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46444

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  1. 46444
    A bit more progress on the Hall over the past week.
     
    Managed to airbrush the Precision post-war GWR green last weekend which went on nicely.
     

     
    I then hand painted the cab roof, smoke box and tender coal space etc with Valejo black acrylic which covered nicely as ever:
     

     
    The copper cap to the chimney, safety valve cover and splasher beading were painted in using Games Workshop colours:
     

     
    I plan to add cylinder draincocks using handrail knobs and use staples for the lamp irons.
     
    Also the lining was deliberately left on so as to act as a guide for applying the Fox lining transfers.
     
    One of the Airfix/Bachmann Toad marriages is almost complete but representing an AA3 rather than the AA13/AA15 the model portrays.
     

     
    The transfers are the recent releases from Cambridge Custom Transfers and are really good to work with. A drop of Microsol setting agent helps them bed down nicely.
     
    Glazing and couplings and it will be finished soon....
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  2. 46444
    The prototype NS2 was build in great numbers after the end of WW2 in Germany by Lokomotiv Karl Marx (LKM). A number of variants were built including some of the later designs with outside cranks.
     
    The kit I'm building here is by Euro Narrow Gauge having been designed by James Hilton and is available through the Narrow Planet website:
     
    https://narrowplanet.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/eng-003
     
    It represents one of the earlier chain driven examples and is powered by the Minitrains Gmeinder chassis. The kit comes as a crisply printed 3D bodyshell along with an assortment of etched nickle silver frets for bonnet sides, grill front panel, roof and assorted cab designs.
     
    I've added some additional detail working from prototype photos including an exhaust stack, hinge detail on the bonnet panel as well as a fuel filler lid.
     
    WP_20160307_001 (1) by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Here's the kit ready for painting posed next to my Narrow Planet O&K 40HP loco.
     
    I've also used Narrow Planet 3D printed Bosna couplers instead of the kit supplied couplings.
     
    WP_20160307_002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    This evening I've managed to paint the loco in house colours of Halfords Satin black. Red buffer beans and detail painting should finish the kit nicely,
     
    I'm planning on adding a Monty's figure as driver to one side of the cab and a sheet covering the other side to disguise the motor. RT Models headlights will be fitted to the front and rear of the cab as well.
     
    As for the title...No I'm not a fan of this brand of strong lager if it's still available . The NS2 is to be named 'Kestrel' using some Narrow Planet custom nameplates.
     
    Well worth building if you fancy a dabble in 009
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  3. 46444
    A good friend of mine asked me to remove the factory weathering of his Hornby Railroad Crosti 9F. Having been a fireman at Wellingborough he actually worked on the prototypes and was none to complementary about them. Poor steaming and terrible visibility were mentioned. He also told the story of the Crosti 9F's being stored at the back of the shed and cannibalised for spares.
     
    The Hornby model is a Railroad model from a few years ago. Yes it has it's faults but I actually like it and think there are some good points in it's favour including price and robustness. The factory weathering is that awful blast of brown paint on the chassis and lower sides which looks a kin to Elvin Evan's Fiesta WRC after a muddy stage in a Welsh forest. Carefully using T-Cut and cotton buds I was able to remove the weathering without damage the numbers and crests, I quiet like the effect on the tender sides especially.
    .
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Here's a broadside shot with Modelu crew figures being painted up.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Handrails were bent up and fitted above the front foot steps. Lamp brackets were made staples. The lamp is one of Dave Frank's excellent LMS range of loco lights.
     
    Weathering is purely added using dry brushing and washes of Valejo/Games Workshop paints.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The Modelu crew are painted up using the same acrylic paints and posed accordingly.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Tender doors are Bachmann ones from the spares box.Crushed real coal added to the tender to finish.
     
    Now things have warmed up a fraction weather wise I may do a few tweaks with the airbrush to finish it off.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  4. 46444

    1950's Darlington Delights

    By 46444,

    The railways around Cleveland and Darlington hold a certain fascination and here are two 1950's Darlington 51A allocated locos.
     
    Firstly 46472 which started life as a cheap unused LMS version from eBay. The factory printed lettering was removed from the tender/cab sides with the aid of enamel thinners and gently rubbing with a cotton bud.
     
    46472 being a Darlington built example which was fitted with a tall chimney. Comet used to do one of these but are currently out of stock. Brian at 247 Developments does a fair representation of the taller fitted example. The exisiting chimney was removed carefully with a pair of Zuron trackcutters and the base made good. The 247 whitemetal casting was then glued into place with CA.
     

     
    The smokebox and cab roof where picked out in Tamiya NATO Black. Tamiya matt black acrylic made the sides good ready for new numbers and lining from Fox. The lining is really good to work with and went on easily. Smokebox numberplate from Fox as well.
     

     
    Weathering was kept light using Valejo/Tamiya acrylics sealed with a coat of Valejo satin varnish.
     
    Following along a similar process 76050 was another eBay purchase for around £40. The previous owner had damaged parts of the loco and removed the cab numbers. I made good the paintwork using the aforementioned paints. A telephone call to the excellent Bachmann spares department came up trumps and an accessory pack was obtained. Repair, reassembly and fitting the accessory pack finished the main body of work and a very light weathering as per the above process completed the repair. Numbers by Fox once more. Real coal as per 46472 was added.
     

     
    Both are nice locos and it's been a good project to complete the work on them both and enjoy seeing them running. Here they are on my photo plank.
     

     
    Thanks for looking.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
     
     
    Addendum...
     
    46444 in the flesh.....
     

