Bluemonkey presents....

You'll just have to have another

I had hoped to bring you the result of the little teases but I was not happy with the paint finish on the strips so have to do it again. I am waiting the pain to harden but think I will have to the do the reverse side as well so, as always, it will be delayed further but for me it will be worth the end result. Don't want to build it up too much as it will not be as exciting for you guys. Sorry.

OK for those who like to pop the prosecco don't forget to unwrap the cork nicely to preserve and keep the foil, especially the textured stuff and of course the cork for figure painting etc. Christmas chocolate wrappers need careful selection and safe keeping for all those tarps. It may be party time (albeit differently this year) but the the modelling must come first! Seek, secure, store and guard. Happy modelling to all for 2021.

You rare both very much on the right track (single branch). Here's an update with another clue; Cyclops is coming on nicely nearly ready for the sales room.

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year . Thank you to everyone who has contributed with opinions, advice and support it is very much appreciated. I have a couple of teasers for you; This is ready on the bench to be primed and painted but is it a giant picket fence or part of the stairway to heaven. It could be something of the later for me. Another clue.. I have been avoiding starting these for a little while now, today I have walked the dogs in the rain, cleaned three aquariums 'been' to work so what can the matter be?! Will post results unless of course I can find some more things to distract me like cleaning the car, inside and out. Write next years Christmas cards, do the washing up, cook? P.S. each brass strip is 3mm (ish) wide, 82mm long and 0.6mm (ish) thick. I really need to find a suppler for such strips of brass, they are going to be so useful!!!!!!

Always a pleasure reading your blogs both informative, inspiring and amusing. I look forward with anticipation for more in 2021, thank you for sharing your modelling and sense of fun.

Mikkel your RTR total rebuilds conversion projects are completely inspiring and always a treat. From my very basic knowledge and fumbling through books you are correct regarding the rivet detail although it appears that all rivets to the panniers will need removing to flush for the earliest of these locos. Images from Russell's Pictorial Record of Great Western locomotives Vol1 pp 95 and 100. I agree with Simon although brass is a tougher option. It appears some of the class continued service into the 30s and 40s! Also the livery options differ immensely through the years.

Love all of these locomotives. A heart felt favorite would be Ivor but had to vote for the prototype that I have had a long running build affair with, would be rude not to after all. Happy Christmas to All.

what about painting a 1 in front of the 4? or making the 0 into an 8 with a little extra fine painting?

Top dressing arrived this morning, seems I am behind schedule again lol and I have buffer beam transfers to add at some point!

Not very much happening in recent times as I have been side-tracked with a new development on an on-going project! The name and number plates are on their way. At least the safety rails are now in place all soldered up and nicely fitting. Just the side cylinder pistons to do before priming, painting and possibly putting on the market.

And to you Mikkel be safe and stay well.

That is an excellent result, as you say, a little weathering will be just the job.

Nice work, both locos look excellent

Sorry to hear about employment but congratulations on your new adventure. Your model making skills are fantastic as soon as word gets around I am sure you'll have more commissions than you can handle. Best of luck.

Welcome back Martin, glad you are well. If it helps my planned layout have been baseboard constructed twice with a working double once and now it is stalled pending further (potential) room developments. This has been over a period of 14 years so keep pushing on a railway modeller is never beaten just delayed.

Good to hear things are on the up and some lovely modelling to boot.

Ahhhhhh twins!

Primer is always a good indicator for gaps or deficiencies what ever or where ever they may be. Kind of like the grey livery though and again very tempted but must stick to the plan

@Compound2632 thank you for your comments. Thank you for the numbers very much appreciate it I have plucked some from the Atkins I am after pictorially recorded wagons in particular as my original brief is to model definite service numbers then if not possible to use randoms from the series.

@MrWolf no not at all, no hijack just really pleased to share the thread, this is exactly what I was hoping for thread that others would join in.

And boom here it is.......................................................... A cheeky little one planker that will be in GWR red to go with the others, just to make @Mikkel smile and to go with the two new cattle wagon kits that are on the way. I plan them to be red as well. That should finish a nice little train, although I will have to make up a short toad at some point to properly finish.

@AlfaZagato Thank you. I am hoping they build nicely but they are on the shelf at the moment as I need to touch base again with railway items. Whilst waiting for paint to dry got brave and finished the transfers for the Devonport military wagons. Happy with the results a little weather (long time later than now) will help no end. Oh and left with this after the Cyclops build. I have some buts to finish of the crane body to make and the job parts with be required but for the sprues who knows what to do?....................................................I have a sneaky idea

Last chance to view all the additional pieces to create the loco before primer coat. Additional detailing added all using plasticard this time. Rivets details on. Will add the copper top, safety valve, whistles and cab glass once finished in black.

@AlfaZagato I had investigated a colour match from the 'Air' range directly against Railmatch Loco Green in the bottle without finding even a close match. I feel the 'Colour' range will probably best suit but may still need a mix and of course will need thinning if spraying. I am still looking though when I have access to shops as I prefer to spray ready prepared colour, my colour mixing (I feel) varies too much.