Bodyshell repairs

[chris_ansell]

Hi,

I've run a loco off the end of my layout causing the front casing to crack. Can anyone recommend someone who can make a decent cosmetic repair? The loco still runs fine.

Thanks

Chris

Ps Chris I did search for this topic but nothing came up!

[atom3624]

There was I think a Duke of Gloucester which fell a year or so ago.

 

I think it depends how bad the damage is, and where.

 

Can you get some photos up?

 

You say cracked shell?

Quite often it can crack and remain misaligned after the accident, but when carefully massaged back the way it should be, the 'cracks' all but disappear.

 

If this is possible, you'll probably still need decals / lining, numbers, etc - Fox Transfers are one of several.

This would I guess be after somebody resprays the shell.

 

There are several who do this, but it's definitely not cheap.

I used to run a lot of R/C cars and trucks, and came across an absolute master of paint - could he really be Banksie?  Perhaps not, but he's brilliant.

 

Point is, there are quite a few, if you can find them, depending on what you want.

One quoted me ~£100 for a streamlined Coronation shell once - full strip, clean, mask, paint, line ... so prepare for a pocket-lightening shock, perhaps!!

 

Al.

[chris_ansell]

Thanks Al,

I'll try and upload a photo. It's a Heljan class 23 baby Deltic in green with the BR rail symbol. I've tried to obtain a bodyshell but I cant find one.

I could try a repair but I don't think my talents are in that direction.

Thanks

Chris

[atom3624]

Gluing, like cutting is very similar - think / measure twice, glue / cut once.

 

For bodyshells, always from the inside, and like oiling, as little, or less, as possible.

Be ready with a very small piece of tissue to clean of any visible signs very quickly, without spreading.

 

Al.

[LCDR]

To add to atom's post, while the glue sets some masking tape can be used to hold the body together .

[chris_ansell]

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[chris_ansell]

I've had another look at the damage and think it will need a repspray as even when pinched together it's obvious. I've uploaded an image and awaiting the moderators to say it's ok

Chtis

[Rog RJ]

@ Chris_Ansell

The community moderators don't approve images.  It's the forum administrators (Hornby staff) that do that.

[chris_ansell]

Who ever moderates it. I'm not splitting hairs! 

[chris_ansell]

Any suggestions please? I've not got the skills to tidy that up

Thanks

Chris

[AndyMac1707817969]

Unless you can find someone who will do it for nothing, it’s going to end up costing more than the loco is worth. Better to sell it off for spares / repairs and put the money to a new one. You can pick Baby Deltics up for about £90 new

[chris_ansell]

Thanks Andy 

I was willing to pay for it to be repaired but I think you have made a very valid point.

I was reading another blog earlier about Heljan spares being hard to come by. 

Thanks for all your advice

Regards

Chris 

[Fazy]

The damage isn't too bad and is repairabl,  the trouble is it's gone through both yellow and blue. now with the use of liquid plastic weld from the inside of the shell it might be possible to fudge the repair to hide the worst and be unnoticeable on a layout. 

 

depending on the crack, filler might need to be used if so a full respary might be the way to go as colour matching can be trickier at the best of  times but two would be a headache. So a full paint strip and re paint. 

[Chrissaf]

It would be worth having a go at repairing it yourself for the experience.

.

Glued filled and then locally touched up with as close a colour match as you can get, then you could try disguising the colour match with weathering. Lighter weathering on the bulk of the body, but heavier on the nose where the repair is.

[Fazy]

chrissaf that's probably the best way to go, and how else are you going to larn. if it goes pear shaped then just come back here and ask. unless you melt it there's always ways to sort it out. and you still have the fall back of getting a new body. 

[Ard Lochan]

There is a product called Innotec plastic repair, It is not cheap at approx £30.00 a pop, But used sparingly will last a long time. It is a two pack plastic repair in black and you can fill and join with it. After it has set which takes minuets you can drill and sand etc. We used to use it on motor vehicles on platic headlamp bowls where the mounting lugs had been snapped, Lot cheaper than a new lamp...........