Adrian Stevenson

The cattle dock is now built and is primed up as is the lamp hut. Marked out for the track on baseboard number two and starting gluing down the cork underlay.

Finally got the first half of the cattle dock built up. These were built from old Broad gauge rails. As I mentioned in another post, it is a bit of a fiddly kit, as you have to cut each rail to length to start with. The worst aspect is making the upright posts. You have to file the top of the rail down to form a 2mm long foot which you then glue to the resin base. Not the strongest system and there can be no temptation to fit the side rails until these have set firm! Once I have got the other one built and joined to this one, I need to make a brick base (with wooden steps) for them to sit on. Originally these were painted white, but later the regulations changed and they were simply sprayed down after use with disinfectant.

Thanks for the advice guys. I don't think my soldering skills are up to a brass kit yet. Cheers, Ade.

Actually I am surprised none of the RTR manufacturers have produced a Toad, given the amount of GWR kit on the market. I have been looking to buy one, so which kit would you recommend as best? Cheers, Ade.

Thanks Andy. This is the one I am going to model. D2196 was the last engine to run on the line.

The van really does look part of the road, very effective.

Thanks John. I have been looking at log cabins. You are right. These come with all the extras as standard that you would end up adding to a shed to make it habitable. Cheers, Ade.

Really looking forwards to this show.

Thanks Andy, that would be great if I could do that. Cheers, Ade,

Hi Andy, sadly nothing to report this week been getting home late from work. But I have been shopping around for a shed/summerhouse in which to house the layout. Cheers, Ade.

Nice progress Andy.

Malmesbury is a really nice place to visit. The museum staff told me that there is going to be a reprint of Mike Fenton's book with new info in it. So that is something to look forwards too. Shown here is the commemorative Silver Shovel and wheelbarrow from the first proposed railway which of course never happened. Cheers, Ade.

Likewise Tony! The engine shed now being a Kwikfit is almost a metaphor for the triumph of the internal combustion engine.... The old tunnel was not accessible due to the landscaped gardens in which it now sits being closed. So a pic from over the river had to suffice.

Just got home from a weekend away in Malmesbury so I could see the site of the former station in person. Took some detailed pics of the old engine shed stonework etc. I especially wanted to see how high the embankment was which runs behind the engine shed. My Volvo stands roughly where the Pannier tank once ran.

I can confirm that these come without a plastic coal load. Plastic coal loads are a pet hate of mine, so I see it as a bonus that they did not bother fitting one. Hopefully others will be able to help on the prototype questions. Cheers, Ade.

Here are some pics. As a wargamer too, I have used paints and powders already in stock and to hand. As I mentioned, I just wanted a subtle effect to show a loco in use, but not filthy. Cheers, Ade.

Thanks. Glad it was of interest. I will try your suggestion. We get a few Railway related items through work. Cheers, Ade.

Hi Guys, I work for Hansons Auctioneers and this large picture has come in to go up for sale. It is about 4ft x 3ft approx. I had not heard of this Loco before and I thought that it might be of interest to members here? Cheers, Ade.

A little update. Photos to come: weathered my first loco, the Dapol/ex-Lionheart 64xx pannier, last night. I used weathering powders and a brush. I have gone for a fairly subtle look, with just a bit of general soot, grime and dust all over just to take the shine off the loco. I will need daylight to take the pics. Flash photo does not really show it. Cheers, Ade.

Tower Models have kindly sent me the missing numberplate today. I gave the loco a little run on the club layout and it ran well straight out of the box. I need to get it fully ran in now and then I will get it chipped. Cheers, Ade.

I am looking forwards to this one too. The GWR version ran on the line that I am modelling. Cheers, Ade.

61xx and Bristol Division B set. By the late 1930's the B set was the standard rake on the line coupled to a 58xx (which Dapol are kindly bringing out later this year)

The new 43xx on the slightly extended headshunt. Plus new coal load.

Showing position of the lamp hut, cattle dock with 64xx and Autocoach. The station platform will being just after the lamp hut.

Better view of the track. Main line, run around loop and line to the engine shed.