Enfys_Rainbow

Basic painting now completed!

Matt

Thanks Kevin.

Another day, another brake van!

I've got a real soft spot for the BR (ex-LMS) 20t brake vans. I had several of the old Airfix/Dapol ones and was pretty pleased when Hornby released the all-new version a few years ago.

What I wasn't pleased with was the drooping and floppy handrails on my model. I chopped them off quite a while ago and then forgot all about it.

Anyway, seeing as I'm in the mood for completing older, half-built models, I dug it out and dusted it off.

When you disassemble the model and remove the inner ends and the floor, it becomes quite fragile and vulnerable to damage. I promptly snapped one end off completely so some repairs were needed.

I've made some basic additions, just to bring it in line with other stock but other than that, it's ready for new handrails and then a repaint. Hornby supply pipes but they look ever so slightly overscale to me so I replaced them with some from Lanarkshire Models.

Matt

Here's the completed model!

The photos on the Bartlett site are from separate years, so I've taken the features I like from both periods and tried to represent them!

One photo suggests some replacement planking at one end which I've suggested (visible above).

The markings are also in the right locations-ish although there are many liberties and errors I'm sure.

I'm bored of bauxite now, so I think my next project will be in grey/yellow for some variety!

Matt

The prototype van is a pretty faded bauxite colour which I'm trying to recreate. 

Lots more still to do however. 

Matt

Rapid progress and we're ready for the paintshop already. 

Few small cosmetic additions to bring it in line with my other stock, but that's pretty much it.

Matt

Oops: just noticed the steps are missing!

Another vote for Crosville Cymru livery please - either green/white or later red/green/white. 

Thanks for the comments about my budget brake van!

Continuing the same themes: brake vans and resurrecting old models, here's the next project. 

I started building this back in 2019 as a mess van to accompany a crane I was building. Fast forward to now, and the crane is no closer to being finished than it was then. 

Browsing the Bartlett site, I came across this:

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/lmsbrakevan/h18c6e2a4

Very similar and will make a nice change to the more usual types of BV's.

This kit doesn't include duckets, so they've been borrowed from another Parkside kit. Unfortunately I'll have to cannibalise that kit some more because I cannot find the rest of bits, despite looking everywhere. 

Matt

Hi all,

First off, I'm in the process of building this...store room...toilet...hut...

Not quite finished yet and there are a few unpainted bits but you get the idea.

I've also been working on this Dapol brake van. I actually built it, and did most of the work back in 2018, but then it got forgotten about. Part of the reason for this were the handrails.

My initial plan was just to keep the moulded items in place but, compared to my other stock that has wire handrails/handles, it was clear it needed doing. Removing them would have been far easier before building the kit though!

Matt

Having recently made a tree using many of the same items as you (page 10):

I have to say that I found the Flexibark very course. It's useful stuff, but difficult to get anything other than a really rough finish on the trunks.

Matt

Bit more progress again today.

Painting underway on the house which forms the scene-block at the left hand end. Obviously still a work in progress but feels good to get a bit of colour on the white plastic.

I need to glaze the windows and paint the door before I can start on the roof as access will be impossible afterwards. 

Matt

I've really enjoyed my brief tree modelling side project, hopefully I can squeeze a few smaller ones in if possible!

Downside is I haven't a clue what colour/which brand the scatter I used for the foliage is!

Matt

8 hours ago, sb67 said:

Good  to see some more photo's and that tree is coming along nicely. I've been looking back at your posts really like the colours and finish you get with your wagons, I'd love to know your secrets, do you airbrush at all and I know you used Vallejo paints on the hut, do you use them a lot? 

Hi Steve, thanks for your comment. 

I airbrush almost all parts of my wagons, I only use a brush for detail painting. 

Ironically I do use Vallejo paint, but only for brush painting! For airbrushing, it's mainly Tamiya acrylics mixed by eye.

However, it probably would be possible to get a similar finish with the brush and all my recent buildings have been brush painted using Vallejo paints.

Matt

Hello all, welcome back!

Decided to do some work on the layout over the weekend instead of building wagons and other random bits. First task however, was to dust the layout down and remove the excess of wagons that had been dumped there.

First major decision was that the garage had to go - just made it too cramped. 

Then I set to work building the base for the road (please note these photos are very bright! A lot of unpainted white plastic on show!)

A look up the hill towards the main road...

And while I was in the swing of things, I started making the layouts first tree.

Matt

Thanks all for the responses, much appreciated!

@chris p bacon - they are currently in the corner and won't fit under the bed.

I've actually taken a big risk today and slotted the slightly smaller board inside the larger. This frees up more space in my man-cave and she is yet to notice....

Good to know that I could put them in the attic when the inevitable happens though.

Hi all,

After some advice please. I have a couple of built baseboards (constructed for micro layouts which are yet to progress). 

The boards are fully assembled, but do not have any trackwork or scenery on them.

Up to now, they've been stored inside the house in the corner of the spare room but household authorities are keen for this situation to change. 

We do have a garage and attic, but neither are particularly insulated or dry.

They've been glued and screwed together, so can't be dismantled and flat packed.

Anyone got any clever ideas as to how I could store them and minimise damage/damp and it's associated issues?

Matt

Hi all,

This isn't related to this layout, but it was an enjoyable side project. 

The prototype is the outside toilet next to Clacton on Sea signal box. 

Matt

9 minutes ago, Northmoor said:

Lovely - is that from the Revell or Airfix kit (I've got the Red Arrow "Starter" kit in my to-do pile, it was in a shop sale for a fiver)?

This was the Revell kit. Not seen/built the Airfix one, but the Revell is pretty average fit wise.

Just finished this RAF Valley Hawk in 1/72 scale.

Matt

Another one from me:

Matt

Hi all,

Back on track with another wagon off the production line. I built this a while ago, but never got around to painting it until now.

Probably a few errors with the details and markings but I'm more interested in painting and weathering!

I found a few photos of vans with patch painting and warning flashes in random locations that I liked and used as inspiration. 

Matt

Last photos I promise! Just a few shots of a couple of final details.

Flashing:

Moss growing on the roof:

Note the rear of the building is unpainted - a) I'm lazy and b) it'll never be seen!

Matt