It seems like it was in a far distant era that I posted my first blog which was about my Thompson 6W PBV. I published two entries - the first on this link and the second on this link.

Since the postings, the wagon sat in a box with nothing happening until a few weeks ago when my modelling mo-jo returned and I started work on various models. In the time since, I have completed the build of the coach and painted it, as you can see form the two pictures below.

The next step is to buy some transparent plasticard for the glazing and cut two long strips that will fit inside the top windows along the sides. In the prototype, the end windows have vertical bars on them, so I will cut a piece of transparent plasticard and then draw the lines using a very thin tipped overhead projector pen. Since the photos were taken, I've added buffers, I also need to add couplings and vacuum pipes and I think the build will then be finished after which I will number the coach and then weather it.

Once I get more work done, I will take some more photos and add them to the article.

Before I get on to the weathering, I need to buy myself a spray booth so I can spray indoors - I'll be buying the one that Eileen's Emporium sells. A friend has one and speaks very highly of it, so that's good enough judgement on the booth for me. I won't be able to buy this before November, so the weathering will have to wait until then, but as none of my stock is being used at an exhibition until next May, that's not a problem for me.

Once the coach build has been finished, the next projects in the pipeline are the build of an E4 2-4-0. I've already written a few bits about this on this link, but since these pictures were taken I've added some more detailing such as front springs, chimney, dome, safety valves, whistles and clack valves. I need to add brake and sanding gear to the chassis and handrails to the loco, then the loco is virtually complete and I can start on the tender.

You'll notice I typed projects in the plural, that's because another couple of projects I have on the go are a High Level chassis kit for an ex L&Y Pug, and a coach that was an Airfix suburban coach a long time ago, but I've cut the sides out and added etched sides from Comet for an ex LMS Brake third.Again, as progress is made, I will take some photos and upload them here.

Well, that's all for now - I suppose I'd better leave work, go home and do some modelling!!!

Phil