Bluemonkey presents....

Plastic, reformed Mansell wheels are in and look convincing on a flat [piece of track. Will have to be tested if/when I get to lay some track but that will not be for some time I guess. Couldn't find the motivation to start the scratch build project so I turned to something I had tried to squeeze in over Christmas and failed. Whilst ordering the transfers for the riding coaches I noticed a set of J S Fry's transfers for a Tevan wagon, albeit having a different running number to that of my source picture. Spotting a decide and very reasonably priced Parkside kit on 'that site' I decided to have a go. The kit weeks to arrive due to postal delays so effectively missing the time slot I had in between plans. I left it on the bench in full view in order to maintain intrigue and interest. This worked, as I am waiting for the final transfers for the WW1 open horse wagon and a lack of 'push' for the riding coaches I dived in. Should be a nice weekend little conversion I thought! With that the decades switch and we have gone from discussing the finer points of open spokes verse solid spokes in the late 1800s/early 1900s to a conversion of 1930s of a late 1920s prototype. The prototype runs on Mansell wheels, luckily enough I have a pair. This does raise the riding height of the wagon but not enough for me to worry about major chassis surgery. I have used my trusting piece of track and some of the recently 'finished' wagons to judge this. The picture shows the V hanger and DC brake levers in completely different places to the kit. A little slice here and there and those details are moved. This actually make the build a little more straight forward than the original kit plans for the gear. The vacuum cylinder is also different being central rather than off centre as per kit. Again an easy repositioning. The important bit is that all the repositioned pieces work together and any cross rigging will not be impeded. I have left this over night for the cement and softened plastic to reform and go off before adding any of the brake rigging. What really cut against the grain was the removal of the lovely moulded details as cast by the kit manufacturer and the filling of all the locating points for the addition detailing i.e. roof vents, hand rails and end steps. This Tevan Chocolate wagon is a converted Mica B and generally a much simpler version of the vehicle. Although the removal of the door handles to be replaced with brass wire is a must (and not difficult or dangerous to the existing detail), something I regret not doing on my previous Mica build. I built this to the instructions as I did not have the confidence to adapt things at the time. However please don't get me wrong I am really happy with the Mica and certainly would not change it now or even consider replacing it. The mouldings were removed carefully skimming a scalpel blade under each at plank level and lightly sanded. All the locating holes in the ends and roof filled using a plastic filler, sanded back, filled again. A final sanding before spraying in primer to highlight any high/low areas or anything else that needed attending to. The sides had the same treatment but the planking groves required opening out where some had filler as the holes were located mid-point of the grove or where mould plate detail sat across two planks. Again the use of primer to highlight these are prove invaluable. Further inspection identified the need to remove the buffers and replace with non-ribbed housing. I must remember screw couplings and vac pipes. I have been resisting the remove of the moulded door bangs but I feel this is more laziness shrouded in concern over the planking finish and how to add new ones than any real modelling concerns. So a new day brings fresh eyes, there are to be removed from the base of the wagon sides and new ones fashioned in the correct locations as per picture (I should have shown this first really, I guess); Source; J H Russell's Great Western Wagons Appendix, Oxford Publishing Co.

Here's the single plankers for the stone quarry mid build. Was planning on adding the transfers before putting the planks onto the chassis but after reviewing the painting and decided I would potential destroy the transfers through additional handling so went the standard way and do the paint job prior to transfers. Whilst checking stock of wheels I came across a pair of plastic Mansell coach axles that I had been holding for the fish wagons. Once I had completed the open 6 wheeled fish wagons I tested them against some random point work and they consistently derailed. Could not work out why this would happen except maybe the 6 wheel arrangement was causing a little trouble. Remembering I had some plastic sets from the siphon C builds I grabbed a couple and put them to one side for problem solving (hopefully). Found them now and the flange is to be removed and replace the metal central axles hoping the wheels will now act as a standard 4 wheel wagon with a flangeless central set. Fingers crossed this alleviates any future problems when (if) I get my layout under construction. Filing and shaving with the knife edge certainly gives you sore fingers even for just the four wheels. Decided to use individual medium chain links for the tethering hoops of the WW1 military horse open wagon. This and the manure tarp to complete the outstanding builds before the breakdown project.

