Tricky

Any measurements and cab etch scan would be very helpful, thank you!

And here are the results of my 3D printing exercise. The saddle tank is made from about 24 laminations of thin MDF cut to the cross section of the tank, glued up, sanded smooth and covered with thick paper. Minimal cost here! You can see the light shining through the resin on the partially hollow chimney. I managed to work out how to draw the curve to the bases of the chimney and dome to follow the curve of the tank top but how to draw the flare to follow that curve has stumped me so the slight excess around the bases was sanded away with a tiny sanding drum bit in the Dremel. I also need a tank filler lid which will be similarly printed later today. Whilst the laser won’t cut metal, I’m wondering if it will score through marker pen on the surface of nickel or brass sheet. If it does, I could draw the profile of the curved cab front/roof and transfer this profile onto the sheet using the laser to guide cutting the shape out. We shall see…

Hi all! 👋🏻 I’ve started an experimental build of one of these (image lifted from Google): I’ve long held some affection for these diminutive shutters. Whilst I don’t need one for Tewkesbury I figure life is too short to worry about such things! I only have the very small drawing in ‘Midland Locos’ but that’s ok as I only aim to capture the essence of the loco rather than a super accurate model. There appear to be detail differences across photos of them that I have seen anyway. The experimental bit is to make the frames from Rowmark. This is a plastic very similar to styrene but it can be laser cut. So here are the frames. I’ve built them as one with the footplate to aid rigidity. There is still some flex but this will hopefully be eradicated somehow as the build progresses. One set of horn guides have been superglued in, awaiting rods which will be soldered up next, before the second set can be fitted. I’m also raiding the spares box for buffers, buffer planks, brake blocks, sand boxes etc. Lastly for now, I’m having a go at drawing and 3D printing a chimney and dome. Here goes…!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Will he ever make up his mind?! Still not happy with the left hand end. So I was chatting to a well-known friend. He quite rightly suggested that the Quay Branch bridge would make an attractive end piece and scenic break. The only slight difficulty could be that the bridge will be at right angles to the ‘flow’ of the layout but as truth is well and truly stretched to the limit on Tewks anyway, then I think I can pull it off. The bridge will have a piece of track on it disappearing into the nether regions of Healings Mill. The track that at the moment exits stage left will be shortened and end at buffer stops against a brewery building. I think I have a mental image of what will happen; let’s just hope reality follows fairly swiftly as Railex ‘24 will come round soon enough!

Here’s a diorama I recently finished, and is now for sale. It’s affectionately known as ‘Watery Bottom’ and is based on the viaduct of the same name in Lyncombe Vale on the old S&D. However it could be anywhere and in fact the signal is removable so one could swap it for something more appropriate if desired. It measures about 1500mm long and costs £1800. If you’re interested, just drop me a message.

Fair point…!

Priscilla’s front end.

Thanks for the replies. As you may have guessed, I have a Healings wagon which has been hand lettered and is rather nice. I’d rather not have to cover up the lettering with a sheet so need an unsheeted load or of course empty. On another random question; I recall seeing on Google a yellow hand cart with Tewkesbury Dairy (?) lettering on it. For the life of me I can no longer find it having searched numerous descriptions. Anyone have any idea of said image?

Here’s a question - poss a silly one but as I don’t know the answer for sure: does anyone know what would the S Healing & Sons wagons have conveyed? Coal, sacks and a sheet, barrels? Any ideas…?!

I’ve seen this pop up on FB. Absolutely stunning. And not a loco or item of rolling stock in sight!

They look perfect! 👍🏻

I am keenly aware my posts on here have been very slow but I have been busy. Here is the delightful ‘Priscilla’ (named after someone else delightful in my life). Based on the Slaters MW kit but masterfully built and altered by Martin Blackwell, DCC fitted by Alex Chilton. She was inspired by ‘Bauxite No2’ at the NRM and to my eye oozes character. She will haul the workmen’s train composed of the decrepit coaches still being worked on…

Can I ask if anyone knows where I might find 7mm etched brass works and tender capacity plates?

Would anyone have access to a GA drawing of the half cab as depicted in the Slaters model?

I came across these images just now. They weren't taken by me though.

The footling continues….a bit of weathering coming along. I’m waiting for some figures to arrive to populate the innards. I also need to glaze before putting the roofs on. Looking forward to pairing with a Manning and watch it trundle up and down…

I’ve been quietly footling away on these two coaches. They will form a purely fictitious workmen’s train trundling off to scene to some imaginary industry. They are Alphagraphix kits with some CPL added details. I hope to weather them in the style of ancient coaches given a last lease of life before finally falling apart. I have a Man I h Wardle under construction and will be based on ‘Bauxite No2’ at the NRM.

I don’t mind at all in you sharing credited photos, and thanks for asking, and also thanks for your kind comments .

No probs.

Hi Rich, I fear the photos are long gone. But I'll have a look back and see...

At long last I have managed to gain access to where the backscene was stored. I’ve plonked it on at the moment until such time as I can fix it properly. It’s all looking a bit sad and in need of some TLC. But the point is, not having this in place has been holding me up from being able to do anything meaningful but now I can crack on with proper restoration work and finally position the buildings. I shall also be sorting out the mill gantry, and possibly still do something with the quay wall - still not happy with the scenic arrangement…

Laser cut 0.8mm ply.

Yes….you are indeed telling me what I really already knew! I may replace the wooden boarding with a brick arch and then under-sling the brackets.

You may be wondering if I have renagued on my promise to keep Tewks progress ticking over - fear not dear reader! I have quietly been working away on a few things, namely: The Mill has new windows, boarding over the opening, a loading platform with fancy ‘cast iron’ brackets and a hoist beam. The building has yet to be permanently bedded in but I can’t do that until the backscene comes out of store and is fitted. I have also fitted a row of my 3D printed bollards along the quay edge. These help quite a lot to give the scene a Victorian/Edwardian industrial look. I have got all my rolling stock out and have made a start on going through them one by one and repairing etc as needed. Lastly I have started to draw the level crossing gates which will go over at the right hand end. I think once the said backscene is in this will enable me to position all of the low relief buildings as well along the back wall.

Thanks - that’s a super photo and really good colour too for 1939. I’m committed now with the shrubbery so it stays!! The other option might be to move the mill…?!