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toboldlygo

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  1. toboldlygo

    10 to go...

    By toboldlygo,

    As 2012 draws to a close and with a few hours to spare, Bulleid Light Pacific number 100 is finally finished. Due to appalling weather I haven't been able to photograph her under normal light yet, but here's a sneak peak at 34009 Lyme Regis...
     

     
    Happy New Year to all of you
     
    TBG
  2. toboldlygo

    100 not out....

    By toboldlygo,

    Finally my 100th West Country/Battle of Britain arrives on the workbench
     

     
    A not quite finished 34021 Dartmoor (well the front half) sits next to donor for her yet unnamed and numbered sister loco - 34009 Lyme Regis!
     
    At this point in time I haven't started applying transfers or numbers as other loco's needed to be finished. Dartmoor was finished today and my first B1 61313
    is now close to completion.
     

     

     
    Till next time
     
    TBG
  3. toboldlygo

    34100 Appledore

    By toboldlygo,

    After the tragedy of losing Appledore off the paint stand, she's well and truly risen from the ashes. Here in all her grubby glory, may I present 34100 Appledore 2.0
     

     

  4. toboldlygo
    With the completion of West Country 34031 Torrington, I have 20 WC/BoB's left to do. It's hard to believe that it's not quite 3 years since I started down this slippery slope!!!! My main problem now is decent reasonably priced donors as they are few and far between, I'll get there somehow!!
     
    I plan to revisit two I did in the early days this year, that were modelled using the wrong cab width loco (I didn't know better at the time), these are 34072 257 Squadron and 34110 66 Squadron - donors permitting.
     
    Current state of play on my workbench:
     
    6870 Bodicote Grange - completed, just need to take some better photos when the weather is better.
    (Edit 6/1/12 new photos taken )
     

     
    Q1 33035 - needs coaling and final detailing.
     
    34057 Biggin Hill - in the paint-shop.
     
    6800 Arlington Grange - everything's ready to go, just not started.
     
    And finally there's something streamlined yet to be started
  5. toboldlygo
    February and March have flown by and there's me too busy to post and update.
     
    Well here goes, my Bulleid plans have been tweaked and several other locos have been slotted into the mix.
     
    T9 30718 was in works and was subsequently completed:
     

     
    These locos have been completed:
     
    Q1 33034, I really love weathering these. This is the 6th Q1 I've renumbered so far, it's also the first loco I've used etched route indicator discs on.
     
    An 'Inworks' picture taken prior to weathering
     

     

     
    M7 30053, 2nd M7 I've done, this one had to be recrested back from a late to an early crest, again I've detailed up the top of the water tank with the fireman's tools (Hornby ones painted )
     

     
    BoB 34084 253 Squadron, 93rd Bulleid light pacific I've done not including repeats . It caused a bit of head during the research during the quest for crests, as it appeared to have run briefly in 1959 with a 4,500gl unmodified tender with a late crest, before having it's 5,500gl one back with it's Early Crest!
     

     
    WC 34108 Wincanton, 94th Bulleid etc. This one caused a bit of confusion as according to Irwell Presses 'The Book of West Country and Battle of Britain Class Pacific's' she was rebuilt with a 4,500gl tender and then had it swapped for a 5,500 gl tender in 1964 end of story you'd think. However when I was looking for photos, she's clearly seen on the end of steam specials in 1967 with a 4,500gl tender again - bangs head against brick wall lol I still modelled with the 5,500gl one as I had photo's of her with it phew
     
    An 'Inworks' picture taken prior to weathering
     

     

     
    There would have been a couple more but things got slowed down by the renovation of my Pond
     

     
    Up next to the workbench is another Q1 33033, then WC 34106 Lydford and MN 35013 Blue Funnel.
     
    That's all for now TBG
  6. toboldlygo
    So another build, this time it's the Revell (USA) Lockheed Ventura Mk.II (RAF).
     
    The Box-Art, Sprues, etc.
     

     

     

     

     

     
     

     

     

     

     

     
    The build.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    The basic structure went together extremely well indeed.
     
