Jules Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 Thanks Andy, look forward to seeing your BLT when it appears Jules Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jules Posted February 26, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) On 20/02/2017 at 09:20, sjrixon said: I agree, next to the white one.. Looked too up high next to the cattle dock. Great little set. When you have some better lighting, can you take some close ups of the Autocoach. I've got one that might get attacked! Hopefully these are slightly better! The first few show the modified autocoach with a fairly bog standard Airfix one (the drop-lights and interior have been painted), and the rest the modified one. As can hopefully be seen, I haven't installed the underfloor brake rodding or auto control rods, but the rest is there Hope they are of some use Jules Edited November 6, 2022 by Jules 20 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) Currently on my workbench is a large prairie - the Hornby rework on the old Airfix model. I had an Airfix one knocking on for 35 years ago, the Hornby one is a big improvement, more separate handrails, better pickups and see-through leading and trailing wheels. The pictures show the minor work I have done so far, new smokebox door handles, and removing the moulded coal with a new floor made. The only other things I am likely to do are : add etched brass number plates (to be ordered), add the number to rear buffer beam, paint the hand rails green where the underlying body is green, add real coal and lamps. I'm sure there is more that could be done, but that will do for now! Jules Edited November 6, 2022 by Jules 17 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jules Posted March 6, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 6, 2017 (edited) An update on the large Prairie - the coal bunker has been finished, door handle and handrails painted, crew added and lamps on the front. I still need to order the cabside plates, but I think that is it for now. It isn't too bad a runner, although I think a couple of the wheels are less than true! It is certainly showing its age compared to the Bachmann small prairies, but it adds a bit of variety. A couple of bonus shots of the autotrain towing a van Jules Edited November 6, 2022 by Jules 23 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 An update on the large Prairie - the coal bunker has been finished, door handle and handrails painted, crew added and lamps on the front. I still need to order the cabside plates, but I think that is it for now. It isn't too bad a runner, although I think a couple of the wheels are less than true! P1070688.JPG P1070689.JPG P1070690.JPG P1070693.JPG It is certainly showing its age compared to the Bachmann small prairies, but it adds a bit of variety. A couple of bonus shots of the autotrain towing a van at91.JPG at92.JPG Jules Lovely pics and details Jules, well done. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold sjrixon Posted March 7, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 7, 2017 That prairie looks good! I've an old Airfix one in a box, it doesn't see much action these days as it makes a real grinding noise going backwards.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted March 7, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 7, 2017 Yes, that large prairie looks great! . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted March 8, 2017 Author Share Posted March 8, 2017 That prairie looks good! I've an old Airfix one in a box, it doesn't see much action these days as it makes a real grinding noise going backwards.. I had an Airfix one once. I bought it as part of a set when Airfix went belly up. The set had the large prairie, an autocoach, an lms non-corridor coach, oval of track and controller all for the mega price of £14 if memory serves me correctly. It has to be said, the loco was an appalling runner! It departed long ago (no idea where) but I still have the coaches. The Hornby offering is a big improvement in terms of running and additional separate handrails but could do with a 21st century upgrade. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killybegs Posted March 8, 2017 Share Posted March 8, 2017 The old Airfix body can be improved quite convincingly with a bit of work. You could try putting a Comet chassis under it. The one below has a Finney chassis as I model in P4. I must have the original chassis somewhere! Details of how I went about it can be found on my web site. 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold sjrixon Posted March 9, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 9, 2017 Mine actually runs quite well, considering. But that doesn't mean I want to run it.. Maybe it's time to have a clear out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted March 9, 2017 Author Share Posted March 9, 2017 The old Airfix body can be improved quite convincingly with a bit of work. You could try putting a Comet chassis under it. The one below has a Finney chassis as I model in P4. I must have the original chassis somewhere! 4114.01.jpg Details of how I went about it can be found on my web site. That does look rather splendid. I shall have a look at your website to see how you achieved it, thanks. