Mad McCann

If it's that good why does it need a traction tyre..?

One of the things I really admire about your modelling is that you have proved in a very public way that very high quality models can be produced with basic resources and without recourse to an extensive budget. You are mining the same rich seam as those great pioneers of our hobby in the 1940s and '50s. The results of your ingenuity and creativity bear mighty witness to that. And that's all the smoke I'm blowing today, mate! ;-) Dave.

Jings! Look at all that railway infrastructure!

Didnae know he was in Big Country... ;-)

He's a good lad, Chris. Building his Barclay 0-6-0t just now. Joy to build!

Steve's service is top notch. I ordered some OHL flashes and Caley transfers last week and they were here virtually next day. Best OHL flashes out there, btw. Railtec will be my first port of call should I need any more in future! Dave.

All stations along the way, Steve. It'll come out right at the other end! :-) Dave.

Steve, every time you pop up, you blow us away with something new and amazing. And now a Jumbo! :-) Cheers! Dave.

Keep on keepin' on, Steve; these are superb! Dave.

I've been a poor steward on here of late, lads, so thanks for keeping the fire banked up. Sorry how things have panned out, Jock, but please keep the anecdotes flowing to paper - we all appreciate these personal recollections and they are part of the legend of the route. Incidentally, folks; the latest True Line from the Caley Association has an extended and rather excellent feature on the PPW. A fair few images from Jack Kernahan on it that I haven't seen before. It's quite intriguing to think that here on the thread we have a near direct connection with the man behind my psuedonym!

I've no suitable sources to check myself unfortunately, but would 68957 be a J50/3? Thanks. Dave.

I've mastered a wide range of finishes over the last few years from near ex-works to near-withdrawn! Here's a few of my favourites.

For many years now (and under different guise) I've been developing paint and effects skills on models. Ever since my mid teens I'd always looked at models and found them to be little more than nice toys until they'd received some creative touches that brought them to life. Ever since then I've been on that quest to try and create a finished model that actually looks like a full-size piece of equipment hewn from metal or wood. Weathering is an over-used and not always fully understood term and I personally prefer to speak in terms of 'effects'. Various forces begin to play upon a locomotive or indeed any piece of heavy equipment once it leaves the factory and begins its working life. Yes, the weather plays a part; so does the immediate environment. Think steam age loco shed, ironworks or pithead for example. Lubricants, sand and the passage of crew and maintenance staff across the accessible parts all leave their mark. Cargos and the stresses and impacts of rarely gentle use in traffic all take their toll on the finish of goods rolling stock too. Over and above that it's desirable to create the effect of light and shade in order to generate the illusion of depth on what may otherwise be a fairly two-dimensional looking model. With that in mind, I'll let the following images do the talking...

Well, if the SouWest and Clyde Iron versions appear I'll be an immensely happy man! :-)

I've incorporated a flywheel into the Pickersgill '72' 4-4-0 currently passing through works here. It does make a noticeable improvement to the running.

You're right, Mike. Brainfart on my account! Dave.

It's a nice morning here too. Abi has been back to the vet to get her wounds checked. Part isn't healing up as well so she's stuck with the lampshade and dressings for another couple of weeks. Will be back on Saturday for a check up so Expo EM North up the chute. Still, got the A4/Waverley to look forward to on Monday. Still gonna be glad to see the back of this year! Dave.

Or you can always send it here and have a decent job done of it. ;-) Dave.