Mikkel

Thanks for that explanation Will, it's clear from this and Mike's blog that extruding the drawings into 3D is a fundamental part of the operation, sounds like the first thing to learn. An hour per component is amazing. Even if it's not always that easy, it does seem that we will soon be at a point where scratchbuilding is something that modellers actively need to to choose to do because it pleases them, not because it's necessary.

This is fascinating, Mike. Especially how it allows you to view things from different angles. J.C. Bourne's renditions are very atmospheric, but they are a fixed view after all. How close can you zoom in, e.g. is it possible to stand beneath the canopies and look out at the track?

Congratulations. These are great views, especially those looking along the track with the train shed in the distance. Well worth it all. That made me smile. So the dining room matched the layout with half an inch to spare? That's a bit of luck! Good luck with the snagging list, sounds like you're well on your way already.

Impressive structures. Very imposing, as you say. And I'm amazed at the speed with which you've got them done. Turns out that boring meetings are good for something, after all 🙂 How much time would you say goes into your design work for one of these buildings? To which must be added all the time it takes to build up the skill, of course.

Duncan, I saw your list of 3D prints for sale on the GWR Modellers Facebook page. Congratulations on having got to this point. The range looks very interesting indeed, including seven different types of GWR 3-plank wagons! The six-wheel coaches in preparation got me quite excited, as I have been planning such a train. Will be sure to put in a combined order when they're ready.

Good result, Al. If the altered footplate drop made her look more pugnacious - thanks for that new word - the chunkier cylinders make her look more punchy. In other words, not someone to mess with! 🙂 I'm taking notes for mine. So, footplate drop, new cylinders - and ideally a new chimney I suppose.

James, I've been returning to this thread a couple of times now, drawn to the visual poetry of the scene. I especially like the views where we get to see the frame, with the well-lit 3D scene and the darkness around it. Your mention of the Mosslanda shelf + the arrangement above made me think of this Ikea offering, although it is only 80 cm long. https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/metod-wall-cab-horizontal-w-glass-door-white-hejsta-white-clear-glass-s19490584/

That's the kind of photo that can singlehandedly inspire decades of modelling.

Very effective use of the backscene. Interesting to compare it with the earlier version (Pol Sands), the backscene completely changes the layout. Some nice footage too in that video.

It would be quite a quest. First you must pass through the impenetrable forest that is the dismantling of this loco, unlocking many secrets on your way... Then you must fight the beast within and sever his parts... And then, after re-wiring the tangled spider's web, you may have some modicum of success. At this point you may however find that the motor allows but for limited daylight, bringing you back to Level 1 🙄

Thanks. If that printed chassis for the Aberdare works out the possibilities seem endless.

I'm a long-time friend of the Bachmann 57xx/8750 chassis, but there is also the Accurascale 57xx chassis coming up...

Thanks for all the info on these prints. Your build looks very good. Can I ask what wheels you used for the bogie, or are they the Bachmann ones?

Farthing, 1913. Animated discussion about the Fortythrees. There is agreement that they are good performers: Smooth and quiet, no lurching, decent crawl. But the shade of black raises eyebrows, that Churchward fellow is always experimenting, when will it end.

A lovely shot but it all looks very posed, I think?

I had been wondering what you were up to. Clearly a lot of good! It's refreshing to hear that there are people who lack locos for their coaches, as per the real railways. Normally for modellers it's the other way around!

Thanks for the tip on the Ammo brass paint. I've been looking for a long time for brass paint that actually looked right, this seems to do the trick! On the subject of white fustian, photos from the GWR (sorry) appear to show very white in the early days. I have been wondering if (1) there was something particular done to the clothing at that time to make this possible (if so, probably highly toxic!), or (2) it is an effect of early film/cameras simply making the fustian look more white than it is. Or whether (3) the white fustian was only used for particular purposes/occassions. Regarding the latter, take for example this shot from Presteign in 1875 (round about your time). The chap on the right is white as snow, but the footplate crew are not!

I know what you mean, the pile of books by my bed just grows and grows. I blame all this internet stuff.

Action speaks louder than words, well done.

I tend to take a live and let live approach to this, but it does seem like a time for reflection in the hobby, i.e. where are we going and how. So far my principle is that I buy RTR stock if it fits directly in my plans, but I can see the slippery slope: Some of the new stuff creates opportunities I hadn't considered before, which could easily lead to a situation where the product is driving my modelling rather than the other way around. Queen Adelaide's coach being a possible case in point! 🙂

Thank you for more info on the telescopic pick-up tool Ian, I see they also come with LEDs. Yes the Hornby early stock is a bit costly, though I am so enamoured by Queen Adelaide's Saloon that I think I'm going to get one just for decorative purposes.

I can relate to that, first you have to find them, then get them, then hope they run well. They had it easy in the Stone Age. I look forward tok seeing the loco develop.

It looks great, I'm impressed with the bunker handrails. It's a favourite class of mine, so am following with much interest. Can I ask which of the Bachmann chassis you are aiming for? There have been various variants for the 57xx/8750s over the years, including the older one on the left, and the newer one on the right. I used the latter under my 1854 ST.

But not as often as Prime Ministers.

Thanks for the tip on the magnetic pick-up tool, Ian, I didn't know such things were available ready-made. I suppose it is too big for 3-links, but it might be handy for other things around the workbench. With all your creative work to model the early railways, it must be a bit odd for you to see all these new models coming on to the market from Hornby? Or tempting? I know that Tinories is H0 scale but some of the Hornby items do look very attractive.