Wright writes.....

[Tony Wright]

7 hours ago, Jack P said:

Apologies for the long post:

 

My modelling year in round-up has been an eclectic mix of Plastic and metal kits, modified and repainted RTR stock. I've continually been pushing myself to try things outside my comfort zone, some of my 'proudest' achievements are below.

 

Repainted H2 atlantic 'Beachy Head' In late 1947 condition

 

Repainted and slightly modified Lord Nelson 'Sir Richard Grenville'

 

Progress on my first kit-built loco, I'm now on the home stretch. Lining is being finished at the moment, as well as final details. Soon to be 3221 'Beattie'

 

Re-name/Renumber, along with some slight modification/detailing and weathering of a BR Brit for a good mate of mine:

 

My first leap into a new facet of this hobby, 1:64th scale NZR. Here's a 50ft Day coach. A bit of a mixed media kit. 

 

And in the new year i've got this NZR Ab class loco to tackle, along with countless other SR prototypes.

 

Roll on 2020!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me again,

 

Didn't those locos painted in the bright green SR livery have green-painted wheels?

 

 

Seen on John Smith's North Foreland in O Gauge.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

[Hollar]

21 hours ago, Anglian said:

 

 

Tony,

Do you have a duplicate of this external drive as a back-up? If not you must. That's the strongest language I'm ever going to use here (!) but hard-drives can and do fail so it's vital this isn't your only copy. Now drives are going over to solid state designs this is less likely to happen but the older spinning disc type drive they can wear out. I lost one such drive that stopped working but had a close duplicate and lost very little.

If you buy a second drive you don't need to worry as it can be set-up to automatically back-up for you. This process can be automated on the Mac using TimeMachine. I imagine there is a similar system on the PC so you don't have to use a remote server (Cloud) for back-up.

I've used computers since the early 70s, when tiny hard discs lasted only 20 minutes and the fastest network connection available was to put a 360k diskette in your pocket and take it somewhere on the bus, and I started playing with digital music and photography in the 1980s.  So I am distinctly old-school when it comes to backups.

 

Currently I have everything backed up in the cloud, with an iCloud contract to make incremental backups automatically several times a day. Locally I have three generations of monthly back up on separate discs, plus a fourth irregular disc backup at a brother's house.  Plus separate additional systems for my high-definition music files.  Paranoid?  Moi?  Certainly, and still something occasionally goes AWOL.  The iCloud setup is very probably enough on its own, but with family photos etc probably isn't good enough.

 

Tone

[LNER4479]

Some 2019 work of mine.

 

Replacement signal for Peterborough North completed and installed.

 

Test build of G-Train Locomotive Works B3 kit completed (and over 30 kits supplied). This loco is now back from Ian Rathbone's paint shop, just awaiting reattachment of removable items before having its official portrait taken.

 

This dining pair created using Comet sides on Lima donor vehicles for inclusion in the 1950s 'Festival of Britain' all MkI 'Royal Scot' rake now running on Shap

 

Tebay's long term, palindromic resident Shap 'Limousine Cab' banker created using Mike Edge's etched overlays on the standard Hornby product.

 

And yes Tony - 46245 very much 'to the manor born' on Shap, effortlessly cresting the summit with 10 coach loads (I'm sure she'd comfortably take more) that most of her RTR brethren won't look at. See her and others running on the layout at Glasgow, York and Wigan in 2020.

 

[PaulCheffus]

Hi

 

The latest construction from my workbench is this Belgian diagram E423 Ferry Van in 1/148.

 

Scratch built from plasticard, left over bits from etched kits, brass wire and strip.

 

Painting will have to wait until the New Year as the painting area is covered with items removed to make space for Christmas decorations.

 

Seasons greetings to all.

 

Cheers

 

Paul

[PMP]

On 16/12/2019 at 20:32, Tony Wright said:

Anyone else like to show what they've made this year?  