Thank you everyone for your knowledgeable comments and assistance. I have taken everything on board and will get that pending order in. My layout is to be based in the 20s for track plan and buildings mainly but I have stock from a very wide time frame from late 1890s to 1940s so hopefully this allows for all the companies to be modelled. I have a few items that will have to be 'licensed' but they are things I would like to see running on my future layout. However there are many aspects that are exact references to what ran or would be expected to run through Chippenham. Thank you all once more for your assistance it is very much appreciated.

Thank you I have these already made up, using pictures of Chippenham station and the Calne Branch for reference of owners. All are solid spoke which is why it had suddenly occurred to me that they probably should be open spoke although now looking at the models it seems that it is near impossible to notice open or solid once in place and especially running.

Thank you, yes a recent purchase and it is very good currently using to complete the 2 single plank wagons. The local industry was Wiltshire Bacon Factory and Westinghouse. There was also a brick factory and (I think it was called) Condensed milk Factory later Nestle I think. Chippenham may also have been a point for other local coal merchants to have their deliveries as outlying towns and villages did not access, Calne two n had it's own branch for Harris Bacon and sausages as well as supplies.

Thank you @Compound2632 very much appreciate your time and help. This is what I was thinking as well just hoped for confirmation of someone more knowledgeable than me. My comment was referring to the kits that I am to build, most if not all seem to be of Gloucester R C&W Co basis.

I then pose the question; Is it reasonable for said po wagons to have originally been fitted with open spoked during the early 1900s and still be wearing them during my period of my layout setting of the 1920s? My understanding is yes but just checking as to purchase enough axles for 60+ wagons would be somewhat disappointing to make for open then realise the majority should be solid. It would appear that the majority, if not all, the wagon builder is, Gloucester C & W Co.

Just asking a little help please. I have it in my mind that private owner open wagons consisted of open/split spoked wheels roughly in the early 1900s to be replaced during the 1920 with solid spoked wheels. Of course this took a long time as would have only been completed during maintenance. The basis of the question lies with me requiring a a number of wheels for private owner wagons and the wish to get it right. As you will see through the thread I model a wide range of dated wagons but layout will be set within the 20s. So if there would have been a cross over during this period I presume private owner wagons would still have the majority, if not all, as split whilst those I have already model for the Great Western would be still ok to keep the solid spokes already applied. In short my line of thinking is; keep the solid spokes as already applied, keep the additional solid spokes for the other GWR wagons to build and use split spoke for the new private owners. Does this make sense or an I over thinking it and I should wind my neck in and just stick with solids? Any advice will be greatly appreciated as I need to get my order in soon. Cheers.

The last two of the quad are finished (they ahve wheels just not in place) except couplings as usual. It's a case of little and large and quite a difference as well! I used the original transfers for the Damo as supplied. They first looked hugely over scaled but now they have settle and seem a better fit. Started on a couple of single plankers for a local stone quarry whilst I wait for a couple of finishing items before I get started on the breakdown train. Just got to dry brush those wagon beds and start on the sides.

Slow progress but progress nonetheless. Very pleased with the way the HMRS transfers have shaped around the stations of the Mink C but the numbers I feel are a little large and blobby. The transfers for the manure wagon are chopped up ratio Iron Mink sheets. As there are no decent pictures or much in formation in general available on the small amount of wagons built for this diagram I have presumed freight livery in colour and run with text positions are per open fish wagons. Dung load and tarp former are to be fixed once the wagon has received a spray of varnish. The tarp will receive a separate spray of varnish to try and preserve the folds. Ropes will be the final addition. All my parts have arrived for the breakdown train project so this will be next. A varied effort will be required from kit building whitemetal steam crane and brass match truck to scratch building a bogied riding coach/van. I have also a pair of brass mess and tool vans that have been super heavily painted and glued to salvage and resurrect. Much fun for 2022.

