving to Berlin. I read an article about a Harz Mountain Snowplough wagon and based on the photo I made my own version which jad a plough at just one end and not both. I had a cement wagon from an LGB starter set and decided to chop this up and use the rolling chassis as a starting point. Apart from normal drills, saws and files I built the superstructure from varoius thicknesses of brass sheet. I drew the model in three views as per technical drawing and after a few versions settled on the final one and began cutting the sides and ends. I started off by making the actual snow plough as the shape was quite complex, but by bending over a wooden brush handle I managed to form the curves quite well, but lots of patience was required and I believe that I was heard to mutter a few words under my breath! the sides and ends were cut and soldered together after all the windows were drilled and filled out to shape. The roof proved difficult as my local hobby shop could not supply sheets of thin brass large enough to form the roof in one piece. I had to make three sections and solder them together and placing a band over the joint as on prototype roof strappings. The headlamps were thin brass sheet wrapped and soldered into place on the front. The horn was shaped from a piece of copper held in a drill and filed to shape. I made the side steps from small pieces of brass soldered and finally screwed by 2mm bolts to the chassis. The brass pieces were all soldered together to form the finished article and the roof was made a push fit over the body. The side hinged snow doors were both hand formed, but actually work. I made the inside from brash sheet formed into seats and cupboards with an operators front end and the crew quarters behind. I primed the brass with grey car primer spray paint and then Red the colour of the HSB which operates in the Harz mountains. The plough was sprayed metallic grey/silver and the warning stripes were hand painted between masking stripes. The roof was also sprayed the same colour of Silver/Grey metallic. I fitted new metal wheels with contacts for picking up the electrical current from the track and fitted roof lighting inside and two headlamps. By making a special connector using two springs and contacts the roof lights automatically work when the roof is in place and the roof can be removed very quickly without disconnecting any wires. The body is attached to the chassis with 3mm bolts in 6 positions. The whole snowplough weighed in about 2.5 Kilogrammes. The headlamps and interior lighting stays on permanently as the layout is Digital. It was altogether a great winter project to make. Regards Tom
Good grief, Tom... that is impressive! Any photos of your layout or railway in action? Has your snowplough been christened yet?!
Paul, It was christened a couple of winters ago and functioned fine with fresh snow. However when the snow is really frozen hard then alas it is of little use, but then I do not want to catch frostbite playing outside! I had an open day last year with the neighbours and friends around and so will post some photos of the event soon. Regards Tom
Great stuff Tom, I couldn't solder brass like that to save my life. Proper scratch-building of any kind really impresses me. (moved this to the modelling section by the way)
The pictures of Tom's open day with the neighbours are really great. I don't have any modelling skills and I was extremely impressed and amazed at what he has got in his garden. Really good fun.
Tom I am truly impressed. My late neighbour was an HO Railroader and my cousin is a HON3, but I have always liked the G scale. Masterful. phil
I am sure Owen will appreciate this little Post wagon interior that I added a little more detail. Roof removed in order to see the detailing. Regards Tom
