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As Amy is out today I took the chance to play trains! Although, more accurately this meant turning the two recently built Parkside kits (Iron Ore hopper and a 16 tonner) into older, more ‘lived in’ models. A combo of dry-brushing, slapping on various shades of browns, oranges and greys, more dry-brushing and some wiping off left me with what you see below. I much prefer the hopper, which will probably see more use anyway as I just prefer those wagons. A good, enjoyable hours work.

As always, excellent modelling James. Beautiful nameplates and the body side scaring is quite wonderfully modelled. I do enjoy looking at your 47 conversions (think faves are probably still just about the Fragonset and FGW varieties) and already eagerly anticipating the 3 still to come. Any progress on the Didcot layout?

Sorry, Bill. All cleared off. However, air clay won’t be abandoned for good. I might just work a little trial piece first next time. I’ve seen it used with great results so will give it another go. Next decision; industrial or very small early preservation?

Wow. That’s a quite stunning likeness! Excellent work.

Mine was most certainly not a thin layer. Ah well. Live and learn! Spent this evening rescuing the baseboard whilst I go back to the drawing board!

Nipped in to the office whilst getting ready for work. Clay has dried. Clay has shrunk. Clay has cracked. Everywhere. Hmm...

Thanks Luke. Initially, emulsion tester pots. Might be a slight fly in the ointment ahead... not sure the shelf works where it is currently planned to go. A 60cm shelf might end up being required instead, meaning a restart of the project. Would also require a short y point, rather than the current point, as it is smaller and would free up a little save for the headshunt. A layout at 60cm would end up being all on display, with no hidden fiddle yard as I’d want to get as much scenic as possible. We’ll see.

Today I’ve been landscaping. Lots of air-dry clay and this is where I’m at. The plan is a row of trees to the back left with the rest of the landscape being greenery. That is, aside from the front right where a building will act as a view block for the exit off screen.

You've got lots of storage under the boards though, so you'll fit a decent layout in there. Could always put shelves up higher up the walls to fit your micros on too? Looks good, and hope the move went well.

Tom, The video is excellent. The weathering of the stock is quite something and I love the angle looking up when the goods train has shunted and is backing back on to its train. Stunning work (a huge fan of the fencing) and lovely to see you Dad and dog waiting for the train too. More videos please!

Possibility of a roundy roundy?

Grimy. Grotty. Grim. Great! I love it. Looking forward to seeing more!

Track laid, ballasted and weathered. A few ideas mapped out (the pagoda is a place holder) and so far, so far, I’m quite happy with it.

Congratulations on the article. Will try to pick up a copy over the weekend. It’s a well deserved accolade! And the first of many I’m sure!

Built up another Iron Ore wagon the other night, currently working up the enthusiasm to paint the undercarriage and then start work weathering the 2 iron and 1 16t wagons. Have laid and ballasted track though!

Thanks Luke. Spent this evening watching Doctor Who are building another Iron Ore kit. Love these Parkside kits. Might also have purchased an Oxford Rail 5-plank wagon from the Chasewater Railway shop today too!

Quick progress update on the 16t mineral wagon. Just needs couplings added, some weathering (rusting!) and Bob’s your uncle.

I have long wanted to give the Foden’s lorry I own a better paint job. On purchase - when the lorry was a light navy blue - I had removed the factory lettering, but scuffed the paint whilst doing so. Yesterday I did something about it. It didn’t take much to strip the lorry down to it’s component parts. Three screws hold it all together. After that came the painting. A nice shade of crimson (Humbrol 20) was applied. I should have primed it first though as the first coat didn’t take too well. Adding another coat made all the difference. Once dry it was a case of bolting it back together to get the result below. A few areas to neaten up, a light wash to weather it and a coat of varnish to seal it and it should all be done. I’m much happier with the colour and am happy with the result of a simple bit of proper modelling.

Bit of painting done tonight. Wheels will be added tomorrow and will post a pic then. Bit of painting done tonight. Wheels will be added tomorrow and will post a pic then.

Thanks for the comments folks. The more I look at the picture the more I don’t like the straight lines. I think a simple fork - particularly as I’m not a big operator - modelled on a slight bend will be the way forward. The 16 tonner is awaiting the paint shop, whilst another iron ore wagon kit has arrived too!

Does anyone else start a build and then lose mojo? I’m currently building - and really enjoying - a Parkside 16 tonner but layout enthusiasm is really low.

Try Jack at ModelSigns4U. He’s got all sorts (usual disclaimer - satisfied customer etc).

Luke. Great pictures and the layout looks super. Are the little cut outs on the fascia access to the point switches? Will you be adding the name of the layout to the fascia? Some vinyl stickers would finish it off well.

Hello Luke. Thanks for your comment. I think early preservation would be best, things could be a little bit more ‘anything goes.’ In unsure yet as to what i’ll decide. I’ve got for and againsts on both counts!

During the week I ballasted the track with sand. However, since doing that I’ve become unhappy with the straight lines the layout is full of. I’m not much of an operator so I’m thinking of losing the back spur, turning things into a fork and curving the running lines. Just enough to shuffle a couple of hoppers about.