Removable Roof Build
Step 1 Parts & Purpose
Removable roofs let you enjoy your interiors. With a little patience they are not difficult to build. This method uses the jigs provided in the kit. The jigs are designed to hold the supporting rib structure in place whist the roof is being formed and glued up.
Once complete the jig can be repurposed for something else. The photograph show the roof, ribs and jig for a 2 Compartment Carriage.
Step 2 Setting Up The Jigs
The roof ribs are placed into the two jigs as shown. The fit is purposefully tight. Make sure that the ends all line up. Time taken now saves time later during final adjustments. Each compartment has space for three ribs, they are not all necessary, in general on longer models the middle ones can be left out.
Step 3 Testing & Alignment
Before gluing, it is best to practise the alignment. Two square rods will be required along the edge of the roof. Weight being applied to the top of the jig to push it down. Test how much weight you need beforehand. Make sure that the planking is inside the roof.
Step 4 Gluing Up
Apply thick superglue to the top edge of the ribs, taking care not to glue the jig. Then apply to the roof, weight down, check the alignment. Coffee, tins, books etc. make good weights.
Leave until set.
Step 5 Finishing
Do not be in a rush make sure that the glue has set. Remove the weights and carefully remove the jigs from the ribs by wiggling them careful back and forward. If a bit of roof comes off or has not glued properly do not worry as a small dab of thick superglue and a clothes peg will normally fix it.
Once the jigs have been removed trial fit the roof. It probably won’t fit the first time, this is to be expected. Using a small piece of sand paper relief the ends of the ribs that are tight. With a little careful sanding the roof will fit. Don’t over sand as the roof will rattle or fall out. In the example shown the central compartment ribs have been left out.
Alpine / Balcony Roofs
Alpine / Balcony roofs are mad in the same way but they have the additions of a frame on the overhangs at each end. These overhangs are best added after final fitting. In addition the use of a central pencil mark on each side helps locate the roof when glueing.
Finished
Note roof vents have now been added. Internal ribs are for decoration only. Figurines can be added and bogie bolts adjusted.
Note full printed instructions are included in every kit. Example instructions can be found on the How to / Resources page.