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Building a Southern Region layout


Tim Hale
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Guest Jack Benson

Hi and as promised,

 

This is merely a test to see whether the idea will work, a bristle from a paint brush, the tip covered in PVA and dipped in pink flower scatter from Greenscene. Only when it was fully dry was it then planted in a blob of PVA and hidden with a dusting of Woodland Scenics grass.

 

IMG_0138_autocolour.jpg.5c27cbb427082e86b4ae1bb2fb8e88fb.jpgIMG_0162_800.jpg.a6dc63609eb2c380bf1946cc3a5ec1d4.jpg

It looks OK to me

 

Cheers

 

 

 

 

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Guest Jack Benson

The revenge of the Grassmaster - 2

Like nature, the grass on Child Okeford does vary, mostly in texture and colour but I do try to vary the length.

Grass1.jpg.8823fafbc0693df8116820109f76c438.jpg

 

Grass2.jpg.ac042850bdb4b32ea51361e10d74ad80.jpg

 

This is a small section of the latest test section, Heki 3376 direct onto PVA with a second layer of WWS dead grass applied to 3M Photo Mount using a Noch puffer bottle.

 

noc08100.jpg.03b35af98b5e917fb01c7f620f1cc4bc.jpg

 

Cheers

Edited by Jack Benson
Image added
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Guest Jack Benson

Time waits for no man because we have a 'end date' of mid-March when professional photographers should arrive.........oh dear, because everything needs reworking.

 

Big_Curve2.jpg.36692617eceae8ada5e68cbca6cd0412.jpg

 

And.....all the remaining scenic areas need a makeover, this is the 1,5m wide 'big curve' at one end of the workshop. It needs refurbishing and subtle details to bring it alive whilst the back wall definitely needs 'the treatment'. This backscene from ID seems to capture the eastern side of the Dorset Stour valley, it is rather lumpy as anyone who has tramped up Hambledon will agree.

 

ID_HD2.jpg.dd090cc6e1d0d807baad24b0740a70e2.jpg

 

It will need modifying but it is much better than dirty white walls.

 

Cheers

 

 


 

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Guest Jack Benson

This was always a favourite image from the late Bill Jones and although almost everything has long gone, it seems appropriate to capture the essence of the image for Child Okeford.

 

IMG_0205_2020.jpg.9cfe9afe251fcbd48902a39bb4f2faae.jpg

 

Another series one was found at 2K Technologies and it is currently in the 'paint shop' in an attempt to make it look a little more like a typical Dorset workhorse than a 'Chelsea tractor.'

IMG_1300.JPG.1a8572edc40a2d34be678e44ca3eea84.JPG

 

The windows are covered in auto-masking tape with a very fresh coat of Dullcote and 30mins later.

 

IMG_1301.JPG.jpg.82c538bdee4e212b2d48db41012b4ebf.jpg

 

For the usual lane detritus and muck, a Tamiya weathering stick (light earth) and a wash of Lifecolour (frame dirt) will be the next stages.

 

IMG_1303.JPG.10aa393bc402835a2c76d351d16590d6.JPG

 

Cheers

 

Btw, the images seem to be huge compared to the actual size of the wee landy, just 45mm bumper to bumper.

 

 

Edited by Jack Benson
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Guest Jack Benson

And whilst waiting for the next installment of landy weathering, these little darlings have joined the queue for upgrading :-

 

 

PR73013.jpg.3892009efdd539d1da7766e593728488.jpg

Just cows? Actually they are genuine 1:76 not the usual 1:87 cattle from Preiser that seem to be on every rural layout, however their buttock-clenching cost might be a factor. However they don't look like Mr Dimond's prize-winning Holsteins over the fence next door, the horns and udder colour are definitely wrong.

Next_Door_Cows.jpg.5b7544dc3cdfb619f2e90a2d0cd3e1c6.jpg

 

Cheers

 

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Guest Jack Benson

After a bit of an unhappy few days, this is to prove that active modelling is still progressing:-

 

IMG_1305a.jpg.d25893eb513cb80969c04e60ce27c12b.jpg

 

The trees have lain in storage for many years and were made from (I think) heather stems, we could not match nature's efforts. The neglected corner looks much better than an anonymous tunnel mouth just stuck on the backscene.

 

Cheers

 

JB

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Jack Benson

Basic weathering

 

This rather despised Dapol revamp of the Hornby-Dublo Fruit D has been the test example for weathering using the most basic tools and materials:-

12mm chisel sable
Kitchen paper towel
Lifecolour US719 Frame dirt acrylic
Pipette and tap water 

First remove the body/roof from underframe by removing large self-tapper.

The technique is simple, diluted Lifecolour acrylic (pipette and tap water) is applied in layers, the first layer provides a 'key' for the others. As soon as the first layer is applied, most of it is removed by a gentle application of the kitchen paper towel, definitely not wiped off. Then wait to dry for a couple of hours and repeat until satisfied.

