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46444

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 46444
    I'm not normally an Eastern Region modeller although a few classes do stand out. The big Pacifics don't interest me as such and it's the more humble classes like a J15 that appeal to me more. One class that I've always thought had really graceful lines was Gresley's LNER B17 with a short GE tender.
     
    Earlier on in the year I brought a BR version and I really must say this is a beautiful model that Hornby have produced and captures the protype welll. It doesn't have the robustness of a Bachmann loco and the detail is very fine/fragile.
     
    I had a look at suitable names of B17's allocated to March shed in the mid-late 50's and one stood out. Living about 15 minutes away from Kimbolton 61633 'Kimbolton Castle' it had to be. However, in this period the prototype had been fitted with a 100A boiler-which I believe was based on the B1 boiler. Modifications included an additional washout plug each side and a B1 type 'dished' smoke box door. Hornby's model represents an earlier variation.
     
    Tim of this parish had been doing some fancy modifications to get a B17/6 variant and I was fortunate to meet him a few times in passing and glean information on the conversion (Thanks Tim). Here's a link to his take on the subject:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/32453-tims-painting-and-weathering-workbench/page-9
     
    The main problem was sourcing the smoke box door. Then I remembered PDK Models do a B17 kit and the castings are available as spares. Unfortunately spares where no longer available as mail order and the only way to source them was through exhibition sales. Thankfully, PDK where at the Peterborough show a few weeks ago and I was able to source one there.
     
    Therefore it was game on and the conversion could take place and here's the finished model
     

     
    Before I startled chopping the model up I removed the boiler handrail and gave the loco and tender a polish with 'T' Cut removing the loco numbers at the same time. This gave the loco a lovely surface to work with and was almost reminiscent of those Hornby glossy finishes from the 1980's.
     
    The valve gear and buffer heads had Birchwood Casey Gun Blue painted on them to try to tone them down.
     
    The additional washout plugs were made as Tim suggested from the the 'nipples' from a Parkside old fashioned Hornby tension lock coupling block, drilled out and a piece if wire inserted. These were glued according to photographs and touched in with Precision GWR green.
     
    Next came the the part of the conversion I was least looking forwards too-removing the smoke box door. It's a shame Hornby never considered doing this as a separate moulding so they could do the later versions of the class. However, the Hornby plastic is thin and easy to work with and all went well. I chain drilled around the smoke box door then cut out the opening to take the PDK casting. Prior to fitting it I'd made a lamp iron out of a bent staple, added a Comet smoke box door dart and used a piece of wire to make the small knob to the left side of the door. This was then primed with Halfords grey primer then glued into place. I masked off the smoke box area and sprayed it with Tamiya NATO black. A dry brushing of Games Workshop gunmetal brought up the area nicely.
     

     
    I then sprayed a coat of Humbrol Clear over the loco and tender ready to apply the numbers. These are Fox decals and went on easily as did the 31B March shed code plate from the same source. The nameplates/numberplate are from the 247 Developments range and were glued over the existing nameplates.
     

     
    I then sprayed the loco with Valejo matt varnish to seal the transfers. I wanted the loco to look not long out of works and have a shine to it so it was lightly weathered. I sprayed Tamiya NATO black across the top of the boiler to represent soot deposits and cab roof going gently over the green sides on the roof as well. I then dry brushed some Games Workshop gunmetal and Valejo dark rust around handrails, the top of the boiler, steps and areas affected by wear.
     
    Homebrew track colour was sprayed around the loco/tender underframe and details picked out with a combination of the above colours using dry brushing.
     
    The tender itself received additional weight and a plasticard filler was cut for the bunker space, Real coal was then added and fixed with a diluted PVA/washing up liquid mixture. Once dry the top of the tender had been sprayed with NATO black as well and further dry brushing took place,
     

     
    The cab, boiler and tender sides received another couple of coats of Clear to represent a clean and polished loco.
     
    To finish some fire irons were bent up from handrail wire and painted with Valejo acrylics, a Springside LNER lamp was given a wash of the same paints and I've given the loco a local stopping lamp code. The crew are Dapol figures suitably modified and painted once more with Valejo colours.
     