Mikkel this is lovely and some very nice additional touches. Love the lamps what part of a watch are those? Have you seen the book by Janet Russell; Great Western Horse Power ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 086093425X ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0860934257 Some decent material here as well although what you have more than likely covers everything you require.

@Andy M Thank you Robin has pulled out all the stops and both copies arrived today. Will have a good read over the coming days, thank you again.

Cheers Andy but it seems that I wont be. As it stands one of the ordered issues appears to have been delivered to someone in Reading not even the same county as myself, and the other is awaiting delivery. Someone is has having a good read on my behalf. I have contacted Robin through eBay, as this is where I made my purchases, with the details and hopefully this clear up the situation as just a clerical tracking number input error and delayed delivery rather than any other problem.

Here's all the pieces to the puzzle. the white is a load of plasticard scraps that I have glued into a former for under the tarp to stop this from been pushed in once in service. I have added the same wash to the wagon floor and sides but did not want to go overboard as horse dung is drier than the cattle equivalent and unless it has recently rained the load should be relatively dry, with the obvious exception of the other end product as well but the straw should deal with most of this. The finished kit itself has slit holes along the base of the sides. These I am presuming are designed and the prototype would have had these to act as drains to avoid pooling. I used the wash to the same effect, loading the sides and corners and letting it drain through the slits. Picture 2 tries to show this but not so well, again I have not gone over board here as I do not think there is likely to be a huge amount of liquid spill, especially as sheeted. This is the wagon as it is planned to be when everything is fixed in place. I will add ropes to the tarp as I did with the previous cattle/horse wagon but paint the thread first The WW1 converted open wagon for horse transport is all but finished just need to add metal links around the top of the wagon, under the extension planking, tie in the horses and finish with the military lettering on the lower corner. Now to finish the Damo B and Mink C as they are out of the spray box.

I think maybe only 3-5 stables/horses for the station but Wiltshire Bacon factory and Westinghouse was opposite and had links to the mainline so I am running along those lines. Here's the final offending object. I think it's sh!te and even my good lady said it looked like cr@p to her. Now there's a compliment if ever I had one This is a shaped blob of DAS which took a couple of days to fully dry out. Paint in hull brown. A decent layer of hanging basket liner, chopped into various size pieces and pulled apart into strands. This was then dabbed with loaded brushes of Agrax Earthshade wash and some strands picked out with Sinai Grey. Then a final thin layer of liner glued on top to help lighten the pile as the brown took over and looked to poohy and not enough straw.

Shame as that means they more than likely never started, however you have and I am really looking forward to my copies, thank you. Thank you, appreciate it. I look forward to the article, hopefully I have not too many errors on my model.

Apologies I am very late to the party and only just found this thread and the said journal. I attended a finescale modelling exhibition about 3-4 years ago in Warminster Wiltshire where there was an 'interests list' being compiled for a future GWR publication. Nothing ever seemed to materialise from this but I am hoping your publication is either, that what was planned or a development there of. Having read the comments I have placed orders for the first two issues, of which I am immensely looking forward to receiving and reading. I am also encouraged that a subscription is planned.

Well the experiment with the balls of clay in the ink turned out cr@p. Didn't work, not sure why I thought it would putting clay in a solution means just one thing, clay slip! This gooey mess of rubbish was spread across the top of the larger clay pile to give a rougher surface, which works nicely. The clay has taken an age to dry and although not completely dry I marched on. A thick coat of Hull Red and generous dribbles of runny glue I threw the chopped up pieces of hanging basket liner all over it. Currently drying but thought I would give an idea of what it happening. Must be convincing in the flesh as when I was uploading the picture the Higher Authority wondered by and said "What is that....looks like a pie of sh!te" We'll see tomorrow. I am planning for further applications of hay/straw with more paint and ink washes.

