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Southwich

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Everything posted by Southwich

  1. Put latex gloves on - ensures no fingerprint or marks to be seen! Kind regards, Will
  2. My set and the test samples from Brian arrived yesterday (and my shell that he used for the glazing). Test photos from Brian below: Look forward to glazing a few tractors when I’m back from Ally Pally later. Kind regards, Will
  3. Another superb photo! Will
  4. @Steadfast has some rather nice photos of 028 on your rather nice box wagons: A natural choice for the modern modeller - and good timing for the second run 😉 Kind regards, Will
  5. What a cracking photo! I don’t know why, but the GBRF livery sits really nicely on the 60, I have relatively little interest in the modern day Railway scene, but I think the GBRF 60 will be on my Rule 1 list! Very much looking forward to the painted sample of the 60 in GBRF… Will
  6. 3D print will be on display at Glasgow this weekend - we’re a little bit excited about this one! The full launch article can be found below, including the history of the prototype: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/cavalex-class-60 Kind regards, Will
  7. Great work Mick! Looking forward to seeing the layout at Glasgow. Kind regards, Will
  8. Given I was born in ‘98 I’m afraid not Dutch… EWS, see photo from Flickr above at Temple Mills which I will get round to building one day. I’ve already done 698 and have mentor on the go to complete the below working: Not sure about noses. When I get the other split box bosh back from Brian at Shawplan I’ll try and fit them and let you know. Kind regards, Will
  9. Thanks for your kind words. As I mentioned previously my post was to show what is achievable with the new model, and this isn't needed to make it look right. The base model of the new 37 is excellent and is very good out of the box, however I felt for a P4 loco that I would like to exhibit on a layout one day I'd push my skills as far as possible, and safe to say I'm very pleased with the result! That said I would be very happy with the new model over the old Bachmann 37, it's streets apart! I sincerely hope the challenge is accepted and the windows can be replicated to the standard of the moulding exhibited on the Bachmann version, as I think we will have the ultimate 37 on our hands (I had a good conversation with Gareth at GETS in 2021 about this). I'd also like to point out for everyone's benefit that I have numerous products from the Accurascale team and have been very supportive of them both publicly and privately, including owning a rake of PCAs that I'm incredibly happy with, so to question my integrity is not needed IMO. Feel free to browse my work - my mantra is to make the best model I possibly can, in my opinion based on my research and the informed facts so far, cosmetically speaking the best starting point is the Bachmann model due to the way they have captured the windscreens. This is based on hours of research of the prototype (yes I probably need to get out more and thanks to Cav for highlighting this addiction lol), using a large number of photographs. The way the subtle join between panels and the window frames have been capture (as highlighted in Andi's original post from DEMU showcase) is second to none, and this can be seen very easily from a short Flickr search of 37s. If anyone would like access to my folder of photos of 37s I have collated over the years drop me a PM with your email and I'll share the folder with you. As I referenced in my original response further up the thread I will also arrange for the screens to be measured on the prototype then we can definitively say. For the sake of completeness - here are the comments I posted on DEMU with regards to the models I had received at the time (37430/37422/37401): Positives: - The windscreen - this has been nailed in my opinion (see photos below) and this is the sole feature that for me makes this worth the extra money over the forthcoming Accurascale offering which uses as separate part in this area. For me not having to take a file to a model to reprofile the front of the loco is a massive positive over the previous generation of Bachmann model. For me the windscreen area on the Bachmann model makes my decision for me between the two new tractors. IMO one captures the look of the loco, and one doesn’t quite. I'm hoping this area is sorted as there are a lot of the WIPAC ones that I would really like, as Fran and Gareth both well know. - Running quality- flawless as usual with Bachmann. Easy enough conversion to P4/EM will just need brake gear sorting out to fit around the wider wheels. - Overall shape - speaking with Alex C on the Bachmann