richard i

Finally the first glazing is done. Both first in time and first class. Next the third class coach, more pieces for that ...... Might be why I did the first first. Then transfers. I am intending to do the horsebox, 2 plank and carriages at the same time. Will they get done before the trip to the UK? Probably not, so that will happen in July then. Richard

That will be my wife. She has cut the family's hair for years. It's saved a fortune . Alas non of us are blond.

Anything not to glaze a carriage. 40 indervidually cut pieces for the two 4 wheelers, but then I insist on the windows being open different amounts. The wagon is painted and wheeled. Just needs transfers and the load added. This will be clay pipes courtesy of the lumi sticks you get for children. It is the joiners so they become a loop. Once painted they should look good. I just need the blond hair of some kind donator to use as the straw packing. How to ask for hair without looking weird?

A wash over with black really brings them to life.

Those locos look fabulous. Especially like the A5 unsuprisingly given my GCR alegences. I have my own to build, but could I do it to that standard? Hats off to the gentleman especially for doing the red lining which is the hardest to do as invariably it has to be hand lined even if the other lining is from transfers. Richard

And whilst the paint on the roof dries I knocked up this GCR 2 plank This one should be easy to paint - grey It also went together really easily. I only received it from bill a week or so ago. Is that a record for arrived to built? I know I have others which will win the longest time before being built. Richard Another progress report on carriages once they are glazed .

Totally away from the discussion being had but...... Has anyone else noticed how this thread, even though it was started two years after the peterbough North one is steadily catching it up in terms of pages, contributions and viewings. I do follow both, however, i just feel this is a small piece of statistical proof that people are more interested in what is made over what is bought, as great as that can look. This is not to start some in fighting - DO YOU UNDERSTAND BOYS THOWING PAPER AEROPLANES AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS! When will this thread suppase Great Northern's? It is of little consequence but the mathmatician in me has tried to work it out just for hoots. Will i be right? Anyone want to place your bets? Richard

Slooooooooow progress on the painting. The French grey looks about right to my eye but with only black and white photos to go from, who knows? It needs touching up and the transfers and glass always bring it to life. I have just received a parcel from bill....thank you for the speedy delivery, I can now complete the other three coaches in the set. Richard

And in English that is....? You have been in Wales for a long time as the language seems to be rubbing off on you.

DittoWhich is why when I pick my engines of the track there is the smallest drop in the chassis away from the body a compromise I will take for better running. I have seen it suggested, but I have yet to try, screwing in from the back rather than the bottom with a clip at the front which the chassis sits in, perhaps this partly avoids the chance of the chassis twisting? Richard

I think the key is return on your time. If you spent 90 quid on a drink which lasted 10 mins then it is expensive but if the model will give you enjoyment for many years to come then it is a worth while expenditure. How much do women spend on a dress they only wear once? All this is as long as it is money you can afford. I would like a rolls Royce and would treasure it for years but can not afford it.Richard

Thanks, I had seen that photo, it is interesting as that is the one which convinced me that it was brown bottom half and grey top half. It just goes to show how the eyes play tricks on me. Painting can recommence. Richard

Has it been windy in the man shed? The buildings look to have taken a battering

A little progress on the horse box. Both sides as they are slightly different. Ignore the roof, it is only placed on and needs spraying white before weathering. The carriages are taking longer, I think they would have had a dark end but black or brown is holding me up Richard

It is interesting how different the same loco's colour is in the last two photos, at the platform end it looks most realistic, in the night scene it looks darker and less realistic. Interesting how light etc impacts on colour. It gives me evidence when people question the shade of French grey I have chosen for my GCR carriages. Richard

The paint finish might be, but following simple steps "ensures?" it will look fine. Paint on warm dry days, clean the model before painting, spray paint the main colour, if only from a rattle can etc. There are excelent books on it. Like all things in life, the more you do it the better they become. Richard

Progress of sorts Ready for the paint shop, a first and third four wheeler pair and a horse box. Now when will the rain stop? Interestingly looking on the web it seems the non bogie stock in French grey carried this round the ends, or is that just on the brake carriages? I have found a usa supplier of a French grey paint which looks like what I imagine it is from the black and white photos from the time. We will have to see once the carriages are painted up. Richard

Sounds to me like them getting hold of any available carriage to make up the numbers

I had not seen this thanks, it is great for senic details too.It looks like two of the coaches are teak so what is the painting cycle for carriages? Every five years? So would the last brown and cream go in 1913ish? Richard

My pace has slowed as spring is very busy for me, teaching, coaching track and running the dorm, progress has be made....slowly...on a horse box maybe spider you could move the wife's nag in it. I will post pics pre paint of the kit once it is at the primer stage. Richard

Pennsylvania, about an hour from philly, we moved out a couple of years ago.

I am/ have brought your kits and I am 40, but then one younger one does not make an income. Richard

I know how you feel, that is the necessity of pre grouping building everything.Would angus benefit from a wash if black or brown to bring variation to his coat and highlight his hairiness?

And the next. A 4 wheel third It has not worked out quite right on one side but I hope filler will cover the issue up. Next time I will try fitting the hinges and then the top to bottom half of the sides. It is complete on the outside just the inside to go. Just ordered the other two coaches to make the train, and a few extra wagons, just to keep me busy. Richard

You asked!I promise no more stories.