Chippenham - The Work Bench

[franciswilliamwebb]

14 hours ago, phil_sutters said:

This one has been trying hide among south London's graffiti for many a year and quite a few colour schemes. It is/was, last time I Google Street viewed it, at the junction of Pages Walk and Mandela Way, Bricklayers Arms.

That T34 doesn't seem to be there now, I suspect Putin wanted it back with some degree of urgency😏

[MrWolf]

It's a strange thing to have there anyway. Had it been an American or German tank of the same era there would doubtless have been loud protests demanding its removal on the grounds that it glorified war, America as world policeman (Fashionable Yank bashing) or promoted a proscribed ideology?

Perhaps even those who are still  happy to revel in the dream of a socialist utopia whilst conveniently forgetting the tens of millions murdered by the USSR began to feel awkward about it, given current Russian ambitions?

Or possibly someone was worried about children playing on it, lest they fell off or worse still, decided to join the army when they grow up?

Or maybe someone realised that they're now a seriously valuable antique, the same way that steamrollers and old industrial locos vanished from playgrounds?

 

Answers on a postcard...

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Been a while folks, apologies I have been modelling but just disillusioned with the whole internet space and not to mention the entire online purchasing sagas.

 

Whilst waiting for another transfer order to arrive in order to complete the Rectanks (11 sheets ordered!!!!!). Only one wagon can be completed per sheet from HMRS, ridiculous that there appears to be no 4mm transfers available other than the general GWR wagons sheet to do these models, there are plenty of kits out there for Rectanks though. I did however find some western region type for 7mm but obviously these are not suitable.

 

The loads are nearing completion, 4x WWI male and female heavy tanks MkIV and a pair of Bofors 40mm anti air-craft guns.

 

 

 

Bottom left; Factory dispatch in primer and tarped for travel. Inspiration (source; Tanks by Train, internet article); 

 

 

 

Bottom right and top right; Male (bottom) and female (top) Khaki liveried with additional un-ditching beams to be chained up Soldering the attachment loops to the collar around the plank was a little painfully but worth the extra effort in my opinion . Inspired by (source: internet Wiki); 

 

 

Top left; Army green livery will have an un-ditching plank similar to the others.

 

 

Very top a pair of WWII Anti-aircraft Bofors guns inspired by this picture in GWR Goods Wagons - Atkins, Beard and Tourrett. Just couldn't find the right kits but got close (didn't fancy scratch building);

  Rectank livery is matched complete with a few added details. This kit is the white metal one which appear to be minus the chain boxes.

 

Top top left a full brass kit awaiting transfers. The brass kits are naturally lighter than the white metal ones so I chose to use the brass ones with the WWI tanks train so extra weight can be hidden inside the tanks.

The white metal kits are reserved for the WWII train that can be for lighter loads or empty wagons that weight can not be easily hidden.

Edited March 5, 2023 by Bluemonkey presents....
add on

[micklner]

You could have designed a A4 sheet of what you need via Microsoft Word or similar . John Peck at Precision Labels can print them on a A4 sheet.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

1 hour ago, micklner said:

You could have designed a A4 sheet of what you need via Microsoft Word or similar . John Peck at Precision Labels can print them on a A4 sheet.

 

Thank you. Though I wish I had the computer expertise to do this. Sadly I do not have the skills to create the text type or sizing.

Edited March 5, 2023 by Bluemonkey presents....

[Mikkel]

I know nothing about tanks, Matt, but I really like the finish. They look heavy and rugged and not too grubby for transport.

 

Edited March 5, 2023 by Mikkel

[Bluemonkey presents....]

I will post some individual close up pictures once completely finished. Thank you @Mikkel, very pleased with the outcome for each one. 

[OnTheBranchline]

8 hours ago, Bluemonkey presents.... said:

Been a while folks, apologies I have been modelling but just disillusioned with the whole internet space and not to mention the entire online purchasing sagas.

