Bluemonkey presents....

Very careful cutting with a new scalpel blade and filing will surely be the cure. I'll have a look at mine later to see if I have two right hands. Don't bin though. Edit; Read all the replies first before replying lol. Nice cutting.

Decided to have the tank loads in non-prototypical livery to add a little interest and although not accurate to rail transport will be a decent representation of actual tanks, with possible one exception which will remain in factory colour undercoat grey (at least in my head this is how things were). In the meantime, having binned a milk tanker project, I have picked up another project as part of the military themed wagons. This time a different approach. Instead of building a kit, bodge an RTR to what I photographed a few years ago whilst in Bristol docks. There will be a few minor compromises as this is meant to be a representation and quick project rather than finite details. I stumbled on some transfers a while ago similar to this and got a set with this project in mind, just didn't expect it to take 5 years or so. Starting a standard Bachmann 14T fuel tanker. Got a cheap unboxed one from eBay (another lesson here, when buying from eBay for projects thus make sure you give your item a very good once over as the one I got had a little damage so could have been a rip off but fortunately in this case actually works better, the brake lever had to be fixed though). Some damage to the buffer beam and solebar join as well as a little dent to the solebar. This all goes to the 'in use' look that I could not replicate so naturally, I dismantled the model into basic components to get at the tank transfers but also to aid later painting. Having removed the transfers. I had to scrap them off carefully with a scalpel blade as they were not shifting using Micro Sol and a cotton bud. This also gave the opportunity to shave the excess plastic flash around the tank end and tank join seam. This was then lightly primed to highlight any aeras that required further work. As you can see this was mainly around the tank seams. I also used the opportunity to apply rivets to the areas where it appears they were missing on the original model. The protype does not have rivets but those on the tanker are so nice (in my opinion) I had to keep them if possible. I tried a few resin transfers and they fell into place seamlessly, so they will be staying. Another coat of primer and now ready for painting and transfer before re-assembling. The tank bed is the other compromise. The fixing screw locators are hidden within the base under the tank strapping so to start cutting the base would require more time and thought than is intended for this project but certainly something that I would normally do. This would allow the daylight under the tank as per prototype but as previously mention this is a representation. Now sitting in grey primed pieces awaiting that airbrush session along with the other recent wagon and load builds. I have the rectank wagons (at least) to build up before this weekend of airbrushing commences.

Yes indeed from notes even camouflage painting in the later years was scrapped for beige or green depending on what you read.

Loads finished in build terms. I have been a little slow just could not get motivated with these. Currently in primer awaiting paint shop and transfers before the wagon attachments. WW1 Mark IV male and female heavy tank loads for destined for the front line. Sponsons modelled ready for rail dispatch. Mark IV onwards the sponsons were movable (females hinged and males sliding in and out) to in order to assist rail transport whereas previous version, I believe, required considerable de-construction prior to movement. Weaponry removed. need to do this for the two Whippets that have been ready for a while now.

I know it, my copy arrived this morning after last night RM posting.

I thought I may have but checked the last cheque and that's up to 293 so should be good for another couple of copies.

Still waiting on mine as well. Any news on those with subbies?

just spent a couple of days constructing plastic kits in order to have period loads for a rake of wagons. Still nowhere near completed but enjoying the builds. The thought occurred to me, "How funny it is that we spent so long creating something that will, in essence, be generally overlooked or even covered by the builder". I am considering using tarps to part cover said loads. As modellers we do seem to spend a lot of time creating details and parts that only the builder acknowledges or at times knows about. At exhibitions I do tend to many observe and appreciate the static detailing on layouts or wagons more so than the actual trains and working. That's the great thing about this hobby, it is so diverse.

the ones I have are the steel heads x12 per pack and fit directly into the plastic buffers of the kit. These are a must for all my brass kits, they are superb @Castle put me onto these many moons ago and I have not looked back (or anywhere else) since.

Nicely built Ade. The smell of a nearly opened laser kit is lovely.

