Swindelton – inspiration from a challenge 7 years later!

[ChrisS]

I’ve had a couple of production lines going recently. 

 

Once upon a time I acquired some KS laser design 6ft chain link fencing (approx 70cm) and a double gate kit. I thought I’d use and incorporate these in Swindelton. The only issue is, in my mind, that the mesh supplied with the kit looks a bit coarse (sample in right of photo).

 

In the past I found and used mesh for car repairs and luckily Halfords still stock it at £2.50 a sheet. I think this finer mesh looks better, so I spent an hour cutting it up into sections. The only issue is your eyes start playing tricks on you and it can be difficult to keep cutting a straight line!  I’m not wasting the coarse mesh, as once rolled up it looks like bundles ready for engineers to install a boundary fence somewhere else.  

 

 

 

I’ve also recently spent time trying to break the back of the cable trunking production. I’ve used different shades of grey and added a bit of variety with broken or dislodged covers using evergreen channel and strip. Talk about tedious, but at least I’m not doing it on the scale of Heaton Lodge! 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 30, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

I’ve been busy with a couple of projects so not spent too much time on Swindelton recently, but I have been doing a couple of small bits in the background. 

 

Once upon a time, on impulse, I acquired a Dapol United Dairies 6 wheeled tank wagon. Not too sure why as it doesn’t really fit in with my era of modelling.  I subsequently discovered that it's a bit of a mongrel and effectively a wagon of fiction. Its a strange love child with characteristics from GWR and LMS railway examples combined into one wagon- I’ve no idea why a manufacturer would do this. 

 

 

It has sat in my cupboard a little unloved for a while and I felt a bit guilty and sorry for it. Using Paul Bartlett’s website for inspiration, I saw several real-life examples had been converted for other uses such as water, waste oil and antifreeze storage on depots. So, I thought I would do the same and add a bit of variety with a fictitious ZRV for use on Swindelton.  

 

I took a deep breath, and with a scalpel I removed the vents and also the banding from the top half of the tank. Several examples from Pauls website that I was basing mine on, did not have the bands on the outside of the tank. I also took the opportunity to try and remove or reduce as many seam lines as possible. 

 

 

 

 

I used Halfords grey primer and Humbrol matt aluminium MetalCoat. The latter I applied with an air brush which resulted in a strange powdered finish. After drying and rubbing the powder away, it looked ok, but I'd probably brush paint the MetalCoat if doing it again. 

 

 

With some good quality Tamiya masking tape, I marked out the black bands and sprayed satin black through the airbrush. The wooden blocks and straps were then hand painted. 

 

 

At this point I’ve done some very light weathering and highlights by dry brushing on some matt white. Just got to source some suitable transfers if possible before I weather it any more. 

 

 

I’ve ended up with something I’m quite happy with, and more appropriate for use on Swindelton, despite it being a mongrel! 

 

 

On another note, the fencing contractor has turned up, but he’s on a good rate and not in any rush to finish! 

 

 

Till next time. 

Edited December 30, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[Simond]

Sssh, don’t mention the issues with the milk tanks, I did, and got a right bollocking for suggesting that it might have been nice if they made a model that was actually of a real vehicle...

 

atb

Simon

[ChrisS]

8 minutes ago, Simond said:

Sssh, don’t mention the issues with the milk tanks, I did, and got a right bollocking for suggesting that it might have been nice if they made a model that was actually of a real vehicle...

 

atb

Simon

 

What's a little naughty is the box proclaiming its an authentic scale model - perhaps it should have been worded differently :-O

 

[Simond]

Well, it is an authentic scale model, the scale is authentically 1/43.5.  It’s just not a model of anything that actually existed.

 

and the invective that was unleashed on Adrian Swain (now sadly deceased) for his detailed and accurate criticism was quite unreasonable in my view, particularly as he wasn’t at all well at the time.  Anyway, probably best to let bygones be bygones, water under the bridge, etc...
 

atb

Simon

[ChrisS]

There are many like it but this one is mine. I was expecting it next week but DPD turned up early by surprise! 

 

It's a very nice model and extremely free running and very smooth. Very happy with it!

 

 

[47606odin]

15 minutes ago, ChrisS said:

There are many like it but this one is mine. I was expecting it next week but DPD turned up early by surprise! 

 

It's a very nice model and extremely free running and very smooth. Very happy with it!

 

 

not been advised about mine from Hattons yet. I have 2 on order

[ChrisS]

Snap- I have a 2nd one aswell. Can't justify any more.

 

 

It's not totally clear but apparently one of the Dutch liveried examples offered by Dapol has end steps and handrails fitted, but not sure when this modification was carried out, so I ordered the two versions without.

 

[47606odin]

3 minutes ago, ChrisS said:

Snap- I have a 2nd one aswell. Can't justify any more.

 

 

that’s all the room I have. I have very little room behind the loco depot. Regards the steps, I’ve no idea when they were done, I just picked 2 at random, so don’t know if mine will have them or not

[47606odin]

I have the same pair on order, so mine won’t have steps then

[ChrisS]

1 minute ago, 47606odin said:

I have the same pair on order, so mine won’t have steps then

 

I think its the one with reference number ending 006 that has the steps and hand rail.

