Rolling stock construction
Introduction
This part of the Revised Manual covers aspects of freight and passenger rolling stock. It covers the important mechanical features that are built into models to best provide realistic, practical, robust and reliable operation. Although some solutions bear no resemblance to the prototype, they work well in model form. As in most areas of model making, there are more ways than one of achieving the satisfactory end result, so no solution is definitive, but where possible, the various options will be covered and it is up to the individual to decide which option is preferable for any situation.
Detailed building of actual rolling stock can be found in the numerous articles in Gazettes, on the Guild Forum, specific construction books and DVDs, although it must be recognised that rolling stock must be quite robust if it has to cope with the constant quite severe punishment during operation. However, some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials generally used in rolling stock construction are listed in this section. It is also assumed that the wheel/track standard (ScaleSeven/Finescale/O-MF/O-SF/Coarse Scale) has been decided upon and is maintained. Similarly, it is prudent to build vehicles to conform to the loading gauge, as set out in the Guild Standards.
Further information can be found in the following areas :
Basic rolling stock construction and materials
The following are recommended for further information: The Gazette Archive section on the Guild website https://www.gaugeoguild.com/gazette_archive/gaz_index_menu.aspx offers a wealth of information on rolling stock, kit building, scratch-building, reviews and hints and tips.
The Guild video collection on YouTube has a number of programmes on rolling stock construction.
The Guild Forum contains many projects, found by using the forum search facility.
As well as information available on the internet, there are many books and articles dealing with rolling stock construction; particularly recommended are those by Wild Swan Publications https://www.titfield.co.uk/Wild-Swan/Subject-List.htm
The ‘Development of the Prototype’ section of the Original Manual covers quite accurately the basic history of rolling stock and can be found here:
