Matti8

I see what you and Andy mean now. Bigger differences than I had thought! But still charming either way IMO. Matti

On another note I recieved a few more Jidenco wagon kits and got a new vise so happy days! Will post pics soon. Matti

Interesting... But is the Hornby T9 not the same size as the SEF T9? I thought Richard used it for the small ones and when looking at pictures I can't see any resemblance between the Hornby and large one. But maybe I will just wait for Falcon Brassworks to reintroduce the Jidenco Ben's. Matti

Ah I don't blame you that's why I like the idea of doing a LMS layout. Caley and Highland locos running side by side as if they were meant for eachother. We have the Drummond's to thank for that. Whenever I start planning to make a 66 or 80 from a T9 I get caught up with Bens too! I just can't help myself. Matti

Hi David you said the S15 is running on an R1 chassis but what is under the green one? Matti

Hi, not sure if you're trying to restore the original or just improve but I think that I saw some Airfix gangways on eBay yesterday. Otherwise I would definitely suggest Comet ends with gangway from Wizard Models. The difference with entirely new ends is big. And for the couplings pretty sure that Dapol do the push type. Matti

A couple of months ago I heard about Nairnshire Modelling Supplies I was told they had something I needed but after being on their website every link to products, ordering, etc was broken. Figured maybe their site was just having difficulties but I took a look today only to find no trace of their site at all. Anyone know what happened? Was looking forward to ordering from them. Didn't really know where to post this sorry. Matti

Hi, The N15 might be my all time favourite Triang model. Something about it is really charming I think. I guess you probably already have your heart set on making it a N15 or S15 but how about an H15? Not attempted often but just an idea. Acrylic is the best option by far ask anyone on the best paint for models they won't tell you enamel. Never use any paint on any surface without primer! What device did you use to paint it? Matti

I meant that I'm not too kean on making frames. Wheels, rods and other parts are definitely no problem. In my opinion if I can't get pre-milled frames from someplace like AGW then I will just find a RTR chassis with the correct wheelbase and re-wheel it. Matti

Really nice to see that people have enough confidence to take on challenges like this. Most people hold themselves back and prevent themselves from creating great things. But I do have one question - why tackle a locomotive that is available in kits and RTR? (Wills/SE Finecast, Brassmasters and Hornby) Personally if I was to scratchbuild I would want to do something that hasn't been offered or the offerings are rather poor. The first thing I would take on, however, is probably the chassis. Bill Bedford/Mousa Models made or make a chassis kit designed for the Hornby one so you could base it around that otherwise you will have to go for splitting a chassis from a kit. Next is the boiler and so on. I'm sure that book would explain just about everything. Those splashers will be a little difficult with the sandboxes on them. Matti

That's the only logical conclusion I can come to. As much of a mystery to you as it is to me! Matti

I don't see how it could be be a Caley because that tender is without a doubt the one I have for my River and if you look at where the cab has been removed that is definitely not the shape from a 60 or 956. Matti

Thank you immensely for the drawing and other info. The reason I figured DJH had updated their etches was due to a partially assembled kit that was being sold on Hattons not long ago. I have attached the picture below and it shows a completed footplate and bogie which are entirely different from mine and you can see on the fret there is the outline of it as well so not the previous owners own creation. What size iron would you recommend exactly because I was about to order one. I had read on here before people saying a 25w was good enough for most jobs and was used to build many of their own kits. I suppose you think this is not the case? Speaking of your blog and website I had thought about ordering a Dia 51 Full Brake at some point. Thanks again, Matti

Thanks for the info it will definitely help. And please do get back to doing your thing you can't imagine how long I spent reading posts from you, Steve and others before I finally decided to get on here myself. I always enjoy seeing such creativity and resourcefulness. Matti

The River is on hold at the moment after realising that it appears DJH updated said kit at some point in time. I have no idea when this was or when the other one was available but the version I have with the cast footplate seems far inferior. The other is etched! I will investigate further and with haste because I really would like to get this loco soldered. In the meantime I will have something else to work on. Two Jidenco Models kits which I got on eBay for just over €20. They will need cleaning up and their directions are possibly the worst I have ever seen but they are very fine in quality. The roofs will be replaced with brass as well because as you can see a card roof is included that may or may not be about as thick as heavy duty paper. The axlebox and springs are shockingly well cast and brass buffers are nice as well but don't appear to be the right prototype. If anyone has drawings or other useful information on these wagons please post. More to come, Matti

I wouldn't recommend the gas torch, I have one. But if it were me I would definitely unsoldered and resolder using your jig. Not sure about the oven thing do people really do that?

Thanks Nige really glad people are interested. Now I got on with the filler yesterday, just testing if what I had would work. I used Tamiya grey filler because it's the only thing I had at the moment. I think it looks (and feels) better so my test proved successful. I turned up the clarity so it could be seen better and it looks rough but I assure you that it is perfectly smooth. Probably took half the thickness of the beading away after sanding but it was much too thick before anyways. Despite the good results I feel more and more like scratchbuilding a new one would be the best route to take. After some thinking it really wouldn't be as difficult as I had thought previously. All I really need is to get out the vise. But that's all I have for right now, more to come. Matti

Hi Yes the River is quite a charming specimen, as soon as I saw the kit available I contacted DJH - too good to pass up. You're right about the footplate it would be tricky indeed it's not your average shape! I will consult friends with proper equipment. Have been cleaning it up today will probably post tomorrow on it. I had forgotten those books so thank you for mentioning them, will definitely get copies. I like that photo alot, was thinking of making this one 14759 but it's not set in stone. Matti

Hi Jamie I believe that there has been a 7mm River kit available at some point although I do not know the maker. An example of one was posted by user kristopher1805 on MRF. Matti

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/157824-scottish-lms-mattis-workbench/ This is my newly created workbench where my interest is in ex-Caledonian and ex-Highland locomotives, stock in early LMS days. Matti

A Jubilee with milk, parcels near Crewe and a Black 5 with milk at Elstree both from Steve Banks website.

Looks very nice! Matti

I believe that both can be used just the same. I have seen them used on many other GEM kits such as the NBR Glen. Matti

Hi I was wondering does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes etched wingplates in 4mm? Making them from scratch seems far too daunting at least with my tools. Thanks, Matti

Ah but this is fantastic still as I have not come across any RTR 4-4-0's with a 9' wheelbase so perhaps a D chassis with Gibson drivers under a shortened T9 Body would provide an excellent example of a 80, 66, or 13 class!