 

 

Not so much what I've made as what I've 'un-made'. The significance? Wipes the slate for new projects, 'Albion Yard' taught me huge amounts, and gave immense satisfaction, and set a personal bench mark for me to improve upon with the next layouts.

 

 

[teaky]

On 16/12/2019 at 20:32, Tony Wright said:

...

Anyone else like to show what they've made this year?  

 

In complete contrast to all the modelling talent on show on this thread.

 

This year, I have made lots of this.

 

 

(It's 'finescale' though.  Top quality Latvian birch.)

 

Edited December 19, 2019 by teaky

[Edmund Kinder]

On 16/12/2019 at 20:32, Tony Wright said:

...........

 

Anyone else like to show what they've made this year?  

 

A London Road Models 50' turntable.  It took at lot of adjustment but I got there in the end.  Also a scratch built garage (well, modified some plans from an old Railway Modeller).

 

[coronach]

20 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

I think they were everywhere, Peter.

 

It's been mentioned before, but trainspotting was a post-War phenomenon with regard to schoolboys. It lasted probably just into the '80s as a mainstream hobby with boys, but not now. Not for a long time. 

 

As a schoolboy, I was a trainspotter. When I started teaching (in 1970) it was still popular with some of my charges. When I finished teaching in 1994 (at a different school) not a single pupil was interested. 

 

However, it lives on in model railways. When I wind-up the 'Lizzie' on my trainset, I'm back over 60 years! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

I would agree.  I joined the Nunthorpe Grammar School railway society - in York - on starting first year in 1975.  School coach loads from all year groups enjoyed Saturday shed visits to the likes of Immingham/Frodingham and ‘Donny works’. The school activities day included a train spotting trip to London option, where I saw my first Westerns and rode on OOC turntable! By 1977, train spotting was definitely becoming uncool in the third year group, although hordes of first years were still interested in shed trips.  By the time I was taking my O levels in 1979, just a few of us were still interested- and remain so to this day.  A work colleague of mine ‘studied’ railway operations as a member of the Crewechester railway society run by Jack Ray in Ipswich - he went on to become a senior railway professional.  Whether waning interest is entirely due to the availability of many more activities is debatable but it is a fact that the modern railway has removed so much of interest - too predictable, less variety, less infrastructure etc.  It was fascinating to spend a summer Saturday on York station at the south end of platform 16, sitting on a parcels trolley wondering what would appear next and watching the shunting of vans in the parcels sidings.  

[mdvle]

9 minutes ago, coronach said:

Whether waning interest is entirely due to the availability of many more activities is debatable but it is a fact that the modern railway has removed so much of interest - too predictable, less variety, less infrastructure etc.  It was fascinating to spend a summer Saturday on York station at the south end of platform 16, sitting on a parcels trolley wondering what would appear next and watching the shunting of vans in the parcels sidings.  

 

Like most things, suspect it has changed to reflect the reality that kids today find themselves in.

 

Otto Vandrak (editor of the US magazine Railroad Model Craftsman) has described coming across a group of 10 year olds trainspotting on the end of a platform on Long Island(?), except instead of making marks in a book they were recording video and uploading to YouTube and likely "talking" amongst others like themselves online bypassing entirely the adult world.  But they were into it seriously, with timetables on hand to know when the trains were showing up.

[Tony Wright]

22 minutes ago, coronach said:

I would agree.  I joined the Nunthorpe Grammar School railway society - in York - on starting first year in 1975.  School coach loads from all year groups enjoyed Saturday shed visits to the likes of Immingham/Frodingham and ‘Donny works’. The school activities day included a train spotting trip to London option, where I saw my first Westerns and rode on OOC turntable! By 1977, train spotting was definitely becoming uncool in the third year group, although hordes of first years were still interested in shed trips.  By the time I was taking my O levels in 1979, just a few of us were still interested- and remain so to this day.  A work colleague of mine ‘studied’ railway operations as a member of the Crewechester railway society run by Jack Ray in Ipswich - he went on to become a senior railway professional.  Whether waning interest is entirely due to the availability of many more activities is debatable but it is a fact that the modern railway has removed so much of interest - too predictable, less variety, less infrastructure etc.  It was fascinating to spend a summer Saturday on York station at the south end of platform 16, sitting on a parcels trolley wondering what would appear next and watching the shunting of vans in the parcels sidings.  

