Mikkel

Thanks Rob. That was the original plan, but this particular model is pretty big so I decided that it would be a bit overpowering. It will be used on the streets of Farthing instead. Mike has modelled an early example of a Pantechnicon on a GWR wagon here: Here's an example from the competition that was discussed somewhere on here earlier: Caption: 9th October 1918: A lorry trailer belonging to James Schoolbred and Co of Tottenham Court Road, London is carried on a goods wagon at Nine Elms goods yard and rail depot. Source: Getty Images

Thank you, Annie. Quite a substantial wall on the left, useful excuse for railway modellers who need one as a scenic break.

Do not model 36435 after November 11 1890: https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/491/tuesday-treasures-january-2022 (Unless of course it was brought back from the dead or the number re-allocated to another 3-planker.)

Hadn't noticed the white lamps before, a slightly impractical choice by the company. The photo of the full layout seems to demonstrate something that has become apparent to me in a couple of historical photos recently, namely that if the angle and lighting is right, cameras can make things go away. Such as one of the center layout legs. Good luck with the show.

I have seen other 3D prints where complex edges, e.g. with ironwork, caused trouble. But what do I know. I predict a future deluge of horseboxes on pregrouping layouts as we are many who like them, and with 3D printing it is possible and quick. Which raises the question: Just how diverse can your "racing day special" be, and what should the proportional representation be? E.g. what was the D299 of horseboxes in Edwardian times?

A horse-drawn furniture removal van has appeared at Farthing. The kit is a reborn Gem product, marketed under the John Day Models label alongside other re-introduced whitemetal ranges. It’s all run by Daryle Toney who is very helpful (no connection). The main parts are a fair fit. As usual I used Loctite Gel to stick it together. Unlike most superglues it does not require a perfect join to bond well. Some parts did require fettling. This is the front of the van. I filed the sides a bit and shortened the supporting bracket. Coming together. It’s quite a beast. If Wikipedia is to be trusted, Pantechnicons ranged from 12-18 ft in length. That’s 49-72 mms in 1:76 scale. The kit is 67 mms long. It’s also quite tall, more so than the common types seen in photos. For some reason the parts for the end section get in the way of each other, so required a bit of work. First the brackets on the end panels were shortened, using the “Salami method”. The lower floor casting doesn’t line up with the end panels. The instructions suggest shortening the panels, but after consulting prototype photos I chose instead to saw off bits of the floor casting itself. This allowed everything to line up nicely, with a section of styrene employed as gap filler. I then entombed the ghost of Mrs X in the van. Mother of a childhood classmate, she once tore into me for spilling cocoa on her sofa. It wasn’t my fault, her son pushed me, but she wouldn’t listen. I hereby condemn her to travel forever in this empty furniture van, with not even a pillow to sit on. Two padlocks seal her fate. Goodbye Mrs X, nobody messes with a railway modeller. I couldn’t find room to fit the rear springs properly, so cut a notch in them for the axle. You can’t see the dodge once the wheels are on. I would have preferred slimmer wheels but couldn’t find appropriate replacements. Filing the spokes rarely leads to good results, so I’ll live with it. A simple piece of plastikard prevents the fore-carriage from dropping off, while still being free to rotate. The driver’s seat was filed to a more discrete size. Judging by preserved Pantechnicons, it was actually more common for the driver to sit on the roof, but I did find one or two photos with a lower seat. Bits of 0.45mm wire were added for arm rests and supports. The foot-rest was raised a bit to match the driver. Forgot to scribe it but managed it later. The shafts are fitted with bits of wire, which plug into holes in the fore-carriage. The horse is included in the kit. The driver is a seated passenger from Andrew Stadden’s range. At this point I was confronted by a delegation from United British Draught-horses for Liberty and Equine Defence (UNBRIDLED). They informed me in no uncertain neighs that a large Pantechnicon requires at least two horses. So I hastily fashioned a two-horse drawbar... ...and ordered a couple of Shire horses from Dart Castings. Fearing further industrial action, I added some steps and grab handles for the driver. Then primed the whole thing. Next, the livery. The prototypes were often extensively lettered. And colourful. I normally go for subdued colours, but it’s been a dreary winter and I felt like a bit of Rock & Roll, so took inspiration from this striking example. I spent some time drawing up various designs in Microsoft Word, which has more options for sizing and spacing text than is at first apparent. The curves were made to fit by importing a photo of the model into Inkscape, drawing the appropriate curves and then copying the shapes back into Word. I printed selected designs on paper, sprayed them with matt primer to protect the colours, and cut them with a fresh blade. Paper is of course a bit crude compared to DIY transfers, but it’s straightforward and you can test designs directly on the model. @kirtleypete has even used it for locos. The van was painted yellow and black, and the paper then mounted with a thin layer of lightly diluted PVA. Final details included a driver’s handwheel for the brakes, plus tarps, rope and other rooftop clutter. I added some chains from Cambrian Models and finished off with MIG weathering powders. The odd-looking loading flap is prototypical, if rather chunky. I also fitted chains to the Shire horses, mounted with a wire loop drilled into the harness. Looks like the Oryx wants in on their gig, probably an agent from DISRUPT (Dissident Ruminants for Progressive Transport). As usual, there are no reins. My layouts are set up and dismantled all the time, so the normal solutions – e.g. fuse wire - are just not practical. What I need is something thin yet robust enough to fit quickly with a pair of tweezers. Ideas welcome. As you can see, Bailey & Sons’ strategy was to locate their offices at railheads along the Berks & Hants line. This worked well and the company grew to become one of the major removal firms in the area. Yet for Mr Bailey, Senior - lover of all things yellow – it was a source of constant irritation that his horses didn’t match his vans. Eventually Mr Bailey proposed to dye the horses yellow. But his sons - brought up in a sickening sea of yellow - finally rebelled and said no, father, enough now.

Brilliant indeed. Nice views under the canopy, looks more spacious than it is. I do like the SLNCR stock. Lurganboy made me read up on that small class. Must have been an interesting if challenging build. I see that the SLNCR trackbed is now a public pathway. Looks like some lovely walks can be had there.

Thanks for the explanation Matt, must be frustrating. The other P-Way project sounds intriguing. I wouldn't worry that someone else got there first, doesn't make it less interesting as I see it. Regarding milk traffic, here is what @Annie calls a cheer-up picture to help beat the blues 🙂 Caption: Loading the Milk Train, 9th February 1928. source: Getty images, embedding allowed.

Which is good for the kits, I suppose. Maybe there is room for both in the market.

Hi Matt. The build looks really good though. Is it not a good design?

Yes, a joy to behold, Brian. I'd like to see you do Penzance some day.

You know, I saw that photo and it reminded me of something, but I couldn't remember what. Then the penny dropped. So already you have created the right associations. And if I understand correctly we will also be seeing this: https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/penrhos-junction-161106 ?

Info by word of mouth from Dapol at Warley 2023: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/170120-oo-gauge-gwr-toplight-mainline-city-coaches-announced/?do=findComment&comment=5350807

Perhaps not the prettiest of designs, but it's a green shunter and that will win me over anytime. In fact, I'm seeing a lot of green here - right down to the name of our benefactor Mr. P.B. Greenhouse. Tim, I feel certain that this is your subsconsciousness telling you to take the clock back to GWR days 🙂

Aha, potential for an outdoor extension! Strawberry patch included, of course.

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 🙄