Wright writes.....

[46444]

2 hours ago, cctransuk said:

 

In order to use the existing Stanier tender chassis, I'd guess; (the motor was in the loco).

 

Regards,

John Isherwood.

 

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks John,

 

Is that what Hornby did with regard to the little Ivatt?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

John is correct here. There is a trusty XO3 lurking in the loco itself.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark 

[Woodcock29]

4 hours ago, Clem said:

Yes it looks like they have amalgamated the two chimneys. Some of the earlier class members retained the tall chimney but it was parallel and not tapering and stepped like the one on the model. But then I'm very picky about about chimney accuracy.

So am I, exceedingly picky actually as its a key to the face of the loco as is the smokebox door. In fact I made comment on the chimney, dome and safety valves being too tall on the RMweb thread on the Oxford N7 at least twice earlier in the year or last year - after we saw photos of the pre-production models. I'll probably only buy one if they produce it in red lined LNER livery with this boiler and then I'll have to change/modify the boiler fittings.  The black LNER model they have produced with the Belpaire firebox should of course be lined in red. They only went plain black from 1941 onwards.

Andrew

Edited December 28, 2019 by Woodcock29
further comments

[MJI]

7 hours ago, Woodcock29 said:

So am I, exceedingly picky actually as its a key to the face of the loco as is the smokebox door. In fact I made comment on the chimney, dome and safety valves being too tall on the RMweb thread on the Oxford N7 at least twice earlier in the year or last year - after we saw photos of the pre-production models. I'll probably only buy one if they produce it in red lined LNER livery with this boiler and then I'll have to change/modify the boiler fittings.  The black LNER model they have produced with the Belpaire firebox should of course be lined in red. They only went plain black from 1941 onwards.

Andrew

 

 

Especially when modelling the Isle of Sodor.

[Tony Wright]

14 hours ago, 46444 said:

 

Thanks Tony, 

 

The gentleman who did the conversion on your Ivatt did a very nice job.

 

The Comet chassis along with the painting and lining lifts it to another level. 

 

Like I said in my blog entry, some of these older models can be the basis of creating something that can easily mix in with contemporary RTR.

 

I look forwards to further photos of 46502.

 

Cheers, 

 

Mark

Mark,

 

'I look forwards to further photos of 46502.'

 

As promised........................

 

 

This was it prior to Geoff Haynes painting it and before I fitted the correct nine-spoke pony wheels.

 

 

I think I told a lie earlier. I'd obviously forgotten, but the gentleman had scratch-built the frames. I'd said they were Comet ones. Anyway, I put them together and completed the (definitely Comet) motion. 

 

I've now fitted the front steps (spare off a DJH A1/A3 fret). They're just soldered to a scrap brass strip and then superglued in place. 

 

 

 

Have you seen Irwell's latest 'Book of' the class? Definitely worth acquiring. With everything now painted, it makes a fine background for the loco. 

 

One thing not noted in the caption to the top picture of 46502 is that the loco is carrying OVAL front buffers. Unique in the class? Since the model represents the later period (as shown in the lower picture) it's got the standard round types. 

 

Has it been worth completing this little project? I think so, though it's all come out considerably more expensive than a standard Bachmann model, especially with Geoff Haynes' fine painting. It's certainly unique (not that that implies excellence - many unique models are awful!).

 

 

This one is not unique. Seen on Shap, this Bachmann example is certainly a fine model (though what about a proper front coupling and {even more so} getting rid of that gross NEM pocket?). Close-up photography certainly highlights these sort of things! 

 

I suppose the 'ultimate' Ivatt 2 2-6-0 in 4mm is a complete Comet kit. I built one some time ago, which Ian Rathbone painted beautifully. I must try and find some pictures of it. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony.

