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 damage. I started by repainting the company name on both sides of the canopy (a fictional company with my name). Above is the new attempt, below the original. Painted by hand with a 10/0 brush.

The next photo shows two current wagon projects; an LSWR covered goods wagon from a Cambrian kit, and a kitbash 5-plank open wagon. The latter comprises of spare ends from the LBSC Hi-Bar kit, a Ratio LNWR 9ft underframe and scratch built side panels from 30 thou plasticard, planks scored with an Olfa blade and finished with ironwork from Alan Gibson and Mainly Trains. The wheels and bearings were from a Ratio Iron Mink van that I bought second hand, sold as new but was incomplete. Fortunately, I ended up getting a full refund and got to keep the item!

The bearings were a little large for the original W iron holes to accommodate. After reaming these out I accidentally created splits in the W irons. Fortunately, a touch of glue and the addition of the axleboxes/springs covered up this mistake. 

Since then, I have bought another Iron Mink van kit (a complete one this time) and the next photo shows its components (and those of a second LBSC wagon) being left to dry after soaking and scrubbing in a sink of water and soda crystals to remove any surface grease/deposits that may hinder glue/paint adhesion.

The Mink will become an LSWR gunpowder van.

The SE&CR Lowmac has been coated with Halfords Grey Primer. I have made some last-minute amendments to the rivet strips before painting, filling in gaps with Deluxe Materials "Perfect Plastic Putty".