B745_1.jpg.4dac7204b9bc433120520d802269111f.jpg

 

1046764064_IMG_1326-Copy.JPG.2c664011897e689ac99175d08e32d495.JPG

 

1725293390_IMG_1325-Copy.JPG.f3ff93648c33c7e32d5667c3c2ab4b72.JPG

 

The dirt emphasises the planking and ironwork but some wagon labels are needed.

 

Cheers

 

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Guest Jack Benson

The same technique has been applied to the ancient Bachmann Bulleid set. They were expensive at about £15 a pop when they were released but have not increased by a huge amount. They have Hornby metal wheelsets and homemade paper corridor connections. The complete set cost about the same as one Hornby Bulleid.

 

Before

IMG_1328.JPG.b4b7f41222080171a7d687f65dbed0e2.JPG

 

After

IMG_1327.JPG.d9e0992fde18d935ccc95d1b8a383786.JPG

 

The dirt-laden brush was dragged along the bottom of the coach sides and all over the outer ends of each brake.

 

A very reasonably priced Hornby exLMS non-corridor two-car set has just joined the much cheaper Dapol exLMS non-corridor two-car set, it replaces the Ratio exMR set which is definitely not correct for the SDJR. Both sets have received 'the treatment' except Humbrol dark brown wash was used on the Dapol coaches but it took ages to harden therefore the Lifecolour will be used on the posh Hornby coaches.

 

Cheers

 

 

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Guest Jack Benson

Return of the prodigal - episode two

 

In early October, a leap of considerable faith was made in the form of another Hornby West Country as the first example, after running for just 50cm, before the drive mechanism had failed by locking solid. 

 

As Camelford

R3445_Camelford_Weathered_1000.jpg.f18f55dd99dba1dc0864eeb3225e3eef.jpg

 

The new example was both tested and weathered by TMC before receiving a new identity as one of the few West Country Bulleid Light Pacifics that were loaned to the SDJR in the mid 50s. 

 

As Crewkerne

IMG_1334a1000.jpg.ad56c93d4d215f83e7eecfef93261a88.jpg

 

That just about finishes the loco collection for Child Okeford, we continue to wait for Bachmann's 1P Johnson 0-4-4t, no doubt delayed by China's coronavirus tragedy - our deep sympathy with all those affected.

 

Cheers

 

JB

 

 

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  • 1 month later...
Guest Jack Benson

Hi,

After an unscheduled stay in hospital, work has recommenced.

 

The yard shunter

The release of Hornby's Ruston 48DS was a celebration for those interested in the Southern Region, this loco was allocated to Yeovil Junction as DS1169. What exactly it is doing on Child Okeford is a mystery but here it is used as the shunter taking vans to the local cheese factory.

 

DS1169.jpg.76307750a22a17c24da65ee468208337.jpg

 

Cheers

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Guest Jack Benson

Hi,

 

And for the cow enthusiasts, a pastoral scene of utter tranquility, sorry if the series one is out of focus. The cow herder kept her Land Army clothes, too useful to throw away.

 

Cows3.jpg.1932718fe1f0e86f3bbfc20978fa2c29.jpg

 

Cheers

 

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Guest Jack Benson

The War in Dorset

 

In the 50s, remnants of static WW2 defences were still common in Dorset, as it was on the front line of defence against invasion along the South Coast.

In the Second World War, the Stour valley was identified as a possible invasion route and appropriate precautions were taken to deny the enemy further access to the north. A line of anti-tank blocks and a pill box buried in the hillside are reminders of the dark times in  the 20th century although nature has begun to soften their outline, in the early 50s they remained a problem for farmers. 

These tank traps still stand at Pondfield Cove near Warbarrow Bay.

 

Essex-pill-box.png.e0d2da7230013c37ae8aa1fb9d274ce1.png

 

This is a line of concrete anti-tank blocks with a pillbox, they are a mix of Italeri and Skaledale, the overgrown trench would have provided access under fire.

 

IMG_1346_1000.jpg.7c296de625435cf944ab80370363f07c.jpg

 

Cheers

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Guest Jack Benson

It is odd that the same old mistakes seem to be repeating but a set of Hornby's SDJR Maunsells cropped upon on a certain auction site, just couldn't resist, c'est la vie.

R4458-02.jpg.a747939055b966638a18ca1530866399.jpg

 

Also under consideration is running Child Okeford as Beaminster Road with some new buildings but more anon. 

 

Cheers

 

 

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Guest Jack Benson

Rather than do nothing, self-isolation is really busy.

 

LMS_Van.jpg.cb4c96ee9d659bf8bf6e697763e7a4eb.jpg

 

exLMS 12t van from a Cambrian kit with better buffers.