 

[westerner]

Not exactly building locos or stock,Bucked up enough courage this afternoon to paint the backscene, I was rather worried that I might spoil the sky, I'll let you be the judge of that. To tie in the hanging basket liner I will be giving it a light airbrush with the Tamiya Flat Green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was all done with one main colour Tamiya Flat Green with a touch of Tamiya Neutral Grey for the further trees and Tamiya Blue to increase the dept of colour for the darker hues. It was all applied with an old Junior School brush  in a jabbing motion with just the tip of the brush hitting the sky surface. What it seems to have done is bring out the touches of blue in the sky, which unfortunately does not really show up in the photos.

 

Edited just now by westerner 

 

[46444]

6 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Mark,

 

'I look forwards to further photos of 46502.'

 

As promised........................

 

 

This was it prior to Geoff Haynes painting it and before I fitted the correct nine-spoke pony wheels.

 

 

I think I told a lie earlier. I'd obviously forgotten, but the gentleman had scratch-built the frames. I'd said they were Comet ones. Anyway, I put them together and completed the (definitely Comet) motion. 

 

I've now fitted the front steps (spare off a DJH A1/A3 fret). They're just soldered to a scrap brass strip and then superglued in place. 

 

 

 

Have you seen Irwell's latest 'Book of' the class? Definitely worth acquiring. With everything now painted, it makes a fine background for the loco. 

 

One thing not noted in the caption to the top picture of 46502 is that the loco is carrying OVAL front buffers. Unique in the class? Since the model represents the later period (as shown in the lower picture) it's got the standard round types. 

 

Has it been worth completing this little project? I think so, though it's all come out considerably more expensive than a standard Bachmann model, especially with Geoff Haynes' fine painting. It's certainly unique (not that that implies excellence - many unique models are awful!).

 

 

This one is not unique. Seen on Shap, this Bachmann example is certainly a fine model (though what about a proper front coupling and {even more so} getting rid of that gross NEM pocket?). Close-up photography certainly highlights these sort of things! 

 

I suppose the 'ultimate' Ivatt 2 2-6-0 in 4mm is a complete Comet kit. I built one some time ago, which Ian Rathbone painted beautifully. I must try and find some pictures of it. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony.

 

 

Thankyou Tony for taking these photos. 

 

It's always lovely to see a project finished awaiting the paint shop. Wonderful detailing and once painted guilded nicely. 

 

Funny you mention the Irwell book. I had one given to me as a Christmas present and it's makes a suitable backdrop for 46502.

 

On the subject of cost compared to a Bachmann version I think it comes down to what your perception of cost comes down to. With 46520 you have a unique model that has been crafted by yours and others hands. It is your combined work. Unlike 46460 which is a beautiful Bachmann model owned by many. 

 

I understand the cost issue as I have a mint Bachmann LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 I picked up for a good price. The plan is to convert it to a BR Standard 2-6-0 78xxx using a Judith Edge conversion kit. The interesting side of things comes when you price up the BR Standard fittings from Gibson required to create a 78xxx. Altogether the sum of parts starts to add up. 

 

Now is it worth progressing with this project or wait for the eventual Bachmann version to appear? 

 

The Comet Ivatt 2-6-0 2MT is certainly a beautiful fine model. I have a good friend who has built one. 

 

Thanks once again Tony. 

 

Cheers, 

 

Mark

Edited December 28, 2019 by 46444

[robmcg]

On 27/12/2019 at 10:04, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Rob,

 

You'll never have the need to remove any of your pictures from this thread, or any you've altered. 

 

Image manipulation is 'not actual modelling' in my opinion, but what you do is very clever. But what constitutes 'not actual modelling'? Some of the following perhaps...................?

 

...

 

Meanwhile, all best wishes for the New Year, and please keep on contributing.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Thanks Tony,

 

Just to clarify my enjoyment of manipulated images I would like to put on public record the fact that I am paralysed multiple injuries, wheelchair or bed-bound with only one limb working properly after a serious crash 45 years ago, which has a considerable effect on my ability to model.

I greatly admire the modelling which is displayed here and in no way want to suggest any kind of crusade for image-changing.  Most of my modelling as pointed out is buying RTR and altering images. 