 

Whilst waiting for another transfer order to arrive in order to complete the Rectanks (11 sheets ordered!!!!!). Only one wagon can be completed per sheet from HMRS, ridiculous that there appears to be no 4mm transfers available other than the general GWR wagons sheet to do these models, there are plenty of kits out there for Rectanks though. I did however find some western region type for 7mm but obviously these are not suitable.

 

The loads are nearing completion, 4x WWI male and female heavy tanks MkIV and a pair of Bofors 40mm anti air-craft guns.

 

 

 

Bottom left; Factory dispatch in primer and tarped for travel. Inspiration (source; Tanks by Train, internet article); 

 

 

 

Bottom right and top right; Male (bottom) and female (top) Khaki liveried with additional un-ditching beams to be chained up Soldering the attachment loops to the collar around the plank was a little painfully but worth the extra effort in my opinion . Inspired by (source: internet Wiki); 

 

 

Top left; Army green livery will have an un-ditching plank similar to the others.

 

 

Very top a pair of WWII Anti-aircraft Bofors guns inspired by this picture in GWR Goods Wagons - Atkins, Beard and Tourrett. Just couldn't find the right kits but got close (didn't fancy scratch building);

  Rectank livery is matched complete with a few added details. This kit is the white metal one which appear to be minus the chain boxes.

 

Top top left a full brass kit awaiting transfers. The brass kits are naturally lighter than the white metal ones so I chose to use the brass ones with the WWI tanks train so extra weight can be hidden inside the tanks.

The white metal kits are reserved for the WWII train that can be for lighter loads or empty wagons that weight can not be easily hidden.

Really great modelling of the Mark IV tanks.

[Alex TM]

Hi,

 

Like some others, I really like the look of the landships.  As for the bofors, they look like 40mm ones, so possibly the reissued Airfix kit?

 

https://uk.airfix.com/products/bofors-40mm-gun-tractor-a02314v

 

If you have a look at their site, and that of anyone who stocks Plastic Soldier Company you'll find some useful bits'n'pieces.

 

Hope that's of use.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.

[MrWolf]

I really should dig out my MK1 Male tank and weather it a little, it has the four colour camo scheme.

 

And there I go off down another modelling rabbit hole...

 

It's all looking very good indeed.

 

Now what were those adaptations with a naval gun bolted to a GWR well wagon????

[Bluemonkey presents....]

9 hours ago, Alex TM said:

Hi,

 

Like some others, I really like the look of the landships.  As for the bofors, they look like 40mm ones, so possibly the reissued Airfix kit?

 

https://uk.airfix.com/products/bofors-40mm-gun-tractor-a02314v

 

If you have a look at their site, and that of anyone who stocks Plastic Soldier Company you'll find some useful bits'n'pieces.

 

Hope that's of use.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.

Correct. Airfix Bofers 40mm guns. Really nice but very fiddly in 4mm. I have not yet looked at the 'tractor' units for them so it will depend on how I feel once I make a start on the WWII Rectanks.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

One down three more to go but first the five wagons will need building and painting. Not the greatest of pictures (I really need to sort some sort of photo plank type thing out) but some nice details are highlighted. The chains, binding links and ratchet fixing the tank to the wagon has taken all afternoon! (With many individual links flying off to feed the carpet monster and much muttering). I think I need to find another way to secure the rest unless I will either drive myself mad or blind worse still maybe both! On my final can of Testers as well, any suggestions for a flat mat spray finish varnish/lacquer please? I've used some in the past that have have satin/gloss finishes even though mat and others drying opaque white so very wary but need something to seal transfers and protect the paint job.

The other three tanks are finished receiving the un-ditching planks and chains. These will follow once the wagons are built. 

 

   The chains are taught and straight (this is why it takes so long to do, as the load is secured to the wagon as if it was not fixed to the wagon.

 

  

 

The final wagon is a representation of these pictures combined.

 

 

 

 

 

[Compound2632]

I want to see one being loaded:

 

 

[Embedded link to catalogue image of Midland Railway Study Centre item 88-2014-0062.]

 

Remember to screw the jacks down!

[AlfaZagato]

That'd be a fun ride.

