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46444

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  1. 46444
    As some of you may be aware a mate of mine was given a box of tat-namely old 1970's/80's Hornby and Lima stuff. One of the locos was a badly repainted Hornby Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0. Now I'm fully aware of the misproportions of this model and it can never be compared to the current Bachmann RTR offering or the Comet kit but I thought using some bits and pieces I had to hand a few cosmetic adjustments could improve the look of this loco.
     
    Also I have a real soft spot for these little Moguls and the BR version. A trip to the GCR at a Loughborough now provides 46521,78018 and 78019.
     
    Working from pictures and one of my Bachmann models details were added as can be seen using Microstrip and scrap bit of brass etc. Moulded handrails were replaced-missing ones added. Excess plastic was removed from the tender chassis to represent a resemblance of an Ivatt 2MT chassis. A Parkside NEM coupling block was fitted along with a Bachmann coupling.
     
    Additional weight has been added to the tender and the loco itself using alloy wheel self adhesive wheel balance weights.
     
    The front pony truck wheels were replaced with a Romford set I had to hand. The tender wheels are Hornby spoked wagon wheels out the spares box. These will need spraying. Comet buffers were fitted and Comet water filters were added to the tender. I have some Comet steps to add to the front of the loco and the tender.
     
    Sadly, Comet couldn't come up with a spare chimney so I'm in need of a replacement chimney. I see 247 Developments do an Ivatt 2MT chimney which may be suitable (Are there any other suppliers of Ivatt chimneys?)
     
    Here's a few photos I took this morning on a mate's layout hauling a brake van special (See earlier post-not finished yet!)
     

     

     

     
    Once I've obtained a replacement chimney I'm planning on spraying the loco in plain black with late crest as 46466-a Cambridge shedded Ivatt.
     
    Finescale modelling it is not but I have learnt from this quick project. It's also been enjoyable and the loco will quite happily run around a layout. Slow speed shunting is out though!
     
    Next installment soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  2. 46444
    Ninelines sell a number of 009 scale kits including several wagons from the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
    I have built a number of these in the past and they are lovely to make. Here's two I've made previously that need a few tweaks to finish off:
     
    L&B Find.... 2-10-15 001 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
     
    L&B Find.... 2-10-15 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
     
    Recently I've started work on three more. An original L&B bogie open which represents number 12/13 (SR numbers 28301/2) and one of the later 1927 Howard of Bedford built bogie opens with sheet rail ordered by the SR (Numbers 28316-9). Finally one of the bogie vans ordered by the SR from the same manufacturer again in 1927 (Numbers 47042-5)
     
    I've decided to use BEMO stylr couplings on these kits so have cut away the centre section of the buffer beam. In doing so to adjust the ride height I've removed the Ninelines bogie mounts and replaced them with Plasticard. Other than that the kits have been assembled as per Ninelines instructions.
     
    One to say is I've been using the excellent Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Measured & Drawn by Phillips (2012) and Portrait of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway by Chris Leigh (1983) for reference.
     
    I'll not go into the builds as such but look at the finishing techniques. Prior to painting the wagons were sprayed with Halfords grey plastic primer.
     
    Them I loaded my airbrush with Tamiya NATO black and applied preshading to raised detail:
     
    FBLR-L&B 11.10.12 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Once completed Tamiya Hull Red was sprayed on for the SR brown:
     
    FBLR-L&B 11.10.12 008 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Tamiya Old Wood was then sprayed inside the open wagons:
     
    They were then sprayed with Valejo satin varnish to even things out a bit
     
    FBLR-L&B 11.10.12 009 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Over the weekend the wagons received a diluted wash of Valejo German Grey to pick out panel detail. The open wagons received dry brushing of various grey's and before receiving the German Grey wash.
    The 1927 built open also had the red stripes painted in representing the load markers seen on the prototypes:
     
    FBLR-L&B 11.10.12 012 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Then Fox SR freight stock transfers were started to be applied to the wagons.
     
    FBLR-L&B 11.10.12 014 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    One thing I did learn from the Measured & Drawn book was that the original L&B wagon can really only represent 28302 because the ironwork on the body of 28301 was spaced differently. Also the ends of these wagons were also modified so strictly this kit would not represent a late period SR wagon.
     
    A few more decals to add as well as final detailing and all will be done.
     
