Jesse Sim

11 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks for those Andrew,

 

Very impressive.

 

Your mentioning of a K's B2 made me find this...................

 

 

I can't recall who brought it, but it ran very well (not on K's drivers, you'll note). 

 

If  remember correctly, I sold a completed K's B2 to Jesse Sim, but I can't find its picture (assuming I took one). If I did sell one to him, perhaps he'll show a picture of it. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Indeed you did Tony, many years ago in fact, 2017 I believe! 
 

Since then she’s been repainted by Charles Rudder as she was in a horrible puke green colour. I then re-lined her; terribly and weathered her to hide it all! She runs sweetly after being fitted with a DJH gearbox. A very capable layout loco I think. 

Please don’t ever stop posting photos of your dick. 

On 12/08/2023 at 03:22, jwealleans said:

Something's stirring.

 

 

... and it's mobile again.

 

 

Love the protective cage, much better then that rickety pallet we used last time 🤣

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Good news regarding my The Book of the LNER Pacifics Modelling Options. 

 

A friend has got a spare copy, which he's giving to me when I next see him. Jesse, you're in luck! 

Excellent! 
 

Please pass on my thanks.

Just pop it in the post with that J6 and lovely new K2. 🤣

On 27/07/2023 at 21:00, Nick Holliday said:

Overall an excellent edition, particularly the County Donegal layout. However, in my printed edition, I was disappointed by the number of murky photographs. Jesse Sims’ piece suffered most, with the differences between examples, apart from Wagon 3, being virtually indistinguishable. A couple of the RMweb Community views suffered similarly, and the picture of the Hornby Fish Wagon(?) looked like one of O. V. Bulleid’s more experimental Irish wagons, with diagonal corrugated sides and a continuously curved roof.

Being picky, I realise that Michael Russell’s piece on weathering was applicable to all scales, but then specific dimensions were quoted, unnecessarily, for the mudflaps, and it would be interesting to know the source of the model used.

On 27/07/2023 at 21:09, AY Mod said:

 

Over-inking by the print room is something we continually flag up. I try and compensate for this in anything that passes this way for 'processing'.

Photography is definitely not my strong point, I think I am a far better modeller than photographer. As I live in Australia (born and bred) studio shots are not possible and the article suffered due to my lack of photography skills. Although I hope to rectify this in coming articles….practice makes perfect. 

16 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

I hope you like the book, Rich.

 

I tried to get one for Jesse Sim, but Irwell had sold the lot. In a way I was delighted, because any royalties went to a children's hospice in Kent.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

And if anyone has one and is willing to sell it on I’d be happy to make a donation to CRUK so the “contribution” continues. 

On 06/08/2023 at 02:39, Tony Wright said:

Glad to report that, after a clean, pick-up adjustment and oiling, the J6 seen on the last page now runs really sweetly (even with its decoder on my non-DCC system).

 

No one has come forward as yet. 

If it’s not claimed I think the honourable thing to do is take it off your hands as you have far too many locos….

4 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Good morning Jesse,

 

No apologies required. 

 

The new Nu-Cast & Partners K2 is a very good kit indeed, and one well within your construction capabilities. 

 

 

It makes up very well.

 

 

And looks good when finished, especially with a pro-paint job from the likes of Geoff Haynes. 

 

If you can get an older Nu-Cast K2 kit, then make sure it has a brass set of frames rather than a white metal lump. 

 

 

When I built the Nu-Cast K2 kit when it first came out in the '70s, I scratch-built a chassis for it - from traditional 'battleship' brass, rather devoid of detail. It's what one did at the time, all those years ago long before you were born. 

 

It still runs well.

 

 

Of course, the 'crispest' K2 can be made from the London Road K2 (in this case, painted by Ian Rathbone), but there is a discrepancy between the coupling rods and the bearings in the frames. It would seem not to be an issue if compensation/springing is employed (as prescribed in the instructions), but for a rigid chassis, I made new rods. 

 

An RTR K2 in OO any time? I very much doubt it, but who knows? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

I think the only thing that could deter me is the all the valve gear, I just haven’t done any before. 
 