OK, having thought that was it for the year I find myself in the shite! No I mean quite literally, I have a sh!t project. I am a sh!t modeller. Seriously it's shite for now. Having whacked a load of weathering paste stuff on another Mex I accidently bought I started to think ah sh!t the manure wagon Dia R. I need a load as (oddly) the brass interior sides are not etch detailed. I did not intend to do anything else this year but hey when the feeling takes you go with it. The original tarp, in the recent tarp experiment, can and will be used here. As previously mentioned it is likely the load would have been covered for transport and you certainly would not want to be using tarps on this sort of load that would then be in general service later. So I am using the brownish looking original one that can be seen as an old right off. The idea is to have a removable load including the tarp that acts as one piece. Whilst I could easily just cover the entire wagon with a double tarp and be done with it where's the fun in that, besides that would cut short all the puns available for a little old years night cheer. The planned result is to end with a load that is partial covered by a general, nondescript old used tarp exposing an area that still requires 'loading'. This will be suitable to leave in a siding or hopefully slightly plausible as a movement load, no pun intended but if it works cracking. Herewith the experiment commences; (especially for @Mikkel as I believe these are a favorite) The load is horse manure from the station stables, my planned layout has a good sized stables attached so one wagon is certainly justified. As described above the load is to be partially covered. As with the Mex wagons 'used' straw is represented with fibres. These are hanging basket fibres. I got hold a sheet of and cutting into strips then into shorter pieces that can then be broken into small clumps and individual strands. Next we need the poo so using some DAS air drying clay (I have had this opened and stored for about 6 years just waiting for a sh!t project like this) The dollops are then thrown in a mixture of black and brown washes heavily diluted (probaly 200%) with water. These will be left over night to see what happens. The hope is that the balls will 'go off' with an element of colour. If not then they will be left out to dry and colour using the diluted wash. next the main body of the exposed load needs to be created. Again using the DAS and general mound is made that sits nicely in the final destination as well reaching under the tarp. A support for the hollow part will be constructed from plasticard should this cr@p effort work. This now to be left overnight to harden off. We will see what the results are in the new year. Is it the bin or are we continuing in the new year, who knows, who cares, it will be what it will be........................................................a pile of sh!te at the end of the day, lol. Happy New Year to You All. Thank you for spending your time reading my drivel, hopefully it has brought the occasional smile and may be even some modelling assistance.

I had my time with the Rectank just got another 11 to do! Finding the transfers is a devil in it's self. Numbers, tons and tare not so much 'Rectank'

Very nicely done. I couldn't fit 'to carry' completely so just decided on a little for the tons and tare using the Ratio transfers.

Tried with just natural lighting but still smacks you in the face compared to the naked eye.

Here we go then, did quite get all of the wagons finished off, mainly due to be lazy but the weather for spraying paint was a little wet as well. Here's the 2 planker in GWR livery as described by the instructions and a little red number for the New Year. Not as bright as shown and the odd mark is from having to swap around the number and tons making the powders weird out. It is not for the purists but the number is from a wagon built 1889 hence the livery minus the G and W. I used a little guessucation to merge two pictured liveries, one from 1893 and that of the actual wagon 37979 in 1920s. I could have just used the number 57604 but this meant that I had to chop up loads of individual numbers from a different transfer source when I had already the full number from the same source as tons and tare. Like I said I have been lazy. Both waiting couplings as with the majority of my recent builds. Happy New Year.

There you go Rob, a challenge for the new year, working groundies and crossing gates........get on.

From personal experience make sure you start with the correct colour of thread or paint it prior to application! I have now finished painting the ropes with the beige colour and have decided not to add further black as this detail will be lost to the wagon. The overall effect is pleasing I think. I just need to find out why I have kept the tie bar on this W1 Some very close ups of areas of interest; As you can see painting the thread after is very tricky and difficult to completely colour it. These areas are not visible to normal distance viewing so rather than risk the entire wagon I will leave alone. Time for the varnish and then in the queue for couplings. This is the final Mex that has an element of difference about it the final 8 or so are just waiting a little touch of weather powder and varnish. The to join the rest waiting for couplings.