Mostly I just celebrate railways and trains and beautiful models.

 

 

Cheers and best to all. (As to the above, a picture for 'the other lot'..)

[Tony Wright]

46 minutes ago, robmcg said:

 

 

Thanks Tony,

 

Just to clarify my enjoyment of manipulated images I would like to put on public record the fact that I am paralysed multiple injuries, wheelchair or bed-bound with only one limb working properly after a serious crash 45 years ago, which has a considerable effect on my ability to model.

I greatly admire the modelling which is displayed here and in no way want to suggest any kind of crusade for image-changing.  Most of my modelling as pointed out is buying RTR and altering images. 

Mostly I just celebrate railways and trains and beautiful models.

 

 

Cheers and best to all. (As to the above, a picture for 'the other lot'..)

Good evening Rob,

 

If, because of your circumstances, your image manipulation is the only 'modelling' you can do, then what right have I (or anyone else) to say it's 'wrong'? 

 

Fortunately, despite getting on in years, I have (for my age) fully-functioning-faculties (a bit of festive alliteration?) which enable me to carry on modelling as well (well almost, I suppose) as I've always done. I certainly don't possess your skills at image manipulation, nor, to be blunt, does it bother me that I don't. I don't need to, and I don't want to acquire such skills, but that's me. As you know, I hate fake smoke in model railway images and I heartily dislike too much manipulation of images illustrating model railways. However (unless I'm completely wrong), your pictures are not of model railways. They contain model railway items, though (I assume) in the shot of the Royal Scot you've shown, everything apart from the loco (and the carriages?) is made-up. It's not then (in my opinion) a picture of a model railway. 

 

I like my model railway pictures to show me it 'exactly as it is' so to speak. Above all else, they must show (to me) actual, personal modelling. At least what you do is personal (and very creative). I know of many in this hobby who can't (or won't, which is poor) make anything creative for themselves, whatever their faculties.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

2 hours ago, 46444 said:

 

Thankyou Tony for taking these photos. 

 

It's always lovely to see a project finished awaiting the paint shop. Wonderful detailing and once painted guilded nicely. 

 

Funny you mention the Irwell book. I had one given to me as a Christmas present and it's makes a suitable backdrop for 46502.

 

On the subject of cost compared to a Bachmann version I think it comes down to what your perception of cost comes down to. With 46520 you have a unique model that has been crafted by yours and others hands. It is your combined work. Unlike 46460 which is a beautiful Bachmann model owned by many. 

 

I understand the cost issue as I have a mint Bachmann LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 I picked up for a good price. The plan is to convert it to a BR Standard 2-6-0 78xxx using a Judith Edge conversion kit. The interesting side of things comes when you price up the BR Standard fittings from Gibson required to create a 78xxx. Altogether the sum of parts starts to add up. 

 

Now is it worth progressing with this project or wait for the eventual Bachmann version to appear? 

 

The Comet Ivatt 2-6-0 2MT is certainly a beautiful fine model. I have a good friend who has built one. 

 

Thanks once again Tony. 

 

Cheers, 

 

Mark

Thanks Mark,

 

The 'cost issue' is an interesting one. I haven't actually worked out what 46502 cost me, but it wasn't a huge amount. I think I gave the family £30.00 for the part-completed model, which included the frames and most of the motion, plus all the extra cast metal pieces (though not handrails). I bought the wheels, crankpins, motor and gear mount - say another £80.00, which takes the total to over £100.00. Add on Geoff Haynes' painting and (despite some bartering), the total then becomes  the wrong side of £200.00. I obviously didn't factor in my time to complete it, but had I, and then sold the complete model on (or tried to), then I'd have been asking over £400.00. Which is nonsense for a detailed plastic-bodied loco in OO, even if it has got a very nice chassis and has been professionally-painted. 

