Churchill8F

I've wanted to have models of them for a while, and thankfully there are kits for the main ones available. With a planned exhibition layout to go with them too, it'll be different to say the least.

Whilst I find the colour of this loco a little dark, it's also more to my liking. Got to say it'll be a nice change compared to the other locomotives in red and black. As soon as it has a crew, nameplates, chassis fixed and lining, hopefully it'll be a good addition to the motive power. Even when positioned with some of the Mid Sodor Railway stock, it looks the part. Hoping to get a few more of the Skarloey engines done and out the way, always been something I've wanted to do and now I'm getting it done. Do prefer them in the books though, the rainbow liveries of the Television series Jack Source

Whilst this is a somewhat lazy model, I've yet to add a few features such as the extended bunker and a crew. Certainly looks more appealing in his real livery though. As always, running test will be up soon on my YouTube channel. Jack Source

Looking nice so far, although I do have one suggestion. Rather than using the body of the Hornby 4 wheel coach, perhaps try to hunt down a coach from Bachmann USA's Prussia set. I know they were sold separately, and the body on it would be a much better match for the one in the film. Jack

So named after the bloke I've designed it for, this is a bespoke model designed between the pair of us. It's freelance with parts taken from here and there, but it looks Irish in my eyes. So you might have noticed it's just a body shell without details or such? If so, they're seperate parts as I prefer white metal castings. The printing resolution just isn't that great for smaller items. Castings in place and a coat of primer later, it's starting to look somewhat better. That's just about all for now. Jack Source

So whilst it's one of the better models Bachmann have made, I'm still not too keen on their model of Diesel. Don't get me wrong, everything appears to be accurate on it, the problem lies with the glossy finish on the loco itself. Whilst a coat of matt or satin varnish could solve such a problem, I'm going down a different route to do mine. I've yet to decide what paint to put him into. Part of me is thinking a matt charcoal black, so I can retain a dark look whilst keeping the paintwork dull. I guess I'll decide upon it over a few days. Jack Source

Managed to pick up a Jouef "Junior" range locomotive the other day, and first impressions are generally quite good. I do like the size of the locomotive, which turned out to be smaller than the Dapol/Hornby terrier. Model features NEM couplings and blackened metal components, giving it a modern feel. Need to sort out the livery though, not keen on keeping it French forever. More pictures: Jack Source

This project has been somewhat interesting for me, as it's how I am going to do Duck. Working with a friend, who fixed errors and such, I've been able to make myself custom bodies for coaches. So far, I've had one test sample done and delivered. It's not much. Just a coach body and a roof for the vehicle. What makes it special is that it has been designed on a computer, using Google's brilliant sketchup. For a first trial with the software, it's worked well and is certainly a method I will be using again. If you are wondering how it compares to a normal Talyllyn coach, look closely at this picture and you'll see it's a good match, despite not aiming for a accurate model of the prototype. I designed the coach to have a flat base, hidden by sideplates. Whilst this may seem lazy, it's just so I can use N gauge wagon chassis in order to improve running qualities when the coaches will be in fixed rakes. I've stuck to using Graham Farish chassis, simply for the metal wheelsets and the fact they are common over here. Going by the rate I've been working at today, it should be complete bar couplings and buffers by tommorow. Hopefully that'll be the case, leading onto a rake of 5 or so. Jack Source

After being asked, I've got a picture of the donor chassis I am using. It's only fitting that it came from a 57XX, and suprisingly lines up well for making Duck. The body has been designed to fit this chassis, and as such is now being worked on by a friend so I can make the master to work from. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! Jack Source