F-UnitMad Posted April 6 Share Posted April 6 18 hours ago, 7mmin7foot said: each photo highlighting the myriad of unfinished / incomplete scenic items) The to do list is ever growing ! 1. It's not a race. 2. We like your photos even as they are. 3. Most of us also have unfinished layouts as well..!!! 👍😁 7 hours ago, jcarta said: Although the Railfreight livery was nice I still think you can't beat a nice grubby one in BR Blue complete with headlamps Yes you can. A nice clean ex-works one in BR Blue!! 🤣😝 7 hours ago, 7mmin7foot said: I note though ( even on the Swiss HO models) all model manufacturers fail to represent the warped / beat up panels look of the real locos, as your photo perfectly illustrates. All model locos are pristine smooth sided... Somehow it doesn't seem to work on models, just ends up looking like shoddy modelling. See also leaning lamp posts & telegraph poles. Happens all the time in reality, but on a model?? Can just look 'wrong'. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John R Smith Posted April 6 Share Posted April 6 Interesting. As you say, nobody it seems has ever attempted to represent how the the old BR diesels really looked. A bit like steel ships, where the frames telegraph themselves through the outer skin. And of course, our model diesel bodies are far too thick for this to happen - and if they were thin enough, you could never pick them up. Equally, I have never seen a convincing model of an unrebuilt Bulleid pacific - most of the ones I remember looked as if the depot staff had been throwing rocks at them! Air-smoothed casing? Anything but, by the mid 1950s. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 Thanks for the comments, appreciate those. I am thrilled as to how my little tribute layout has been received here on RM Web. Have to say, out of all the many layout I have built in my modelling lifetime, from Z to LGB , I am increasingly thinking this is my favourite of all , and will be my best ever effort too. I have been totally inspired by my late pal Richard and the very fine modelling I have seen here in the 7mm section of RM Web. Also, I have zero regrets flogging off my extensive Swiss HO stock and that layout too.. there really is something special about modelling in 7mm ,1/43,O Gauge. Everything has to be that little bit better modelled than in the smaller scales... The sheer scale and 'presence' in comparison is terrific. My tribute mission is working though, each time I visit my shed and layout, I smile and think of Richard... I am increasingly feeling this would get his approval ;o) Onwards in O ... Cheers & thanks to all of you for the encouragement ;o) Steve 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 1 hour ago, F-UnitMad said: Somehow it doesn't seem to work on models, just ends up looking like shoddy modelling. See also leaning lamp posts & telegraph poles. Happens all the time in reality, but on a model?? Can just look 'wrong'. Hadn't really thought of it in those terms, good comment... and logical too... Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 Well, as it was warmer today, I had hoped to get to shake a few rattle cans and get some painting on.. The windy weather, had other thoughts... so a little tinkering inside instead. One aspect of O Gauge, I am really enjoying is the trialing of different scenic aspects... At the very far end of my layout, I have around 5" or so available... though the board doesn't extend to this... ( yet) They were standard sized boards 4' and 3'. I have mocked up an end panel with some more low relief warehouses and built a 7 foot brick wall to front them.. Played about with different elevations too and added a little depth to one of warehouses... and I am liking this.. so will work on this further now. The tarmac crew will be returning soon. Cheers Steve 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted April 6 Share Posted April 6 Looking good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Hal Nail Posted April 7 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 7 17 hours ago, F-UnitMad said: Somehow it doesn't seem to work on models, just ends up looking like shoddy modelling. I think that's partly as a lot of the effect on the real thing is light reflecting off the various undulations and we tend to avoid gloss or sheens! Then like many rust effects and the like, you can't just do it randomly, there is often a pattern to the real thing which is tricky to copy. I've seen a few attempts at dents but in order to really show up it has over been over exaggerated to my eyes and as you say, can look awful! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Traxson Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 These pictures from the Mid Hants railway last year were taken particularly to illustrate just how uneven real sheet metal on loco's really is. Those rivets along the tank sides aren't exactly in line either! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D6775 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 I had a go at bending up some Dapol Turbots which came out OK, I think I did 16 in the end. I've also scored marks in a couple of HEA's but its all very subjective. Not tried to replicate a particularly 'rippled' bodyside effect, but I suspect that would be much more difficult. 6 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Ok, advice sought please... I am slowly succumbing to thoughts of buying yet another Heljan Railfreight Class 26 loco..