 

Space and finances are the main reasons I'll be keeping to two aswell - at least for now!

 

[ChrisS]

I was in day dreaming mode this afternoon.....

 

It's 1986 and an unidentified 25 joins the branch line passing Swindelton with the empty 19.05 engineering ballast train. It's a short consist of two Turbots, a Catfish and Dogfish........

 

 

Just need some Mermaids now to make some other realistic consists. Finishing the scenics would also help with the illusion!

 

 

[ChrisS]

Where has the summer and time gone?

 

A small update- It has taken a while but a few things have been arriving in the post recently, with the aim of progressing Swindelton and making it a bit greener!

 

Amongst other bits this has included the following in different lengths and colours.

 

 

I've never used a static grass applicator before, so will be practicing a bit. I will need to get a colour combination i'm happy with before I build up the courage to do a larger area actually on Swindelton- this might take some time!

 

I was quite surprised I was able to get 6mm fibres to stand on end on my first attempt. The phone camera doesn't like close up shots and is not the best quality- it looks a lot better in reality- honestly.

 

 

Hoping to have more energy over the weekend to experiment a bit more. I will certainly be watching a few youtube videos and reading as much guidance on application in this forum too!

 

Till next time.

 

 

[ChrisS]

Well I sometimes surprise myself.

 

I spent some good time today experimenting with the static grass. I’ve spent the last couple of days reading and watching articles and videos, building up the courage to actually have a proper go with it on Swindelton. I’d done some small experimental patches but now I just had to get on with it and have ago!

 

Below is the equipment I used. After previously doing quite a bit of research, there is obviously a grass applicator out there for every budget. This is my first grass applicator so I don’t have any opinions on any of the others out there. Part of the reason why I chose this one was because of its relatively small size and it came as a kit with different sieves and accessories. I also acquired a puffer bottle- the thinking being I could use this to cover hard to reach corners if required.

 

 

I started with my camouflaged embankment and covered it in the basing glue. I the applied a base layer of 2mm grass in a couple of different colours. The glue is still drying which accounts for the strange blue colour in the 2nd photo. 

 

 

 

Then the fun started using the layering spray and all the different lengths and colours of grass, between 4 and 10mm in length. I particularly like the dead/ wild meadow colours. I used a vacuum cleaner to try and help pull up the grass. I was aiming for a slightly wild look. Hopefully at a later date I’ll add some bushes and other plants. 

 

 

After a bit of drying time I re-installed the chain link fence that I’d previously built. I deliberately removed it prior to using the static grass, as I suspected that the layering spray may have resulted in grass becoming entangled in it. It would have been a nightmare to remove! 

 

 

For my first proper go at using the static grass applicator I’m really quite happy with the result, but I might try a couple of different things when I come to do other parts of Swindelton. Whilst doing my research I saw some amazing videos where bushes and brambles were created with static grass, so I’m going to order a few more supplies to give this ago. 

 

 

On another note, although I have nothing to compare it against, I’m really happy with my static grass applicator purchase. Really looking forward to making further progress and experimenting further on Swindelton. 

 

Till next time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sb67]

hat looks very nice ChrisS, one tip I learned from RMweb is to 'hand plant' tufts of grass randomly and trim them if needed when dry just to add another effect. I'll look forward to seeing your experiments with Brambles etc. Which videos have you been looking at? 

Out of interest who makes the applicator, I've not seen that before? 

[ChrisS]

On 14/09/2020 at 18:42, sb67 said:

hat looks very nice ChrisS, one tip I learned from RMweb is to 'hand plant' tufts of grass randomly and trim them if needed when dry just to add another effect. I'll look forward to seeing your experiments with Brambles etc. Which videos have you been looking at? 

Out of interest who makes the applicator, I've not seen that before? 

 

Hello, 

 

One of the YouTube videos I've got inspiration from is the following (assuming I'm allowed to post the link and it works?).

If the following does not work, search in YouTube for Microrama Magigras : How you realize grassed areas and bushes in your miniature with RTS Greenkeeper 

 

Ignore the first couple of minutes but the end result is really good IMO. 

 

I will certainly give hand planting of tufts ago, as you say to add another effect. 

 

My applicator is an RTS Greenkeeper 25Kv model. They are using the 35Kv model in the video. RTS do a range of applicators with different ratings eg Junior, 25, 35 and 55Kv. The 35 and 55Kv versions are significantly more expensive and are larger (as seen in the video). RTS aren't the cheapest on the market, but ultimately you make your own choices based on your own criteria and research.

 

 

 

[47606odin]

14 hours ago, ChrisS said:

 

Hello, 

 

One of the YouTube videos I've got inspiration from is the following (assuming I'm allowed to post the link and it works?).

If the following does not work, search in YouTube for Microrama Magigras : How you realize grassed areas and bushes in your miniature with RTS Greenkeeper 

 

Ignore the first couple of minutes but the end result is really good IMO. 

 

I will certainly give hand planting of tufts ago, as you say to add another effect. 