I used to arrange shed/works visits for my pupils interested in railways.

 

And, I rode on a train today; two trains - Stamford-Birmingham return. We were meeting Mo's sister for lunch and to exchange gifts. 

 

Both were two-car DMUS, and both were hopelessly inadequate, with standing-room only in both directions. Despite passing through railway centres which once would have been a priority location for trainspotters, we saw none. None at Leicester, Nuneaton and Birmingham (and the school holidays are just beginning). 

 

I also encountered an example of 'modern manners'. I think the 'equality' brigade has finally won (at least in part). On leaving Birmingham, I offered my seat to a lady (probably younger than me, but of 'mature' years). She was genuinely astonished! A young bloke also offered his seat to an 'older' person, but a young woman (20 at most) steadfastly remained seated whilst a lady (the equalites - have I just invented a word? - hate this description of a member of the fair sex) at least three times her senior had to stand. Further on in the journey, a young bloke nabbed his seat, while older ladies stood.  

 

I'm glad I belong to an older time, but I did congratulate that first young bloke. It made him embarrassed. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Edited December 19, 2019 by Tony Wright

[Oldddudders]

Trainspotting was a natural occupation at the skool Sherry and I attended in Dorking in the early '60s - after all, the former SER line from Redhill to Reading passed by the grounds! Quadrangle conversations would involve what was on the 10.32 this morning, which probably would return by bringing the Up Birkenhead racing past after lunch. The daily WR loco would be of interest  - it was there to retain crew route-knowledge - and we rejoiced when these were upgraded from 43xx to Manors, named locos that somewhat compensated for the demise of the Schools class. 

 

The Model Railway Club flourished, and two former chairmen went on to be Head Boy, as well as excelling after skooldays. One - teenage Sherry had a huge crush on him, and his brother is an occasional RMwebber - went on to very senior roles with British Airways, while the other, having had pictures in the Railway Magazine, went on to be a barrister, a railway author and personal friend of at least two Sector Directors.

 

Several of us went on to careers in the industry, and without a doubt our Ian Allan ABCs were the root of a worthwhile occupation for life.   

[Tony Wright]

50 minutes ago, coronach said:

 

Yet another case of not being able to open a new post, but never mind. Here goes........................

 

As well as showing (some of) what I've made this year, I thought it a good idea to show some of the new RTR items I've photographed this year as well. 

 

Not being full-time on BRM now, there are fewer than in the past, but still quite a lot...................... These are in no chronological order.

 

 

Is this the best RTR item of 2019? Lose those nasty couplings and my own answer is 'Yes!'. Bachmann's new crane.

 

 

Bachmann's Class 90.

 

 

And the same firm's J72 (why didn't I count the spokes?). The production ones have the correct number. 

 

 

The long-awaited 'Porthole' stock in maroon finally arrived from Bachmann. 

 

 

And, from Graham Farish we had this Intermodal wagon(s).  

 

Dapol was certainly busy...................

 

 

A Class 50 in N.

 

 

And a pair of Pacers in the smaller scale.

 

 

As well as a PO wagon or two.

 

 

A bogie bolster in OO.

 

And plenty from Dapol in O gauge...............

 

 

 

So far, so good. More to follow..............

 

 

Edited December 19, 2019 by Tony Wright

[Tony Wright]

And more....................... Again in no particular order.

 

As well as being a retailer, Hattons produced their own models as well.....................

 

An Intermodal in OO.

 

 

And a complete rail-head treatment train, also in OO.