stand you can see they’ve nailed the shape of the new tractor - again well worth the money. - Detail pack - about a million extra bits to add - really lifts the face of the model and all are very nicely moulded - Overall DCC functions/lights - kind of what you’d expect from a model in this day and age but engine room lights, separate functions are all there. A lot of playability if that’s a word! Negatives: - Snow ploughs - these are rubbish and just need to be chucked in all honesty. Whilst the Accurascale offering will certainly be better in this area, the only way to get a proper look to this area is to use Pete Harvey etched ploughs otherwise they’re far too thick moulded in plastic. Again a worthy upgrade to both models IMO. I’ve done two sets of new Bachmann ones with etches ploughs and they work really well with a bit of modelling. The 31 mount works well with the new buffer beam on the Bachmann model - Steps - I think the Accurascale model wins here again - the Bachmann steps are pretty naf in all honesty but I'm happy to upgrade these for fixed Pete Harvey ones. - Sound - without looking into it too much I’m not overly impressed with the sound setup in the Bachmann model, however swapping the sugar cube for a double iPhone certainly helps matters. Long term I will butcher the block and get an EM1 inside to sort this out properly. Again a clear win for Accurascale in this department. Other comments: - Fan grille - I think this is as good as you’re ever going to get in a factory environment. The easy solution here is a Shawplan roof grille if you want an upgrade to do it yourself - well worth it IMO for the improvement, but the new roof grille is streets ahead of the previous generation model. - Glazing - again I think if you’re nitpicking you could improve this with LaserGlaze and I’m working with Brian to do some as it would be a worthwhile upgrade! I don’t think you can expect anything better under factory conditions. Overall comments: If you’re going on price alone I think there’s only one winner, but in my opinion I’m not buying on price, I want the ultimate 37 and happy to sacrifice having less in my fleet to have them right, as well as rectifying any pieces I'm not happy with. To have the windscreens nailed from the outset of having the model in my hands has won me over, and the ease of conversion also plays a part. If you're buying on a budget based on price, or wanting the best sound option straight from the box I think the conclusion is different. Some prototype comparison on the Bachmann model - please excuse the very cruel close ups: My model of 37114: Kernow 37401 with the original glazing: 37042 as the prototype: It's always good to have a proper grown up chat about the pros and cons of the models we spend our very hard earned cash on, and hopefully we can all go for a beer at Glasgow for those attending to discuss them and modelling in general further. Kind regards, Will
  10. Hi Roy, The photos Andi posted previously that you quoted my response to were of the pre-production Bachmann version at DEMU showcase, so comparing the two samples is comparing like for like. As I mentioned previously, I’m in the process of arranging a real 37 to be measured then I can 100% definitely say which is correct when both production versions appear, however comparing the photos earlier in the thread my point still stands at this moment in time. I’m sure someone more tech savvy than myself can knock up a three way comparison photo between the two models and the prototype for everyone to see this. Hopefully Fran can clarify exactly what is being tweaked for production as if the windscreens are done to the standard of the Bachmann one then I’ll be buying those as well! Having tinkered with 37s for years, please feel free to view my work below, which I’ve gone into the cons of the Bachmann model and the areas that need improvement that wouldn’t necessarily need doing on the Accurascale model. I’ve spend hours detailing my model of 37114 and thought it would be useful for others to view the art of the possible in trying to create as good a model as possible, and as a modeller that’s the perspective I will always see things from. Who doesn’t love a load of 37 chat late at night! Kind regards, Will
  11. Excellent Nick - stunning work! Looking forward to seeing these develop further Kind regards, Will
