Jesse Sim

With my masters permission I’d like to post some things I’ve been working on…. First up, a rescue attempt in the shape of a DS Sheldon Crane. This came to me 75% complete, in EM, with no instructions and half the remaining parts missing from a deceased estate. I re-gauged the wheel set frames by eye, un-soldering and then re-soldering where I wanted them- my fingers were burnt to a crisp for a week. It was then a matter of working out what went where from photographs, thankfully Jonathan Wealleans sent me some photos of the instructions and I was able to piece everything together. There are some parts missing and I had to scratchbuilt a couple of things but it’ll do. It certainly looks the part, especially with the scratchbuilt runner wagon next to her. The crane just needs a weather and she’s finished. The inside of the runner wagon has all kinds of bits and pieces, even coal to fire the crane itself. I picked up this DJH C2 over a year ago for about 100 quid, it was part completed with a motor and wheels. I finally got it running this afternoon, so I finished off some bits and pieces, mostly building the tender. Hopefully she’ll be getting finished off soon. It’s not as good as yours Tony, but she’ll do!!

I’ve been a bit quiet lately which was due to a commission of Australian Rolling stock that needed weathering. I’m now back working on my own stock. First up, a rescue attempt in the shape of a DS Sheldon Crane. This came to me 75% complete, in EM, with no instructions and half the remaining parts missing from a deceased estate. I re-gauged the wheel set frames by eye, un-soldering and then re-soldering where I wanted them- my fingers were burnt to a crisp for a week. It was then a matter of working out what went where from photographs, thankfully Jonathan Wealleans sent me some photos of the instructions and I was able to piece everything together. There are some parts missing and I had to scratchbuilt a couple of things but it’ll do. It certainly looks the part, especially with the scratchbuilt runner wagon next to her. The crane just needs a weather and she’s finished. The inside of the runner wagon has all kinds of bits and pieces, even coal to fire the crane itself. Next we have a couple of simple Oxford and Bachman wagons with various loads and tied down. I have a thing for the weird and wonderful wagons. From L to R: A redundant McGowan GCR tender pressed into the service as sludge carrier. Next is an oil wagon for the LNER sheds I believe, I seen the photo in Tatlows and decided to model it from an Oxford wagon, it’s not 100% accurate but looks the part all the same. The differences are it should have a timber underframe and a support around the bottom of the tank itself. I’m happy to live with the irregularities. Lastly a LNER gas wagon, not sure whose kit it is but I got it years ago, built it using glue and hid it from the world. Found it whilst doing some cleaning so decided to rebuild it and here she is. This trio of wagons will probably go into a Pick up goods. I picked up this DJH C2 over a year ago for about 100 quid, it was part completed with a motor and wheels. I finally got it running this afternoon, so she’ll be getting finished off hopefully soon.

I’d be great to operate Buckingham again, I think I remember how to…. No yelling at me this time (regarding that photo) 🤣

Get me a slab of beer and I’ll see you in March.

Grass isn’t long enough, ruined it for me. I think there’s a word for people like me…. 🤣

Might have to borrow some glue from the man in Grimsby

That’s reminded me I still need to add the HB Mr King sent me to my one

There goes my secret ingredients…. No, it was a pleasure to host such an event and I’m glad i was able to get through it even with the funny faces you were pulling to distract me.

Oooft, need a warning before you share photos like that!!!

Someone check on @LNER4479 he might be having wallet or heart failure!

We’ve been through this before, you’re scary!

…and now for something completely different…. A commission of Australian rolling stock I’m working on at the moment is almost finished…only one more box of bogie coal wagons to do…… more on then later. Here’s a class 73 NSWGR shunter, I’m a British Modeller through and through but I feel a soft spot coming on for some of these.

If you are going to do that, how much for your 4 coach set? 😉

I’ll take it Tony, if it’s okay holding on to it till March? Drop me an email and we can discuss some pricing. If I find it’s too expensive (which I doubt) then I’ll happily step down for Simon. Thank Tony.

Many thanks Tony, Yeah I know, surely another set will pop up one day in the future. We have a few months to find out a price…

I’m not sure on what it could it be worth, I’ll leave that to the masters. But I’d be interested in it Tony. Need more coaching stock for Woolmer Green, especially stock for the services out of KX.

Every time I go to sleep and see this threads jumped forward four pages!

Alright you’ve convinced me

I think where people get turned off by HL is the doubt of building one. That’s been the reason for me, I know I can build wagons and coaches, building a loco isn’t any different. I know I can build the loco to a good standard, the DJH motor made that even easier because I don’t have to fiddle with it now all my concentration and effort is put into the chassis to make sure that’s all straight and true, I’m not stressing about trying to build a motor and gearbox. However, now that I’m building more and more I’m finding myself out of reach for the cost of a DJH motor, so I’ve actually decided to try my hand at a HL gearbox. If I win the lottery I’ll still continue to use DJH, but I doubt I’ll win the lottery!

Right that makes more sense, was confused as Rachel is only 4ft f*** all so she probably could fit in my suitcase…. No, no leaving the garage for my layout I’m afraid.

Well can you get it done before March? You’ll be my chauffeur and I’m worried….

You’ve lost me here Graeme.

But if I wear a mask I can’t have cigarette whilst soldering….

Woolmer Green is starting to the look the part. The last few weeks I’ve been working on getting the landscape how I like it. Few compromises here and there but still very much prototypical. I’m using a mix of foam and filler for embankments and hill. Because it’s a layout that won’t see any exhibitions I don’t have to worry about weight, that’s why the truck loads of filler won’t be an issue and my baseboards have been built to ensure a hurricane can’t tear them up. Plus I’m lazy. Looking North towards the A1 Bridge. Now looking south towards the viaduct. Now from the opposite end. Still plenty to do but I’m very happy with the outcome, it’s definitely coming along. Also a big shout out to my lovely girlfriend for helping me out the other day.

That’s why I snagged my girlfriend up whilst I had the chance. Her fathers a model railway enthusiast as well, although he models Australian stuff, can’t help that, perhaps I can try and convert him, help him see the light. Shall I bring my boots for any gardening work in March? Work for my supper!