ChrisS

Not been doing as much as I’d like as it’s been a bit cold in the garage recently. The fan heater brought the temperature up from a cool 6 to a barmy 13 degrees! Appreciate I’m not the first to do this but I decided to take the plunge and do some weathering of wagons including my two Dogfish and Turbots. I took a deep breath and started to lightly weather one of my Dogfish, my thinking is always it’s easier to add than take away. It’s still a work in progress but referring to the many photos on Paul Bartletts excellent web site, there seems to be many extremes. DB993608 actually appears on his site and it was a relatively clean example in the 1970’s. I noticed there are some subtle differences between the model and real-life example but I have no intention of trying to create a mirror image! I like to test if something looks realistic by taking photos of it. I used Paul's website as inspiration for the following... I'm really pleased with it. After seeing the following sale finish the other day, I was thinking perhaps I should have seen how much I would have got for my two green examples I acquired before they became as rare as hens' teeth. However, I’m in it for the modelling potential and not the money. I would actually like one of the following but not at that price- If anyone is looking to off load a Dutch Dogfish for a reasonable price, then let me know! With the Turbots I’ve started with the floors in a similar fashion as seen on Hither Green. Not too sure I’m confident about putting the gas soldering iron to the sides though, but never say never. After adding some different wood tones, I then weathered with satin black enamel and spirits. Inadvertently, using a large brush in the style of Bob Ross, it resulted in quite a nice weathered finish. Using a sponge I added some rust tones to the doors (internals) and end boards. As with the Dogfish this is still a work in progress too. For Christmas I was lucky to receive some additional detailing bits, so I’ve made a start on painting and weathering these. Hopefully they will add to some detail and atmosphere on Swindelton. I temporarily placed many, but not all, in front of the shed to see what it looks like when photographed. Back to work tomorrow – it's going to be tough to get motivated after a break over Christmas and the new year. Hopefully 2021 will be better than 2020! That's all for now.

Appreciate this is not a Dendrology forum, but I’m still having fun creating trees at the moment! This is one I recently finished and I’m really pleased with it. It took a while to superglue all the sea foam cuttings to my wire tree, but it’s definitely worth the trouble. I dusted the tree with woodlands scenics fine turf and used WWS layering spray. I’ve also started experimenting with lichen moss to create bushes. I threaded the moss onto a piece of wire and treated it with 2mm brown static grass, followed by a dusting of fine turf. As with the trees I used the layering spray to secure everything. It looks better in reality! I think I might try adding some representation of berries or flowers to my next attempt. The garage has been a bit cold recently so It has put me off doing other things- it's a good job I can build up my tree collection in the warm house. The tree above was designed to fit in a specific location as it is effectively a ¼ of a tree- I think it looks quite effective and complements the other tree I made earlier in the thread. The bush looks a bit naff on its own in the middle of the embankment, but this is potentially the first of many required to break the embankment up a bit. That’s all for now.

A little further up-date.. So I've done some more work on the tree and dusted it with some fine scatter material to bulk it out a bit. I think it looks quite good, but it's difficult to know when to stop. I'm considering getting some leaf scatter and giving it a go with this as well. I decided to plant it on Swindelton to see how it looks, and scale wise I think its just right. I might have to make some half relief trees to fit the other side of the fence line. Will hopefully keep going with the other wire trees I've made, as this one is a bit lonely. Till next time.

Hello Simon, I made the tree trunk from twisted florist wire and covered in hot glue. This was then painted with artists acrylics. The sea moss was purchased from WWS scenics - they do different grades, this being a box of smaller bits, which was cut and glued onto my tree. Hope this helps.

I received a package this morning with some alternative foliage and could not wait to give it ago. So here is my first ever attempt using sea foam to create the structure of a tree. I super glued bits of sea foam (and my fingers!) to one of my smaller wire trees I created earlier. I'm really pleased with it and have learnt a few things for next time. The next stage will be adding some leaves to the canopy. I have some scatter material and hopefully some time tomorrow to give it a go. Really enjoying this project at the moment- a bit of a challenge and time consuming but very therapeutic!

A small update. I've been experimenting and had a go at painting and installing some temporary foliage on one of the trees i've made to see what it looks like. The intention was it would be a silver birch but I think the trunk would need more white- I used a combination of artists acrylics so might try again. The foliage is not quite right for a silver birch but still looks ok to me. Either way I'm quite happy with it, for my first go at a home made tree! I have some alternative foliage on order so will be experimenting further. I have made a few more trees to keep me occupied in Lockdown 2.0! Till next time.

So I've decided it's time to learn another new skill - this time making trees! I did a bit of research and watched many YouTube videos, so thought I'd finally take the plunge. In a moment of madness I went and acquired a few supplies. I think I still need a few more bits but these should help me get started. I decided that I would make my trees with florist wire, as this was one of the techniques shown in the videos I watched. My plan is to try a couple of different techniques in covering the wire. The following is my first attempt at creating a tree and I will be using latex to cover the wire. Its not based on any specific species, but just what I thought looked right- a generic tree if there was such a thing! The latex is quite thin so will need several coats, but I'm going to try a thickener to hopefully speed the process up. I found making this tree structure quite therapeutic, so went on to make a second different one in quick succession! I was sort of aiming for a silver birch sort of structure, tall and skinny. This one I've covered the wire with the use of a hot glue gun. It was a bit tricky but is definitely quicker than the latex. One reason for using latex or hot glue is that it allows the branches to be adjusted later. I might try other finishes depending on the results I achieve. Obviously the next stages will be painting and adding vegetation. I still have to get a couple more supplies to progress this bit, but overall I'm quite happy with what I've produced so far! That's all for now. Chris

I am converted to the world of static grass. The initial cost of purchasing an applicator was definitely worth it, even for a relatively small area. I'm sure I will be using it again on other projects. I was contemplating 'weathering' the grass on the embankment, so might give your suggestion a go. I was thinking of doing the lower levels of the embankment to mimic dirt from passing trains. If anything, it might tone down some of the brighter green fibres amongst the WWS summer blend. Chris

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

I've recently used a 15" self adhesive ID backscene on Swindelton. I mounted it on foamex board and managed to do this with no air bubbles! I would be operating from the front so reaching over is not an issue. The only issue I have is that it developed creases where my backscene has a curve in it. I will hopefully hide some of the creases with carefully placed trees, or worst case scenario replace it! Otherwise I think it looks quite effective with the embankment and fence in front of it.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Hello Robin, if you look at the reference photos on Paul Barlett's excellet website (link couple of posts earlier), from the available photos they don't appear to have been built with steps in the 1980s. The steps and additional handrails make appearances in Pauls photos dated the later half of the 1990s but not sure when the modification was actually done. I thought I read somewhere else that this was an EWS modification, so potentially dating this from the second half of the 90s - but don't quote me, as I'm definately no expert!

I don't normally comment on posts other than my own, but I received two of these yesterday. I'm not an expert in the world of Turbot wagons but these are really impressive models and in my opinion excellent value for money. They have a nice weight to them and are very free running. The detail in my eyes is very good. I had one loose buffer with one of them but this was simply glued back on. Overall I am very pleased and happy with them. I've already started to make my two a bit more individual. I started by painting the buffer shafts with metal coat. I've back dated DB978337 with black axle boxes and I've also painted the hand brake guide black. Next job might be to weather them. Sort of as they come- I've already painted the buffer shafts in this photo. Very good detail underneath. My two now have some slight variation between them. Hope this is of interest.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!