Garrett 4CD Tractor In 6 Inch Scale

This article has been written to guide the builder through the construction of the 6 inch scale Garrett 4CD tractor designed by Chris d’Alquen. The writer has previously built a 4 inch scale Garrett and a 6 inch scale Foden wagon so has the benefit of considerable experience in larger scale modelling. Most machining can be done in the average home workshop but the supplier from whom the castings and drawings are currently available is able to provide a machining service for the largest items if required.

Wheels The wheels had been sandblasted and primed using Plasticote primer as soon as they came back from having the tyres vulcanised on. I masked off the new tyres with insulating tape for durability and, not long after priming, I sprayed these red again using Plasticote rattle cans. Photograph 520 shows the rear wheels after priming.

I elected to use this paint as I had used it for my small Garrett and it has stood up well. Spraying is the only way in my opinion to paint the wheels to get into all the nooks and crannies. It was a good job I did this when I did as Plasticote and its competitors have been removed from the shelves, for our safety, presumably. One can still get rattle cans with solvent based cellulose paint from car accessory shops, so I wonder why it was necessary to remove the Plasticote from the shelves. Photograph 521 shows the top coat drying off indoors. I must point out that I sprayed these outside, not in the utility room, as that would have been a step too far. Once the wheels were done I cut some discs from a scrap thick polythene bag and taped this over the wheels to protect them and keep the dust out.

I came back to the wheels to line them after the initial air test of the engine. I started on the front wheels as they are easiest. I would also start with the inside of the wheels, as these are less visible, and I already knew I would get better as I progressed. My best efforts would then be on the outside of the wheel.