    Great kits to build and research.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  3. 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
  4. 46444
    A good friend of mine in his 70's who worked on the railways told me of a story where a L & Y Pug was brought down from Derby to take a large piece of equipment up one of the ironstone quarry lines around Wellinborough. The rationale being that it's short wheelbase would be suitable for the job and once completed the loco was returned to Derby shed.
     
    In homage to this story I've taken a few shots of my Pug which isn't Derby allocated I know.
     
    One of the reasons for these photos is to illustrate some of the wagons I have been working on for Juniper Hill. First up is the Bachmann Stewarts & Lloyds 8 plank wagon weathered with Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics to represent an old private owner taken into BR stock with replacement planks etc. I still need to add the numbers etc. This wagon is a complete work of fiction of course and would more than likely just been an internal user wagon in reality.
     

     
    Secondly, Bachmann have once again come up trumps for modellers of ironstone layouts with their representation of a 1940 Charles Roberts 16T BSCO iron ore tippler wagon. Paul Bartlett's site has few photos of these wagons stating they were later used for coal traffic and I've seen film evidence of this with a 9F hauling a southbound coal train north of Loughborough in the early 60's. They are interesting wagons still running in the 1970's with split spoke wheels as Paul's photos taken at Wellingborough illustrate.
     

     
    I've four of these wagons. Three are from a Modelzone weathered set which isn't the best weathering I've seen being the usual blast of track colour on the underframe and lower body sides which doesn't look like the weathering on the wagons on Paul Bartlett's site. Some of the wagons look suprisingly clean too in reality. The fourth wagon was an unweathered version.
     
    With these I sprayed the inside of the wagon with NATO black followed by Tamiya hull red. The underframes where sprayed with my homebrew underframe dirt mixture then details picked out around the axle boxes and springs.
     
    Then the sides of the wagon were dry brushed with some Vallejo colours to represent wear.
     
    Finally the Pug is the Hornby offering that has been renumbered, detailed and weathered. Crew from the excellent Monty's range of figures.
     

     
    Here she is at rest in between jobs. The subsidance in the area is quite bad too!
     

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  5. 46444
    The Oxford Rail J27 is an excellent model and something of a bargain to boot.
     
    I picked up an Early Crest example when they first appeared. It ran smoothly and had no problems when running in. 
     
    Looking through The Last Years of  North Eastern Steam by Tuffrey I found a suitable prototype to model in the form of 65802 of Percy Main shed photographed at Blaydon in fairly clean condition.
     
    I wonder whether Oxford Rail will offer versions with modified boiler domes for longer lasting prototypes? 
     
    Out of interest has anyone changed the dome for a later example and where did they source them from? 
     
    With my J27 I removed the cabside numbers with T-Cut and cotton buds. I then painted in the ledges of the cab windows with Vallejo black paint. The very bright cab interior also received a few washes as well. 
     
    Fox Transfers were used to renumber the model to 65802 with Percy Main shed plate (52E) from the same source. 
     

     
    The factory paint work of the model was lifted with brush applied Johnson's Kleer. I applied two coats of this. 

     
    The undernourished smokebox door dart was replaced with one from Eileen's Emporium.
     
    I masked off the smokebox and sprayed it with Tamiya Flat Black. I used the same paint for the cab roof and tender coal bunker and water filler area as well. 
     
    I build up the form of the coal bunker with Plasticard sealing a load of Liquid Lead weight in the bunker area to add weight to the extremely light tender. 
     
    Real crushed coal was glued into the bunker area using PVA. 
     

     
    The coupling rods were inked in with a silver Sharpie pen then a couple of washes of Vallejo German Grey and Dark Rust gave the desired effect. 
     
    Dry brushing with Vallejo and Games Workshop acrylics picked out raised detail. 
     
    The excellent Pacific Models supplied the smokebox door number plate. 
     
    Crew are the usual suspects from Airfix/Dapol and LNER lamps are from Lanarkshire Models. 
     
    I need to fire up the airbrush to tweak the weathering then finished. 
     
    Congratulations to Oxford Rail for producing a great model. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
  6. 46444
    In one one of my last post's concerning stock for Juniper Hill-my Northamptonshire Ironstone micro-layout I posted some pictures of the Hornby J94/Hunslet I'm working on called 'Cranford'.
     
