Building the Pike Bros. Tippers

First real blog - the making of the pike bros tipper wagon set - kits from Locos n Stuff.

Finally completed after about two years in the making is a set of five tipper wagons, plus the ‘runner’ and although the kits are not without fault, I am very pleased with the results. When I bought them they were available as individual kits, or as a rake of three or more along with what’s known as the ‘runner’ wagon; a small flatbed truck that goes between the loco and the first tipper.

This one is needed because the tippers actually have quite an overhang at the tipping end. I thought that a set of 5 tippers plus the runner would be ideal. I actually bought them before I had a layout to put them on - the idea being that I could build something over the winter, whilst the embryo layout took shape.

The etches for these kits are very nicely done, although it also became obvious that there were a lot of very small parts that were going to need fitting.

OK, I had made stuff in brass before now, but these were definitely going to be a challenge! The basic chassis was made up of 6 folded main and cross-members (small ones at that) so the only way that they were going to solder up was by constructing a jig to hold everything! That kept everything square anyway. So far, so good…. The bodies of the tippers have the planking etched on them and are made by folding over and essentially laminating the etches. These three sides are then soldered to the base. Ok, another jig! Back to the chassis and the etched axle holders are soldered next (cast axle-boxes and springs cover these later) - quite fiddly, but not a big problem.

This is what I had at this stage….

Then, that was that for about 18 months whilst I got on with layout construction.

Truth be, at this stage there was huge amount of small items needed to be fixed to the chassis, for brake hangers, strapping etc. plus the wooden tipper supports and hinges - I just kept putting off the day instead of getting on with it. I convinced myself that building a loco or two was a better occupation. On came another winter and extra time to spend on things inside and decided that I must finish them.

In the end it was only a few days of actual work before they were ready for painting. Then fitting the tipper bodies to the chassis - those hinges really are very small, but they all went together in the end without too much cursing. I haven’t really mentioned the runner wagon, but, that’s because it was easy compared to the tippers.

Close up of the tipper chassis - lot’s of fiddly bits….

Click on image to enlarge

Only one last job and something only hinted at in the kit instructions is fitting couplings. Now, I use Kadees on almost everything else, but believe me there really isn’t anywhere where you can fit them on these things, or pretty much any other sort either! The tipper overhang also poses a bit of a problem too. In the end and I believe it’s pretty much the same answer that Mark from Locos n Stuff came up with, was to make and fit a two / three link coupling system and custom hook fittings. I made some links out of brass wire, soldered them up and blackened them (actually forgot one set and left it in the solution - it kind of dissolved away); hooks came from some spare etch and brass wire.

The rake of tippers are left permanently connected, but the runner wagon was able to take a Kadee which was a relief so the whole lot runs as a unit.

Finished tipper wagons - couplings just show up…..

Click on image to enlarge

Thinking about loads for these tippers (oh, they do tip as well, although I doubt that they will actually get used) and researching on-line, I did come across a picture showing them carrying large slabs (rocks?) of slate for transport to the cutting house. I will make the loads removable but I need to look for something that looks right.

I’ll let you know when I have found something suitable.

The rake of tippers behind the Vertical boilered loco ‘Ogwen’….

Click to image to enlarge

These kits have been unavailable for a while, but I believe Mark has plans to re-introduce them if there are enough enquiries. Challenging models? Yes, but certainly create interest on the layout. The link to Locos n Stuff can be found at the bottom of the site - no connection, but very satisfied customer!