RCJY 2338-H Coiled
Steel Wagons
The RCJY coiled
steel carrying wagon is derived from the conversion of RQKY container wagons,
and is used for the carriage of jumbo coiled steel. These wagons still retain their container locking pins for
possible conversion back to container-carrying wagons.
The basis for the
actual model is the BGB “RMX” 63’0” (19.20 m)
container-carrying
wagon. The modeller must firstly fully assemble the wagon in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fit shunters’ end
steps. For this I recommend those produced by either Steam Era or B J Models.
Bend and fit the
four corner steps, using either the wire provided in the RMX kit, or wire of
your choice. (See photo).
Select a 20’
container of your preference; Walther’s make excellent models. You will now use
this container to create a template for drilling holes on the deck of the wagon
for the marine-type twist locks, plus drilling holes in the bottom of the
container for the locating wires to lock the containers onto the deck. This
enables the wagon to run either empty or loaded, without the need of having to
permanently fix the containers to the wagon.
For the template
I used a piece of 0.040” styrene, cut to the length and width of the bottom of
the container, making sure all is square. You can also use brass or aluminium
sheet.
When satisfied,
and using a No.77 drill bit, drill a hole on each of the four corners of the
template ½ mm from the sides and ends. This is now your template for drilling all
wagons and container bottoms for placement on any of your container wagons that
are fitted with marine-type twist locks.
Locate the
wagon’s centre of length plus the template’s centre of length and overlay the
template onto the wagon, making sure that the template is accurately centred on
the width of the wagon. Drill holes for twist locks.
To repeat for the
end containers, centre the template in the remaining end areas and drill holes.
Cut 0.015” wire
3.5 mm long, locate in each of the holes for the twist locks so that the wires
project 2.0 mm above deck of wagon. Glue from underneath.
Using 0.020”
Evergreen styrene sheet cut 12 pieces, each 4 mm long and 2 mm wide. Drill a
hole in each, centred both in length and width.
Using a small dab
of superglue, secure each piece to deck of wagon over wire for twist locks,
making sure that they are longitudinally square.
Assemble two
coiled steel cradles as per the instructions. Both Hanovale and Scaleways
manufacture excellent cradles. Do not secure them to the wagon until painting
of both cradles and wagon is complete. The cradles can be painted National Rail
Grey.
As the model is
now structurally complete (apart from the fitting of bogies, couplers and
detailing pieces of your choice) it can now be painted Australian National
Green.
When both the
wagon and cradles are thoroughly dry superglue the cradles to the wagon
centrally over each bogie.
Decals for the
code boards for this vehicle came from the scrap box, using both HO and N scale
pieces.
Assorted RCJY detail photos.