 

But then, as you allude to, that isn't the point. I have a unique model, partly the work of one who's died, partly the work of me and partly the work of a dear friend. How personal is that, even though I didn't know the original starter of it? At least his surviving family has benefited from it (as has CRUK to the tune of £3.00). It was there, in a margarine box, looking very sorry for itself, and I took pity on it! (Sorry to be florid!). 

 

To some, the whole thing must seem absurd. What's a Bachmann equivalent cost? No matter, 46502 (when the girder bridge is complete) will trundle round on the MR/M&GNR bit of LB on its Nottingham-Kings Lynn ex-LMS three set. If there is an afterlife (which, being an atheist, I don't think there is), in my hypocrite mode, I'm sure the original starter of the project, if he's looking down, might even be pleased that it's finished! I'd like to think so.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Edited December 28, 2019 by Tony Wright
to clarify a point

[Clive Mortimore]

2 hours ago, robmcg said:

 

 

Thanks Tony,

 

Just to clarify my enjoyment of manipulated images I would like to put on public record the fact that I am paralysed multiple injuries, wheelchair or bed-bound with only one limb working properly after a serious crash 45 years ago, which has a considerable effect on my ability to model.

I greatly admire the modelling which is displayed here and in no way want to suggest any kind of crusade for image-changing.  Most of my modelling as pointed out is buying RTR and altering images. 

Mostly I just celebrate railways and trains and beautiful models.

 

 

Cheers and best to all. (As to the above, a picture for 'the other lot'..)

Hi Rob and All

 

What I like about Rob's images is the creative aspect. If it was a super-duper photo of a toy train on a well built layout there would be some getting all excited about it. If it was a photo that was perfectly framed etc of a real loco there would be others who would be equally excited. If it was an oil painting I expect there would be excitement amoungst those who like railway art. Rob's work is something very different and I for one enjoy seeing what has been achieved.

 

Given the abilities Rob's accident has left him his images are far more creative than a lot of other modellers who can run, skip and chose the finger on which hand they want to pick their noses with. Well done Rob.

Edited December 28, 2019 by Clive Mortimore

[CF MRC]

16 hours ago, robmcg said:

 

 

Thanks Tony,

 

Just to clarify my enjoyment of manipulated images I would like to put on public record the fact that I am paralysed multiple injuries, wheelchair or bed-bound with only one limb working properly after a serious crash 45 years ago, which has a considerable effect on my ability to model.

I greatly admire the modelling which is displayed here and in no way want to suggest any kind of crusade for image-changing.  Most of my modelling as pointed out is buying RTR and altering images. 

Mostly I just celebrate railways and trains and beautiful models.

 

 

Cheers and best to all. (As to the above, a picture for 'the other lot'..)

I think your pictures often have a George Heiron quality to them Rob. That is artistry. 
 

Tim

[thegreenhowards]

As it's 'show and tell' time, here are some of my highlights of the year. Some of them will have already been shown on here, but as they're probably 100s of pages back, I thought it would be OK to show them again.

 

First up we have a SE Finecast J6 following the lead given by Tony's article in Railway Modeller in Dec 2018(?).

Next a BEC J17 bought off eBay and renovated.

That's about it for locos as most of the year was spent on coaches.

 

First up an ex streamlined artic pair which form part of the 1950s West Riding. These were built from Mailcoach sides, with the rest from 247, MJT and scratch.

 

Next a number of Thompson PV coaches built from Southern Pride sides on Bachmann donors:

SK with Ladies Retiring Room.

Buffet Lounge. These two completed my 1957 Elizabethan rake.

RSO, 

 

FO, and

...RK. Which together form the catering core of my 1410 Kings Cross-Hull/ York rake.

 

Then a steel panelled BG from Comet sides.

 

Now we have a couple of Mark 1 FO prototypes built from Southern Pride sides on Hornby donors. First E3083 (now resident on the Severn Valley Railway)

 

and E3084.

 

Moving on we have a Gresley twin SLF from Mousa sides on Hornby donors.

This will form part of my Night Scotsman rake which is, as yet, unfinished.