  5. 46444

    3717 City of Truro

    By 46444,

    Here's my take on 3717 City of Truro. I've always been a fan of the prototype as well as the Bachmann model and have fancied a model of it towards the end of it's career. A photo on the excellent Warwickshire Railway website shows 3717 in 1930 at Snow Hill waiting to pilot a train spurred me on and with the release by Bachmann of 3708 Kilarney the seed was sown.
     
    Here's the prototype photo:
     
    http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/gwr/gwrbsh43.htm
     
    The main difference between the Bachmann model as it comes and the above photo is the addition of a larger 3500 gallon tender albeit with narrow frames. Thankfully the trusty Hornby 'County of Bedford' tender body fits the bill nicely and actually fits on the Bachmann tender chassis without modification. It will need gluing on though.
     

     
    As you can see I've cut the moulded coal load away and added separate handrails. I've sprayed the tender with Precision GWR green and it just awaits the Great Western transfers as well as final weathering.
     
    Here's the loco and tender coupled together. I've added weathering to 3717 using my usual washing and dry brushing techniques using Valejo acrylics. Nameplates come from Modelmaster and buffer beam numbers from Fox. I've blackened the connecting rods with Birchwood Casey Gun Blue. With the front bogie I've removed the coupling pocket and added a piece of Micro-strip to tidy things up.
     

     
    Out of interest would the tender have had stays for the cab-tender sheeting/tarpaulin? If so any idea of the position?
     

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    Must clean my camera lens as well!
  6. 46444
    Having lived in Devon for many years the old GWR was ever present however small outposts of the LSWR that still existed held much interest. A trip from Plymouth North Road to Gunnislake in a Wessex Trains Class 153 (Black & Gold with picture vinyls and Celtic Knots) certainly stirred interest in the remains of the Southern Railway's Withered Arm. Over the years I've taken the opportunity to photograph the remnants of the old Plymouth Friary-Callington line via Bere Alston including photographing the station and remaining buildings at Bere Alston.
     
    In steam days the LSWR O2's were synonymous with the line and Plymouth Friary shed had a number of them allocated to it for local services around Plymouth. The introduction of the Kernow/DJM O2 model was received favourably in the 46444 camp being a personal favourite. Two were obtained and here are the fruits of my labours. I might hasten to add that these projects where influenced by Graham Muspratt's excellent 'Fisherton Sarum' blog entries listed below.
     
    https://grahammuz.com/2016/04/23/workbench-witterings-5-o2-and-not-an-o2-is-this-more-weathering-i-see-before-me/
     
    I'd also like to thank Graham for his input in locomotive post war allocation and general information.
     
    Kernow's push pull fitted 225 became Plymouth allocated 182 being a straightforward renumbering using HMRS 'Methfix' Bullied 'Sunshine' numbers.
     

     
    I'd not used Methfix decals before but eventually I got used to nuances of these transfers and would certainly use them again. To seal the decals I used a couple of coats of brush applied Johnson's Kleer but will finish with weathering and airbrush applied satin varnish.
     

     
    Kernow's BR lined non-auto fitted 30193 was backdated to 197. Lining, crests and numbers were removed with enamel thinners then the cab/tank sides were sprayed with Tamiya black being sealed with Johnson's Kleer. The smoke box door number plate was gently carved off a sanded with a a glass fibre burnishing stick. Weathering has commenced with a coat of Tamiya NATO Black around the smokebox and cab roof. This has been further embellished with dry brushing of Citadel Gun Metal.
     

     

     
    On the non-auto fitted examples cab doors were not fitted and these were successfully removed using a mini-drill, scalpel and sanding sticks/needle files as can be seen in the comparison photo below:
     

     
    Weathering and crew are required to finish this pair off as is the work on Bachmann N Class 1853 which started life as a fully lined Maunsell green example which received the enamel thinners treatment. Halfords 'rattle can' satin black followed by the Tamiya NATO black for the smoke box, roof and tender completed the initial weathering. 1853 was shedded at Exmouth Junction post war and is finished accordingly awaiting reapplication of its smoke deflectors. I was fortunate enough to pick up a bargain copy of Peter Swift's 'Maunsell Moguls' from Trago Mills in Falmouth which has also been an invaluable source of information.
     

     

     
    I was fortunate enough to acquire a couple of Mainly Trains/Iain Rice etched detailing kits which in this case include cab doors and fall plate:
     

     
    Once more this project was influenced by Graham's work and can be seen in this article below about a post-war N Class that he did for Robin of A Nod To Brent fame:
     
    https://grahammuz.com/2015/01/04/infiltrating-the-gwr-at-brent-or-a-repainted-and-weathered-n-class/
     
    Finally I've a couple of the new Hornby post-war 'Bullied' cattle wagons but fancied an earlier 'Maunsell' version. Initially this was only available as a BR version (?Soon to be rectified) which I have acquired and resprayed in to SR brown'ish shades using Tamiya acrylics. .
     

     
    I'd like to finish it in pre-war large SR script finish.Any ideas on lettering placement, particularly the end stock numbers? Are these as per the Bullied version?
     

     
    Thanks once again to Graham for his input into these projects.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    For those with an interest in the the Southern Railway's Withered Arm the recent release of Memories of the Withered Arm by Peter Barnfield (Wild Swan, 2016 is well worth a read.....
     
    http://www.titfield.co.uk/Wild-Swan/Reference.htm
  7. 46444
    Over the weekend I picked up two very cheap Airfix/Dapol wagons. Both of these had LMS origins and as I had two Ratio 10ft RCH underframes in my spares box I thought they'd make a nice couple of projects. So off with the original chassis' and the wagon bodies were put in a plastic bag with copious amounts of Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner and the paint speedily stripped off in less than an hour.
     