    Overall I'm pleased with how this conversion has turned out. 61633 will be a bit special and I think the modifications and weathering have added to the original model's qualities giving the look of a late, fairly clean working B17/6.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  4. 46444
    Here's a few shots of the Hornby Ivatt finished except the crew insitu.
     
    Alex (Wiggoforgold) came up trumps with a Comet chimney. I was going to do Cambridge shed's 46466 in unlined black with late crest but had a change of heart.
     
    Instead I finished this loco as 46483 another Cambridge engine in lined black with early crest.
     
    The model was primed with Halfords grey primer then Halfords satin black. Tamiya NATO black was then sprayed on the smokebox and roof. Lining and decals are from Fox.
     
    Real coal was added to the tender before I gave the model a quick blast of Tamiya NATO black/Dark earth mix. Everything was sealed with Valejjo satin varnish with a drop of matt as well. Lamp from Springside.
     

     
    Overall I've enjoyed this project. It was quick and reminiscent of 'Old School' modelling-infact almost adding a Crownline detailing kit to the loco. Yes, the Hornby Ivatt has its failings. The tender is too long and the valve gear is chunky and over simplified. Saying that the loco bodyshell isn't too far off the current Bachmann version for shape.
     
    Having changed the tender and pony wheels and added shedloads of weight to the loco and tender has improved the running too.
     
    In this day and age of economising perhaps revisiting models such as this may be the answer-though I guess a secondhand Bachmann Ivatt can be found for around £30-£40.
     
    Food for thought!
     
     
     
     
     
  5. 46444
    The Bachmann Wickham Trolley is a brilliant model and certainly offers up a quick detailing project. 
     

     

     
     
    In this instance I've added light lenses courtesy of Paragon Kits having drilled the light houses out. I think some very clever folk have added working lamps. 
     

     

     
    The weak point with this model is the trailer which is motorised. The faux ballast load does not look right in my eyes. Once more modellers have resorted to all manner of fixes to bring the trailer to life. 
     
    In my instance I used a piece of Tunnocks Caramel Wafer wrapper to make a tarpaulin. Shaped to the trailer and load I sprayed it with Halfords grey primer them airbrush finished it with Tamiya acrylics. 
     

     
    Cotton sheet ropes were added and the tarpaulin was glued to the load with contact adhesive. The sheet ropes were glued to the underside of the trailer. 
     
    I do think this brings some life to the previously sterile looking trailer. 
     
    The trolley roof was brush painted and airbrushed with Vallejo and Tamiya acrylics. Then the trolley was weathered with Vallejo paints dry brushed on to the surface. 
     

     
    Thankfully the good folk at Modelu have produced a delightful 3D printed Wickham Trolley crew and the tools of their trade. The scanning is wonderful with lots of lovely detail. 
     
     

     
    Once more painted with Halfords white primer and Vallejo acrylics. 
     

     
    These tweaks have certainly brought this superb little model by Bachmann alive. 
     
    A nice project for a couple of dark winter's evenings. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
     
  6. 46444
    Over the past few days I've been able to almost complete the four Dapol 16T mineral wagons I've been working on. 
     
    If you remember I had removed the top doors from two of them in my earlier blog entry. Since then they were finished with Tamiya NATO brown and black. 
     
    Then using prototype photos from Paul Bartlett's excellent site I have been able to weather the quartet. 
     

     
    I have used my usual Vallejo acrylics for weathering. Dry brushing has given the desired effect.
     

     
    Tamiya masking tape has been used for defined lines and the white door stripes. 
     

     
    Transfers are from the excellent Railtec range. The number sets are ready made for MCV's and have used ones that look right. In that sense all four wagons are not necessarily correct and are generic. 
     

     
    The transfers need sealing with varnish and a the weathering needs tweaking. Then they can be returned to their owner.
     

     
    Another lovely build from the Dapol stable and once more excellent value for money. Well recommended. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark
     
    Best put 70's disco hits album away now... 
  7. 46444
    With 009 goings on with Wadenhoe Road my OO builds have been put on the back burner. Hopefully this year will see a new OO gauge layout once more set in Northamptonshire with an iron stone theme. 
     