    After a month or so sitting in the box, it was brought back out to try and finish it.
     
    First up, I cleaned up all the seams and then applied all the glazing masks to the fuselage.
     

     
    I built up the engines and fairings (plus a few other bits) and test fitted everything together.
     

     
    I then sprayed all the glazing (where it isn't masked) interior green.
     

     
    While the fuselage was drying, I built & part painted the dorsal turret and test fitted to the fuselage.
     

     
    The turret was then masked up with the supplied masks and painted interior green.
     

     

     
    Now this is where things get interesting - with the fuselage in a coat of Black Mr Finishing Surfacer 1500 (thinned 50-50 with Rapid thinners for Airbrushing). I wonder if there where any alternative decal & camo schemes. I found one..
     

     
    So with the decals purchased, I sprayed up the fuselage Nato Black, in preparation for masking.
     

     
    That's all for now..
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  7. toboldlygo
    ...Or Should that be Repainted?
     
    A client requested I rename his 4013 Knight of St Patrick to 4012 Knight of the Thistle and repaint/rework to GWR post war unlined green - with a few tweaks (more on those later)
     
    I started tender first and began the tedious task of removing the lining and branding from the tender top. Once this was done the tender top was washed down and allowed to dry. Then masked up and airbrushed a nicer shade of green (Railmatch GWR Post 1928 Locomotive Green), after a few coats of this - the tender top was given a couple of coats of gloss varnish, so the new branding would adhere properly. The masking was removed and the tender was re-assembled.
     

     
    While the tender was in paint, I removed as much lining as I could from the loco body and cleaned it all up in soapy water. I then removed the wings/shelves from the cab sides and replaced them with wire handrails. Also I removed the whistles, as the client had supplied a Modelu set with the whistle shield - this was test fitted and put aside (as it would be painted separately). I then started the lengthy task of masking up everything I didn't want green!
     

     
    While the loco body was in paint, I applied the G coat of arms W branding to the tender.
     

     
    Fresh from paint an unlined green loco.
     

     
    Masking removed, various bits added and loco body reattached to the chassis (correct spoked bogie wheels as well). Also cabside number-plates & various decals added
     

     

     
    Masking partially applied prior to her return trip to the paintshop, I sent the photo's to my client - he'd originally wanted her quite heavily weathered, but we both agreed that I should weather her like a previous loco I'd done for him.
     

     

     
    All done and ready to return to her owner..
     


     


  8. toboldlygo

    A brief update..

    By toboldlygo,

    As the pictures are now back here's T9 30717 in all her grubby glory
     

     
    I'll post a few pictures of Appledore 2.0 a bit later today along with an updated pic of the PMV I've built.
     
    I've also got another renaming project on the bench, yes it's another rebuilt West Country - 34093 Saunton..
  9. toboldlygo

    A Bulleid Conundrum

    By toboldlygo,

    Ok folks, sorry for the lack of updates, but have been busy with modelling and returning to work after a long layoff.
     
    As I have said a few times (not in these exact words though ), there is no such thing as a dead Bulleid.. Yes I'm talking Appledore 1.0 here, last seen festering on my layout in scrap condition. The loco body is completely U/S, but the rest is ok (tender top needs repairing though). So I'm talking about another Bionic Bulleid, I have the parts (another shop soiled rebuilt and the technology to rebuild...
     
    All I need to do is decide on an identity for Bionic Bulleid No. 3 (the others being Wadebridge II and SR Fighter Pilot) and that's where my good friends on RMWEB come in. I want to do one that I haven't done. So I've made a list and with your help, be able to whittle the list down to a shortlist of 3 or 4...
     
    With a 5,500gl Tender
     
    34004 Yeovil
    34005 Barnstaple
    34012 Launceston
    34013 Okehampton
    34014 Budleigh Salterton
    34017 Ilfracombe
    34021 Dartmoor
    34022 Exmoor
    34042 Dorchester
    34044 Woolacoombe
    34047 Callington
    34095 Brentnor
    34097 Holsworthy
    34101 Hartland
     
    With a 4,500gl Tender
     
    34009 Lyme Regis
    34032 Camelford
    34096 Trevone
    34108 Wincanton
     
    Oh well back to the model kits...
  10. toboldlygo

    A Bulleid Named...

