Swindelton – inspiration from a challenge 7 years later!

[ChrisS]

So the other presents I received for my birthday from my wife were a 7mm narrow gauge Baguley- Drewry diesel shunter kit from Smallbrook studio and a suitable donor chassis.

 

A while back I mentioned I was going to try and source a suitable load for my Warwell wagon. Whilst doing some research on what loads they carried, other than military vehicles, I saw a photo (annoyingly I can't quite recall where!) of a consist carrying RNAD narrow gauge stock including a Baguley-Drewry shunter. Whilst I could not source an exact replica of the shunter I saw in the photo, I came across an alternative. So with a bit of modellers licence I thought this would make an interesting alternative load. 

 

Rather than filling up this thread with the build, I started a thread in the Narrow gauge section of RM Web ..........

 

 

 

Long story short, progress has been made turning this ebay abused OO Bachmann Junior........

 

 

 

Into this............

 

 

 

Something else arrived in the post the other day - my excuse is it's a birthday present to me, from me. I was doing some research on other prototypical workings and have some other ideas.

 

Till next time.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

Only a small up-date. Most of my time has been recently spent on the mini narrow gauge project, so whilst waiting for the paint to dry, I've been weathering and detailing my Motorail car flat.  

 

I've used the same techniques that I've used on the Turbots and Warwell- the only difference is that the car flat has a real wood deck and the paint and thinners disperses quite nicely. I'm sure I might come back to it at a later date- I feel the deck could be a little more dirty/ weathered. I might have a go at making some yellow wheel chocks at some point. Some transfers are supplied by Darstaed/ Ellis and I'll be adding those soon. 

 

 

 

 

[ChrisS]

So the Motorail car flat has now been numbered and additional weathering carried out to the bogies and outer body work to tone it all down. I ordered a set of additional transfers from Railtec as the ones originally supplied with the model were for a FVV, whereas I wanted dual brakes and an FVX example.

 

For some reason when I added Humbrol water based varnish over the larger "No loose shunting" transfer it caused it to crinkle, so I had to keep an eye on it whilst it dried. Looks a lot better now. Just noticed I need to add some lamp ions on the ends. The photo below also shows up a nasty blob of glue or solder on one of the side rail supports- so with my OCD I might have to attack this too!

 

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

I've finished my recent deviation into narrow gauge modelling. With a bit of imagination and modelers licence it is an alternative load for my Warwell. Whether it would actually be possible is another matter. In the long run it would be nice to have something for it to run on and with. 

 

 

Circa early 1980s, fresh from the factory, the Baguley Drewry awaits collection for its MOD trials.

 

 

 

Later seen departing Swindelton on a small trip working.

 

 

 

If of interest the full build thread can be seen here.

 

 

Till next time.

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

A short up-date. It has been a while since I last did anything with Swindelton. I've mainly been decorating bedrooms and the home office, and have had little energy for anything else!

 

Really hoping to get some modelling done soon, but the wife is pushing for a new kitchen.

 

However, I'm always researching and looking at many photos etc particularly for prototypical but obscure small workings. I came across some photos on the internet of DPU M55995  being used as the power for an engineers ballast working, with two Dogfish at Bow Street and Aberystwyth in July 1984.

 

I was looking through my photos and M55995 also happened to pass through Swindelton too, with this strange consist in July 1984 ............ 

 

 

 

Till next time.

 

 

Edited April 23, 2022 by ChrisS
typos. Re-inserted image

[ChrisS]

It was inevitable with the schools being a reservoir, and I would not wish it on any one, but the wife and one of the kids has Covid- so I've locked them away in their bedrooms. This tactic worked really well when our first child got it, and hopefully fingers crossed I'll still be able to dodge it.

 

It does mean I have to provide room service but it also means I have some modelling time too!

 

I thought I would try and make a start on a small secure line side yard area beyond the stabling point. It might be an expensive way to do it, but I came across this modelling paste and thought i'd give it ago to help create puddles and tracks in the ground.

 

 

 

It went on ok and I left it to dry. I marked out the arch of the security gates and vehicle tracks, and where I want to create some puddles. I then painted it brown with artist acrylics. Time will tell if any of the undulations or tracks get lost when scatter is applied later. I'm really going to have to sort out the back scene in the future- Where it curves round, I'm sure the creases are getting worse!