    Some of this stock I've had waiting around for getting the air brush fired up will no doubt make an appearance on the new layout. 
     
    Like many before the Dapol unfinished wagon body shells can be bought for less than £3. Mated with a suitable Parkside or Ratio chassis is a means of building up an eclectic mix of wagons.  Add in Alan Gibson wheel sets and buffers/vents from LMS and you have a very individual wagon. 
     
    Firstly the ubiquitous SR box van mated to a Ratio RCH chassis. 
     

     
    Then two LMS vent vans on Parkside chassis:
     

     
    To complete the van build a lovely Parkside LNER plywood ventilated van built up nicely from one of their kits. 
     

     
    The wagons have been air brush painted with Tamiya Nato black, Tamiya Nato Brown and Tamiya German Grey. A coat of Johnson's Klear floor polish applied by brush gives the bodywork a nice lustre. 
     

     

     
    Suitable transfers will be obtained probably from Railtec and Cambridge Custom Transfers. 
     
    Next up is a couple of Dapol Prestwin wagons which build up nicely. Finished as above and I already have the appropriate Cambridge Custom Transfers to finish. 
     

     
    Then another Dapol kit. This time the Interfigo ferry van I'm building for a good friend. Once more LMS buffers added. Shame this wagon is HO Scale but builds up nicely. 
     

     
    Recently I purchased one of the excellent Hornby R&H DS48's with match truck. Now I'm not planning on running the Ruston with the Conflat so have repainted the body as above. I will mate this to either a Ratio or Parkside chassis. 
     

     
    At the Manchester show before Christmas I acquired a Cambrian Kits Type A container kit which is a nice kit. I'll run this on the Conflat painted crimson with Cambridge Custom Transfers for the lettering. 
     

     
    Finally I acquired a lovely Bachmann Stanier Mogul in the Rail's sale fot £89. I've fitted the detail kit and being a Nuneaton or Rugby based prototype 42969 does not need renumbering. Think it would have made it to Kettering easily enough. 
     

     
    Coat of Johnson's Klear brush applied to the body work to lift the flatness of the factory finish. 
     
    I will put a 2B shed code plate on it from Fox then ready for light weathering. Coal, crew and Lanarkshire Model Supplies LMS lamp. 
     
    Some nice projects on the got. More soon. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark
     
    Wadenhoe Road being used as a photo plank. Don't look too closely at the track...
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  8. 46444
    Last year in the August edition of Hornby Magazine Phil Parker converted an Hornby Lancashire and Yorkshire 'Pug' into a resemblance of a Manning Wardle 'H' Class. I thought this would be a nice little conversion to undertake that I could use on my layout Juniper Hill based on a Northamptonshire ironstone line. It could also be used on my proposed Teign Valley project as well.
     
    Here's the link to Phil's website with plans and pictures of his completed model:
     
    http://pagenumberone.co.uk/downloads/H%20Class.pdf
     
    I've been meaning to start this conversion for a while and actually saw Phil's 'H' guesting on Chris Nevard's Polbrook Gurney at Railex in Aylesbury earlier this year and was really impressed with his version. Obviously there are many faults with this build by using the 'Pug'. Mainly the lack of spoked wheels and the covered valve gear. What I want to achieve is something that represents an 'H' and is a quick project.
     
    Today I made a start on this conversion. Here's the fruits of my labours. I've got the main sub assemblies together.
     

     
    The 'Pug' saddle tank was removed with a razor saw and the footplate cleaned up. I've added some Manning Wardle buffers from the excellent RT Models range and modified the rear of the buffer beams and cab foot steps to better represent the prototype.
     

     
    The cab, saddle tank and smoke box are made up from various sizes of Plasticard. The water filler and chimney are also from RT Models and are beautifully crisp castings. These along with the buffers have been blackened with Birchwood Casey gun blue. The spectacle plates are from the same source.
     

     
    The cab obviously is not glued together and is held in place with Blu-tac.
     

     
    The smoke box door was made up from two discs cut out using a Compass Cutter.
     

    As you can see the saddle tank is resting on two wheel balance weights. I think the height is about right but would value your opinion. Once this is confirmed I'll make up the boiler under the saddle tank and add leaf springs to the foot plate. Then it's a case of making up the roof, sand boxes and adding the handrails and other detail.
     