[Mikkel]

Hi Matt. I can imagine how frustrating and tricky it must b to get the chains taught. But a good result, at least. 

 

Is that a plastic display case underneath? Looks interesting!

[lezz01]

It looks like a Ferrero Rocher box lid to me.

Regards Lez.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

1 hour ago, Mikkel said:

Hi Matt. I can imagine how frustrating and tricky it must b to get the chains taught. But a good result, at least. 

 

Is that a plastic display case underneath? Looks interesting!

 

Thanks.

 

It certainly is a Ferrero Rocher box, the double stacked type. I have used these to keep individual project builds together, separate from each other and to keep safe the parts.

They could easily be used as small display case though especially if flipped and the lid is used as the base.

 

1 hour ago, lezz01 said:

It looks like a Ferrero Rocher box lid to me.

Regards Lez.

 

[Schooner]

Utterly convincing. I've just spent ten mins studying the pics and in that time only saw one thing that said model*. Flawless stuff, really impressive, to be much admired and shamelessly copied... :)

 

*Very minor and you'll have fixed it already I'm sure, but the central 3 tie-down shackles on the wagon have capsized which the real ones can't do.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

1 hour ago, Schooner said:

Utterly convincing. I've just spent ten mins studying the pics and in that time only saw one thing that said model*. Flawless stuff, really impressive, to be much admired and shamelessly copied... :)

 

*Very minor and you'll have fixed it already I'm sure, but the central 3 tie-down shackles on the wagon have capsized which the real ones can't do.

Thank you and yes these are still mobile and noticed then in the picture so corrected. I think I may sport a little glue to keep positioned. 

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Just as an example of use here's a pic of some stashed projects;

 

 

and flip it over to make a small display case. I dont have any track or scenics available but I am sure you can see what I mean (New chocolate box challenge replacing the Cakebox Challenge?);

 

[Mikkel]

That's clever. Looks like there's space for a 2mm diorama too. Just a shame you have to eat all the contents first, hard work. 

 

[Bluemonkey presents....]

An attempt at an N15 Bogie Loco Coal wagon in heavily used condition. Another lovely kit from Cambrian Models, lovely rivet details and crisp parts with little flash and it went together very nicely. Special thanks to @Penrhos1920 and @Darwinian as the N17 thread enabled me to complete the numbering as seemingly this is the only GWR wagon not to use standard number sizing and to weather the inside of the wagon to such a point I am very tempted not to include the coal load. I had previously concluded the load would be made permanent but have serious doubts now, in fact a complete reversal. 

 

Livery finished in GWR fright grey and weathered using Deluxe Scenic Rust (the exterior did not work as well as the interior but picked up with dry brushing which also removed the horrible tacky effect left by the rust product the wet looking areas), Citadel Nuln Oil wash, drybrush Ammo Mig Shadow/rust #0043 and Ammo Mig pigment powders; Medium Rust #3005, Black #3001 and Europe earth #3004. The powders appear to be greatly lost once a coat of lacquer is applied to fix and protect everything. First pictures are prior to lacquering;

 

  

 

  

 

 

After lacquer applied;

 

 

Load added;

 

  

 

I have tried to make a comparison picture, before and after lacquering. Left is before and right is after;

 

 

 

Doesn't really show the difference the naked eye picks up, never mind happy the either result.

 

 

 

Edited April 8, 2023 by Bluemonkey presents....
Wrong diagram ref

[AlfaZagato]

I was going to call this a Monster of a wagon.   Then I remembered this is a GWR thread.   Didn't realize the bogie coal wagons got so large.

[Mikkel]

They are from a different planet!

 

Looks really good Matt, especially the interior rust. I can see why you are thinking about running it empty, I would too.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

14 hours ago, AlfaZagato said:

I was going to call this a Monster of a wagon.   Then I remembered this is a GWR thread.   Didn't realize the bogie coal wagons got so large.

 

Very, 40 tons. not many made and used on the network as 20 ton steel minerals were preferred, so I understand. Yes it is a beast.