 

 

In O Gauge, the Hattons A3s were anticipated in earnest. Though advertised as a 'record breaker', this manifestation of FLYING SCOTSMAN is in as first-preserved condition. When she broke the 100 mph barrier (as a record breaker) she was an A1, with right-hand drive. 

 

Heljan were busy in O Gauge.....................

 

 

A 43XX.

 

 

And, according to some on here - a 'big plastic toy'. Nonetheless, in my view, a splendid model!

 

 

As is the Dapol Class 50 in O. 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

Hornby has been very busy as well........................

 

 

A re-released Big Boy. Too tall for Little Bytham's overbridges! 

 

 

A very nice Bulleid Comp.

 

 

And also an equally-nice GWR Sub.

 

 

Hornby's highlight this year? I think so, and a quite-beautiful model. 

 

 

 

The 'LN' was completely re-tooled. 

 

 

And these tiny Rustons appeared.

 

 

Speaking of tiny, some lovely 'Terriers' as well. 

 

Hornby has definitely 'turned the corner' this year. And what of next year? We'll see. 

 

 

Oxford Rail brought out this Mk.3.

 

I await the J27 with interest, having helped (in a tiny way) during its development. 

 

 

Sonic Models brought out some 'Vanwides' in N. 

 

Candidates for 'Top RTR Model' next year? 

 

 

Bachmann's new V2s?

 

 

Or the Wainwright 'D' from Rails/Dapol/Locomotion? 

 

Even with my modest selection, a good year don't you think? In fact, have we ever had it so good?

 

One big difference, of course, from a few years ago; then, just about every month, a new kit would arrive with instructions from the manufacturer(s) to 'Please build it and review it'. Not now! 

 

May I please thank all the manufacturers for enabling me to photograph these wonderful models? 

[Tony Wright]

28 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

Trainspotting was a natural occupation at the skool Sherry and I attended in Dorking in the early '60s - after all, the former SER line from Redhill to Reading passed by the grounds! Quadrangle conversations would involve what was on the 10.32 this morning, which probably would return by bringing the Up Birkenhead racing past after lunch. The daily WR loco would be of interest  - it was there to retain crew route-knowledge - and we rejoiced when these were upgraded from 43xx to Manors, named locos that somewhat compensated for the demise of the Schools class. 

 

The Model Railway Club flourished, and two former chairmen went on to be Head Boy, as well as excelling after skooldays. One - teenage Sherry had a huge crush on him, and his brother is an occasional RMwebber - went on to very senior roles with British Airways, while the other, having had pictures in the Railway Magazine, went on to be a barrister, a railway author and personal friend of at least two Sector Directors.

 

Several of us went on to careers in the industry, and without a doubt our Ian Allan ABCs were the root of a worthwhile occupation for life.   

Thanks Ian,

 

'without a doubt our Ian Allan ABCs were the root of a worthwhile occupation for life.'

 

One of the greatest series of educational books ever written! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony.  

 

 

[westerner]

Re Tony's request as to what we have built this year I would like to show the following which will make up one of the short goods trains on my new small  O gauge layout which you can see and follow if you like in the 7mm section under the thread A change of Direction and Scale, Blakeney (Glos.)

 

 

 

 

 

and finally

 

[coronach]

Some recent kits

[Tony Wright]

1 minute ago, coronach said:

Some recent kits

Thanks for showing us.

 

I'm interested to see you've painted the ends of your 'Palvan' black. I painted mine brown/bauxite. Which is right, please?

 

 

From my research, it would seem to be that BR fitted vans had brown ends. Were there exceptions?

 

The WR BG (is it a BG?) looks interesting. What is it, please? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

[cctransuk]

1 minute ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks for showing us.

 

I'm interested to see you've painted the ends of your 'Palvan' black. I painted mine brown/bauxite. Which is right, please?

 

 

From my research, it would seem to be that BR fitted vans had brown ends. Were there exceptions?