 

 

 

 

 

I have been doing other bits too - but room service is being called for dinner!

 

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

Swindelton is kept in the garage and stored on some industrial racking. Although my garage lighting is very good, it has meant that it can be a bit dark to work on, so another little project has been to install some lighting.

 

The photo does not really show how dark it can be, but when standing in front of the light coming in from behind, it gets very dark!

 

 

 

I got some LED strip lights from tool station and 3 can be linked together, conveniently the number I needed. I fixed them to the rear of the upper racking beam.

 

 

 

It's now a lot nicer to work on, display and photograph things. Hopefully this will encourage some additional progress!

 

 

 

Till next time

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

Thought I'd have some fun with different photo filters on the phone camera. The first is perhaps my favorite ...... possibly because it looks less like a model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris

 

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

Strangely I'm feeling a little disloyal. For various reasons I've never got round to finishing my MMP kit of 47513 - It's been in its unfinished/ so close to finished state since 2003!

 

 

Like many, the Large Logo livery has always been my favourite livery. The new arrival has been on pre-order for sometime and arrived today. Only one loose spring in the box- easily re-attached. It is interesting to compare the two models, as there are several detail differences, particularly interpretation of the roof grilles. 

 

 

Whilst there are some negative comments floating around, in the grand scheme of things it looks like a 47 to me, and is definitely an improvement on my interpretation and brass kit building ability- well at least from 2003. 

 

Let's hope it does not take 18 years to fit the marker light panels and decide on an identity for the newbie!

 

Edited June 2, 2022 by ChrisS
Re-inserted missing images

[ChrisS]

2022 has not got off to the best start. My other interests include mountain biking. 

 

As a result of a small off on the Swinley Forest trails, the only modelling I've been doing is modelling a cast on my left wrist!

 

Even adults get a choice of colour and whilst the wife would have wanted pink, I went for a rail blue.

 

It's amazing what impact this has on daily life - not least the lack of modelling. It was a job just cutting out some arrows of indecision - not a permanent addition I might add!

 

On another note I've acquired some more rolling stock including Dapol VEAs but won't be doing anything with them for a while. A very nice model indeed. 

 

Till next time.

 

[pwr]

Sorry to hear that Chris - I hope you recover soon

 

Very tempted by the VEA myself but funds are low right now!

 

Paul R

[ChrisS]

9 hours ago, pwr said:

Sorry to hear that Chris - I hope you recover soon

 

Very tempted by the VEA myself but funds are low right now!

 

Paul R

 

Thanks Paul. I'm already thinking ahead and starting to save for HEA and TTA releases.

 

On another note, following an mri scan I've just found out today I've fractured my capitate and hamate bones in my hand. No driving for at least 6 weeks!

[ChrisS]

Good to see RM Web back up and running. It seems a bit quicker, and at the moment I'm not suffering from any annoying adverts or videos which is nice.

 

A small update - I've now had my wrist out of the cast for a few weeks and it's slowly getting better. Just having to exercise it and have some physio to get movement back. I got back onto the mountain bike for the first time over the weekend, but it'll be a while before I'm back up to speed off road- I really don't fancy breaking anything again.

 

On another note, my first ever model train in the early 1980s was a OO gauge Lima 33 in BR blue, which came as a set with a few wagons and a container handler. Despite the pancake motor it was quite reliable and went like a rocket. I never had a proper model railway when I grew up, as I shared a small bedroom with my brother in a two bedroom bungalow. I had to make do with a bit of fibre board to put the track on and run my 33. The only scenery was one of those Hornby plastic tunnels. A long time ago the Lima 33 was subjected to modification but alas it no longer runs and its in parts somewhere in the garage.

 

With the fond memories of my Lima 33, I thought I'd add a 33 to my growing fleet. The only problem was I was a bit late to the 33 party. It had to be blue and without the later headlight, which meant I had to hunt around a bit to find one. I'm glad I did, as I have to say I really like it. It certainly looks the part to me. At some point I'll get round to adding a few warning flashes and numbers. I have a growing list of projects and things I want to do, but the wife is really pushing for a new kitchen in 2022!