    First up is the Dapol LMS three plank which I believe is based on a D1927 wagon. I think Mainline and now Bachmann use this moulding. The body was mated to the Ratio chassis and them given a coat of Halifords grey primer.
     
    Wheels for both wagons are Hornby, and they were both weighted with alloy wheel self adhesive balance weights (10g).
     
    I wanted to finish this wagon in wartime austerity livery-i:e the wood planks not being painted, just the iron work and underframe. A mixture of Games Workshop and Valejo acrylics were dry brushed on, followed by a mucky wash of Valejo black and dark earth.
     
    The black panels were masked off and sprayed and HMRS transfers used to represent this wagon, that was in reality built at Derby in 1945.
     
    A dusting of traffic grime on the underframe and wheels was sprayed using a mixture of Revell and Humbrol enamels before being sealed with Precision matt varnish to blend things all together.
     

     

     
    The second wagon started life as an Airfix private owner, but looking in my Essary and Morgan 'The LMS Wagon' identified it as a D 1892 wagon built in the mid-30's. I wanted this one finished in BR livery though as a fitted example.
     
    The procedure was almost the same for this wagon, except I had to shorten the brake levers and sourced 4 more brake hangers from the spares box. Finishing as above.
     

     
    Finally, I recently got one of those Hornby Trackside Ruston Bucyrus 19-RB excavators and thought it to would make a great little project. The worst thing about this model is the solid cast chassis and caterpillar tracks. I wanted to try and make it more realistic and bring out the detail.
     
    The chassis was taken off and sprayed with red primer, followed by spraying the underframe and running gear with an Humbrol grey enamel I had to hand. Then each of the links on the caterpillar tracks was sprayed in a variety of Humbrol/Revell enamel shades of black and brown to give some variation. This was followed by a dark wash of thinned enamels and left to dry.
     
    Then, some MIG weathering powder was used-dry and wet to represent earth on the tracks and running gear.
     
    The body was then attacked. I lightly sprayed Revell No:365, which is a slighty lighter shade of green compared to the factory finish around the central area of all the panels to represent fading. Once dry a dark wash was applied and wiped off before finishing with some MIG Powders. Then the chassis and body were sealed with Precision Matt varnish.
     

     

     

     
    Three quick projects and two cheap wagons to boot. Perhaps not one for rivet counters but this project used up some left over bits in the spares box and gives a fare representation of these LMS wagon diagrams. In some respects it shows how well Airfix/Mainline produced such good quality mouldings in the 70's/80's, and by updating the running gear a reasonably cheap wagon can be made-or two!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  8. 46444
    Recently I've managed to finish of the EuroNG kit for the LKM NS2 diesel. Here's Kestrel with some repainted and detailed PECO L&BR coaches:
     

     
    Finally just as a size comparison Kestrel is seen with the Narrow Planet kit for the O&K 40hp finished in black and named 'Linnet':
     

     
    Both of these kits run on Minitrains chassis that are readily available and come with a can motor and fly wheel for excellent slow speed running qualities. Nameplates via Narrow Planet. Crew figures by Monty's or Dapol.
     
    Cheers.
     
    Mark
  9. 46444
    A new blog for a few things Great Western.
     
    My current project Juniper Hill-based around the Northamptonshire ironstone quarries is getting to the point where the number of jobs to do is becoming less but it is by no means finished. It is booked for a few exhibitions so will continue to be part of my layout thread.
     
    Somewhere I wrote about having a few core interests one of them being the delightful Teign Valley Line in GWR times that ran between Heathfield and Exeter and closed to passengers before Beeching came along in the late 1950's.
     
    However it's not passenger traffic that interests me-it's the industry on this picturesque line. There where a number of quarries along the line (There's a theme here ) around Trusham (Teign Valley Granite) and Christow (Scatter Rock) which provided a good source of revenue for the line especially the Trusham Quarry.
     
    I'm planning on building another micro layout based around the Teign Valley Granite (TVG) quarry at Trusham in the near future so this blog will have a few relevant postings. One thing I really hope to achieve is portrying the GWR post war in a warts and all approach. Down the line in Newton Abbot the express trains hauled by Kings and Castles stop or pass by but this is of no interest-a Pannier/Prarie shunting a few wagons at a quarry next to the River Teign captivates me more.
     
    First up is a Bachmann Pannier tank in late GWR livery that I am weathering and modifying to represent Newton Abbot shed's 9717. Robin (gwrrob) kindly provided me with GWR shed allocations for South Devon post war so this will be the first of two Pannier tanks you will see.
     
    The model was an ebay purchase for a good price and is in excellent condition. As you can see from the photos I've started putting on a base coat of weathering using the usual Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics applied by airbrush or dry brushing. I've also applied a coat of Johnsons Kleer as well to give a lustre to the finish.
     

     
    The numbers have been removed from the buffer beams with the aid of a glass fibre pencil and will be replaced by Fox ones hopefully this evening. The number plates are on order from Fox.
     

     
    The title of this entry refers to spots-in this case GWR weight restiction spots. I've a feeling that the GWR gave these Pannier tanks a 'blue' spot later changed to 'yellow' by BR post Nationalisation. Can someone clarify this please then I'll rectify it as Bachmann have put a 'yellow' spot on. Power classification is 'C' I presume?
     