 

On the suburban front, I built this d.210 twin from Mousa sides with the rest made up from 247, Comet, MJT and scratch components.

 

I then tackled Pullman Car 107 which is a wooden K type Pullman which was a stalwart of ECML services in the 1950s alongside the all steel cars. It is different from the standard Hornby offerings, so I built it by cutting and shutting an older Hornby Queen of Scots car and rebuilding the roof, finishing it off with Precision labels panels and SE Finecast flush glazing.

It forms part of my Yorkshire Pullman rake as described here:

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/149386-gresley-junction/&do=findComment&comment=3771140

 

And finally this GCR bogied fish wagon built from a brass WSM kit.

 

Should you be interested there are more details of all these projects on my workbench thread starting here:

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/135510-coulsdon-works/&do=findComment&comment=3421718

 

Not as prolific as 'Sir', but I'm quite pleased with my output for the year. Next year, I hope to build more locos as well as making more progress with the layout.

 

Happy New Year to all Wright Writes followers.

 

Andy

 

 

 

 

Edited December 29, 2019 by thegreenhowards
Pictures out of order

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, thegreenhowards said:

As it's 'show and tell' time, here are some of my highlights of the year. Some of them will have already been shown on here, but as they're probably 100s of pages back, I thought it would be OK to show them again.

 

First up we have a SE Finecast J6 following the lead given by Tony's article in Railway Modeller in Dec 2018(?).

Next a BEC J17 bought off eBay and renovated.

That's about it for locos as most of the year was spent on coaches.

 

First up an ex streamlined artic pair which form part of the 1950s West Riding. These were built from Mailcoach sides, with the rest from 247, MJT and scratch.

 

Next a number of Thompson PV coaches built from Southern Pride sides on Bachmann donors:

SK with Ladies Retiring Room.

Buffet Lounge. These two completed my 1957 Elizabethan rake.

RSO, 

 

FO, and

...RK. Which together form the catering core of my 1410 Kings Cross-Hull/ York rake.

 

Then a steel panelled BG from Comet sides.

 

Now we have a couple of Mark 1 FO prototypes built from Southern Pride sides on Hornby donors. First E3083 (now resident on the Severn Valley Railway)

 

and E3084.

 

Moving on we have a Gresley twin SLF from Mousa sides on Hornby donors.

This will form part of my Night Scotsman rake which is, as yet, unfinished.

 

On the suburban front, I built this d.210 twin from Mousa sides with the rest made up from 247, Comet, MJT and scratch components.

 

I then tackled Pullman Car 107 which is a wooden K type Pullman which was a stalwart of ECML services in the 1950s alongside the all steel cars. It is different from the standard Hornby offerings, so I built it by cutting and shutting an older Hornby Queen of Scots car and rebuilding the roof, finishing it off with Precision labels panels and SE Finecast flush glazing.

It forms part of my Yorkshire Pullman rake as described here:

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/149386-gresley-junction/&do=findComment&comment=3771140

 

And finally this GCR bogied fish wagon built from a brass WSM kit.

 

Should you be interested there are more details of all these projects on my workbench thread starting here:

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/135510-coulsdon-works/&do=findComment&comment=3421718

 

Not as prolific as 'Sir', but I'm quite pleased with my output for the year. Next year, I hope to build more locos as well as making more progress with the layout.

 

Happy New Year to all Wright Writes followers.

 

Andy

 

 

 

 

What a tremendous achievement, Andy. Well done!

 

Thanks for showing us. I assume the carriages don't include those you built for Gilbert Barnatt? 

 

'Not as prolific as 'Sir', but I'm quite pleased with my output for the year. Next year, I hope to build more locos as well as making more progress with the layout.'

 

I'm not so sure......................... Your output is certainly prolific. 

 

Regarding your layout, Gresley Junction, I dipped into your thread today and was very impressed with the running. However, there appear to be small yards both sides of the main running lines, neither of which is protected by trap points. I assume that's a future detail? 