 

Appreciate there are many like it but this one is mine. An un-identified 33 passes through Swindelton with a short MoD consist.

 

 

Till next time.

 

 

[ChrisS]

I think I'm not alone in having more stock than needed for the space available. It was becoming a PITA getting stock in and out of their original boxes. 

 

I did a Google search and came across https://trainsporters.com/pages/o-gauge-storage-box

 

Whilst not the cheapest option, I already own a large number of really useful boxes for other storage uses, so these seemed ideal to me. Luckily for me my wife was wanting birthday ideas, but she was a little confused why I'd want some really useful storage boxes!

 

 

I got a 20 litre yellow and 33 litre green box versions to see what they could hold. They can hold quite a bit and come with more than enough foam to pack gaps. I've already filled both to show what they can hold.

 

20l yellow box. F8r scale the biggest wagon is the Hattons warwell in the bottom right.

 

33l Green box. For scale there are 3 VEAs along the top row and a GUV along the bottom.

 

Certainly makes it easier to access and put stock away. 

 

Randomly my dad actually bought me something for Swindelton for my birthday- after doing his own research. Not too sure where he got it from but it appears to be a nice 3D printed forklift. I've already primed it ready for some colour. I'm assuming it's 1.43 if not 1.50 scale but it works for me.

 

 

That's all for now.

[pwr]

15 hours ago, ChrisS said:

I think I'm not alone in having more stock than needed for the space available. It was becoming a PITA getting stock in and out of their original boxes. 

 

I did a Google search and came across https://trainsporters.com/pages/o-gauge-storage-box

 

Whilst not the cheapest option, I already own a large number of really useful boxes for other storage uses, so these seemed ideal to me. Luckily for me my wife was wanting birthday ideas, but she was a little confused why I'd want some really useful storage boxes!

 

 

I got a 20 litre yellow and 33 litre green box versions to see what they could hold. They can hold quite a bit and come with more than enough foam to pack gaps. I've already filled both to show what they can hold.

 

20l yellow box. F8r scale the biggest wagon is the Hattons warwell in the bottom right.

 

33l Green box. For scale there are 3 VEAs along the top row and a GUV along the bottom.

 

Certainly makes it easier to access and put stock away. 

 

Randomly my dad actually bought me something for Swindelton for my birthday- after doing his own research. Not too sure where he got it from but it appears to be a nice 3D printed forklift. I've already primed it ready for some colour. I'm assuming it's 1.43 if not 1.50 scale but it works for me.

 

 

That's all for now.

 

That is a good print!

 

Paul R

[bcnPete]

On 18/04/2022 at 21:10, ChrisS said:

I think I'm not alone in having more stock than needed for the space available. It was becoming a PITA getting stock in and out of their original boxes. 

 

I did a Google search and came across https://trainsporters.com/pages/o-gauge-storage-box

 

Whilst not the cheapest option, I already own a large number of really useful boxes for other storage uses, so these seemed ideal to me. Luckily for me my wife was wanting birthday ideas, but she was a little confused why I'd want some really useful storage boxes!

 

 

I got a 20 litre yellow and 33 litre green box versions to see what they could hold. They can hold quite a bit and come with more than enough foam to pack gaps. I've already filled both to show what they can hold.

 

20l yellow box. F8r scale the biggest wagon is the Hattons warwell in the bottom right.

 

33l Green box. For scale there are 3 VEAs along the top row and a GUV along the bottom.

 

Certainly makes it easier to access and put stock away. 

 

 

 

 

I bought some of the stock boxes too and agree they are really great for ease of access to rolling stock...👌

[ChrisS]

A small update...

 

The forklift truck has received some paint and varnish. I was contemplating a commercial red or yellow but went for a fictitious MOD livery. I think it looks quite smart. Whether it would get transported on  a warwell is another matter.

 

 

 

A little late to the VEA weathering party but decided to have a go on one of mine. I used enamels with an airbrush and dry brushing. Though not as obvious in photos, Dapols pink flame red does not look too bad when weathered a bit. 

 

 

However, when placed next to a Hejan VAA the differences between interpretations of flame red are a bit more obvious. Might have to separate them either side of a warwell or two. 