  12. Great to see engagement as always Fran and to hear the other side of the story. I posted a photo of my 37 as a modeller, and those that know me know I’m rather passionate about the subject, so I think the comment about kicking off the debate is a bit over the top (I have no involvement other than my dad being a director and helping at shows - I wish I was involved!) Regarding the model I think all of the previous comments have been fair, and when asked on the DEMU forum I have said there are many positives of your model over the Bachmann model (sound, ploughs, lack of nose join). However, the windscreen area is a very clear winner for Bachmann as Andy has very clearly shown from photos, I’ve asked someone to measure the prototype to illustrate my points with clear facts and measurements to compare when both production models hit the shelves. I’d love for your model to rectify this area (I know a few others have fed this back to Gareth), but for me I’ll take separate noses that I can fill, over separate windscreens that will take significantly more work. If you do sort this area I think I’d certainly be switching my models to reflect this, but currently the windscreens don’t capture the distinctive look of the 37 in my opinion. Are you able to provide more information on the tweaks made? Or is it just with regards to to fitting of the separate part? Kind regards, Will
  13. Great work Dave - love the atmospheric photos! Are you heading to Model Rail Scotland in a few weeks? Would be good to catch up if so! Kind regards, Will
  14. I saw @cairnsroadworks had done this on Instagram - looks really good! Love the diorama too The black surround on the cab front shows off my point exactly, just how well Bachmann have captured this distinct feature of the loco. I think some LaserGlaze from Brian would finish it off nicely! Kind regards, Will
  15. Having studied 37s for hours to try and come up with a list of detailing/improvements, there’s certainly pros and cons of each model (I posted my thoughts on the DEMU forum for anyone interested). The biggest factor for me is the windscreens, which is indisputable that Bachmann have nailed and the other forthcoming model clearly hasn’t. Having fitted Shawplan etched screens to the old generation tractor, I’m pleased to not have to do this on the Bachmann model and more than anything prepared to pay the extra to not have to do this mod, which I can’t say I wouldn’t have to do on the Accurascale model. @Daddyman did a very inspirational thread a few years ago improving the old model, and I think he has also come to the same conclusion that the new generation Bachmann tractor is streets ahead in this area. Once Brian has finished doing the LaserGlaze I think this’ll show the biggest difference. At the end of the day you need to compare the models with the prototype, using a critical eye, and choose the features that are most important for you. For me it’s the windscreens all day long, everything else in terms of detailing can be fixed with a bit of the M word! Kind regards, Will
  16. A few shots of my tarted up Bachmann tractor to be done as 37114 in EWS: A full list of mods can be found on my workbench thread, but in terms of providing a basis for the ultimate 4mm tractor, I don’t think you’ll beat this model. Kind regards, Will
  17. Thanks Mike - email sent! Kind regards, Will
  18. Hi Mike, This looks absolutely stunning. Looking for roughly four of these for various EMUs, do you have these in stock please? Thanks in advance, Will
  19. Excellent work Rich - saying in P4 then given the model is sprung? 😉 Kind regards, Will
  20. Managed to finish the main work on 37114 today, which is now ready for finishing and painting. Given this needs a full respray from the Bachmann 37043 large logo donors, I wanted to push myself to try and get as close to the ultimate 37 in 4mm as I could, I don’t think there’s much extra I can do! A full list of the mods/work I’ve done are as follows: Bodyshell: Shawplan roof grille fitted. I’ve soldered this together which gives a really nice low profile finish vs the original. Shawplan reinforced central window frame. This seems to be a mod to certain EWS 37s, which 114 was one of. Shawplan etched nose grilles. The holes were drilled out, moulding removed and the etch added over the top. Replacement handrails from .33mm and .2mm all round on the nose. Replica railways high intensity headlight added, car headlight removed and filled with plasticard and super glue. Rivet strips on the roof removed. This will be tidied up with filler during priming. Pete Harvey etched lamp brackets added using wire, and secured with super glue. Additional roof pods added. Again these will be tidied up when I prime the loco. Underframe: Rewheeled to P4 using Exactoscale 14mm wheels. Etched Penbits brake gear around the wider wheelsets - much easier over thinning the plastic brake gear and looks much finer Pete Harvey etched ploughs - the only option here. The old ones go straight in the bin, with the new ones making a nice representation of the real ones with their nice thin profile. Fuel tank mods - no steps on the second tank so this has been removed with a blade and will be cleaned up after a layer of primer Pete Harvey steps - these have been corrected and secured with hot glue to the side frames. A lot of work but well worth it over the normal steps IMO. Dingham couplings with a cosmetic screw coupling has been added to the bufferbeam. Nice and discreet for automatic uncoupling! Time to start on the next EWS split box tractor to get them ready for batch painting… Kind regards, Will