 

As for my 'output' since I last posted what I've done this year, I'm very disappointed with myself. I had hoped this holiday to have achieved much more, but family festivities and trips to the pub took over. That and blobbing out with far too much consumed! 

 

However, today I've been self-disciplined enough to almost complete the McGowan  B12/3 I started a month ago.......

 

 

A bit more detailing (all that Westinghouse plumbing!) and a fair bit of cleaning up and it'll be ready for the paint shop. It's certainly a product of its time (a bit lumpen), but it runs well and is very powerful.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

P. S. Has anyone been more self-motivated than I have been this holiday? It wouldn't have been difficult! 

 

 

[thegreenhowards]

11 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

What a tremendous achievement, Andy. Well done!

 

Thanks for showing us. I assume the carriages don't include those you built for Gilbert Barnatt? 

 

'Not as prolific as 'Sir', but I'm quite pleased with my output for the year. Next year, I hope to build more locos as well as making more progress with the layout.'

 

I'm not so sure......................... Your output is certainly prolific. 

 

Regarding your layout, Gresley Junction, I dipped into your thread today and was very impressed with the running. However, there appear to be small yards both sides of the main running lines, neither of which is protected by trap points. I assume that's a future detail? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

P. S. Has anyone been more self-motivated than I have been this holiday? It wouldn't have been difficult! 

 

 

Tony,

 

Thanks for your kind words.

 

I actually built four of those 66ft Thompson sleepers. Two for Gilbert and two for me. However they didn’t make the cut for the ‘show and tell’ as they were finished in Dec 2018 (how time flies!). Mine are languishing in a box waiting for the rest of my ‘Night Scotsman’ rake to be finished, but when I get to that point in the Gresley Jn Sequence, I think I’ll have to cobble something together to give them a run.

 

On Gresley Jn I have followed your lead and tracked down any faults when they occur, so the running is now fairly good...although nowhere near the standard of LB. Of course, my thread doesn’t show all of the video retakes! The main problems seem to occur when I haven’t used it for a while or with rakes when I bring them back from running on the club layout and a coupling has got twisted.

 

With regard to the trap points, I’ll be honest. When I started Gresley Jn, I thought trap points were for pedants and couldn’t see the point of spending money and wasting space on something which wouldn’t achieve anything! I hadn’t really thought about it since, but I can now see the error of my ways! I’m no expert, but I think the inner circuit is OK, because the five sidings are accessed via a headshunt which provides protection and the goods yard only access terminating roads in the station - again effectively a headshunt. On the outer, the bay platform provides a similar function, but the other two sidings should be protected. I’ll see if I can glue a piece of rail in to give an impression.

 

For me, Xmas is a family time. My modelling box went away on Dec 23rd and only came out again last night in front of the telly (Eddie the Eagle). So you did much better than me.

 

Andy

 

 

[Tony Wright]

17 minutes ago, thegreenhowards said:

Tony,

 

Thanks for your kind words.

 

I actually built four of those 66ft Thompson sleepers. Two for Gilbert and two for me. However they didn’t make the cut for the ‘show and tell’ as they were finished in Dec 2018 (how time flies!). Mine are languishing in a box waiting for the rest of my ‘Night Scotsman’ rake to be finished, but when I get to that point in the Gresley Jn Sequence, I think I’ll have to cobble something together to give them a run.

 

On Gresley Jn I have followed your lead and tracked down any faults when they occur, so the running is now fairly good...although nowhere near the standard of LB. Of course, my thread doesn’t show all of the video retakes! The main problems seem to occur when I haven’t used it for a while or with rakes when I bring them back from running on the club layout and a coupling has got twisted.