    By toboldlygo,

    With some help from my fellow RMWebbers a name has finally been decided on for Bionic Bulleid 3. Though not the clear winner in number of times it was suggested, I liked the sound of it (besides they will all get done eventually ) and that's what matters.
     
    Drum Roll Please....
     
    ....Bionic Bulleid 3 is going to be...
     
     
     
     
     
    34014 Budleigh Salterton
  11. toboldlygo
    Someone (you know who you are ) messaged me on RMWEB the other week on how I go about creating my really filthy locos. I decided to put a little guide up on here to show you how I go about it.
     
    Advisory - For those of a squeamish disposition the following contains images of a loco in the altogether
     
    Here's the intended victim before I get started, in this case 34054 Lord Beaverbrook
     

     
    First up I disassemble the loco in to chassis and body and mask up where I don't want the paint to go. I should point out I don't always take the loco apart as sometimes it's easier not too.
     

     
    I then spray the chassis in a base coat of Railmatch Roof Dirt - a few coats are needed (I also run the loco in between coats to rotate the wheels to ensure parts aren't missed that are masked by brake rigging and motions etc. While the chassis is drying I will also spray the loco and tender bodies upper surfaces with Railmatch Weathered Black
     

     
    Once these are completely dry, I reassemble the loco, remove the masking and re-mask area's that I don't want weathered. These include cab/tender interior, cab windows, cab-side numbers, nameplates and crests (if fitted) and BR Totems (not on this one though). I will also mask up the treads of a spare set of tender wheels at this point (handy for those loco's with tender pick-ups) I then spray the body sides again with Roof dirt at about 12" away with the aerosol - I'm not to worried about getting even coatings (as real weathering isn't like that)
     
    Once dry I then change to Frame dirt to dirty the wheels (and the replacement set of tender wheels), frames and lower body. Aiming at a point below the wheels and at approximate a 30 degree down angle of the nozzle I make several passes and then allow to dry. I'll run the loco again at this point to rotate the wheels (I use a spare tender to aid ensure good current pickup )and repeat the process. Then I allow it all to dry thoroughly.
     

     
    Then comes the hand painting and weathering powders. I primarily use Tamiya acrylics and their weathering powders for the weathering effects, oil leaks, stains etc. Firstly I hand paint in certain effects (limescale deposits, rust streaks) first. I use for preference matt Eggshell for limescale & matt Dark Earth for rust.
     

     
    Once the acrylics have dried I use the various weathering powders to complete the weather stained look.
     

     
    After this is all done I seal the powders in with a few coats of Acrylic Varnish, this helps to tone the weathering down a bit as well. Then I coal and add any oil and water stains using Smoke from the Tamiya range (you could use real grease aswell if you wanted)
     
    As I type this Lord Beaverbrook is waiting to be coaled...
  12. toboldlygo
    Now where was I... oh yes Lord B was waiting to be coaled, that was a few days ago.
     
    With the coal and ash (I use white sage ash for that) deposits added. It was time to add grease, oil and water deposits to the loco as appropriate for the condition. I use Tamiya Smoke for this as it is very effective for me.
     
    So finally here's a very dirty Bulleid:
     

     
    No for a quick update on the renaming/numbering front
     
    Currently on my workbench is a rebuilt West Country donor being stripped of its identity (34026 Yes Tor) ready to become 34101 Hartland
     
    After that a Merchant Navy renaming project, with a twist I'm doing a rebodied 5,250 gl tender to sit behind it. Not sure which one that will be yet.
     
    And finally I've acquired this very day a suitable donor Schools to become 30919 Harrow.
  13. toboldlygo
    So two build's for the price of one here..
     
    First up the Sand House, this was a straight-forward build apart from the curving the roof and also had lighting to install.
     

