The Journey Begins.. Boco starts work!

When i first made Boco a few years ago using the Silver Fox Models kit of the Co-Bo, i found the kit to be rather fiddly since it was a one piece mold with small fittings, glazing e.t.c.  However, when the kit was eventually finished, it didn't quite work as well as i had hoped it would.
Though it looks nice, it really didn't have the sufficient weight required, as you had to modify the chassis to suit the body, which proved to be rather difficult. This being said, the kit also proved to be a bit poor as the buffers kept breaking off.

So, the model itself has since been sat in a box among my other diesel models. But then it hit me, to redo the model using a more sturdy model of the Co-Bo, and what better choice than the die-cast Hornby Dublo 2-rail version of this marvelous model.

The model as shown above, is highly detailed for a dated version of this die-cast engine, and it still asks many questions as to why Hornby have not made any updated versions for their current range, as it would make one heck of an addition for all diesel fans everywhere. However, the model is currently available through Heljan, as commissioned by Hattons Model Railways, though the retail price for a model of this standard, will set you back £125 as it is quite a highly detailed version of the Silver Fox model, but better!




ONTO THE PROJECT IN PROGRESS:

The model has had the front end filed down to make room for the face to fit correctly, it is advised to do the same if you are planning to make Boco, and ensure that all the parts needed to be filed down, are done so with care and attention, a slight mistake may result in the model looking rather off.

Now that the front has been filed, it is best to remove the windows from the under side of the model, this also requires some care as the window glazing is fragile and will snap if not carefully seen to, to remove them, there is a metal lug holding them in place of the window frames, you will need to use a snipe nose pliers to gently cut away at the lug to remove the glazing without damaging it.

Once the glazing has been removed, we can move onto step 2, priming the model with Tamiya Spray Primer.