 

With regard to the trap points, I’ll be honest. When I started Gresley Jn, I thought trap points were for pedants and couldn’t see the point of spending money and wasting space on something which wouldn’t achieve anything! I hadn’t really thought about it since, but I can now see the error of my ways! I’m no expert, but I think the inner circuit is OK, because the five sidings are accessed via a headshunt which provides protection and the goods yard only access terminating roads in the station - again effectively a headshunt. On the outer, the bay platform provides a similar function, but the other two sidings should be protected. I’ll see if I can glue a piece of rail in to give an impression.

 

For me, Xmas is a family time. My modelling box went away on Dec 23rd and only came out again last night in front of the telly (Eddie the Eagle). So you did much better than me.

 

Andy

 

 

Thanks Andy,

 

'I’ll see if I can glue a piece of rail in to give an impression.'

 

It can be very effective. I'll take pictures later to illustrate it, because, for once, I ceased to be a pedant! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

[St Enodoc]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Andy,

 

'I’ll see if I can glue a piece of rail in to give an impression.'

 

It can be very effective. I'll take pictures later to illustrate it, because, for once, I ceased to be a pedant! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Glue, Tony? At least mine are soldered in!

[D-A-T]

Hi

Can I thank Tony (I think it was he) for mentioning the chap selling the 4mm kit collection. His trading name is W M Collectables. I emailed him and he agreed to take a selection of kits to the Doncaster Toy Fair today. So now have three GNR coach kits and a Parcel Van.

He is a very obliging chap and if you email him he will take a selection of kits to any show he is attending. No lists unfortunately. 
I could have spent a lot more!

David

[gr.king]

17 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

 

 

However, today I've been self-disciplined enough to almost complete the McGowan  B12/3 I started a month ago.......

 

It's certainly a product of its time (a bit lumpen),

 

Was any loco from the same stable ever anything other than lumpen? I produced heaps of white metal filings off the parts that were supposed to build my Robinson B4, filled up huge gaps with solder and with epoxy, as well as simply puttiing some pieces in the bin and making substitute parts from scratch so that they at least looked similar to the items they were supposed to be......

[Tony Wright]

2 hours ago, gr.king said:

 

Was any loco from the same stable ever anything other than lumpen? I produced heaps of white metal filings off the parts that were supposed to build my Robinson B4, filled up huge gaps with solder and with epoxy, as well as simply puttiing some pieces in the bin and making substitute parts from scratch so that they at least looked similar to the items they were supposed to be......

 

'Was any loco from the same stable ever anything other than lumpen?'

 

Probably not, Graeme; probably not! 

 

That said, such kits are what you make them.............. Or make of them............

 

 

Is this really so bad? Of course, I've used substitute parts where necessary (the Westinghouse pump was a lumpen blob, as were the buffers), but I didn't have to resort to too much filling. In fact, solder filled any slight gaps. I've forgotten to fit the injectors beneath the cab - this evening's tiny job. 

 

 

A bit crude, yes, but still enjoyable to build. 

 

 

Of course, I don't expect it to be in the same class as this B12/3. I built this from a PDK kit and Ian Rathbone painted it perfectly. 

 

Given how much crisper the etched brass example is, does the cast metal one show any advantage?

 

 

It damn well does! Here's the McGowan B12/3 romping round LB on 14 kit-built bogies and a horsebox.  Despite its being ballasted, this is way beyond the PDK B12/3's capabilities. In case folk think this is nonsense, there is a prototype precedence. In September 1950, Grantham's 61553 took over the 14-coach 'West Riding' after 60112 failed at the Lincolnshire town. Despite having to take water at Huntingdon, the veteran arrived at Kings Cross unassisted only 50 minutes down. 

 

Out of interest (not having a Hornby B12/3, and not needing one), I tried a Hornby A3 and Hornby A4 respectively on this train. All they did was polish the rails! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Edited December 30, 2019 by Tony Wright
typo error

[Tony Wright]

5 hours ago, D-A-T said:

Hi

Can I thank Tony (I think it was he) for mentioning the chap selling the 4mm kit collection. His trading name is W M Collectables. I emailed him and he agreed to take a selection of kits to the Doncaster Toy Fair today. So now have three GNR coach kits and a Parcel Van.