    With regards to positioning of the spot did it vary or where they always above the number plate. As you can see from the photos Bachmann have postioned it higher up.
     
    Finally, Jonty Chambers renowned photographer captures the soon to be 9717 simmering in the Teign Valley during 1947 whilst visiting his sister in Moretonhampstead.
     

     
    I'm planning on adding the sand box pull rods, lamp irons and possibly opening the rear cab doors too. Watch this space!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  10. 46444
    I'm in the process of detailing a number of Bachmann GWR Toad brake vans. Two of them will be numbered as Newton Abbot's Diagram AA13 vans. There's a bit of modellers licence here but the Bachmann van based on an AA20 I believe is not far off an AA13. Major discrepancies include metal sheeting on the guard's accommodation and the lack off J leaf springs.
     
    Looking at photos of Diagram AA15 brake vans the actual body has the metal sheeting on the guards accommodation like the AA20. In addition to this the chassis has the 'J' hanger suspension.
     
    I have a couple of the old Airfix GWR Toads whose chassis has the 'J' hanger suspension and some spare Bachmann Toad bodies. Now if you remove the four mouldings from the corners of the Airfix chassis the Bachmann Toad body fits nicely.
     
    Now would this make a fair representation of a Diagram AA15?
     
    Of course us GWR modellers would appreciate an up to date model of a Toad. Alternatively there's always the Frogmore etched brass kits.
     
    I'll post some photos soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  11. 46444
    In the background I've been working on a number of projects including a few London Transport protoypes.
     
    Here's a snifter of what's in store.
     
    The venerable Bachmann GWR/BR 57xx has been available in London Transport livery over the years. 
     

     
     

     
    Railtec Transfers do a LT Pannier number set and I was able to renumber one of my Panniers to L89.
     
    Essentially a very simple job. The existing numbers were removed carefully using  T-Cut and either a blunt cocktail stick or cotton bud. 
     
    Leaving a nice gloss surface the Railtec  Transfers bedded down nicely. A light coat of brush applied Johnson's Kleer helped with this.
     

     
    The Railtec LT Pannier transfer sheet comes with a number of options by the way. The buffer beam number, bunker number and cabside numbers are included on the sheet.
     
    For those who are struggling to find a Bachmann LT Pannier tank, Bachmann Spares Department, sell the LT finished bodyshells as well as the wheelsets. An easy conversion of a Bachmann BR or GWR 57xx. 
     
    I do have a couple of Bachmann LT BR brakevans, one which will be renumbered using Modelmaster decals from their LT Wagon sheet.
     

     
    These transfers are no longer available but sets do crop up on eBay from time to time.
     

     
    Again due to the rarity of Bachmann LT BR brake vans I thought I would make up a Dapol/Airfix kit to address this
     
    The roof vents and chimney have been reversed to correct the error in the ancient mouldings. Roof vents are from Lanarkshire Models and chimney is made up from scrap parts.
     

     
    I could have made a replacement roof but decided to leave it. The rain strips are pieces of Microstrip cut to size. Brass handrails have been added to each end. Lanarkshire Models buffers and coupling hooks have been added as well..
     
    It is finished with a combination of Valejo and Revell acrylic paints.
     
    Finally, a request to Steve at Railtec Transfers came up trumps.  He has been able to produce some excellent LT style reporting numberplates that the LT Pannier's ran with.
     

     
     

     

     
    The quality of the 3D printed decal is superb even picking our the framework around the individual numbers which were placed in a bracket.
     

     
    In my eyes these fill an important void, whilst addressing the needs of the LT modeller of the 1960's/early 1970's.
     
    For those interested in the LT Panniers history and their operation should look no further than 'Red Panniers. Last Steam on the Underground' by John Scott-Morgan & Kirk Martin, published by Lightmoor Press (2008).
     
    A well recommended read.
     
    Once again, a big thanks to Steve at Railtec for his help with this project.
     
    More soon!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark 
     
     
  12. 46444
    In 1898 the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway purchased two brake vans from the Bristol Wagon & Carriage Co. The vans initially came with open verandahs until they were enclosed during 1908 and a 'Dog Box' which was also later removed. They were numbered No:5 and No: 14 but on grouping and the railway coming under control of the Southern Railway became 56039-56040.
     
    The Nine Lines kit represents one of these brake vans in as built condition and is a very crisply moulded kit. With this build I wanted to represent a brake van in Southern Railway condition so modified the verandah to it's enclosed form. This was done with Plasticard/Plasticstrip and a Parkside brake cylinder cut in half to represent hand brake wheel housing.
     
    Also the ride height of the kit has been lowered and clearance at both ends has been made for BEMO couplings. This entailed chopping away part of the buffer beams. The trussing is made from a piece of piano wire and the paint will be blended in eventually.
     
    The acetylene lamp housing and vent on the roof have been moved back into the correct position too as they were originally above the verandah end. Handrails have been added from .45 gauge Gibson wire.
     
    The van has been finished with an assortment of Valejo/Tamiya acrylics and a coat of Klear to seal prior to applying the decals. I'm using a combination of Fox and HMRS Southern Railway decals. This is where I am at present:
     

    L&B Brake NGRM 12102013 002 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    One thing that is proving a bit elusive is the positioning on the 'S' and 'R' on each side as well as the 'Tare/Tons' and van numbers. Does anyone have a suitable reference or picture to ascertain the location on the sides?
     
    Here's a square on view. Although the lettering looks right-I'm not sure if the 'S' needs to go back further towards the end?
     