 

My applicator is an RTS Greenkeeper 25Kv model. They are using the 35Kv model in the video. RTS do a range of applicators with different ratings eg Junior, 25, 35 and 55Kv. The 35 and 55Kv versions are significantly more expensive and are larger (as seen in the video). RTS aren't the cheapest on the market, but ultimately you make your own choices based on your own criteria and research.

 

 

 

I can’t keep taking my layout outside to tip up in a box to spray and sprinkle on it

[sb67]

Nice video Chris, I got the book by Gordon Gravett, Modelling Grasslland, a really good read with loads of ideas and tips. 

[ChrisS]

10 hours ago, 47606odin said:

I can’t keep taking my layout outside to tip up in a box to spray and sprinkle on it

 

Yes I'd have trouble tipping my model too!! However, I think it shows what can be achieved. Will just have to adapt the technique.  I might try adding grass to structures that could be planted to represent bushes etc.

 

2 hours ago, sb67 said:

Nice video Chris, I got the book by Gordon Gravett, Modelling Grasslland, a really good read with loads of ideas and tips. 

 

Thanks, I'll have a lookout for this. I'm hoping to have another go/ experiment over the weekend.

 

 

[ChrisS]

I was planning on experimenting with more grass application this weekend but the working week took its toll. It didn’t start off well, with an inspection of an abattoir- probably one of the worst jobs/ working environments I’ve ever experienced. On top of that, I came home to burgers for dinner! 

 

Anyhow, something else arrived during the week. I’ve been meaning to sort out mounting the self-adhesive backscene I’d previously ordered. I decided to mount it on some 3mm Foamex board as hopefully it won't be affected by the temperature changes in the garage.  

 

Despite the fragile tape, someone in the delivery chain thought it would be a good idea to walk all over it! Luckily it was well packaged. 

 

 

 

After trimming the self-adhesive backscene I managed to fit the backscene without getting any air bubbles (yay!) and I was really happy with it.  

 

 

However, when I fitted it to Swindelton the curve in the backscene resulted in creases becoming apparent. I thought it might be due to the tightness of the curve, but even a mild curve results in creases appearing. This is a little disappointing. It looks even worse in reality- you might be able to see one of the larger creases in the following photo! 

 

 

From a distance it’s fine, but I’ll have to see if I can hide some of the creases with a carefully placed tree, or find an alternative.  At least the foamex board is quite durable so I should be able to reuse it, if I decide to have another go at mounting a different backscene.

 

 

I seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. Till next time. 

 

Edited December 30, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

It’s getting cold in the garage now but I’ve been having fun using the static grass to cover the embankment along the rear. One thing I have learnt is to cover anything you don’t want static grass and the layering spray to adhere to! As before I used a blend of summer, patchy and dead grass colours. I had to use cocktail sticks to make sure I didn't lose the fencepost holes under all the grass.

 

 

It looks quite manicured, so I’ll be adding other details and vegetation at a later date. You can see some of the undulations caused by the small stones that I put under the mod rock. Next time I will definitely add a few more. 

 

The graffiti artists from the local housing estate had created access in the chain link fence, so this has been patched up for now! 

 

 

The fence line seems to be doing a good job a toning down the bright green field on the backscene. I still have to finish the bridge embankment on the other side, but still need to finish details on the bridge first. 

 

 

 

That’s all for now. 

[Baggies1961]

Hi Chris,

Love the layout and scenery, can you tell me where the chain link fencing came from please.

Cheers

Julian.

[gismorail]

The static grass system really does transform a layout into a real life scene and is in my opinion well worth the extra work involved. A little trick that I have found works well is once you have completed the static grass application on for example an embankment, is to very lightly apply some light brown acrylic colours in a spray gun over the grassed area which will produce those dried / dead grass effects that are often seen in such areas alongside railway tracks especially towards the end of the summer period and into autumn. You will need to do this in very light passes and build up the different colours by eye until you achieve the desired effect.

[ChrisS]

On 11/10/2020 at 23:01, Baggies1961 said:

Hi Chris,

Love the layout and scenery, can you tell me where the chain link fencing came from please.

Cheers

Julian.

 

Thanks Julian,

 

The fence posts are from KS laser designs. I did not fancy cutting and drilling the posts myself. He does a kit with some mesh and posts, or you can bulk buy the posts. After buying one kit I decided to just buy the posts for the following reason...

 

I decided the mesh supplied was too coarse, so I use aluminium car repair mesh (ISOPON) from Halfords. Its a couple of pound for a reasonable sheet that I then cut to size- concentrating on the cutting makes your eyes go funny though! 

 

I think the gauge is slightly more realistic. I spray the posts with Halfords primer and paint with a lighter Humbrol enamel grey.

 

A photo previously posted shows the ISOPON mesh packaging from Halfords. The mesh on the right is what is supplied if you order the kit from KS laser designs. The other bits cut to size is the ISOPON mesh.

 

 

HTH

 

Chris

 

 

Edited December 30, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[Baggies1961]

Thanks Chris thats a great help. It does look good.

Regards

Julian.