I might build the B16 first, as I have the wheels for it. Then perhaps look at the K2. 

On 19/07/2023 at 17:21, Tony Wright said:

Good morning Jesse,

 

Might I suggest the Nu-Cast kit for a K2, much-revived by Nu-Cast and partners if you're going to build one? The LRM kit makes up very well, though there is a discrepancy in the dimensions of the driving wheel bearings and the coupling rods. I'm told that this doesn't matter if the compensation system (as prescribed) is employed, but for a rigid chassis (which I always employ), I made new coupling rods; not beyond a man of your abilities, but be forewarned. No such necessity is needed for the Nu-Cast K2, especially now it's got a proper etched brass set of frames. Though the last of the original Nu-Cast loco kits got etched frames, for years they were supplied with a cast metal lump for a chassis. If you're looking at acquiring an original Nu-Cast K2 (via eBay?) to build, make sure it's got an etched set of frames. The one I bought of late has, fortunately. 

 

I'm astonished at the number of K2s I've had running on Little Bytham. Here's a selection............

 

 

A Scottish example, built from a Nu-Cast kit. Who brought this, I can't recall.

 

 

Another Nu-Cast Scottish K2; again, whose this is, I've forgotten. 

 

More forgotten Nu-Cast K2s.............

 

 

This one appears to be on Bachmann frames.

 

 

As does this one, though is the body Nu-Cast?

 

 

Definitely all original Nu-Cast, but built by whom? 

 

 

This Nu-Cast K2 came to me as a bit of a wreck. I patched it up, then sold it to a friend on behalf of CRUK. 

 

 

I built this when the Nu-Cast kit first came out, scratch-building a brass chassis for it. Though lacking detail, it's all my work.

 

 

The latest Nu-Cast & Partners K2 is a different animal indeed. This was a test-build for the partners, and Geoff Haynes painted it. A pro-paint job as good as this enhances a model in great measure.

 

 

This is the older Nu-Cast K2 (on proper frames) I sold to Gilbert Barnatt last week. My build and Geoff Haynes' painting. 

 

 

A scratch-built K2 by Ray Lightfoot.

 

 

And an original Nu-Cast K2 in GNR guise. Again, I've forgotten who brought this.

 

 

Graeme King's resin K2 performed well during the 1938 LNER weekend. 

 

All things being equal............

 

 

The London Road K2 is probably the best, especially when painted by the likes of Ian Rathbone (note the new rods).

 

 

It's a regular on Little Bytham. 

 

You pays your money and you takes your choice..................

 

Will there ever be an RTR K2, I wonder? Not that it matters to me.................

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning Tony,

Apologies for such a late reply. 
 

I think I will go with the Nu-cast kit, although I have a C7 to build, a B16 and also finish of the C9-which is running by the way, just stalled pending other projects. 
 

I think an RTR K2 could be possible by Bachmann. They’ve built a K3 and a C1 which is almost the basic requirements for GN parts….. who knows.

I will eventually get myself a kit and If it’s built a before an RTR one is made hooray, if it isn’t, I’ll still more than likely build it anyway. 
 

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

More pairings..........

 

 

Two B1s. Though route restricted, apparently a B1 (61159) ran on the M&GNR during the last months of the line's existence; nobody cared. This is a Modified Bachmann body on Comet frames.

 

61208 (one of Retford's 'Rockets') was built from an old Nu-Cast kit on Comet frames; both these locos are my work from some years ago. 

 

 

Two B12/3s this time. I built 61530 from a PDK kit and Ian Rathbone painted it. 

 

61553 is all my work; built from a Coopercraft kit, one of only three in the whole universe known to have been made which actually work!

 

Every time I take a picture featuring Dave Wager's magnificent girder bridge (with CAD work by Jamie Guest), I'm reminded how lucky I am to have such brilliant modelling on LB. 

 

Apologies for the diverging verticals in the image, caused by my use of a wide-angle lens. 

 

 

Two of Bytham's three K2s pass on respective Down and Up stopping trains. 

