Out of the Hedge

[Gromit]

Just been having a clear out of the workshop, well it's spring and it needed it. As I was removing boxes to check the contents I found the Leyland Beaver I started a couple of years ago, it's booked to be displayed at Gaydon this year so I thought I'd get it back on the bench ...



... it won't be built exactly as the picture but you get the idea, it will be heavily weathered and rusty. This is how far I'd gone with the construction when I put it back in the box ...









To give a little history about this build, the cab was cast by a friend of mine who taught himself to master and then cast. The first casts were reasonable so when I was offered one of the kits for evaluation I jumped at the chance. I have had to remodel the cab front somewhat but that wasn't a problem. Modifying the screen to replicate the correct shape was the longest job but nothing too taxing for an average modeller ...





... I also opted to cut out the driver's door but due to me being a little impatient and a tad ham fisted the door frame snapped but I decided to work this into the build ...





... so, back to the build and I'll post photographs as and when I get the chance.

[Gromit]

OK, I've been looking at this build for long enough and it really does have to be finished for Gaydon at the beginning of June, so this now has priority on the bench. I've made copious notes about what I want to achieve with this build and it seems that every time I make a decision I hit another problem, so, I'm going to split the build into several sections, these will be ...

Chassis, engine, wheels and tyres
Flat bed and load
Cab interior
Cab exterior
Base

... I suppose the first item on the agenda should be the chassis which is 95% complete, the fuel tank requires a final clean-up, there's a slight join line on the end caps and then I'd like to add a couple of fuel lines. The bearers for the load bed are already glued to the chassis rails, I've chosen wooden bearers which now require the addition of securing ties. Thinking cap on and into the shed, pics of the progress when I get the chance.

[AndyT]

Sitting with the popcorn .......

[Gromit]

Mar 25, 2013 18:55:37 GMT AndyT said:

Sitting with the popcorn .......

Steady lad!