    Paul (Halfwit) suggested I could improve around the injectors by cutting and drilling away excess plastic as he had done. I think he mentioned Chris Nevard had done something similiar.
     
    The easy way out would be to just cut them off and use some RT cast injectors but I went with Paul's advice and was impressed how easily the operation went. In a matter of minutes the excess plastic was removed and a new pipe made from brass wire was bent up and glued in place.
     
    Final details were crew from Dapol (Airfix), real coal, RT Models oil cans, lamp brackets from bent up staples and a homemade Stones turbo generator.
     
    Here's the finished result.
     

     

     
    Also, I've finished detailing the Sentinel 'Twywell' with real coal in the bunker area, crew and an oil can from RT Models.
     

     

     
    Both models are finished with Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics. Nameplates/worksplates custom made by the excellent Narrow Planet.
     
    I'd like to thank Paul for his suggestion on the injectors-it has made a difference.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  7. 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
  8. 46444
    It's been ages since I last posted and truth be known my modelling motivation isn't brilliant at the moment.
     
    Before I go into full on Leonard Cohen mode I'll write about a few positive bits that have sprung from the work bench of late.
     
    One of my modelling interests is the Kettering-Cambridge line which is fascinating. Although a very rural line and one which closed to passenger traffic in 1958 the western end of the line was deep in Northamptonshire iron stone quarrying country. Pits around Cranford/Twywell where worked into the early 1970's. Now the A14 has tarmaced over large areas of the old line though Cranford and Twywell stations exist as private dwellings.
     
    The main motive power in later years where the trusty Ivatt 2MT's from Kettering and Cambridge (46444 was a regular Kettering loco used on the line), although a few Standard 2MT 2-6-0's, and the odd J15 also appeared. Kettering also had 8F's and 3F's allocated to it which would also be seen on the line too.
     
    Rarer motive power included 'Jubilee' Rooke on a iron stone train in later years and also according to one of my references the 'Blue Pullman' was tested on the line as well.
     
    Oh well! Enough rambling!
     
    Here's a few photos of some Iron Ore tipplers/hoppers and 16T mineral wagons that I've refinished and weathered. All are Bachmann products.
     
    I've used a variety of paints to achieve the weathered effects-mainly Tamiya, with some Humbrol Metalcote gun metal and a few Valejo shades. A bit of dry brushing as well.
     
    Transfers are either from Fox or some excellent ones from Cambridge Custom Transfers.
     
    The wagons are finished with Valejo matt varnish to seal and bring everything together.
     
    First up are some 27T Iron Stone tippler wagons.
     

     
    Here's a gratuitous shot of my superb Model Rail Sentinel. Please excuse the Bachmann decoder poking out of the cab window. The loco is on lone to a mate and he's running it on DCC.
     

     
    That really needs to be finished like this one day:
     
    http://www.flickr.co...N05/3118325693/
     
    Then some 24T hoppers.
     

     
    Finally, a couple of 16T mineral wagons as well.
     

     

     
    The pictures where shot on my phone's camera on a mate's layout.
     
    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
    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
  11. 46444

    Juniper Hill

    By 46444,

    As some of you may be aware Juniper Hill lays of the A43 south of Brackley-unfortunately this entry has no relevance to this Oxfordshire village. I drive down the A43 to Oxford on a regular basis and pass the sign for Juniper Hill and am always enchanted by the name. Infact I've decided to call my latest project after the village although it's not set in Oxfordshire.
     
    Infact it is set no where in particular and could almost be generic. Ideas have centred around ironstone quarrying in Northamptonshire with the Cranford area providing inspiration. This would not only allow me to run my Kettering sheded locos but also run an industrial line in the mould of Thomas E Gray of 'Isebrook' Sentinel fame based around Burton Latimer. Other ideas have included sand and gravel extraction around Cambridgshire so as to run an Class 03 and even a BR Sentinel too!
     
    I happened to have a 3ft x 1ft board going spare from an unfinished project and decided to mock up some images to get a feel for Juniper Hill. Here are the photos taken on my mobile including an aerial shot illustrating the track plan.
     

     
    This shot show's the simple track plan. The line will enter from the right on the top line from a fiddleyard.
     

