I don't believe I've seen a primary source reference to the axlebox-protecting flaps being made of canvas. I've wondered whether they could be leather, having seen wear holes in some. But different railways may have used different materials.

The ballast plough brake you say is bashed from a Cambrian kit - for the Shark, I presume. are the overall dimensions a good match?

I think some did use leather Compound. The Caley ones do look to me like a heavy tarpaulin style material, but thats just my eye. 

Just had another look at the Ballast plough. The only bits from the kit I used were the ploughs, roof, internal partitions and lifting gear. The rest is in styrene, pre silhouette days. I seem to remember that getting all the letraset lined up was a nightmare. Dates it a bit. 

Aye , the wagons in that Dunblane train almost look as if they have wooden wings over the axleboxes.  Strange, and perhaps they are ex SC rather than Caley. 

Here is a photo of the ballast plough. Made about 15 years back, Basically scribed styrene with 10 thou slaters rod in a groove to look like the half round beading. A bit rough, but ok from a passing glimpse. The footboard has distorted a bit and it could do with a number plate. 

Hand brushed over Halfords rattle can primer Krusty. 

I make the body then a give it a clean and quick prime , shows up errors well and then apply archers rivets. Then another flick over with the primer and the red lead painted on. For that I mixed Deck Linoleum brown , Red and Flesh.  Then the transfers on and sealed , followed by the Black metalwork and weathering. 

Since I use etched brass W irons the wheel and axlebox assemblies can go in last, makes painting easier . 

Hi Lacathedrale, 

It is 130 mm at the platform end. Slightly more at the bridge and a bit less at the signal box. 

Heh, I do have a copy of that drawing, it is actually Kelvinbridge signal box. 

This is me playing with names. My layout has elements of both Kelvinbridge and Partick Central stations, but for space constraints I could model neither perfectly. So I compromised , I took ideas  from both and generated the imaginary name Kelvinbank. 

If I had an extra 10 feet I would faithfully model Partick Central but house extensions are difficult with a tenement flat .