Pillar

If anyone is interested, I've done a quick write-up regarding conversion of this model to P4. Link here: https://www.scalefour.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=164&p=88195#p88195 Cheers, Liam

Really exceptional work on this. I just wish such a characterful model of the National was available in 4mm scale! Looking forward to the finished article.

At long last the Metrorider is finished. It didn't actually take 6 months; I've only been working intermittently on it. Spot the patriotic SAFC fan on his way back from Roker Park...

Thanks. So they came out under the headstock (similar to the vac pipe) rather than through a hole drilled in the headstock itself?

Does anyone have a photo clearly showing where the air pipes go on the MDW version of the prototype? I'd like to convert some of my Accurascales to MDW, but in all the photos I can find the tops of the air pipes are obscured by the buffers. Cheers, Liam

I'd also be interested to hear how Accurascale have approached this regarding EM/P4 conversion and whether it is possible. They are lovely looking models but maybe this is one prototype that is physically impossible to design for easy re-gauging?

It looks like the current tooling to me. There is no sign of the details between the body and bogies which would hopefully be one of the first things a retool would seek to add.

Mine also arrived this week. There's deservedly plenty of fanfare around the announcement of the new Class 47, but this 20 seems like a real gem. I'd have to say its the best Bachmann loco I've had to date in terms of detail; on par with the Class 158. The bogies in particular are excellent with separately fitted brake actuators and pipework.

Nice work as always.

Can anyone recommend some decent gloss and matt varnishes which can be used to finish off a model that has been painted with acrylics? I seem to be forever going round in circles reading recommendations and trying out various options. To name a few that I've tried or researched so far: Vallejo polyurethane varnishes (airbrushed) - They airbrush well, give a good finish, and seem pretty robust to handling, but I've found that even a brief splash of water (such as when applying waterslide decals) tends to reactivate the varnish and the underlying Vallejo colours within a few seconds unless it is removed! This is frustrating and unforgiving when applying transfers, and doesn't inspire confidence for longevity of the model. Vallejo acrylic resin varnishes (airbrushed) - They airbrush well, give a good finish. The matt is particularly nice. I haven't tested their durability as I have for the polyurethanes so far. Tamiya acyrlic clears (airbrushed) - I've found these to airbrush well and give a robust finish, but I had a disaster with whitening which has put me off trying them again. I'd be interested to hear others' experiences. Lifecolor acrylic clears? (airbrushed) - I like their normal acrylics, but I've read that the clear coats are not particularly sturdy for mdoels that will be handled. Any thoughts? Testors Dullcote lacquer (spray can) - Widely recommended, but seems to destroy transfers even after sealing them with an acrylic varnish first. Humbrol enamel clear (spray can) - I've read plenty of horror stories about whitening, but a can I've had for 7+ years gives good and sturdy results and doesn't damage transfers. However, the formula may have changed to something less reliable since then? I will say that models I finished using this many years ago still look good and the finish is robust, but there doesn't seem to be any consensus on a reliable enamel spray varnish nowadays? Railmatch and Revell don't seem to be well regarded. Any thoughts or recommendations would be much appreciated. I have a mountain of painting to do, and want to make sure I won't regret my choices down the line if possible! Many thanks, Liam

What specifically is wrong with the non-sealed-beam tooling out of interest? I was looking forward to 45060 Sherwood Forrester coming out, but unless the errors are easy to correct, it might be better to fit headcode boxes to one of the sealed beam models instead? Cheers, Liam

Brilliant! Really looking forward to these and a liberal application of weathering. Another run of RevolutioN EWS TEAs to accompany them please!

Tiny HK do quite a few 1/76 scale vehicles, some of which are suitable for UK settings. Their mk2 Ford Transit is very nice and available as a long wheelbase van, minibus or ambulance. Most are in Hong Kong liveries but they can be easily stripped and repainted. The only downsides are that they are pricy and have to be ordered from Hong Kong directly; having said that, the delivery time when I bought a couple via eBay was pretty good. Edit: The Tiny website doesn't seem to show many of their 1/76 models, but below are a few examples (no connection); https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114854628681?epid=12047536685&hash=item1abdde8d49:g:mZAAAOSw6m1gyx-N https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333954188287?hash=item4dc13883ff:g:uS0AAOSwJlRe4860 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333954188287?hash=item4dc13883ff:g:uS0AAOSwJlRe4860 Cheers Liam

Any chance you could share some details regarding running numbers, types of buffers, doors, placement of text, presence of yellow triangles etc? I'd love to have a go at recreating the Stella one.

Thanks, that sounds promising. Have the photos been published anywhere? I'd be especially interested in recreating the Stella power station lettered example.

Did any of these make it to the North East? Maybe NCB or power station internal user?

If we're wishlisting gimmicks, how about DCC-controlled opening doors for DMUs? Simple sliding doors a' la Class 156 should be possible, although sliding plug or bus type doors would be a challenge. Getting back to the Cavalex 56, I've also got 4 on preorder. Really looking forward to these - including the working fans! Should be better than my DIY effort which sounded like a chainsaw.

I take it the steam locos were only used to move rakes of wagons from A to B, or with conventional loading/unloading? I can't imagine them being able to crawl at 0.5mph through the unloading facility at a power station.

Speaking of steam, I haven't seen anyone post a picture yet of the MGRs being hauled by a steam loco! I'm sure I've seen one before somewhere.

Cracking photos Fran. the mixture of canopied and non-canopied types is interesting. It could be an expensive year!

Excellent announcement! In a similar vein to your previous wagons, have you put together a rough picture of where the various types mainly ran? I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for an excuse to justify a diverse rake! Unfortunately all the pictures I've seen in my area (the North East) seem to show just the bog standard HAA in various guises; no HDAs so far. I'll keep looking! Cheers, Liam

Thanks. I'd like to make one with the engine cover open too. Just need a decent representation of a Leyland 680 or Gardner 6LXB!

What did you use to do the lining? It looks nice and sharp.

A few photos of recent progress. The Mk3 Transit is complete, along with passenger and faithful collie. Also now in the works is an Alexander A Type bodied Atlantean (Marsden Models kit with wheels from RTI) which will end up in Northern yellow. This is the first double decker I've fitted lights to, but I think I've come up with a reasonable way of wiring the lights on both decks without too much intrusive wiring. Finding space for the battery box proved to be a challenge; in the end I hollowed out the solid casting of the engine 'bustle' to make space. The hollow casting was then attached using miniature magnets to allow for removal and replacement of the batteries. The next job will be fitting the tail lights.

That does look good! I was expecting just a single LED that was blinked/faded in a particular way, but that appears to be using multiple LEDs illuminated in sequence.