(the pre weathered version 26 025). This is my personal favourite. Yes, I know I can get an un numbered one, but I do like the pre-weathered version.. especially as I am totally inexperienced in the art of weathering stock. Cop out, yes... but suits me... and a darn good price too... ( though the chip will have to wait till funds available) Clearly I don't want the same number so will want to re-number it ( if I proceed). Can you please advise the best method of removing existing numbers from a Heljan O loco ? I have read various methods, but none appear specific to the current Heljan O gauge locos, and I guessing that someone has surely done this already? Appreciate advice, thank you. Cheers Steve ps. ( yes... I now accept, one never has enough in this scale.. even with a small 7 foot layout . IT IS ADDICTIVE ! ) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Just found your thread and had a read through. That's a fantastic tribute, I'm sure your pal would be proud of what you're doing! It is coming along very nicely, the Turbots look superb, and that's a fantastically simple but enjoyable track plan you've used. I'll look forward to seeing some more updates and although I model in OO gauge, the appeal of O is very strong! The bulk of the locos makes it all seem so real, especially when weathered. Keep up the good work 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 (edited) Thanks for the comments Steve, The excellent Turbot examples are not mine, they are Al Taits ( D6775), and uploaded to illustrate the earlier comment I made about loco's sheet metal representation in models. Yes, it is a very simple track plan deliberately so, there are 3 medium peco points, that I wanted to get on to a single 1200 mm board . The other, 900mm board is even simpler with just straight flexi track. This together with the small traverser gives me a variety of operations, as the stock is mostly loco's to or from re-fuelling or a couple stabled for their next duty on the centre straight. The traverser allows them to travel 'off scene' , the rear track was an after thought, but I thought best kept separate for the fuel deliveries, which allowed me to invest in a Dapol 08 for variety. Essentially the mission was to incorporate as much of my late pal's stock... (scenic and rolling) into some sort of layout to use and display his stock ( now being added to ! ) Totally from my imagination ( but inspiration from other small O layouts on RMWeb) and what I'd enjoy the most. This is really growing on me now, and I do look forward to working on it as often as I can.. each time, bringing me a smile and fond memories. So the mission is well on the way to being accomplished. ;o) Thanks to all for the on going encouragement. Cheers Steve Edited April 8 by 7mmin7foot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mol_PMB Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 2 hours ago, 7mmin7foot said: Ok, advice sought please... I am slowly succumbing to thoughts of buying yet another Heljan Railfreight Class 26 loco..(the pre weathered version 26 025). This is my personal favourite. Yes, I know I can get an un numbered one, but I do like the pre-weathered version.. especially as I am totally inexperienced in the art of weathering stock. Cop out, yes... but suits me... and a darn good price too... ( though the chip will have to wait till funds available) Clearly I don't want the same number so will want to re-number it ( if I proceed). Can you please advise the best method of removing existing numbers from a Heljan O loco ? I have read various methods, but none appear specific to the current Heljan O gauge locos, and I guessing that someone has surely done this already? Appreciate advice, thank you. Cheers Steve ps. ( yes... I now accept, one never has enough in this scale.. even with a small 7 foot layout . IT IS ADDICTIVE ! ) Have you been looking at this? I must confess I had to have a stern word with myself... https://railsofsheffield.com/products/Heljan-2683-class-26-railfreight-red-stripe-26025-orange-cantrail-stripe-with-eastfield-dog-logo-weathered I would also like to know the answer to your question, as I have a Heljan 03 from which I want to remove some lettering and electrification flashes. With the weathered 26025, I wonder if removing the numbers might make an obvious clean unweathered patch too? Though that's not a disaster, you sometimes see photos of locos with a patch around the number cleaned off. It might also be worth looking at prototype photos to check the positions of logos, numbers, dogs etc, as there is some variation. Also maybe the pilot scheme ones (first 20) might have grille variations? Some inspiration/temptation for you... 26004 by Neil Smith 26035 by David Christie: 26038 by Dave Peachey: 26037 by Dave Moreton: 26041 by Bruce Galloway (note quite different weathering pattern): Of course they don't have to be weathered! 26003 and 26006 by afc45014: Get it bought ;-) 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 (edited) ;o) Yes, that's the one I have and considering another! Thanks for those images, they are great reference photos, ( loco's , clutter and puddles) and now... I could consider the other railfreight they have which is not numbered ;o) I have some ED transfers for the little 08 I need to change at some point.. that has different size Scottie dogs too.. Hmm.. just gets better this does ;o) Steve Edited April 8 by 7mmin7foot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mol_PMB Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Looking at the photos, there's at least 3 different variations of cantrail stripe as well as the different dogs etc. I did an image search on Flickr for 'class 26 railfreight' and sifted out some good ones, but there were plenty more to look at. If it were me, I'd model a loco which has the subtle variations in livery compared to the one you have already, and I'd weather it in a different way. So your two similar locos end up looking subtly different. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 6 minutes ago, Mol_PMB said: Looking at the photos, there's at least 3 different variations of cantrail stripe as well as the different dogs etc. I did an image search on Flickr for 'class 26 railfreight' and sifted out some good ones, but there were plenty more to look at. If it were me, I'd model a loco which has the subtle variations in livery compared to the one you have already, and I'd weather it in a different way. So your two similar locos end up looking subtly different. I like this idea... dog, no dog, big dog, small dog different cantrail... different subtle variations.. Cheers ;o) Steve 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold jcarta Posted April 8 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 8 3 hours ago, 7mmin7foot said: ( yes... I now accept, one never has enough in this scale.. even with a small 7 foot layout . IT IS ADDICTIVE ! ) Steve, That's exactly how It started..... saying to myself that I only need 3 or 4 loco's, a few wagons and possibly 3 coaches. O gauge is an addiction so It never ends with just 3 or 4 loco's.....😁 I recently replaced the shelving in the office and SWMBO came home and stated that she wasn't expecting the shelving to run all along the whole wall. I just replied that it was safer so the loco's couldn't fall off the ends then she said "that now there were larger gaps between the loco's"..... I just smiled and slowly filled the gaps with more loco's. 🤣 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Ooh... that IS nice Jim... love the headlights Cracking photo and model. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mol_PMB Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Oh dear oh DEER From Don Gatehouse on flickr. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admiles Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 (edited) On 03/04/2024 at 09:50, 7mmin7foot said: I suspect the Cortina driver is feeling a bit "outgunned" surrounded by a GTi, GTE and SRi..... Incidentally I'm just abusing this. It's also Heljan's factory weathered 26025. Now with a bit less weathering (and slightly less "all or nothing") with a few added details.... Edited April 8 by admiles added photo! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Very likely, It's not even a Ghia version.. He's probably a guy in the office... not an 'injun driver' ;o) That said, these were inherited from my late pal, so they had to be used as part of my tribute mission. On my wish list, I would like a Granada, Sierra and a Capri too.. so the petrol heads racers, won't be such a dominance. Ultimately, the occupants of the car park will constantly change as will the locos , relief drivers, shift patterns and visitors that may come and go. Cheers Steve 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 2 hours ago, Mol_PMB said: Oh dear oh DEER From Don Gatehouse on flickr. ooh... I like that... and funnily enough.. I have a Class 27 with a Stag on too ;o) Treated myself for my birthday last month... ( as one does). The 26 Railfreight looks real nice with a Stag on... hmmm Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 (edited) Working on the end of the layouts 'fill in' piece today... If you don't enjoy watching paint dry.... then try some tarmac instead 😄 Yes, the tarmac crew were in the depot again... again using AK Asphalt .. I really am impressed with this stuff.. It is very fine textured paint, water based /acrylic... so for my last bit of laying the black stuff.. here's a photo walk thro.. Gloves are essential, though as its water based, it cleans up easy enough with a wet wipe. Mask off where you don't want it to go. Have your brush/ water and spreader ready (I used a Lakeland cake icing smoother) but a spatula would also work. Straight from the AK Asphalt tub ( BTW this pot was £10.99 but its done all this 7- 8 foot length approx 10" wide and I still have some left for touching up) No Stirring, just plop it in situ with a wet brush .. Using the wetted spreader/smoother, at an angle , simply smooth it over the area.. taking out any excess material / ripples etc.. Here, a bit of water is your friend to get it fairly level. Repeat as necessary... doesn't need to be thick. Leave to dry... preferably overnight. All that remains is to 'tone' down the new black tarmac with a fine foam sanding block. I think it looks effective, once it's been toned down, and much better than printed tarmac card or wet n dry paper etc. Add details as desired, pot holes, weeds, puddles etc.. Finally.. if you want some 'loose material' just brush up some of the debris from the sanding action. There you have it... as good as watching paint dry 😃 I shall update a photo of the toned down area when its' all dry. Cheers Steve # Edited April 8 by 7mmin7foot 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D6775 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 26's are one of my downfalls............ I think I have 6 so far.......... They are a minefield of different details even with the liveries, the RF version as mentioned there are various options of Dog, the Stag and I think a few had the Haymarket Castle. I think I have even found one with the ScR infrastructure logo under the second mans window. The one thing to watch (If you are so inclined) is a number of 26's received class 27 engine room doors for some strange reason. 26035 for example in the pic below you can clearly see the engine room door window is significantly higher than the other bodyside windows, this was only on one side. Also watch out with 26/0's, the first batch have additional cant rail grills amongst other things. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7mmin7foot Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Thanks Al, I now know more than I did prior to your post ;o) Nice photo too, illustrating your point. I do have several of Richards books on the Class 26, and have to confess, I am so busy with the layout, the loco's are much later in the project. I can look for those differences within the books when I get there. Cheers Steve 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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