Enfys_Rainbow

Thanks for the comments! Just to follow on from yesterday's post, I managed to bend up some brake levers to the approximate shape and, by combining them with the plastic parts, come up with something that looks reasonable. I can't do much more now until I paint the underframe - I'll never be able to paint it properly with the body in place. The end chains can't be added until the body is secure either. I'm not really in a painting mood at the moment though! Matt

Good morning all, Bit of a Mermaid update - still far from finished, but I'm making steady progress with it. Still to do are brake levers, end chains, rail clamps and a multitude of other small bits and bobs. Everything between the solebars is guesswork, and not much will be seen so I'm not overly concerned about 100% accuracy. Equally, many of the bits underneath have been cobbled together from various spare parts. Matt

Hi all, While I wait for an opportunity to paint the 12t van, I've started work on a Mermaid ballast wagon. There were two choices: the Flangeway RTR option or the venerable Cambrian kit and I opted for the latter. It's a shame there are no detailing/upgrade parts available for this kit because it would really benefit from a few bits. I initially constructed the chassis as per the instructions, and went to bed feeling pretty pleased with myself. Next evening, I realised I had messed up somewhere, because it was much too narrow and I couldn't even fit the wheels. I tried to disassemble it, but this was easier said than done and the w-irons and chassis frame were damaged in the process. After resisting the urge to stamp on it, I rebuilt things as best I could using a range of bits and bobs. It's not perfect, but it runs smoothly. The body was harder than it needed to be and is only balancing in place in these photos. I've also started adding a bit of extra detail - again just from bits and bobs - to the bufferbeams. Matt

Hi all, Finally finished and now waiting to be painted: While I wait for an opportunity to paint, my thoughts are already turning to the next project... Matt

Couple of questions: What livery is it? Do you paint with a brush or airbrush? What type of marks/dinks are there and where on the body? Matt

Good morning all, Not many posts recently, but I've been working hard behind the scenes on this, my next project: This is a Parkside Diag 1/213 12t van body, with an rather fabulous underframe from Rumney Models. Steep learning curve for me with a few errors along the way [all my fault, nothing to do with the kit] but despite that, it really looks the part. So much so, in fact, I can't see myself building too many all-plastic underframes from here on in. In case you're wondering, this is also to EM gauge. Matt This

I like what you're doing with these old(er) coaches and they certainly scrub up well. I've been working on an, admittedly more recent, Hornby Mk2e BSO myself recently so can appreciate the work that's gone in to detailing the ends. Matt

Hi Martyn, Thanks for the reply. Out of interest, which wheels did you use for the Class 24? Matt

First off, some more thoughts about a change to EM gauge: I've long been aware of the discussions around OO vs EM vs P4 and to be totally honest, not knowing anything other than OO, I was never that bothered. Recently, however, I started asking myself that given how much time and effort I [try to] put into my stock building, would making the small extra step not be worth it? I've subsequently joined the EMGS and purchased a B2B gauge and a length of track, mainly out of pure curiosity. I wasn't expecting much, and I've never actually seen anything EM "in the flesh" but now I've compared the two, and without wanting to sound cliched, I can't unsee the narrow-ness of OO gauge! P4 would be a step too far for me and while I appreciate it's finesse, and the standards of those who model it, it wouldn't be a viable option for me. EM, however, seems to be the best of both worlds [for me]. So, I'm on the verge of committing to EM gauge. On one hand, I'm a bit sad as I don't relish the thought of having to convert existing stock, especially some of those items where adjustments to brake gear etc will be difficult and destructive, but on the other hand I'm excited about this progression in my modelling! Meanwhile, I haven't just been sitting there pondering EM gauge - I have done some modelling too! The Hornby BSO is on the finishing straight now. I've started the weathering, and while there's more to be done, it's getting there...I think. The underframe needs a bit more work, as does the roof, however I'm going for an "in-service" finish. Not bad for a Hornby Mk2E - gives the Bachmann model a run for it's money in my opinion! Matt

Nice work. I need to get myself a Cargowaggon in 4mm.

Not promising anything...but a new direction I'm considering for this thread...

The end! What was salvageable was salvaged. The rest... I have got a nice 4ft space in my modelling room now though! All the best Matt

Pleased to see this - have always had a soft spot for the Lima 47. One of the first locos I detailed/weathered - now sadly sold (but I actually wish I'd kept it)! Matt

Not as dirty as your example, but I used thinned down enamel paint. Note: the prototype wasn't quite as heavily stained either. One day I will finish this!

Interested - any photos? How much would postage be?