    I'm going to get Steve from Narrow Planet to make up a set of Manning Wardle works plates and a pair of nameplates for this model.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  9. 46444
    As an aside from other projects that are ongoing I've just finished building two of the excellent Narrow Planet (NP) RNAD Baguley-Drewery loco kits. Here's the link:
     
    http://narrowplanet.co.uk/products/NPL-001
     
    These kits are 3D printed and supplied with a lovely nickel silver etch for the cab roof, bonnet access doors, window frames and other details. The build is really straight forward and kits are well designed. They run on a slightly modified KATO 11-104 tram chassis which easily clips into the bodyshell and gives good running qualities.
     
    Here's a prototype photo of two Baguleys on shed at RNAD Trecwn
     
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/12a_kingmoor_klickr/6039271181/
     
    Here are the finished locos in all their 'high-vis' glory:
     

    gcr 06102013-BD's NGRM 007 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    They have been painted and weathered using a mixture of Tamiya/Valejo acrylics. Glazing is from a CD case cut to the dimensions in the kit instructions.
     
    I've added RT Models 'small industrial' loco lamps to the front and rear of the cab as you can see. Crew are modified Monty's 'Modern Track Gang' figures.
     

    gcr 06102013-BD's NGRM 005 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    John at Precision Decals made up some custom decals for me from my artwork for the stencilled loco numbers. These are superb and really bed down nicely when applied to and sealed with a coat of Klear. Loco '04' carries a 'Tamar' nameplate which was a custom etch from Narrow Planet.
     

    gcr 06102013-BD's NGRM 008 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    These are great kits to build and I'm really pleased with how they've turned out.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  10. 46444
    I've started to build 2 of the kits I recently received from PoW Sides . For those not familiar with the make up of the kits they come ready painted and lettered requiring wheels, bearing and couplings of choice. The kits are from either Parkside or as in this case Slaters. The wagon transfers are available separately and are rub on ones.
     
    These are finished in a later period of the company's history with the Trusham address and Roads Reconstruction panel on the doors. The Teign Valley Granite lettering differed in height according to wagons. These wagons carried a type of hard granite called basalt used in road building which was often coated with bitumen.
     
    Firstly a shot of the kits in their bags with components being removed from the sprues:
     

     
    Having previously ben sprayed with Halfords grey primer the solebars receive two coats of Valejo red and the axle guards and iron work is picked out in German Grey from the same source.
     

     
    With the underframe finished thoughts turn to the inside of the wagon which is not painted. A coat of Valejo grey, followed by a dry brusing of old wood, dark earth, German grey and gunmetal helps to build up a planked wood effect. One of the problems with these Slaters kits is they do not come with planking scribed on the side walls and the floor has raised plank lines.
     

    Here's the finished effect. The wagons would have either carried coated basalt chippings or plain ones depending on use.
     

     
    Here's the wagon bodies having been assembled. Obviously touching in is required to the sprue gates and where the glue has removed the paint.
     

     
    Here's a side on view of the wagons mounted on their chassis. Wheels are Alan Gibson:
     

     
    Here's a aerial view showing inside the wagons.
     

     
    The kits need the brakes, brake handles, buffers and couplings to finish, Because these are post war wagons they are to be weathered accordingly with planks replaced and well worn around the gills!
     
    More soon!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  11. 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
  12. 46444
    Recently I was asked by Alex (Wiggoforgold) of Diddington fame to finish off the a number of vehicle projects he had in his to do list.
     
    This lovely Bedford CA van is by a company called CMC (?Cheltenham Model Centre) and moulded by a company in Bodmin.
     

     
    I sprayed this with Halfords white primer before preshading the body panels with Valejo German grey. Then a couple of coats of Valejo biege and a couple of coats of Humbrol Clear to finish. Detail paintwork and additional washes. Number plates from a FOX 'United Counties' bus sheet hence Northamptonshire registration. Windows from Microsol Crystal Clear.
     

     
    Next up is a delightful Triang Minic Ford Anglia finished in a two tone scheme using the above techniques:
     

     
    Considering the age of the moulding it is a well proportioned model.
     

