87023Velocity

Hi James, Those TUAs are simply stunning. Yet again more inspirational modelling. I have now gone into the garage to see what parts I could utilise to make an N gauge version for Dallam. Cheers Simon

Corus Silver liveried 60006 heads a Liverpool to Fiddler's Ferry 36 wagon MGR train through Dallam.

Back to normality and a few photos taken on Dallam over the last few evenings.

No problem, yes from Precision, he did the logos and various number sets as well. Yes the test trains of that era were interesting, certainly with top and tailed 47s. I have got the bits to do the 150 and may look at IRIS 2. Cheers Simon

Don't worry, Dallam is staying, this is just going to be a small project (famous last words when it develops into something like Mossend because it seemed a good idea at the time 🤣). Cheers Simon

A few more pictures of some recently acquired Scottish stock posed on Dallam, which has finally been set up again this afternoon following the Wigan show. I will be looking at starting a Scottish project at somepoint, era will be 1988 to 1991. Trackplan and location not decided but it will not be the size of Dallam. Cheers Simon

I used satin white for undercoat. Cheers Simon

Thanks. No not done any with the earlier logos yet though I do have the transfers for them so a vehicle or 2 may appear. Cheers Simon

Although Dallam is still boxed up following the Wigan show, bits of modelling have been taking place. Currently respraying an inspection saloon into Scotrail livery as DM45020. A set of B4 bogies will be fitted as per the real thing. All paint is Railmatch.

Hmmm steam from a power station maybe, new tooled class 56??

390005 glides past Dallam yard with a Euston to Glasgow service.

Following the Wigan show last weekend, Dallam is still boxed up and stacked in the garage. I decided to have a clean and sort out before the layout is reassembled. With regards to the exhibition, the layout worked well, only a few issues which were incorrect roads set in the fiddleyard and the odd item of stock deciding to uncouple on the front of the layout. A big thanks to the operating team, Chris Hewitt and Peter Thomas. On the Sunday, Michael from Stuartby (N gauge layout on Facebook and Instagram) volunteered his services to operate and bring some stock and he did not stop for most of the day (thanks again Michael it was a big help and much appreciated!). Having Michael join us made a big difference on the Sunday and he will hopefully be joining us at Leigh in September 2023. Did not get chance to take many pictures but one I did do was of the Revolution class 390, it looked stunning on the layout (I have got one on order from the second production run). Also a brief video clip from the weekend which includes the 390 at the end. Thanks again everyone! Cheers Simon

It was great to speak with yourself also and glad you enjoyed Dallam. It was a great weekend being setup next to Shirebrook, we should have swapped some stock over on the Sunday afternoon, Virgin Mk3 set with a dead 90 on the rear being dragged through Shirebrook! Thanks again Simon

Hi Duncan and the Shirebrook team, It was great to finally see Shirebrook in the flesh at Wigan last weekend and glad my transformer helped. It is a stunning layout and hopefully next time I see it I will have more time to watch (Dallam keeping me busy!). Cheers Simon

Thanks Dave! Got a few more projects in my head but they will need to wait till after the Wigan show. I have got the etches to do the test department class 150 so that should appear at somepoint. Cheers Simon

Thanks! For the window frames just a small brush on the glazing before fitting to the loco. Cheers Simon

The last 3 current projects from the workbench. Once Dallam returns from Wigan I will be having a good clear out and tidy up, there is stuff everywhere😳🤣. The airbrush needs a good clean as well! 60013 is a respray from a Mainline livered version. All the transfers and nameplates are Railtec. 37886 modified and resprayed WCRC 37669. All transfers and nameplates are Railtec. Silver centre windscreen surround done at both ends as per the real loco. 56069, partial respray on the gold band due to renumber. NRN aerials fitted, finer jumper cables scratchbuilt. Nameplates and numbers are Railtec. Not decided on fitting the bufferbeam detail on either the 37 or 56 as could use them for double heading. Cheers Simon

Finally got the vehicles for the Serco test train reassembled. Got 6 brake force runners so can swap them around during exhibition running for variety. Will probably look at creating a second test train in the future.

The 3 Farish class 90s that I have been working on are almost done. Just bufferbeam pipes to add and cab handrails (once I manage to find the wire!). Here are a few pics. 90142 was a regular hire in for Virgin and 90233 could be seen on RES and freight work inbetween its ECML passenger work. 90014 purely a passenger loco.

The 3 Serco liveried vehicles are finished for transfers, next stage will be satin varnish. Just the 2 ex Waterman mk1s to fìnish. Will have 6 barriers/runners to go with Mentor so can mix the rake up for variety. Here posed with 47761 and 47785.

A break from locos this evening. 3 x brake force runners ready for varnish then reassemble. The Serco transfers and numbers on Test Car 5 are custom made by Precision Decals. Just need to get Mentor finished and at least one more brake force runner.

2 more locos approaching completion. Both of these just require a coat of satin varnish prior to final assembly. 90014 has been completed using Fox transfers for the main livery elements stripes, logos, ladies. The numbers are Railtec. 37886 has been completed using all Railtec transfers including the nameplates. Both locos have been airbrushed with Railmatch paint. Cheers Simon

These 2 class 90s are ready for satin varnish. Transfers are mixture of Fox and Railtec. 90142 was a regular spot hire for Virgin. 90233 was also an occasional hire in loco along with working RES workings and freight. Hopefully have them finished for Wigan. Cheers Simon

Coal trains passing at Dallam.

60070 heads past the yard with ex National Power hoppers as 08802 shunts vans in the yard.