Regrettably, I have not been blogging as much despite having several projects on the go. To keep followers interested I have provided photos of what I currently have on the workbench.
Starting with a non-rail vehicle: an Aveling & Porter steam roller from an old 1/72 scale Hales plastic kit. I built this in my late teens; I was satisfied at the time but I could definitely build one to a better standard now. I am slowly improving the model where possible without causing permanent
The buffer beams were cut from 80thou (2mm) plasticard; the thickest available and consequently the hardest to cut. I found that they were too small to "score and snap", so I ended up scoring with a scriber and gradually cut the beams out with my trusty Stanley knife (with a fresh blade, of course).
The holes for the buffers were drilled out, increasing the bit size each time until I reached 2mm. From then on, I reamed the holes with a diamond needle file until I reached the desired
I always wanted a Lowmac-type wagon to form part of my pre-grouping southern goods train. I began by flicking through my three "Illustrated History of Southern Wagons" books until I found two prototypes that closely resembled the Dapol kit; the SECR 15 Ton Implement Truck (SR "Well C" Diagram 1679) and the LSWR 12 Ton Low Machine Truck (SR "Well A" Diagram 1673).
Having checked the components with the drawings of both wagons, I decided to base my model on the 1903-built SECR vehicle.
So here it is... The completed transformation of my Hornby/Dapol terrier from BR 32670 to LSWR 734!
The lining did take around 2-3 months on and off, though it was definitely worth the effort. The most difficult parts were around the cab and the front splashers, though all of the lined areas were a challenge as I had to cut and align my own corners as the HMRS LNER lining transfers did not include square corners.
On the Hornby model, the number of the locomotive was applied to the back o
Continuing from where I last left off, I replaced the badly damaged plastic cab handrails with cut-down sewing pins, which give a nice silver/chrome appearence, making a change from the all-painted parts on the model. They are also much finer than the plastic ones, giving the model a more finescale look. The final modification to be made was the larger toolbox on the back of the cab, which was too small in comparison to the drawings. I made this around the original toolbox on the model using Pla
I'll be dividing this topic into about 3 or 4 separate parts to make life easier...
Following on from my previous entry, I had a go at using Humbrol Model Filler for the first time in areas affected by glue damage and for the hole where the old dome was placed. I was initially on the lookout for a slightly wider dome which would be more to scale with the prototype one, though I was not successful. Instead, I decided to further butcher a scrap yard terrier bodyshell I had lying around and pin
Around October 2016, I purchased a Hornby Terrier in BR black No. 32670 for a low price of £25. I currently own about 23 Terriers in OO gauge, which are in either pristine, unmodified condition or repainted/customised to resemble more uncommon liveries.
Upon bringing the locomotive home for further inspection, I found that it had been badly caked with an adhesive which reacted to the plastic on the bodyshell, thus melting it away. These glue patches were found on the cab floor (where a drive