    L&B Brake NGRM 12102013 001 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    The guard is a Monty's Station Master figure and will go in the verandah end.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  13. 46444
    Bit of an update on the Coble front I've made from the Zvedza 'Medieval Boat' kit. It was given a coat of Halfords grey primer and then dry brushed with Valejo German grey, On top of this it has received a coat of Valejo dark earth. More dry brushing to complete as well as name and registration lettering for a Scarborough registered boat. I'm told fishing boats in the 1950's carried registration details painted on their hull's.
     

     
     

     
    Around the Coble can be seen a number of mysterious buildings made from Wills kits. Also some Monty's figures can be seen and a few donkeys!
     
     

     
     

     
    Finally, two PECO L&BR coaches have had their roofs modified with the removal of the gas light fittings and vents to be replaced with MJT torpedo vents. These in due course will be repainted in the colours of the FBLR *.
     

     
    More updates soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    A prototype photo for painting the Monty's donkeys as well!
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
    * Filey Bay Light Railway
  14. 46444
    Recently I've been experimenting with static grass and scenic effects on the photo plank. Having been successful I'll use the same techniques on the W&LLR/Blue Bell Knoll. On top of the hanging basket liner I've used a selection of static grass fibres from Auhagen and Jarvis along with Noch leaves and Bachmann Woodland Scenics materials.

    All fixed with cheap Co-op extra hold hairspray....Because I'm worth it!

    Kes 1 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    Here's Kestrel with my recently renovated Jouef/Egger-bahn brake coach.

    Kes 2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    I've recently acquired another Egger-bahn brake coach which I'll finish in grey to resemble a goods brake van. I've a spare NP etch for the balcony end railings.

    Cheers,

    Mark
  15. 46444
    Like many of us we often have numerous projects on the go.
     
    From a personal point of view I have the BR Clan's and Dapol BR Manor Class to complete. See my previous blog postings. All being well these should soon be completed. 
     
    I have had an old Airfix Siphon H in my 'to do box' for a while. A quick strip down and prototype research reveled that Airfix had fitted the wrong bogies which on a Siphon H should be 9ft American Style. 
     
    The existing bogies where put to one side. Then I removed the buffers, vacuum tanks and gas tanks with a pair of Xuron track cutters. These areas were made good with a scalpel, sand paper and files.
     
    I ordered the correct 9ft American bogies as a pair, 3D printed from Shapeway. I believe these are designed by Stafford Road Modelworks.
     
    https://www.shapeways.com/product/CT854ECA7/gwr-9-american-bogie-airfix-Hornby-fit?productConfiguration=60118509&etId=202691468&utm_source=automated-contact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=order-shipped&utm_content=5
     
    The bogie prints are a bit rough and the detail is ill defined however from normal viewing distance the correct impression is given.
     

     
    The bogies were cleaned up with a soak in white spirit and also a fibreglass brush. 
     
    Then Romford brass axle bearings were fitted and masked off. A quick blast of Halfords grey primer and satin black finished the job.
     
    Using the existing mounting pins the bogies are a direct replacement. Bachmann coach wheels fit nicely.

     
    Buffers were replaced with Slater's GWR coach buffers. LMS Models provide the coupling hooks.
     

     
    That's play for today with more planned including replacing the gas tanks and vacuum cylinders with MJT components and scratch building a few underframe elements.
     
    Another Airfix build has involved a 10ft RCH chassis in the stock of spares. Armed with plastic sheet a basic Conflat was built.  I have Cambridge Custom Tranfers to hand so as to finish in early BR colours 
     

     
    I made the fixing rings from fuse wire. Buffers and coupling hooks from LMS Models as previous.  Tie bar is also from Microstrip.
     

     
    Thanks for looking. More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark 
  16. 46444
    Work has continued on the GLR Models 3D printed PKP Px48 kits today.
     
    As I've mentioned previously these 3D printed kits are like a blank canvas and offer many variations in the level of detail you want to add. In this case and as with many Continental locos it's going to be pipeworktastic but for the time being I thought I'd concentrate on getting the main work done on the body prior to adding handrails and pipework.
     
    As with any 3D printed kit there are limitations to the level of detail that can be portrayed and also the finesse of the detail. Richard has designed a brilliantly thought out kit but one area I thought that could be improved is the roof of the cab and tender cab,
     
    I carved off the rain strips from the cab and tender and made smooth. In this case Shapeways have used a really hard nylon to print the kit and it's not the most easiest of materials to cut. Also on the cab I removed the overhangs from the front and rear of the roof and bevelled the edges to the rear of the tender cab.
     
    Thankfully in my drawer of 'bits' I had some brass sheet of various thickness and have made new roofs up for the cab and tender. Having cut the brass sheet to shape I scored the edges from behind to facilitate bending the tight curves that meet the cab sides, I then rolled the brass on a couple of sheets of kitchen roll to get a curve, followed by bending the edges with the handle of a needle file. The centre part of the roof is held in place with Blu-tac for the time being.
     
    Here's the close ups testing the ability of my HTC's camera:
     

     

     
    Nothing is fixed at present hence the 'wonk' of the new parts. I made a front vent up from scrap brass sheet and the rear vent is a piece of 60 thou plastic sheet sanded accordingly. I've also marked four points on the roof to add the lifting eyes as well. These will be applied once the roof is glued into place.
     
    I've also added some etched chequer plate to the footsteps sourced from Mainly Trains and added two brass overlays to the front of the loco beneath the firebox door.
     