     
    Completely built
     

     

     
    Part way painting
     

     
    Installing the lighting
     

     
    Painting almost done.
     

     
    I also painted the interior
     

     
    Fresh from Weathering
     

     
    Testing the lighting and then outside for a photo-shoot.
     

     

     

     
    Up next was the Stable Block, this took a bit more time to build and again would have lighting.
     

     

     
     

     

     

     
    Then it was priming and paint..
     

     
    And then some weathering..
     

     
    Testing the lighting
     

     
    And outside for a photo-shoot.
     

     

     

     
    That's all for these builds
     
    TBG
  14. toboldlygo
    A slightly different format for this blog entry, I've decided to group several builds together - as they were quite simple builds.
     
    Higgins LCVP
     
    The Higgins is quite a new tooling and went together very quickly - however progress was slowed somewhat due to the large amount of Loco/Rolling Stock Commissions I have..
     

     

     

     
    It took just over a month to get back to work on her, painting didn't take too long - even with the camouflage scheme..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    LCM Mk.III & Sherman
     
    Both kits in the box are quite old toolings, however once all the flashing is clean up they went together very well - though some filling was required.
     
    I started off with the Sherman - a Tank kit is a first for me.
     
    Lots of little sub-assemblies for the wheels, it went together quickly the only issue was welding the tracks together!
     

     

     

     
    The LCM needed quite a lot of fettling, but went together quite quickly and the paint scheme was straight forward.
     

     

     

     

     
    With both the LCM & Sherman painted it was time to add the transfers
     

     

     
    The completed Sherman
     

     

     

     

     

     
    The completed LCM & Sherman & a guest - plus a cameo..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Till next time TBG
  15. toboldlygo
    Something a bit different a heavy fighter from the early years of WW2 - fantastic concept, let down with crap engines, if only they'd fitted it with Merlin's.

    Over a year in the making (though technically only took a week to build).
     
    Box Art
     

     
    Instructions & Colour Call out.
     

     
    What's in the Box.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    The Build part 1..
     

     

     
    It went together well, just other projects and commissions got in the way.
     
    Roll on a year - the build part two (and different workbenches).
     

     

     

     

     
    White Tac Sausage time..
     

     

     

     
    Now Whirlwinds were quite allergic to their paint, so I've tried to recreate it.
     

     
    The final reveal..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    TTFN
  16. toboldlygo
    So time for another new Tool Airfix kit, I'm taking part in a Latin American Group Build on another forum and I chose to do a Mustang in postwar service with the Uruguayan Air Force.
     
    Anyhow here's the Box Art, Instructions, decals, sprues/frames & aftermarket.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Building up the cockpit & interior, now I chose to assemble the cockpit and fuselage interior in one go and then paint - so I don't have any fit issues when I close up the fuselage.
     

     

     

     
    With the interior installed on one side of the fuselage it was time to close it up.
     

     
    As the kit caters for various versions of the P/F-51 there are different tail options, so a bit of filler was needed.
     

     
    Wing Assembly and fit was next.
     

     

     
    Nice touch with the kit is, plug in flaps, which makes things easier to paint.
     

     
    More bit were assembled and fitted (the elevators aren't glued on)
     

     
    Windscreen was fitted and Canopy test fitted and there bits to add here too. Also, being a post war Mustang it with a different type of aerial, I raided the spares box for that.
     

     
     
    Bomb Racks installed & main undercarriage center door assembly test fitted.
     

     
    Disaster, went to mask up the canopy, I'd only got the wrong scale masks - oops.
     

     
    Fortunately the replacements arrived yesterday!
     

     
     
    So that's all for this part of the build.
     
    TTFN
     
    James
     
  17. toboldlygo
    So on with the Mustang build.
     
    With the arrival of the correct masks, I could get on with painting the Mustang..
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Multiple metallic colours were used.
     
    Adding the decals.
     

     

     
    Weathering & final assembly.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Final reveal..
     

     

     

     

     

     
    And a familiar cameo..
     