     
    Here's a panoramic shot giving a feel for what I want to achieve. The buildings are courtesy of Wills-and have been modified slighty. They have been finished with Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics. The Corgi Ruston Bucyrus RB19 was subject of a previous post. The recently released Oxford Bedford OWB will become a contractors bus and will be resprayed.
     

     

     

     

     
    Figures are from Dapol finished with Valejo acrylics. Really lovely figures and good value too!
     

     
    Here's the state of play this evening. I've encased the board with plywood/hardboard I had had previously cut. Lighting will be provided by a slot in gantry and a flourescent light. I also managed to paint the baseboard with brown emulsion and give the backscene a coat of wood primer this evening. Tomorrow I will refresh this prior to giving the backscenes a coat of greyish white. I've given the ply a coat of yacht varnish to see what it looks like. I polished the wood with fine grade sandpaper prior to applying the varnish. Not sure what people think? Opinions welcome.
     
    Trackwork will be some ancient SMP Code 75 track with Peco Code 75 points.
     
    Track laying and wiring up next. Update soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    Bit of an update on the lighting that I've achieved today. I've made the lighting gantry and used a fish tank 'Daylight' flourescent tube I had to hand which looks ok.
     
    The backscene has received another couple of coats of lightish grey and the fascia has received another coat of yacht varnish. Since the photo was taken I've filled in the gap between the two up rights to make the top pelmet flush with the sides.
     

     
    Track laying and fiddle yard next.
  12. 46444
    Here's a couple of shots of the completed Lima BR brake van from my previous blog entry seen at the buffer stops on Juniper Hill.
     
    The brake was finished and weathered with Tamiya acrylics. Again the pre-shading technique was used. Decals are Fox or HMRS and the bodywork was given a coat of Kleer. As you can see I've replaced the huge Lima tension lock coupling with a Parkside NEM coupling pocket and Bachmann coupling.
     
    The veranda glazing is made from microscope slide glass. The door and window moulding being nice and thin enabling the glass to be glued from behind.
     

     
    Here's another shot of the brake next to another project I've nearly completed, this time being the old Airfix/Dapol brake van I've converted to an LNER version. Finished as per the Lima version-just awaiting decals and a coat of Kleer.
     

     
    I'm pleased with this brake van once again showing older models can be brought up to modern standards. The brake will be going back to its owner soon,
     
    I'll post some more photos on my layout thread for Juniper Hill later along with an update on what's been going on with the layout.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  13. 46444
    Those readers from Northamptonshire may be familiar with the traditional dish of Hock & Dough. I remember having it cooked by my Nan as a child.
     
    Here's the recipe:
     
    http://www.foodsofengland.co.uk/hockanddough.htm
     
    Quite a tasty and filling meal for not a lot really....Now Hock & Dough is associated with Wellingborough. Even Wellingborough Town FC are called the Dough Boys!
     
    I've just been working on two locos that were based at Wellingborough 15A shed for a very good friend who was a passed fireman there in the 50's/60's.
     
    First up is Jinty/Jocko 47543 which is a renumbered and weathered Bachmann example. It was one of those eBay bargains you find from time advertised as non-working. Realising the Bachmann spares department were very good at supplying spare parts I took a punt and picked it up for £30. Turned out the model had hardly been used if at all and the grease on the cogs had solidified. A strip down of the chassis and a perfect runner.
     
    Numbers by Fox and usual weathering effects via airbrush/washes and dry brushing using Tamiya/Valejo acrylics. Crew are Dapol/Airfix.
     

     
    Secondly this Hornby 4F 44575 was picked up new from Hattons for £58 and has the new(ish) loco drive chassis. Yes it has it's short comings but it is something of a bargain at this price. It was given the same treatment as 47543 and I'm pleased with it. Also front lamp irons were added using cut downstaples.Ideally I'd have like to have found a Bachmann riveted Fowler tender but they weren't cheap secondhand so perhaps a job for a later day.
     
    Either way a beautifully running model:
     

     
    A nice pair of locos and simple projects to work on. (Click on the images for larger photos).
     
    As an aside the DCC Sound Hornby 4F is very good value and good to shunt with. Worth treating yourself to a bargain....
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  14. 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
  15. 46444
    At the weekend I picked up one of the newly released Oxford private owner wagons in the livery of Weymouth Co-op. I'm not going into the the pro's and con's of this wagon which can be found elsewhere on this site.
     
