Christmas Train - Present Storage Chest Truck

This truck began life as a £2 wooden jewelry box from The Works and, after addition of some strapping, paint and running gear, it is now ready to join the train along with the sleigh on its flat truck.

The box as initially purchased. It has some nice, tarnished brass fittings.

The fittings were removed and the lid separated from the base to aid adding the strapping and painting them.

The strapping was made from thin card

The strapping all added. A coat of sanding sealer over everything prepared it for paint.

The paint going on. the strapping will get a coat or two of gold.

Paint done, not sure if I will paint the inside yet.

Fittings all re-fitted and we have a rather nice treasure chest

Blocks to support the buffer beam are glued in place and the coupling blocks have been shaped and drilled.

The buffer beams are fitted

Followed by the axle box support beams

On go the wheels and axle boxes followed by the coupling blocks

Completed truck almost ready for service, just a coat of matt black to the bare wooden parts and it is finished.

The complete Christmas train (so far) posed ready for service. Sam T. Claus seems happy with it.

Next truck, probably for next Christmas, will be a reindeer carrier.