     
    Finally Alex gave me an unstarted Springside white metal kit for a Ferguson T20 tractor. Initially I did think it a bit crude compared to the Oxford version I have. However, perseverance paid off and this kit literally fell together assembled using CA glue.
     

     
    Halfords primer with a couple of coats of Clear gave the main Fergy grey finish. Detail painting with Valejo acrylics once more. This is a super little kit and I'd certainly recommend and really enjoyable to build.
     

     
    I should add a number plate to the T20 before sending them of to a little part of Cambridgeshire in Cornwall.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  13. 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 
     
     
  14. 46444
    Well fans of Ozzy and Hawkwind will be familiar with the title. Once more this has nothing to do this 1970's rock outfit. (He says listening to this song )
     
    Recently a mate of mine was given a box of old Hornby/Lima locos and rolling stock (Tat )including a Hornby Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 and a Lima GWR Railcar which had seen better days. More of these in future instalments . Some of the tat was kit built including few Cooper Craft GWR wagons and a rare SILVER and BLACK Airfix BR Brake van. It looked like it belonged to the LMS 10000 test train-except for the thick gloss paint. However, as with many things in life looking beneath the surface revealed a suitable project to add to the ever expanding work bench.
     
    I was already building an Airfix brake van and fancied doing an unfitted version. A soak in Mr Muscle oven cleaner removed the silver/black livery and work commenced. Both of these brakes were treated the same.
     
    Firstly the moulded handrails were removed and holes drilled or wire replacements. The same applied for lamp irons which were bent up from scrap etch or staples trimmed. The door and window frames in the verander were thinned down as well. The step boards were filed from behind to help them sit more closely and the stays were thinned down as well.
     
    It is well documented that Airfix got the chimney and roof vents in the wrong place. I corrected this using some spare Cambrian vents and aluminium tubing.
     
    The buffer heads where replaced with turned H & A Models ones and both brakes run on Bachmann wheels I had to hand.
     
    I soldered the horizontal handrail to the two verticals by tinning the ends of the horizontal piece, positioning it and holding it in place with Blu-tac before soldering in to place. Believe it or not it was the first time I did this. No burnt fingers or melted plastic (I placed a small piece card behind the vertical handrails)
     
    After a coat of primer the chassis was finished with Tamiya Nato black. I pre-shaded the brakes as well. Colours used include Tamiya JN Grey, Dark Earth and Hull Red. Vallejo acrylics were also used .
     
    Then they both received a coat of Johnsons Klear ready for decals. I will use Crystal-Clear for the windows. I'll update on these soon.
     
    I'm pleased with the results so far and it goes to show how well the Airfix Brake Van kit can scrub up.
     

     

     
    Also I received this confirmation from Narrow Planet that the custom nameplates for the Sentinels will be with me soon. Now do I keep the Sentinels black or respray them green?
     

     
    Also the Hornby Ivatt 2MT has had a thorough going over. It is awaiting a new chimney and buffers and I will post a photo soon! Finescale it is not!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  15. 46444
    Recently I've looked at reworking my model of 7802 Bradley Manor. It's been sat in a box having developed the dreaded uneven running associated with these split frame locos.
     
    Having acquired a more recently made working chassis the project can begin. I've never been happy with the finish on this loco. The Bachmann GWR green doesn't look right and I sprayed it with Humbrol satin varnish from a can in the days before I possessed an airbrush. To me it lacks that lustre found on a working locomotive and needs some weathering as well. I aim to either partially or totally respray the bodyshell and tender then using Kleer to build up a sheen before weathering and toning down.
     
    Here's the starting point:
     
    7802-29 ps by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Those of a nervous disposition look away now:
     
    7802-Part 2. 13.10.15 001 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    I've taken off the plates and have cleaned up the top of the firebox where I Superglued the DMR original style GWR Manor chimney. It wasn't straight in the first place either and I've a nice clean area to fix it to now. I achieved this using an assortment of files and a glass fibre burnishing pen.
     