     
    You'll also notice I've cut away the rear of the coal bunker and this will be replaced with a vertical back piece made from plastic sheet. Looking at photos of my prototype locos these had this style of bunker with the slope sides continuing towards the rear.
     
    Also with the tender I've opened up cut away to the front of the tender cab to take it to the point where the roof meets the tender side. Beading will be applied to this area as well.
     

    Quite a productive session really, although there's a long way to go yet and I've a second loco to be getting on with.
     
    However, I'm really enjoying this build and I look forwards to seeing them run on some 'static grassed' track with a couple of Rollwagens and a green PKP bogie brake van.
     
    I'm away for a few days now so no further progress until Thursday.
     
    Na zdrowie,
     
    Mark
  17. 46444
    Recently a good friend of mine picked up a fairly decent 'old school' Bachmann split chassis GWR Mogul.
     
    In this instance the Collett cabbed later prototype version.
     

     
    I said I would give it a service and make good any problem areas. 
     
    Initially the model came in unlined economy BR green. Something 7327 carried in later life. The Bachmann green was a bit flat. I decided I would give it a makeover for him. 
     
    I carefully removed the moulded on cabside numberplates as well as the smokebox numberplate. A new door strap was made up from Microstrip. 
     
    The chimney was lopped off with the trusty Xuron's and the base made good. An Alan Gibson turned brass replacement was fitted having been sprayed with Halfords grey primer and satin black.
     
    The smokebox was sprayed in with Tamiya matt black and the boiler, cab sides and tender received a coat of roughly applied Precision BR Green. This certainly lifted the patina.
     
    Dapol spares available from Peter's Spares came up trumps with new sprung buffers, lamp irons and vacuum pipes. 
     

     

     
    Wheel sides have been inked in with a black Sharpie. Valve gear with a silver Sharpie.
     
    Steve at Railtec made me up a set of excellent 3D printed transfers for the cabside, smokebox numberplate and the shedcode plate for 81E Didcot.  A brilliant service and product if you have never tried it. Well recommended.
     

     
    What started off as a reasonably running loco developed the wobbles from a chassis failure. Examining the wheelsets showed the dreaded split axles.
     
    Thankfully, Peter's Spares produce replacement axles and gear for these split chassis Bachmann models. 
     
    The parts arrived speedily once more from Peter's Spares and in a matter of no time using a OO Scale back 2 back gauge I had a sweet running chassis in both directions. As new...
     

     
    I have started lining the loco and tender out with Fox Transfers lining. I have sealed this with Johnson's Kleer as I have gone along. 
     

     
    Now my question is does anyone have a decent picture of the cabside lining on these Collett cabbed variants?
     
    The horizontal upper lining start point is easy beneath the handrail but the separate vertical handrail throws out where I think the lining should go.
     

     
    If anyone can help please get in touch.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark 
     
     
  18. 46444
    Eveventually I came across some pictures of Collett cabbed Moguls with lining which answered my previous question.
     
    Using Fox GWR/BR passenger loco lining I have finished the lining out including the wheel splashers.
     

     
    The lining transfers were fixed with Johnson's Kleer when in the correct place. Once dry a couple of light coats of Halfords Laquer varnish was applied. To tone things down a misting of Halfords Matt varnish was then applied
     

     
    A nice front end shot showing off the new chimney and 3D printed Railtec smokebox numberplate and 81E Didcot shedcode plate.
     

     
    Window frames have been edged in with a Citadel acrylic brass colour.
     

     
    Real coal added to the tender, fixed in place with Kleer. 
     
    Jobs to do include adding flush glazed cabside windows. Front ones are Microscale Liquid Glaze. 
     
    Also to do are the two uprights in the tender for the cab weather sheet.
     
    Light weathering, add a crew and a local passenger lamp on the smokebox door. 
     
    The contents of the photographic plinth are well recommended by the way....
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  19. 46444
    Since I bought one of the Bachmann USA 009 Skarloey's when they first came about the intention had been to create a fictitious loco acquired by the W&LLR and named Captain Fisher after the gentleman responsible for being instrumental in opening the railway. The project has sat in a box for a while in pieces but a few days off saw it sprayed with Halfords satin black and reassembled:

    P4181340 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    As you can see a replacement bufferbeam has been made from sheet plastic. Smoke box door is a CWR 3D printed replacement for Skarloey's face. Couplers are RT Models Penrhyn cast ones with coupler height set using a Greenwich Coupling height gauge. The cab spectacle plates are from RT with Microsol liquid glazing for the glass.

    I've also added 0.45 brass handrails to cab and tank sides.Lamp irons are bent up from staples:

    P4181341 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    Here's Captain Fisher with a Parkside Tralee & Dingle open wagon for company

    The nameplates are custom Narrow Planet etched brass ones. I did manage to loose one so if after crawling around on my hands a knees doesn't find it I'll be ordering a replacement from Steve. Other than the Halfords satin main body colour the detail painting is a mixture of Games Workshop and Valejjo acrylics. Valve gear has been blackened using Birchwood Casey Aluminium Black.

    ps2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    Finally crew are from the old Airfix range acquired by Dapol using Valejjo paints to finish. Captain Fisher is at the controls in his trilby and old shooting jacket. The lamp is from Hornby supplied in an accessory pack.

    ps 1 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

    All that remains is a bit of light weathering. A nice project and a smooth running loco.

    Cheers,

    Mark
  20. 46444
    As promised my take on the Bachmann/Rails Caley 812 Class.
     

     
    I chose the late crest version as the prototypes worked from Oban on the Ballachulish branch before closure. 
     