 

 

The new Dapol air piped brake vans have arrived at Tower models, so i have a couple of these coming my way next week - something to look forward to.

 

That's all for now.

[sb67]

Those vans look great @ChrisS I wouldn't worry too much about the flame red, there were so many variations in it as it weathered. 

[Simond]

There is some evidence your military FLT should be yellow…

 

 

 

 

 

[47606odin]

18 hours ago, Simond said:

There is some evidence your military FLT should be yellow…

 

 

 

 

 

An explosive revelation 

[ChrisS]

I've noticed I'm not the only one with the same subject matter - just like buses all turning up at once, so apologies in advance!

 

I think most people complain about bits falling off but there is also an advantage to the sparing amounts of glue used. The sides and glazing all popped out with minimal force, which should make repainting easier. 

 

Decided I'd change the rain strips and removed the small grab handles too. Removed the warning flashes with a tiny bit of methylated spirit - to be replaced.

 

Just deciding whether to go all out and plate over the planks at either end. Then there's the three piece handrails too. However I might live with these two as they are.

 

[101]

12 hours ago, ChrisS said:

I've noticed I'm not the only one with the same subject matter - just like buses all turning up at once, so apologies in advance!

 

I think most people complain about bits falling off but there is also an advantage to the sparing amounts of glue used. The sides and glazing all popped out with minimal force, which should make repainting easier. 

 

Decided I'd change the rain strips and removed the small grab handles too. Removed the warning flashes with a tiny bit of methylated spirit - to be replaced.

 

Just deciding whether to go all out and plate over the planks at either end. Then there's the three piece handrails too. However I might live with these two as they are.

 

 

The inner cabin ends come out easily too - though you have to squeeze the sides apart slightly to slide them up

 

 

 

Edited June 20, 2022 by 101

[ChrisS]

2022 started off a but rubbish when I broke my hand but after 11 months and several physio appointments I've officially been discharged!

 

The second half of the year was mainly spent out on my mountain bike, regaining some strength and confidence. At least the weather was good for it.

 

I decided I needed a small project to get me back modelling. Last week I ended up going to the Guildford O gauge trade show and Warley the following day. Both of which provided some inspiration and ideas.

 

I ended up with an impulse buy at Guildford. If its of interest i've set up a separate thread for it below, but hopeful it will get me going again, especially as the weather is rubbish and not much fun out on the bike!

 

 

 

Till next time.

 

[Baggies1961]

On 26/10/2021 at 18:22, ChrisS said:

Swindelton is kept in the garage and stored on some industrial racking. Although my garage lighting is very good, it has meant that it can be a bit dark to work on, so another little project has been to install some lighting.

 

The photo does not really show how dark it can be, but when standing in front of the light coming in from behind, it gets very dark!

 

 

 

I got some LED strip lights from tool station and 3 can be linked together, conveniently the number I needed. I fixed them to the rear of the upper racking beam.

 

 

 

It's now a lot nicer to work on, display and photograph things. Hopefully this will encourage some additional progress!

 

 

 

Till next time

 

Hi Chris,

Went back and had a catch up on your thread, especially interested in the Toolstation lights that link together have you got a some more detsils on them such as product number etc?

The storage boxes too as I have some TTAs I built from Skytrex thst need safe secure storage they look just the thing.

Great layout by the way 

Regards

Julian.

[ChrisS]

On 08/12/2022 at 09:47, Baggies1961 said:

Hi Chris,

Went back and had a catch up on your thread, especially interested in the Toolstation lights that link together have you got a some more detsils on them such as product number etc?

The storage boxes too as I have some TTAs I built from Skytrex thst need safe secure storage they look just the thing.

Great layout by the way 

Regards

Julian.

 

Thanks Julian.

 

The lights are Merdia LEDLL6-6.5W. I got them from toolstation but can also be obtained elsewhere. https://www.toolstation.com/led-link-lights/p59732 . You can link up to three. They do other sizes and ratings too. 

 

The storage boxes are from https://trainsporters.com/pages/o-gauge-storage-box . A bit pricy for a really useful box and foam, but the latter is all cut for you and ready to go.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Chris