 

I built 61738 from a London Road kit, which Ian Rathbone painted, and 61760 from a Nu-Cast kit, which Geoff Haynes painted.

 

Do K2s score highly on the 'wish-list' RTR polls? 

 

I think they're pretty, even dainty 2-6-0s, if ever such descriptions can be applied to lumps of hot steel. 

 

Speaking of luck - there's the work of at least nine of LB's building team in the above image. 

 

 

A brace of Britannias. 

 

70010 featured of late, built by me and painted by Geoff Haynes.

 

70003 was started by the late Bob Alderman years ago. I bought it part-completed off him, finished it, and Ian Rathbone painted it.

 

Brits would be rather rare at Little Bytham, though since the Eastern's 7MTs were shopped at Doncaster it's quite possible. Indeed, I saw one at Retford on the main line, working a Down express freight in 1958. 

 

 

 

 

Two DJH A3s from different angles (the centre image more redolent of the 'helicopter' model railway shots of yore). 

 

I built 60046 and Geoff Haynes painted her.

 

60106 was built by Alan Hammet and weathered by Tony Geary; she's ex-Stoke and ex-Charwelton, and also ex-Peterborough North, but now she's 'home' so to speak. 

 

I'll next try some shots of locos travelling in the same direction - one can do that on a four-track main line!

 

 

I really do need to order myself a K2. I’ve got enough K3’s. 
 

I have one of Graeme Kings resin K2 conversions here running on a modified Bachmann K3 chassis but it’s not very good…. one of my first conversions and it shows! 

5 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

In doing so, I can use my beloved sliding fishplates. Much simpler and guaranteed alignment.

 

 

 

I just got PTSD from Harrogate.... 

2 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

Will hopefully be answered by the following ...

 

Been tackling the joint across the hinged end of the WCML board. Never one for the easy life(!), I'm having some pointwork on the lifting piece! This does serve as Shap summit (at least operationally) so the trailing crossover is partly for sending bankers back once their shoving has been done. But it also provides a run round facility at 'Shaprith', principally for any trains from Carlisle terminating at Penrith.

Meanwhile, the other point is the lead into a small yard at this end. As well as having a purpose for any local goods traffic, any bankers can be held here pending a path back down the bank. I was going to have it just the other side of the gap but putting it this side will enable the roads in the yard to be that much longer - it's going to be quite cramped as it is.

 

Tracklaying proceeds. The rails immediately either side of the gap have had their sleepers cleared ready for soldering to copper clads.

 

Like so. Two (gapped!) sleepers per side.

 

Now then - that hinge. Thought I was doing ever so well ... but can you spot the difference? Having soldered the rails then cut through with the slitting disc, I triumphantly gave it a try ... only to meet with resistance and hear some ominous crunching noises. Oops!

 

The hinge was screwed directly to the baseboard top, meaning that its line of action was BELOW the rails, hence they were getting closer rather than separating when the board hinge was activated - schoolboy error!

 

As can be seen, 9mm packing pieces have been deployed - and now it works as it should. And yes - that is the finished installation, just one sturdy hinge on one side. Might look flimsy but once t'other end is located then it all lines up OK.

 

Certain aspects are likely to be a bit agricultural, especially 'off scene' parts. Just so long as it all works OK. Life's too short.

I had a feeling reading the post that you would be hit with the hinge problem.

I find it odd that I never came across this problem as I too screwed my hinges straight onto the baseboard but it lifted well above the track and never crunched. I eventually added a small bit of timber to each end on each hinge eventually just to be safe... 

It all look's fantastic RL. 

On 02/07/2023 at 06:47, Tony Wright said:

I bought a Nu-Cast K2 (with all wheels and a brass chassis) for £45.00 (no instructions), 

if you find another let me know please!! 

14 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

and many is the time I've encountered a less-than-erect signal. 

 

 

Must have been a very old signal. 

The GN wagon is finished, just need to put some rope through the ridiculously small eyelet’s. I’m really happy with this and another could be on the horizon soon. Should finish all my other projects soon first….