They certainly do Sir. I have to be thankful for the older Slater kits I have that opened my eyes to these and having 'clocked' them or something similar at the Bristol show in Almondsbury I have kept my eyes open as I failed to return to the stall for some reason. I may have to revisit all the previously built stock and just see how much it will cost me to replace.

Here they (steel buffer heads) are in situ. A very enjoyable build. Took time to get the joints joined without signs of glue and to be able to paint in stages; full chassis and base, the two section forming the top of the jars and finally when all joined weathering the sides. Unusually for me the wagon is ready for service even with couplings.

That's them. Just the job I have found so far.

Morning Mr Wolf, I think you have already answered this but H&A Models under buffers and couplings. I can not seem to paste a link in sorry. These are a perfect fit for the Cambrian kits and I am hoping the Slaters ones as well.

Not many excuses left now. Steel buffer heads for the Cambrian acid jar wagon have arrived along with an exceptional amount of low melt solder. I tend to use this for my soldered kits as for some reason I do not get on with higher melting point solders. Since being let down numerous times by a well-known online shop. I have had to search high and low for low melt solder of a decent amount and price and I can 100% recommend Paul at KW Trams. Not only is he highly approachable but his prices are excellent. Customer service is outstanding with indepth knowledge and a quick turnaround. Various scales catered for in white metal figures, trams, motors and accessories. 200grm of low melt solder for under a tenner!

Couldn't resist putting a checky bid on this older Cambrian kit alongside an acid jar wagon (pre-printed sides). I would imagine the new kits/plastic/details are just as fine as these. Makes up to a nice albeit large coal wagon. Rivet detail lovely and crisp. and only a tiny bit of filler on the corner joints. I opted to drill out the bogie bolsters (once I had educated myself on what they are!) to insert a brass nut to accept a screw to be able to remove the bogies rather than the suggested total glue in fix. Still awaiting final livery and transfers. It can trundle into the queue. At least one of these were used by WD as part of an armored train. As the kit fits so nicely together could be a basis for a project in the future although I do now have enough parts for another pannier crane tank 😵 Steropes or Cyclopes? I have the name/number plates made up ready as well 🙄

Great stuff Rich. Personally I would leave the piping to be added later but I do not have the CAD skills of yourself or the knowledge of the potential for the end result.

On their way. Let me know if you need anything ales.

Cheers Rich, I'll get some pics and send you them pm

Thank you yes two full ( i have a special one for war flats and Siphons Cs only) so I had to find another one lol. I am really pleased that the cradles are working for your as well. Certainly a space saver when it comes to the old camera cases.

I plan to solder the roof ends externally and as much of the sides as I dare.

Thank you appreciate your comments and thought of having a go. I really did need that extra push though as a number of things have been holding me back, thank you. I must say for a 'simple' roof have a go with some scrap sheet it is quite satisfying. May I suggest cutting to shape first as I think cutting once rolled would prove trickier. I have to decide now one long rain strip or two short ones. The drawing I have seen suggest two but all pictures (hen's teeth) show one.

After some thinking and then a bit more thinking and playing with the parts and replaying with the parts, I decided arse to it' make the plough bracket work who cares if it is what the kit designer wanted especially as the instructions are near to, ice in the Sahara. So I made it up. It is solid and I am happy with the end result especially as I have a nice little gap between the blades and solebar, rather than attaching them to it, more prototypical in my opinion. I also took the time to reflect on @57xx's comment about the roof and from the excess left on the kit I squeezed a suitable shape and took the plunge. Thank you for setting me straight Sir I will try and do this for the bogie mess van as well. I had to find some suitable sized rolling type implements but I think it has literally turn out nicely. 1.6mm brass tube soldered into place for the chim ho. The most pleasing part of this build, I think, is soldering to white metal plough blades together, forming a nice sharp point with only a minimal joint almost as if welded. very satisfying but totally invisible. I have the window sills to add before blackened plastic to represent the glass. Normally I would prime and paint prior to glazing but the roof I want to solder to the body so I'm going for the all in one job and masking off the glazing when it comes to painting rather than my normal and preferred practice..

Fantastic. Always in awe of CAD skills and design work.

It certainly is, one of those will ballast plough for extra fun.