For the rolling stock on Isle Ornsay I've decided to use a method that's been tried and tested in 009 for many years - Ratio coach sides. They are actually good for the larger stock that I'm trying to portray - sharing more with the Irish narrow gauge than the Festiniog.

I've already completed (well, almost) an observation coach, but I've been working on another 5 today. I would have done another three, but I knew I wasn't going to have enough L section to do so.

At the start of work they were all basic shells with sides, end panels and floors all fitted together.

I then added some U channel section to represent a metal chassis, and all the L section I could for the footboards. Flat plastic strip was added to the bottom of the floor to space the bogie mounts to the desired height. Bogies are Five79 L&B fitted with metal Farish wheels - they run very nicely.

Here they are after adding all the footboards and bogies.

Panelling was added to the ends using microstrip, and the same material was used for the steps immediately beneath the doors. Plasticard strip was fitted to represent seating too.

Not too bad for only a few hours work. Building them in batches seems to help speed progress along.