  21. Just to correct any misunderstanding here - the 56 (and last majority of projects) haven’t been “crowdfunded”. These have been undertaken completely independently of customer orders (e.g. the 56 tooling was started before any announcement was even made). The PGA/BBA/TEA were undertaken with deposits (as are the large majority of projects in this industry and others, whether it’s called out as crowdfunding or not), and all have been delivered with regular updates provided. We operate very differently to the aforementioned defunct individual, with all of the cadwork complete prior to announcement, and usually the tooling has started as well. We of course appreciate any concerns modellers may have - however we feel that the products talk for themselves; so if you’re attending either Model Rail Scotland, Ally Pally, or DEMU later in the year, please visit our stand and we’d be happy to chat to you and show the livery samples - we think they speak for themselves. At the end of the day the final decision on the product is down to the customer, but with 5 delivered wagon projects (all of which have pushed boundaries across a variety of areas in this industry), we feel that the 56 is really going to be superb! On top of this, we wanted to give back to retailers that have supported us since day one, so in your case this adds an additional layer of security/peace of mind. Regarding what I’m assuming was with the BBAs - we haven’t had any reported running issues across the two batches, so if there are any issues please get your friend to get in contact as we’re very keen to ensure that these are resolved asap. Apologies for the slight diversion - Back to the topic at hand! Hope that helps to alleviate any concerns, hopefully we can catch up at a show in the next few months! Will
  22. Thanks Rob much appreciated. Still quite a bit of work to do on the nose ends and roof, as you say that handrail needs removing but I think I’ll replace all of them with finer wire and I need to think about sorting the lamp brackets too! Kind regards, Will
  23. Thanks Mark incredibly helpful! I best get some bits ordered… Will
  24. Funny you say that Chris: A bit of work on one of Bachmann’s new tractors this afternoon. Destined to be 37114 in late EWS days, base model was 37043 in Large Logo. Modifications so far have included; removing and filling the car headlight, Shawplan etched horn grilles, Shawplan etched roof grille, high intensity headlight, reinforced central windows and etched snowploughs from Pete Harvey. Quite a bit to go but good to be back doing some modelling Kind regards, Will
  25. Not posted anything on here for a little while, but over Christmas I have been working away on a few wagon projects. TTA - I'm modelling PR58256 using the Stenson models parts. I have replaced the underframe, walkways, springs, couplings, filler cap (this needs modding to match the prototype) and converted to P4 (Branchline wheels). Left to do on this is: Add lamp brackets, underframe piping, brake actuator, handrails/additional end pipe, solebar plate, solebar dividers/solebar rivets, brake shoes & yokes, brake pipes and swap over the buffers to LMS ones when they arrive. As soon as this is done I can go over the model with a dash of filler and prepare it for painting. ZCA - thanks to @The Fatadder for this donation to model 200543. I have converted to P4 using the suspension units and Gibson wheels which I had in stock, and I'm awaiting buffers from LMS to add to this. Has anyone modelled a VCA under frame that they could post photos of? I'm thinking a level of scratch building will be required here, but any pointers would be much appreciated! SPA - I had a spare SPA kit in the stash, so I have knocked this up and converted it to P4 again using Stenson suspension units. This has used the new under frame kit, which I will supplement with additional wire/scratchbuilding per James Wells' efforts. Number TBC on this one as it was a bit unexpected! I've also got a rake of Seacows on the bench for conversion (5 sets of Y27s and 2 Gloucester sets) so will post about these once I've finished the bogies for the rake. I’m heading to DEFine at the weekend in Risley, so if people are attending please come and say hello! Kind regards, Will
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