     
    Till the next build
     
    TBG
     
    James
     
     
     
     
     

  18. toboldlygo
    While Volcanic ash has stopped air travel and caused mayhem at the airports and the wife to be is busy with business and family issues up North. I've been beavering away with Bulleids as usual
     
    34001 Exeter is on the final stretch and will be finished shortly.
     
    34049 Anti-Aircraft Command is currently being tweaked.
     
    And for a change work has finally commenced on a Malachite Green B of B, using a donor 21C159 (Sir Archie) I'm recreating 34050 Royal Observer Corps in it's original guise (as I've done it in Rebuilt form).
     
    It's currently in bits, with a new smokebox door (courtesy of BB1 spares) The etched smokebox numberplate has been fitted and it has lost it's Sunshine lettering and numbering, ready for renumbering and naming once it's had a bit of spraying done
     
    As I mentioned at the beginning of the post the volcanic ash, here's a photo of Thursday's Sunset taken with my phone (at a certain Airport )
     

  19. toboldlygo
    While I was waiting for Airfix to sort themselves out with some parts for both the Wellington & Shackleton (I will cover those issues in the next blog entries for them), I decided it was high time to start the smallest kit in my model stash - the diminutive Fokker Eindecker E.III.
     
    The kit is very straight forward to build and goes together really well, however for the insane amongst us (namely me) - the kit comes rigging diagrams!
     
    It only took me a few hours in total to build and paint the little plane and there are a great number of decals for such a small kit.
     

     

     
    To give you a sense of scale the Eindecker fuselage fits in the bomb bay of the Wimpy.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    However it took me most a day to do the rigging - after I'd sourced a fine nylon jewelers thread to use (0.1mm to be precise)
     
    I missed a few bits of rigging out due to how fiddly they would be. Overall I pleased with the result and it has been well over 30 years since I've done a full rigged bi-plane.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Till next time
     
    TBG
  20. toboldlygo
    As sneak peaked in the last part of my Shack build, the mighty Sea Vixen was my next build from Airfix.
     
    I have history with the real Sea Vixen, I worked on one during my time at Dunsfold - speaking of which here she is..
     

     
    The kit itself is very well molded, the fit is very good - though there's been a few issues, more on those later in the blog entry..
     

     
    Cockpit assembly, I replaced the ejector seat loops.
     

     

     

     

     
    Cockpit fully painted
     

     
    Fuselage buttoned up
     

     

     
    Flaps on the the underside need some fettling (and will need some filling later)
     

     
    Over 40 grams of ballast have been added forward of the nose wheel
     

     
    Alas more railway commissions beckon, so that's it for now..
     
    TBG
  21. toboldlygo
    Well after yesterday's mishap with Appledore. I decided to make a start on renumbering my latest T9.
     
    Starting out with a narrow cab version (30724), I carried out the bogie mod, swapped the pipes round and adjusted the contacts on the tender wheels. Fitted the detail, removed the cabside numbers and flattened the smokebox numberplate down (has two raised rivets that need to be removed to ensure a good fit of the etched replacement). I fitted the etched plate, applied the new cabside numbers, power classification, shedplate (72A) and early totems (crests).
     

     
    Yes she's 30717, I've also got the smokebox plate for 30718. Now comes the fun part of making her really dirty
  22. toboldlygo

    A new era?

    By toboldlygo,

    As another Bulleid sits completed 34082 615 Squadron and another is about to be given the one over 34055 Fighter Pilot, something else has arrived to be given the Toboldlygo treatment and it isn't Southern....
     
    More on that in a bit here's another view of 615 Squadron
     

     
    Right I've always had a soft spot for A4's and yes I've owned one before. Now another one sits in my intray..
     
    Keep yer eyes peeled for updates...
  23. toboldlygo
    Back last October, I started construction of an Academy Boeing B-29A Superfortress - however due to railway commission work I didn't get very far (and it was proving a challenging kit)
     
    A big box of parts..
     

     
    Start of the cockpit..
     