    Also I've filed away the pronounced lip on the safety valve cover,
     
    The DMR chimney required some fettling to get a nice fit. I used a rolled up course piece of sandpaper and it worked a treat:
     
    7802-Part 2 ps2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Here it is in place:
     
    7802-Part 2. 13.10.15 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Would anyone know if the Manor's carried brass window surrounds and brass splasher beading post war and would the safety valve cover be brass or painted?
     
    With the cab I intend to fit the screw reverser I got from David Geen and never fitted originally. It's a lovely casting that may be from the Malcolm Mitchell kit? I also made up an ATC bell and never fitted that either and it can be seen resting next to the left hand cab step. I'm going to use the Bachmann glazing but flush glaze the windows instead of using the one piece moulding. This will enable the reverser to fit more easily as well. I'd also fitted a cab fall plate in the past made from brass sheet and aim to put representations of the luxurious bucket seats fold down seats found in GWR locos.
     
    7802-Part 2 ps by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The tender is detailed as such and just needs a few tweaks. The coal needs redoing for certain. I also added the posts for fixing the sheet over the cab previously. In postwar GWR times would the sheet be rolled up on the rear of the cab roof?
     
    I will need to add brake rodding as well.
     
    7802-Part 2. 13.10.15 004 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The rear of the tender shows the Alan Gibson tappered Collett buffers I fitted. From an aesthetical point I debating on changing them to the straight variety. Also I am debating on leaving the water filler cover up as shown in the picture. I've seen pictures of this in BR days but would it have been fround upon in GWR times?
     
    7802-Part 2. 13.10.15 005 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Finally 6 of these arrived yesterday from POWSides!
     
    TVG 13.10.15 001 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    This is a later style livery on the Teign Valley Granite wagons with the Trusham rather than Bovey address and the panel on the door with the Roads Reconstruction Company name on the side too. This company absorbed many quarries before itself becoming part of Amey Road Stone, ARC then Hanson. The quarry at Trusham still exists with no sign of the extensive railway infrastructure remaining.
     
    The finish on the POWSides wagons is superb, Each one is individually numbered. Sadly they are to be finished in a postwar condition.....
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  16. 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
  17. 46444
    Recently I've been building a few wagon kits up including these two Parkside GWR 10T gunpowder vans which represent the diagram Z2 wagons built between 1913-1926. From 1934 they were fitted with Morton brake gear and became diagram Z3 wagons which I would imagine would be a simple conversion. I've already built one of these kits and finished it as a BR version which runs on Juniper Hill. They are lovely kits to put together.
     
    These two have been finished with Tamiya acrylics (German Grey) and received a coat of Klear prior to applying the decals sourced from Fox/HMRS. The GPV logos silvered in places and will require further attention before they are finished and weathering completed.
     
    One question I have is would these wagons carry a 'Not Common User-Return to GWR' notice on them? If so I would imagine it would be placed above the 'tare' script on the left hand side?
     
    Here we see John Fawkes having is tea break and having a crafty smoke before the load is placed in the quarry's explosive magazine. Obviously in the days before health and safety.
     

     
    Next up is a Cambrian P18 GWR ballast wagon. Again finished with Tamiya acrylics. I've added the corner step from some soldered up scrap etch. I need to build a few more of these.
     

     

     
    Finally, the Southern Railway built a number their standard uneven plank vans for the GWR/LMS during the war. Here we have a Ratio SR 12T box van finished as a GWR version recently repainted. I'm not sure how these wagons were initially finished. Would they have been painted or left unpainted?
     

     

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  18. 46444

    LMS post war wagons

    By 46444,

    I've started working on a few wagons for my proposed Teign Valley project. These two LMS wagons were ones I had to hand and have tried to represent them in a post war condition.
     
    First up is an unpainted D1927 medium goods wagon that I've just found out having applied the numbers last night was in fact a D2101 built in 1945 and rated at 13T. This is a standard Ratio kit finished with Tamiya/Valejo acrylics and HMRS decals.
     

     
    Next up is a D1892 unfitted wagon finished in bauxite with a few replacement planks represented. Once again this is finished as above. This is the excellent Airfix body mated to a Ratio RCH 10ft WB chassis.
     

