Building a 1:24 scale model of a Maxwell Waltzer

Having done quite a few 1:50 scale models of showmans loads the need to build a working machine has become a natural next step to got to. So on this web page you can track my progress as I build a Maxwell Waltzer in 1:24th scale.

I have decided not to make it a pull down ride and it will be made fixed together permanently. Whilst this might not be technically correct it will save a large amount of time and make the ride easier to construct and make it stronger.

I started by buying the centre gearing parts from Doug Roseman as I think it is imperative that this be correct. These have been fitted to the base and I have purchased a motor and transformer as well. I have tested the ride centre running and it seems very smooth. Next stage is the square and the sleepers.

First Stage Centre and Sleepers.

Gates are now made and fixed to sleepers. Next they will be painted and then the shutters and trams will be made.

I decided to make the uprights before painting and screwing down the sleepers and gates. Trams and shutters next!!

Shutters fitted and next it is the trams.

Trams have been fitted and the Girder bars made and wheels attached. Next it is the platforms which I am told is the worst bit to get right so there may or may not be a new picture for a week or two!

This picture shows the girders (wheel Bars) with the first stage of the platform. These are the hinge bars of which one is attached direct to the wheel bar the other is held on by the platform pins. On the outside you can see the spacer bars these are temporary and are used to ensure correct distances are maintained.

The platform is starting to take shape now with the top layer of ply fixed to the hinge bars. When these are stuck hard they will be trimmed back to fit. Then the underside layer of ply will be fitted. I have now had the ride running under power and all seems well. Lets hope it stays like that!!

The platforms are now completed, except for painting and adding the car rings. The gratings have now been made and are also due for painting.

The gratings have now been painted in the pink/purple style of A&R's Waltzer and Ark. The platforms will also have the same colour. The shutters have also had the artwork applied and the ride will have a modern theme to the artwork.

The platforms now painted and running smoothly with no "jumping". Next it is the cars another bit which I am not looking forward to!!

Waltzer car bases with running wheels built and on platforms for first time.

One of the completed Waltzer cars with lettering on.

A good day, the Waltzer cars fitted and they spin on their own with a little bit of lead weight packed under the seats. Also the paybox has been done and is in the process of being fitted to the ride. It has 160 lights in the windows which will stay on all the time. Next up is the swifts and uprights.

Progress has been slow in March but below you can see ride with uprights, swifts and principle.

Visualy progress seems slow as the wiring of the lights has begun and days just get eaten up soldering the 100's of tiny LED bulbs. Below you can see the inner rounding boards have veen added, lights wired on the boards and the start of the front canopy has begun which has 140 lights in it alone.

The front canopy is complete and fitted with lights and the front rounding boards are in place pre drilled for lights.

Taking shape now with the front rounding boards decorated and lit up as well as the steps and the canopy all fitted. Next stage is to complete the rest of the rounding boards and to fit lights to the swifts.

Picture below shows all the lighting swifts now fitted with lights on each. This seemed to take forever soldering the 450+ LED's. They now run and look good. Next is side steps and handrails.

Allthough you can keep adding to the ride, it is as good as finished. Handrails are on and false pillars. Started in October and finished in May.