['Sir Harry']

Great back story, and a pleasure to work on him for you. He is looking very much at home on the layout too!

[An Introduction]

Thanks for the nod Keith - and interesting read! Always good to spend longer on something like this, more like proper blogging than forum and Facebook - good luck with whatever comes next!

[How to not plan a model railway (part 4) - In which we find an unexpected ending...]

Take a look on Dave Blazejewski’s Flickr for some inspiration. There are some smaller prototypes with short trains that operate on an industrial lead in Anchorage… that’s where I’d start… ditch the passenger cars and go for a layout a bit like my Beaverbrook, more on the blog under the Beaverbrook label:

https://paxton-road.blogspot.com/search/label/beaverbrook

 

[How to not plan a model railway (part 3) - Some thoughts on Inspiration...]

Thanks Keith, I’m pleased Kinross inspired you. I find small cameo layouts a great way to scratch an itch and enjoy the hobby. Plenty more to build, more than I have space and time for, as I’m sure is the case for many of us!

[A last-minute field trip (and more stuff I've been reading)]

The Meifod valley is beautiful, I love driving that way to Llanfair Caereinion. If you’re ever in this neck of the woods with a little more notice do let me know and I may well be able to join you. As for a Planet Industrials mug, we shall see what we can do…

[Still scribbling...]

No I'm afraid not - never beyond building the Sentinel in P4.

If I was doing a model, I'd do a custom etched brass door section, rather than thin sections I'd have taller 'planks' running in a brass channel I think, running with a continuous cable between both ends, so it's pulled up or down, rather than relying on pushing.

[31466 EWS Respray]

I wonder if the paint is a little thick? I never got on with Phoenix paints anyway, and resorted to Railmatch or Humbrol enamels... good luck, I have a soft spot for 31s, especially in Regional Railways livery!

[Narrow Planet O&K 40 HP build completed]

Did I miss this on NGRM - I don't think you ever shared these final pictures?

[Lazy hazy afternoons...]

Thanks, yes one of my favourites from that layout. Unfortunately the layout has since even skipped although I kept all the stock, but do plan on selling most of it this year. These days my interests are narrow gauge both 009 and G scale European stuff.

[Class 47 detailing project - Conversion of Bachmann 47. "A P4 Brush 4". Part 10 - Finishing touches and weathering]

Jon it's been one hell of a journey again but it's another credit to you - yes it's a mundane, run of the mill, dirty blue box, but my god it's a hell of a model.

Awesome modelling and attention to detail, finesse, well photographed and well written. It's been an absolute pleasure and I look forward to more!

[Musing over La Meuse... Part 2]

Thanks, the valve gear is exquisite, but was a severe test of patience however the reward of seeing it all working is worth it

[Class 47 detailing project - Conversion of Bachmann 47. "A P4 Brush 4". Part 9 - Paint and some further diversions]

This has happily passed my coffee break this morning - lovely to read of more progress, well written and photographed (as normal) and exquisite modelling. Your attention to detail is something I am very envious of, and the finish on that 47 and the way it sits on the chassis, it's truly superb, totally totally gives the impression and mass of the prototype (to my eye anyway) and would be worthy of MRJ...

 

I think you made the right decision about the radiator grills either side of the fans, these would just not be easy to get right in 4mm - too much chance for variation in bending them up or fabricating from scratch and they'd need to be very consistent

 

What next?

[Improving the Bachmann Craven 105 DMU - Part 1: P4'd and details.]

Jon lovely modelling as usual - I'm sure I've read on another blog entry about this model, so was slightly confused by 'Part 1'? However, I remember Jim (was it?) who did the brake pipe thing on a rake of MGR wagons and I thought it VERY clever indeed. These look grand. Getting the weathering right might be tricky, but this is a wonderful model that deserves the best so I look forward to Part 2.

[And So It Begins]

Don't worry - I hardly check in on here these days - just a few old blog subscriptions mean I check back from time to time! You're modelling is still very much an inspiration for me I look forward to watching this model finished

[Trying to get motivated...]

Missy it really is incredibly well balanced. Muted colours, well weathered stock that belies it's tiny size, lovely landscape (so far)... worth finishing but I can emphathise with your 'not worked on it for a year' feelings.

[And So It Begins]

I truly cannot wait to see this finished - and hopefully in the flesh one day!

Have I missed any progress on a layout in my absence from RMWeb these days Martin?

[Dapol Austerity - cab modifications.]

This looks good - the difference with the new spectacle plate is very noticeable. I think your paint jobs aren't bad at all Paul!

[A Quick Update]

I hope you manage to sort the ride height out easily Martin - it's a lovely model, and I think we're all very excited to see what you make of the weathering on the beast!

[Class 47 detailing project - Conversion of Bachmann 47. "A P4 Brush 4". Part 7 - Buffers, bufferbeam, bogie height and body fittings.]

I am speechless Jon, absolutely incredible fine scale modelling with superb results. How you can take something as dull and mundane as a Duff and produce something that looks so right, and inspire so many modellers, great work indeed.

 

On top of all that top notch photography and write up, a pleasure to read as always

[What a difference a day (or several) makes...]

Martin, great to see some paint on this, very excited to see it come together!

[Lower Queens Road 3]

Definititely has the right feel for the area - lovely work

[Class 47 detailing project. Conversion of Bachmann 47. "A P4 Brush 4". Part 6 - Bogies finished and Underframe.]

Jon these modifications are a triumph, an exquisite work of art - a testmant to patience and eyesight and show a real panache for attention to detail. I am dumbstruck with admiration! Makes my clumsy more artistic efforts in G-scale look like childrens toys! What a level of work to aspire to - you are an inspiration

 

On top of that, glad to see and read a balanced life - it's sometimes all to easy to fall into a self centred selfish trap with a hobby as engrossing and insular as model railways - family are really where it's important.

[a (blatant) plug for signals...]

They look great, the packaging looks lovely too - what an awesome product. The plug in bases are particularly neat

[The Spaghetti Incident]

Martin it'll be worth it! Do you wish you'd gone for battery power now? On board power would have made it a real locomotive, and got around your pickup problem. She'll be a beauty when finished

[Bachmann 47706 part 2]

This looks absolutely superb Jon, good work indeed. How is the layout coming along?