     
    A few shots of Newton Abbot's 9717 shunting in the yard. I need to finish off the weathering on this 8750 and will do once I've started weathering a few other items sat on the bench.
     
    Next instalment will have a GWR theme
     

     

     
    I think I may get away with the Ferguson tractor (Weathered Oxford Diecast) as they were built from 1946-so just fits in the period. I stand to be corrected though!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  19. 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
  20. 46444

    Toad Hall.....An update

    By 46444,

    Bit of an eclectic mix in this entry with a number projects on the go at present.
     
    The Hornby Railroad Harry Potter 'Olton Hall' is well known as a good conversion project and was documented by Chris Leigh recently in Model Rail. I've two of these and the first one is to become '5993 Kirby Hall' named after a residence near Corby in Northamptonshire. Here's a link:
     
    http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirby-hall/
     
    Being a Railroad model there's a few compromises along the way but in this instance work has centred on removing the smoke box number plate and adding handrails to the tender replacing the moulded ones.
     

     

     
    The cab has received the curved 'L' shape window hand rails:
     

     
    This afternoon with the fine weather I even managed to fire up the airbrush and get a coat of Precision GWR green on the loco and tender body shell but light wasn't good for photos sadly.
     
    I'll paint in the cab roof, smoke box and tender rear with Valejo acrylics. Then it's a case of full lining out in post war livery using Fox transfers.
     
    Like many when Bachmann announced they were to produce a GWR 64xx, I wanted a 74xx, Newton Abbot had 7427 on shed during the post war period and an article by Tom Foster in Railway Modeller instigated a conversion of the 64xx I owned.
     
    I've removed the overhang on the cab roof on both sides and used Archers rivet transfers to represent the the line visible on the top of the cab. Also I've added the missing handrail above both centre steps. as well as the missing steam lance cock next to the smoke box door by using a handrail knob,
     

     
    On the bunker end I've opened up the rear cab doors, opened up the roof vent and replaced the moulded lamp irons using bent up staples. The same can be said for the spare lamp irons on the running plate.
     

     
    Finally, I've painted the black panels on the BR version of one of my Airfix/Bachmann Toad matings. This one may carry 'Kingsbridge RU' markings!
     

     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  21. 46444
    Over the past few days I've managed to get the component parts together and we're now at this stage.
     

     
    I painted the inside of the cab before assembly with a Revell green acrylic applying washes and dry brushes to finish. This was masked off with tissue paper when I sprayed the loco.
     

     
    As you can see various bits of wire have been used for detailing along with parts from the Pug including the reversing lever. One thing I did do is remove the sandboxes from the chassis. Luckily it doesn't leave a hole in the chassis doing this.
     
    The model has received a coat of Halfords grey primer followed by a coat of Halfords satin black. The buffer beam was painted with Vallejo acrylics. I will give the smoke box, running plate and cab roof a blast of NATO black to offer contrast soon.
     
    I've ordered the name/work plates from Narrow Planet so once they're on I will finish off the weathering.
     
    Finally renowned photographer Jonty Chambers caught this informal image of the Manning-Wardle's arrival at Juniper Hill iron stone quarry on its arrival. Rumour has it that the loco will be named after the quarry manager's daughter.
     

     
    Thanks once again to Phil Parker for the inspiration.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  22. 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
  23. 46444
    When Hornby released their generic 4 and 6 wheeled coached I picked up a 6 wheeler to convert to an Engineer's Coach. 
     
    The coach was broken down into its component parts almost immediately.
     
    I made a scratch built solebar footstep from a piece of  Microstrip. This was held in place with brackets made from staples fixed into thd solebars.
     
     

     
    The original Hornby footboards had their stays removed and holes drilled for strong piano wire in their place. Recipricating holes were drilled in the floor of the coach. 
     
    On the foot boards cut outs were made for the axleboxes. Everything was then glued into place. 
     
    I changed the buffers and coupling hooks for some Lanarkshire Models versions from Mr. Frank's.
     

     
    I also replaced one of the battery boxes with a tank for variety.  The underframe was then sprayed with Halfords grey primer and satin black.
     
    The roof was hand painted with Vallejo acrylics and suitably weathered with a spray of Tamiya NATO black. 
     