    57566 was a Corkerhill/Ardrossan shedded loco and there are some nice colour snaps of the prototype online finished as per the Bachmann model. 
     
    As for 57566 working to Balla' I'm not sure? However, I thought would keep the running number and address a few of the Bachmann/Rails discrepancies. This included the much discussed over thick tender flares. 
     

     
    As it stands the model is fairly typical of a Bachmann 0-6-0 tender locomotive over the past few years in the mould of the SECR/SR C Class, LMS 4F and 3F. 
     
    Sadly it is let down with over thick tender flares and these detract from a model which should be on par with the Hornby J36 in finesse. 

     
    With a new Number 11 scalpel blade I gently started to scrape away the inside of the tender flares.
     
    Once I had reached the desired thickness I made good with a fibre glass burnishing pencil and fine grade wet and dry paper.  The upper tender lamp iron was removed and replaced with one from the spares box. 
     

     
    On the prototypes the hinged tender doors were often folded back on the tender so this look was replicated.
     
    I did contemplate replacing the cab up-right stanchions due to their thickness but decided I could live with them. 
     
    Real crushed coal was added to the tender having applied a coat of PVA first. 
     
    The paint finish was lifted with brush applied Johnson's Kleer. I sprayed in the smokebox and cab roof with Tamiya flat black. 
     
    Baseline weathering was completed with the usual Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics sprayed or dry brushed. This certainly helps to lift the detail especially the pipework along the sides of the loco 
     
    Coupling rods are inked in with a silver Sharpie pen then washed with a blend of Vallejo acrylics. 
     
    When I load up the airbrush again with suitable colour road dirt I'll give the lower sides of the model a dusting and add also add smoke effects on the top of the boiler. 
     
    The smokebox number plate is supplied from the excellent Pacific Models range. 
     
    Crew are once more the ubiquitous Airfix/Dapol figures painted with Vallejo acrylics. Lamps are LNER pattern from the excellency Mr. Frank's at Lanarkshire Models. 
     

     
    Hopefully the success of the 812 Class will encourage Bachmann to look at a Caley 439 Class 4-4-0 especially with a preserved example running. 
     
    The clean work bench looking like a Clan gathering... More anon.
     

     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
  21. 46444
    Modelling has taken a bit of a back seat recently with the real world getting in the way.
     
    Saying that-there's plans afoot to address this and a few little projects are on the go at present. One of them is to build a number of Coble fishing boats as found on the North East Coast-especially around Flamborough-Whitby coastline.
     
    These vessels have a well defined keel and hull. For my project the the boats will be set in the 1950's as per this photo:
     

     
    No kits exist of a 4mm scale Coble however the Zvedza Medieval Sailing Boat kit can be fettled into something resembling the boats in the photo above:
     

     
     
    As you can see I've started making some modifications to the keel in these shots:
     

     
    Here's the finished Coble-the first of a small flotilla!

    Need to get some paint on it and thread up the mast/sail and add some crab/lobster pots.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  22. 46444
    Hornby's J15 is a superb model and in my eyes captures the feel of the prototype nicely. Yes there are a few errors but it has filled an important void in my fleet.
    Sadly Hornby over produced these new models resulting in bargains to be had for less than £70 in some instances from the usual sources.
     

     
    These three represent J15's found working on the Cambridge-Kettering line in the 1950's. 65390/65461 were renumbered with Fox decals whilst 65475 is pure Hornby. They are finished in my usual style utilising Tamiya/Valejo acrylics either airbrushed, dry brushed or applied as a wash to build up the weathering, The sheet rail on the tenders were made up from scrap metal /plastic fixings. 65461 has a sheet made up from decorators masking tape and painted with Valejo acrylics.
     

     

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  23. 46444

    Caution Toads Crossing

    By 46444,

    Well I've finished a number of the Bachmann/Airfix mated Toads I've been working on. Here's 56541 which represents an AA15 Diagram allocated to Taunton.
     

     
    As a comparison of the chassis here's a shot of the standard AA19/20 Bachmann model next to the Airfix chassis equiped AA15. The 'J' Springs show up nicely in comparison:
     

     
    As I mentioned previously the GWR grey was Tamiya German Grey applied over preshading. Decals are by HMRS and are sealed with Valejo satin varnish.
     

     
    To finish I've used a mixture of Tamiya and Valejo colours to highlight detail and add worn patina to the brake van. A Monty's figure acts as a guard looking at his watch. For those with keen eyes I've even added some chalk marks using my fine tip Edding type pen:
     

     
    All in all not a bad project and once more it goes to show what delights can be conjured up from the spares box. Also it offers the GWR modeller something different to the standard Bachmann or Ratio Toad.
     
    More soon on Kirby Hall and 7427!
  24. 46444
    The purchase of a copy of Last Days of Steam in Gloucestershire in the early 1990's bought about two things. One an enduring interest in the railways of the Royal Forest of Dean and secondly an introduction to the photographs of Ben Ashworth who captured the essence of the railways of the Forest on film.
     
    PB151727 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    PB151731 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Those who know the Forest will be familiar with the distinctive tank wagons from the Berry Wiggins company who had a bitumen depot at Whimsey. The black and white tank wagons were synonymous with the Forest of Dean Branch with a trusty 57xx/8750 Pannier in charge of the proceedings.
     