He is a very obliging chap and if you email him he will take a selection of kits to any show he is attending. No lists unfortunately. 
I could have spent a lot more!

David

Good evening David,

 

The B12/3 shown above came from him.

 

I bought it at Warley. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

6 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

Glue, Tony? At least mine are soldered in!

Yes, glue, John!

 

How else could plastic chairs be fixed to plastic sleepers? 

 

When Norman Solomon made all the trackwork for the scenic side of Little Bytham, I foolishly forgot to make plain to him the need for a trap point protecting the Down north lay-by's access to the Down slow. Thus, he didn't make it.

 

Now, this niggled me for ages, until Norman came back at a later date (if ever he's working in the area, he's always invited). I asked him whether it could be installed retrospectively. It could, but here's the total cheat - it's just a dummy! 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't work at all, so really is useless as a trap point. However, that's not the point (pun intended!); the eye is aware of its presence and just accepts it. It really does finish the lay-by off.

 

Speaking more of trap points (is it pedantry to insist upon their being present?), no real, main line railway would allow direct access from a siding or loop to a running road without a trap point or a sand drag guarding a move. And, not just main lines - the small GWR terminus at Moretonhamstead had one.  

 

It's similar with access to dead-end sidings off a running road (unless it's at termini). To gain access, a train must first run forward, then reverse in. 

 

The whole principles are based on safety. I keep on mentioning 'observation of the prototype', how a real railway (in steam days) was laid out and how it was operated. So many made-up model railway trackplans are just nonsense. In reality, no Board of Trade inspector would pass them! 

 

Yet, when I mention observation (and I do a lot!), from some directions I'm 'accused' of pedantry and even of being a zealot, or an elitist! I once criticised a layout in a magazine built with beginners in mind, where no trackwork safety features had been included at all. 'Most don't know' was the response. How sad - a wonderful opportunity to actually educate modellers (and not just beginners) was just discarded! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Pannier Tank]

30 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Speaking more of trap points (is it pedantry to insist upon their being present?), no real, main line railway would allow direct access from a siding or loop to a running road without a trap point or a sand drag guarding a move. And, not just main lines - the small GWR terminus at Moretonhamstead had one.  

 

 

Two actually! One protecting the Goods Yard Exit and one protecting the Engine release Loop Exit

[43078shildoncountydurham]

Hi Tony and the gang,

 

Hope you can all help, I was given the below from a friend, It was his uncles who past away,  I gather it’s a 60139 Sea eagle metal body kit...

1, any idea what the manufacturer is/was?
2, can I get a kit chassis for it?

 
Thank you as always..

 

Craig

Edited December 30, 2019 by 43078shildoncountydurham

[jamie92208]

Just be grateful that you didn't model a Midland Prototype. Many of their goods yard exits were protected by a trap formed with a double slip.  I had to make one on the exit from the coal yard on Green Ayre.  However there is a proper trap point on the Castle branch as it approaches the junction with the main line.  It could be made to work and there is even a lever in the lever frame but I've never got round to  installing a motor. As you say people see the trap point and seem to accept it.

 

Jamie

[Theakerr]

Thought I would post a picture of my N7.  It started out as  a Wills Finecast Bodyline Kit which was given to me by  Lady who had operated her husbands layout way back.  I happened to have a Bachmann J11 chassis siting around purchased for a project that didn't work out.  I also had am incredible priced old DJH A2 kit.  However,  I had not built a white metal kit for many moons and didn't want to destroy or damage this kit.  So the N7 kit was there at the right time and price to become a learning kit.  As it was I managed to put only one hole in a side tank.  I was not happy with the first paint job and stripped it using Detol.  At some point I will decide how much weathering I will apply.  The real thing uses a series on reverse curves in the lining, but after much searching I was not able to come up with any set of transfers that colour matched the reversed curves and my skill with a bow pen is long lost.  So imagine my delight when I came up with a picture showing an unlined N7.