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted March 10, 2017 Share Posted March 10, 2017 (edited) Hi Jules... This is my Big Prairie Tank... It is made from a selection of Airfix and Hornby parts (the loco was a box of bits, some missing, including one pony truck...), including some of the cab interior from an ex Airfix, now Dapol Kit... The body is ex Airfix RTR, with some handrails replaced... BR 1950s livery... Edited March 10, 2017 by Sarahagain 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted March 11, 2017 Author Share Posted March 11, 2017 Hi Jules... This is my Big Prairie Tank... It is made from a selection of Airfix and Hornby parts (the loco was a box of bits, some missing, including one pony truck...), including some of the cab interior from an ex Airfix, now Dapol Kit... The body is ex Airfix RTR, with some handrails replaced... BR 1950s livery... DCP23424.JPG DCP23425.JPG DCP23426.JPG Nicely done! Seeing your pictures of the fire irons on the tank top reminds me that I need to do the same. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted March 11, 2017 Share Posted March 11, 2017 Hi Jules. Thanks... Just how prototypical the shovel fixed down with a bracket, as moulded into the body, is open to question? I also managed to replace a broken front step and a broken cab step with Dapol Kit parts.... In a way, the Dapol kit could be regarded as a source of spare parts and cab detailing parts! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jules Posted November 25, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 25, 2017 Crikey - I cannot believe it was March I last posted anything in this topic! I had taken some photos back in August, and meant to post them then, but somehow didn't get around to it. Anyway, here are the photos I took of that operating session. The session was cut short as the point at the station throat failed - again. There are the usual suspects, pannier, two small prairies and the still running in big freight tank! 29 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Bear Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Nice to see Mayshill back, Jules. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jules Posted November 25, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 25, 2017 Another update! As I had to replace the point at the station throat, I toyed with the idea of replacing it with an asymmetrical 3-way point to create a bay platform. I eventually decoded that this was a step to far! The wiring changes put me off, the under board wiring is quite fragile so I didn't really want to disturb it or have to undertake a major re-wiring. So I just changed the broken point. (no pictures) I did however decided to do some alterations at the platform end. The existing headshunt was a little bit tight for when I run the 43xx, and also meant that a loco and box van were a little tight. Plus the platform ends had never really been finished. Some before pictures : The builders moved in to move the wall at the platform end a couple of inches westwards, extend the track and erect additional station accommodation. As can be seen, ballasting is still required! 27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mikkel Posted November 25, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 25, 2017 Hi Jules, another one here glad to see Mayshill back. Amazing how much difference that rebuild has made to the look of the station. The new building in the corner (parcels? bicycles?) really suits the arrangement I think. I like the subdued "autumn" look to that part of the layout. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Great improvement Jules, and yes as Mikkel says, that extra building really does fit so well and looks like it's been there for years. Very nice mate, and glad your back with it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danstercivicman Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Beautiful work! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold sjrixon Posted November 26, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 26, 2017 Agreed, good to see some action. Reminds me, wasn't I building something? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Neal Ball Posted December 1, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 1, 2017 Looking forward to some more frequent operating sessions! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium OnTheBranchline Posted December 3, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 3, 2017 Will a Dean Goods grace Mayshill any time soon? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted December 4, 2017 Author Share Posted December 4, 2017 Thanks for all the likes, and comments on the changes to Mayshill. Posting the pics spurred me on to do the ballasting, so that makes it look a bit better! I will attempt to keep the thread updated with pictures - but not promising anything There are no current plans for a Dean goods, but then again there were no plans for 3 prairies, 3 pannier tanks, a 58xx or two, 52xx, 43xx 2251... 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted December 22, 2017 Author Share Posted December 22, 2017 (edited) A few pre Christmas pics, as the weather here is grey and gloomy, a few black and white ones... A small prairie arrives with the branch passenger train, and attaches a pre-positioned extra coach for all the extra Christmas shoppers! Passing the barn... passing the dairy slowing to a stop Retrieving the extra coach from the siding the lengthened train Ready to depart Edited November 6, 2022 by Jules 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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