On 19/06/2023 at 05:58, jwealleans said:

Been a while.   Mrs W brought a dose of COVID back from Germany with her which she kindly shared and it knocked the stuffing out of me for several weeks.  I still have a cough.   That and being busy at work while the weather was being kind meant not a lot of modelling has gone on recently.   

 

I can't locate the Dapol wheelset I know I had in the bottom of my toolbox for years.  If I find another set which I can positively identify then I may do some tests to see how they compare to Hornby in terms of running and trackholding.   Someone else (I can't recall who, but it was at Ely Show) commented on their poor running quite unprompted so the reputation at least still persists.

 

Bits and bobs I have been fiddling on with.... Lowfit now painted and with load posed in place.

 

 

I thought I'd illustrated the van which donated the underframe, but apparently not.  Here it is with 9' WB underframe from Evergreen strip, wire and the Mainly Trains brake gear etch.

 

From a deceased collection I helped dispose of recently, a pair of Ratio LMS vans.   There were about a dozen wagons which I've hung onto for myself as they make useful fodder for weathering demonstrations (e.g Thirsk Show at the end of July).  These had been nicely built, just needed the roofs off to add a bit of weight and wire replacement door handles.

 

 

 

Painted and varnished the towed fuel bowser.  The Warwell needs weathering and then the bowser can be chained down permanently.   I deliberately didn't try to put any unit markings onto the bowser  - having talked to Pete Goss about them when he had Rowlands Castle, it's just a whole world of questions which I don't want to get into.

 

 

Also for Wickham Market, it seemed appropriate to have a Wickham trolley.   ModelU do a crew pack for this and here they are aboard it.  It needs  bit more matting down and the wheels painted.  If I can find it I also intend to rope a wheelbarrow onto the trailer to hide the moulded load.

 

 

Finally I have finished the first Alan Rose Barnum I started months ago.   In a moment of complete stupidity I decided it would look good with the fancy handrails.  The printed one which came with it were a bit chunky for my taste so I made them up from .45 wire.   I could only do one pair a night before I went crosseyed, but in the end I'm quite pleased.  They are a little out of gauge, I think, but at that height unlikely to foul very much.   I see some of the knobs need straightening, we'll do that before it goes into the box with the others.

 

Are you sure Covid didn’t addle your brain? Must have to think doing those handrails were a good idea….

2 hours ago, Woodcock29 said:

 Both could obviously do with some weathering - maybe?

 

 

I’ll be down in SA in September…could pick them up 😉

2 hours ago, Dunsignalling said:

Fat wallets and small willies. ☠️

You called?

18 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Just in for review....

 

 

Rapido's OO Gauge ex-SECR six-wheeled brake van.

 

It looks to be an extraordinarily good model. 

 

 

I keep seeing these pop up and I keep wondering if there is a possibility to alter one into a Pre-grouping Eastern type. I know the GN is out as the planking direction is wrong, but I haven’t checked any other company yet…. I must investigate. 

13 hours ago, OliverBytham said:

Just been weathering a similar wagon using the Tamiya panel line wash. For the heavier staining here do you brush paint it on directly in enamels? Looks very effective!

Hey mate, 

Yeah just a mix of 33 and metalcote and brush it straight on. 

1 hour ago, polybear said:

 

Hi Tony & @Jesse Sim,

Can you tell me the origins of this kit please?  Thanks

Regards,

Brian

Hey Brian,

It’s a PMK kit    

Cheeky GN build from an old mainline wagon. I know it has incorrect buffers and axle box’s but considering the only GN buffers available are 3D printed…. Say no more. The axle boxes? Well I’m just lazy. Plus I have it on good authority that the LNER replaced the buffers and axles boxes in 1933 ;) 

Obviously the eagle eyed views can see a plough machine on a lowmac in the background, I won’t leave you frothing at the month for too long…. Watch this space. 

2 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

Yes, it's getting a lot more interesting now, isn't it.

 

That's good!

 

Sorry, tender engines are prohibited on the Wheal Veronica branch...

I’ll leave the tender at home then