    Some of the door window frames were painted a wood colour.
     
    Existing numbers were removed with a blunt cocktail stick and HMRS numbers used in their place. The 'D' and 'ED' transfers were from a CCT Grampus sheet. 
     

     
    Everything sealed with Klear brush painted then airbrushed with Vallejo satin varnish. 
     
    A wash of Vallejo acrylics was then applied and wiped off with a damp cotton bud. Underframe weathering was airbrushed on with an homebrew of Tamiya NATO Black and Brown. 
     
    I found a set of vacuum pipes to finish. 
     

     
    Overall a nice little project which in my eyes lifts the model nicely. 
     
    Here's an engineer's train  accompanyied by a an ex NBR J36. 
     

     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
     
     
  24. 46444
    Recently on my blog entries and also on my layout thread for Juniper Hill a number of folk have asked about a technique I use call preshading which has its origins in military/aircraft modelling. I used to model aircraft so was familiar the process. The idea is that preshading gives a faded effect to the centre of panels whilst the panel lines appear to have collected dirt etc.
     
    Below is a photograph of the Tamiya acrylic paints I've used thinned with car windscreen washer fluid
     

     
    I've had a LIMA LMS 42ft parcels van that I detailed a while back but it never ran well. I've changed the bogies to MJT compensated ones and used the Bachmann bogie sides. The roof was treated to a coat of Halfords grey plastic primer.
     

     
     
    Then I loaded up my airbrush and sprayed Tamiya NATO black around the ribbing, panel lines and vents as per the photo below.
     

     
    The next stage involved spraying the Tamiya grey over the roof and as you can see the centre of the panels appear faded and the black paint gives some representation of trapped dirt in the pamel lines.
     
    Here's the roof fitted back on the parcels van.
     

     
    Once all is dry I like to spray a coat of Johnsons Klear over the roof to lift the matt finish of the acrylics. This then leaves a suitable canvas to add washes and further weathering once dry.

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  25. 46444
    One of those projects I've had sat on the workbench for a while were a couple of those Dapol Stanier coach kits which I wanted to detail. The composite offers the missing link in Hornby's range of Stanier coaches. I'm no expert on LMS coaches but hopefully these modification will bring these 1970's models up to date.
     
    I think I'm right in saying that Airfix/Dapol got the battery box on the wrong side of the Brake 3rd so I modified this as per one of Coachman's threads on modifying/using the Dapol kits. On the Composite I replaced the moulding with a Comet white metal casting. Comet also supplied the brake cylinders, dynamos, cross bracing and regulators. Hopefully everything is stuck where it should be? Using these components is a vast improvement and brings the underframe to life. Buffers are also from Comet. The underframes and bogies have been painted using Halfords grey primer and Satin black.
     

     
    Moving on to the bodyshells I used Valejo biege which believe it or not is an exact match for the Dapol 'Cream' to paint in the window ledges, The printed numbers were removed using a glass fibre pen and I need to gently blow over these areas with some Railmatch Crimson, The sides have received a coat of brush applied Johnsons Klear to add some lustreto the finish.. I've also applied the grey panels on the luggage compartment doors on the brake using Tamiya acrylic paint. Flush windows have been made up for the rear of the brake and I'm replacing the toilet windows too with new ones. I think Airfix/Dapol have got too many frosted windows on the brake.
     

     
    On the ends of the coaches I've removed the moulded handrails/water fillers and made replacements up with wire and short handrail knobs. These will go on once everything is back together again. I also masked off the ends and gave them a coat of Halfords grey primer and satin black.
     
    Roof wise the kits plastic vents were replaced with MJT shell vents and the moulded water filler pipes were cut off the composite, whilst for ease the ones on the brake were left. Following a coat of primer I preshaded the roof with Tamiya Nato black before spraying over a Tamiya medium grey. This has worked well but I need to add further washes/dry brush areas on the roof to add definition.
     

     
    Thats where we are at present. Once the windows are finished its a case of adding the window bars in the luggage compartment of the brake, adding numbers and weathering them both.
     
    Does anyone know of the number series of these coaches? I believe the Brake Third is a D1905 but I'm not sure about the Composite.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
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