    PB151716 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    PB151719 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    For those who model in 7mm scale Dapol have just produced a very tempting rendition of a Berry Wiggins tank wagon. For those of use who model in 4mm scale Bachmann have produced a single wagon and also a set of three tanks (One being a silver petroleum tank) in the past. Thankfully help is at hand in producing your own with transfers available from Modelmaster (More in a later blog entry) and POWSides. The Modelmaster transfers have Berry Wiggins 'Kingsnorth' address whilst the POWSides ones have the correct 'Field House, Fetter Lane' address seen on the Forest tanks.
     
    Trying to keep the cost of this project down I noticed that the old Mainline 14T Air Ministry tank wagons are fairly reasonable to buy secondhand. Shops like Rails do bundles of 6 for about £30 which is good going. I had plenty of new Bachmann metal wheel sets in my spares box so was able to re-wheel them and put a smaller Bachmann NEM sized style couplers on the wagons.
     
    The tank wagons break down fairly easily and the quality of the livery tampo printing on them was excellent for the late 1970's/80's. I've removed most of this with enamel thinners but some of the artwork is quite stubborn to remove. A good even coat of Halfords grey plastic primer gives a nice base for the Halfords satin black to adhere to.
     
    The POWSides transfers are rub down and working from pictures I was able to chop up the sheet to get some of the variations in lettering seen on the wagons. The wagon numbers do not represent any particular prototype and where chosen with the limited number range on the sheet. I use Tamiya masking tape to gently hold the transfer film in place before using a blunt pencil, paint brush end or cocktail stick to make sure the lettering sticks. Sometimes a white drawing pen is required to touch in the letters and edges tidied up with a fine black permanent drawing pen.
     
    PB151722 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The 'Liquaphalt' white discs on the tank sides were made from standard masking tape. This was placed placed on a smooth plastic lid and sprayed with Halfords white primer. When dry the tape was stuck to the reverse side of my 'clean' cutting mat. Working out the diameter from the transfers I used a compass cutter to cut the discs out and then rub the transfers on. The discs were then stuck to the sides of the tanks using reference pictures for positioning.
     
    PB151723 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    I need to add a few more transfers to each wagon. Mainly instruction details and the private owner yellow 'C' which come with the Modelmaster pack of transfers. Other lettering variations will be available combining lettering from POWSides and Modelmaster. The strengthening wires from sole bars to the tank ends will be made up from florists wire. Then an airbushed coat of protective varnish and weathering to finish. I'll post some pictures when they are at this stage. However I will do an update on the next 5-6 wagons using the Modelmaster transfers.
     
    PB151726 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Also of note on the photographs are the resprayed Bachmann Toad brake vans re-lettered using Cambridge Custom Transfers for Toads allocated to Lydney/Bullo Pill. Again representations and not necessarily the correct diagram number. The 57xx will either become 8745 but needs external rivets on the tank sides using Archers rivet transfers or 8701 depending on which one I decide to do first.
     
    PB151730 (2) by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    PB151732 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    More soon...
  25. 46444
    The recent re-release of the Hornby BR  Clan Class was a blessing for many especially with the price of previous issues becoming prohibitive. The model had not been available for a number of years to compound this.
     
    Like others I was surprised to find the running boards and rear of tender not painted black on either the late or early crest variations. This has been debated on the Hornby Clan thread.
     
    Other issues have concerned a missing top lamp bracket on the smokebox door on a number of models. I was fortunate to pick one of these up from Derails recently for around the £150 region *. with excellent service from them as ever. Well recommended.
     
    I took delivery of 72004 Clan MacDonald but wanted to renumber it to 72001 Clan Cameron. In addition to this I decided to spray in the missing black painted running boards and rear of tender.
     
    Nameplates were obtained from Fox Transfers and Pacific Models provided the smoke box door number plate.
     
    Tamiya masking tape is your friend here and I masked off the areas to be sprayed carefully ensuring all was sealed neatly.
     
    Using Tamiya satin black I airbrushed in the the areas to be corrected. Carefully removing the masking tape revealed a neat job with a few areas needing rectification. 
     
     
    I hand painted the screw reverser with Precision BR green which appears a good match for the Hornby green. 
     
     
    The whistle and surrounding brass work was picked out with Citadel acrylics. 
     
     
    Fox transfers London Midland 8 inch numerals made up the number sets with Tamiya masking tape ensuring a straight line. 
     
     
    Once dry these were sealed with brush applied Johnson's Kleer along with the rest of the Hornby green painted areas to lift the flat paintwork. This also added some lustre and depth in the paintwork. 
     
     
    A false floor was added to the tender bunker and real crushed coal was fixed with PVA.
     
     
     
    The missing lamp iron was made from the Branson bent up staple method (BBUSM).
     
     
    The excellent as ever Pacific Models number plate was cut out and glued on with PVA. The edges inked in with a black Sharpie permanent marker prior to this.
     
    In the next instalment I will have put the Fox Transfers 'Clan Cameron' nameplates on and fitted the detailing pack.  Weathering will also be started/finished.
     
    From a prototype perspective the earlier releases of the Clan's had a fitting attached to the driver's cab side. I think this was for a tablet catcher. Could anyone confirm this?  Also was it only the later build of Clan's to have this feature.
     
    Another quandary surrounds nameplate background colours varying from black, green, light blue and possibly red. Can anyone enlighten me?
     
    This has been a nice project so far and it has been good to remedy the missing black paintwork.
     
     
    The BR Clan Class is a favourite of mine and more widely travelled than would be expected. Well worth looking at if you are modelling the Scottish and London Midland Region's. 
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    * Kernow Model Rail Centre have 72004 Clan MacDonald for sale at £159.00 if people are interested. 
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