 

Thanks Mike

 

Cheers

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Guest Jack Benson

Rather than scratchbuild, this (exHornby) kit from Gaugemaster could be cobbled into reasonably plausible Dorset Central Railway station such as Wincanton, it just needs some imagination. Other buildings come from Peco, Wills and Ratio. 

 

GM401.jpg.5fe3c6a635901ca32d52271ac2e35380.jpg

 

image.jpeg.edbdf877e63a502e86eb87777bb53bbe.jpeg

 

Merely a helpful suggestion

 

Cheers

 

Edited by Jack Benson
Wrong prototype image
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  • 3 weeks later...
Guest Jack Benson

Hi,

 

Now that the layout has been captured on film for publication, everythings a bit of an anti-climax, of course a model railway is never finished and the tiny Expo micro Chandlers Row is a work in progress but the pull towards the 'green side' remains strong. Thankfully, all the stock is stored and a plan is buzzing around to return to the original concept but with less problematic motive power moreover the shed never lost its target board, so why not have some fun?

 

Shed.jpg.d342297f3e60b507bee0b7e00ecc59c4.jpg

 

Just two buildings need to be replaced, the signal box and station building both will be sourced, as usual, from the Peco family. The choice of signal box may seem odd as it is ugly but the back story (to come later) will explain the whys and wherefores but it will be unique.

 

The only problem is the choice of motive power, avoiding further mazak failures is paramount but testing before purchase should prevent a repeat of last year's expensive debacle. None of the current collection will depart, they will merely be stored until the layout reverts to Child Okeford. Thankfully, none of the structures are permanently attached and it is a few seconds to change. 

 

The layout continues to give pleasure and more importantly, at the moment, some considerable comfort.

 

Cheers to everyone, stay safe and healthy.

 

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Guest Jack Benson

Hi,

 

This is an odd model, 32-151 should not be 31860 with an early lion emblem but there it is. Probably produced in the mid 90s and over 20 years young but still better than most. A true mixed traffic loco, perfect for Beaminster Road. Hopefully, someone might help solve the mystery of its origins as it does not conform with any published list of Bachmann models.

 

s-l1600.jpg.5ab6d4886b47d86ecec2e4117db621cb.jpg

 

31860c.jpg.b58795f87fd326a2cffc0c1b76346788.jpg

 

The other new arrival is a set of wonderful station signs from Allan at Sankey Scenics - lovely people, the original set was lost when Bill Jones passed away.

 

1862798511_A5BespokeStationSRBeaminsterRoad.jpg.22665915e30d17f601e8b518934533db.jpg

 

Only a few more items needed, such as another couple of locos and a rake of suitable coaches, the G6 made by Richard will be employed on an engineering work train pulling rake of a few ballast spoil wagons. A G6 was allocated to Dorchester until it closed, therefore employment on a quiet duty seems appropriate. 

 

The SDJR items will remain, we will simply swap a few items as required.

 

Cheers

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  • RMweb Gold
2 hours ago, Jack Benson said:

Hi,

 

This is an odd model, 32-151 should not be 31860 with an early lion emblem but there it is. Probably produced in the mid 90s and over 20 years young but still better than most. A true mixed traffic loco, perfect for Beaminster Road. Hopefully, someone might help solve the mystery of its origins as it does not conform with any published list of Bachmann models.

 

s-l1600.jpg.5ab6d4886b47d86ecec2e4117db621cb.jpg

 

31860c.jpg.b58795f87fd326a2cffc0c1b76346788.jpg

 

I've just dug out my N class, it's got the same running number, same box label, but late crest...

 

This links suggests that it should be 31860, late crest, and dates from 1999: https://www.modelraildatabase.com/locomotives/details/1005/

 

Which begs the question as to why the box says E/EMBLEM!

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  • RMweb Gold

Bachmann were somewhat confused chickens in that era with the N Class. The Southern liveried 1854 came in a box proclaiming it to be 1864, an error perpetuated to this day by unobservant ebay sellers who simply copy what it says on the box!

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Guest Jack Benson

Hi guys,

 

I have no answers as to why the box and model do not conform with given wisdom however I was just happy to buy the model, perfect for my needs. 
 

The next search is for a reasonably priced S15, another Southern mixed traffic loco.

 

Cheers

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Guest Jack Benson
On 17/04/2020 at 14:00, Oldddudders said:

Bachmann were somewhat confused chickens in that era with the N Class. The Southern liveried 1854 came in a box proclaiming it to be 1864, an error perpetuated to this day by unobservant ebay sellers who simply copy what it says on the box!

 

The retailer's stamp mark inside the carton indicates that the model was not a direct UK import but sold by a retailer in China.

 

Cheers

 

IMG_1393.JPG.f68970106916ea2cd541eb68b652d8fc.JPG

 

 

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