 

The WR BG (is it a BG?) looks interesting. What is it, please? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony,

 

I think that the 'black' is weathering - brown / bauxite is definitely correct.

 

Regards,

John Isherwood.

[johndon]

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Candidates for 'Top RTR Model' next year? 

 

 

Bachmann's new V2s?

 

 

Or the Wainwright 'D' from Rails/Dapol/Locomotion? 

 

I suspect that the Accurscale Deltic and Class 37 will be serious competition for top RTR model next year...

[Barry Ten]

My main modelling achievements this year were a couple of 4-4-0s of very different parentage, not to mention different construction methods.

 

 

This Bird was plastic and etched brass, being based around the Airfix City of Truro.

 

Whereas this Wainwright E1 was white metal with enormous brass frames.

 

 

She's still at this stage as I'm awaiting decals.

 

I also built a few coaches, including this LSWR brake which is now finished apart from painting:

 

 

A lot of my modelling in any given year is tinkering with previous years' projects, some of which grind on forever. Such as this 8 car Western Pullman set:

 

 

This owes nothing to the Bachmann model, which was announced long after I started this albatross. Every year I seem to spend a few weeks adding something to it, before it goes  back in the box for another year. The latest task has been to add DCC and lights to all cars - but at the moment I'm only half way there. The pickups are all home-made.

 

And, much of my modelling has been non-railway related, such as this Sea King, built from a famously difficult Airfix kit:

 

 

Thanks to Tony and all the contributors for their inspiration and brilliant modelling throughout 2019.

 

Al

Edited December 19, 2019 by Barry Ten

[coronach]

38 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks for showing us.

 

I'm interested to see you've painted the ends of your 'Palvan' black. I painted mine brown/bauxite. Which is right, please?

 

 

From my research, it would seem to be that BR fitted vans had brown ends. Were there exceptions?

 

The WR BG (is it a BG?) looks interesting. What is it, please? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

The ends are bauxite but heavily weathered.  I take a view that vehicle ends get the full force of exhaust and generally get dirtier than the sides.

 

The Churchward diagram K34 van (1924) is a refettled plastic kit - one of the clear plastic moulded kits (mail coach / cooper craft?).  It was a terrible job first time around so I discarded all but the body and rebuilt the under frame and roof detail using largely Dart Castings components and American bogies.  It’s worthy of running now.  The photos aren’t brilliant.....  I really enjoyed building the kits though and Santa will bring another half dozen vans as a contribution to another Waverley Route fully fitted freight in 2020.......

Edited December 19, 2019 by coronach
Van type added

[Jack P]

13 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Me again,

 

Didn't those locos painted in the bright green SR livery have green-painted wheels?

 

(Picture of H2 removed)

 

Seen on John Smith's North Foreland in O Gauge.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

Hey Tony, 

 

I appreciate your kind words. Personally, I would appreciate a post war 4mm Golden arrow set very much!

 

In the fantastic book Brighton Atlantics by James S Baldwin, there is some debate about the colour of the wheels - most sources i've come across suggest they were painted black, the main issue is that photos of green atlantics usually have the wheels in shadow. (It's worth mentioning there were a few malachite locos with black wheels, but not many) The green does look very nice and If I can find something concrete regarding the colour i'll repaint them!

 

JP

[St Enodoc]

54 minutes ago, coronach said:

The Churchward diagram K34 van (1924) is a refettled plastic kit - one of the clear plastic moulded kits (mail coach / cooper craft?).  

I've got a couple of Mailcoach full brake kits waiting to be built (they've been waiting for more than 20 years...) but I thought they were K22s. Am I mistaken or did you modify them at all?

[coronach]

1 hour ago, St Enodoc said:

I've got a couple of Mailcoach full brake kits waiting to be built (they've been waiting for more than 20 years...) but I thought they were K22s. Am I mistaken or did you modify them at all?

You may be correct.  Mine wouldn’t be open to too much close scrutiny