     
    Test fitting in the fuselage
     

     
    Cockpit, tunnel & rear crew area test fitted together.
     

     
    Crew area's painted.
     

     
    Fuselage nearly ready to close up, along with a few other bits..
     

     
    After an awful lot of coins in the swear jar (and insulating tape)- the fuselage is together..
     

     
    In order to create the A version - there's a lot of filing & sanding involved.
     

     
    Dry fit of the wings (tail empernage is fitted)
     

     
    Also a lot of ballast is needed to get the center of gravity right!
     

     
    Even more filling and sanding needed..
     

     
    And imagine the swearing when I saw where they'd put the ejector pins on the nose wheels!!
     

     
    Aftermarket to the rescue there - courtesy of Hannants..
     

     
    Somehow the main canopy needs a 20 thou styrene packer on the port side to fit properly!
     

     
    And on that disappointment - that's all for now..
     
    .. till next time
     
    TBG
  24. toboldlygo
    It's that time of the month for an update and my production line grows even longer. 34031 Torrington returned to the front of the queue and is now awaiting it's final coats of varnish (once the paint-shop warms up!!!) It's a true REBUILT West Country with all the parts from different sources etc.
     

     
    The 5,250gl tender fully lined out on one side
     

     
    Engine and tender coupled up, at this point I hadn't lined up the side of the tender facing the camera or applied the cabside numbers
     
    Grange Class 6870 Bodicote Grange is next in the queue, currently awaiting more weathering.
     

     
    6870 awaiting it's turn in the paint-shop
     
    Another Q1class is up next this time it's 33035, again on a late totem and yes it will be very dirty!!! This one's already to roll into the paint-shop once the first two are done.
     
    Following on from them will be another Grange Class and another Battle Of Bitain Class. The loco's and plates are here so they maybe started sooner rather than later. Their identities are 6800 Arlington Grange and 34057 Biggin Hill (a repeat I know, but this one will differ from the previous one I've done )
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
  25. toboldlygo
    So it's been a while (seems like a heart attack and surviving a stroke - was so last year) since I've written a Blog Entry(re-uploading the photo's isn't fun).
     
    Long story short, I got this kit on a whim, as I'd seen a few Positive reviews of it on YouTube and I wanted an Airfix Beer Glass!
     

     
    I noticed, well it was pointed out to me that one of the decal options was Her Majesty the Queen's:
     

     
    And then it sat on the shelf in the workshop for a while, as I had a distinct Lack of Modelling Mojo, then the Queen Passed and I thought what better tribute than to build the Queen's (ok Princess Elizabeth's) Ambulance.
     
    It should be pointed out that Academy tooled this kit for Airfix(as they do with most of 1/35th Scale kits) and it shows in the kit.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    yes that is Photo Etch.
     
    Now the chassis Built up nicely - shame I put things on upside down(yes, having 80% brain damage has messed things up a tad).
     

     
    This was painted with my new favourite paints Tamiya LP-29 Olive Drab2 and LP-65 Rubber Black.
     

     
    The Ambulance side of things was built up straightforwardly and most importantly fitted - it's a dry fit on the chassis btw.
     
     
     
    Now once I'd Primed and painted it the interior was glued in Place and everything else was test fitted.
     

     

     
    So I got on with building it - however trouble loomed ahead, the paint (LP-29) was getting perilously low.
     

     

     

     

     
    Of course I had to wait, Royal Mail were on Strike, so I fitted the roof(s) and some other bits and bobs and did some filling & clean up.
     

     
    Then after what seemed ages - the paint Arrived and I could get on with finishing the Katy off.
     

     

     
    Now after the Gloss Clear had dried - it was time to apply decals.
     

     

     

     
    These went on well, however they are thin - do not use Micro set or warm water to apply them - they'll be tears.
     
    These were left overnight until I decided to give them a Slight Semi Gloss (satin) clear coat and fitted all the remaining pieces.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    It would've been finished there, but I decided to weather it - so out came the oils and the clay washes..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    So that's it for now.
     
    TBG
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