    All I will say is I'm impressed with the build of it wagon and how easily it breaks down into it's component parts. For example if you remove the buffer shanks and pop out the handbrake levers from the 'W' irons the chassis comes away easily. In it's out of the box form it is a bit bright so wanted to weather up some post-war wagons in a 1947 condition and thought this wagon and a few Bachmann ones would be a nice project. Here it is with a Bachmann 5 plank wagon:
     

     
    And close up showing replacement door and planking:
     

     
    Paint effects and weathering are done with Valejo acrylic paints. The wagon was distressed with a glass fibre burnishing stick to give a worn look and remove the printed lettering. Various washes and dry brushing completed the look.
     
    I picked up a set of 3 Bachmann Parkend weathered wagons commissioned by Totally Trains according to the box. The weathering was in the fashion of spraying brown paint at the chassis lower wagon and I felt did't look too good.
     
    Again the same process as above and here are the 3 wagons having received the treatment:
     

     
    Again a close up showing the work involved. German grey was applied on the chassis and the ends of the wagon removing the factory weathering. The glassfibre burnishing pen removed the side weathering and distressed the wagons at the same time:
     

     
    I'm pleased with how these have turned out and it's been good to get my eye in for the Teign Valley Granite wagons I'm building. Talking of which the third of the six wagons I'm building has received scored planking inside the wagon:
     

     
    Certainly an improvement over plain sides. A fault of these old Slaters kits. Must say it is an improvement. Door posts are made from Microstrip.
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  16. 46444
    Yesterday I received two pairs of finely etched 57xx sandbox pull rods from RT Models.
     
    They come complete with instructions. Along with the the two external rods is an internal linkage rod as well. I'm going to omit this on this 9717 and on 5798 too. The instructions supplied are self explanatory and I added the 90 degree bend in the etch at the sandbox filler end. Following a coat of primer I brush painted some Precision GWR green to finish.
     
    Looking at prototype photos of 57xx's it looks as if the bend in the rod goes towards the rear of the wheel arch. In doing so this leaves a gap between the end of the etch and the sandbox filler cap. The colour photos I have in my reference books aren't very clear in this area but it looks as if there's a linkage between the rod and the filler cap. Hopefully, the photo below will make things clearer. Does anyone have any idea how this attaches?
     

     
    Here's a few progress shots of 9717. Still no buffer beam numbers or number plates. I've readjusted the front lamp irons because I'd made a right mess of positioning them and added the handrails above the centre footstep from Gibson handrail knobs and wire. The existing handrails were painted GWR green accept around the front.
     

     
    Vacuum pipes have been replaced with white metal ones and I've added checker plate squares to the top of the buffers
     
    Following on from CK's earlier advice I just need to rectify the front footsteps either side of the smokebox door (See Part 1) then hopefully I can finish of detailing and weathering.
     
    The proposed crew are seen bailing out of the cab. One is an old Airfix/Dapol figure on the firemans side. Not sure about the provenance of the driver though? For GWR crews I would imagine their uniforms wouldn't be as pale as this-perhap darker blue? Though we are talking post war and uniforms faded I guess.
     

     
    The other question to finish is concerning the light positions. For branch freight/mineral train would there be a lamp on the top of the smoke box and one above the left buffer? (This is standing facing the loco head on)
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  17. 46444
    Having had a modelling spurt I've completed a number of projects one being the Narrow Planet O&K 40HP seen below:
     

     
    I gave the model a coat of Halfords grey primer then sprayed it with Halfords satin black.
     

     
    Detail painting was with the usual mix of Valejo German Grey, Hull Red and Gun Metal applied in either washes or dry brushing.
     
    To add a bit of interest I've added sheeting to the cab sides made from a Smiths wagon sheet and crew are from Dapol.
     

     
    Here's the loco in company with a Parkside Tralee & Dingle open wagon. I've just added the number patch with German Grey dappled on with a stubby brush having first masking off the area. Numbers are from the HMRS LMS wagon sheet.
     
    I'm going to have a go at building the 20HP version next in the guise of P.C Allen based on the LBNGR.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  18. 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...
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  19. 46444
    As some of you may know my main interest in railway modelling is the Kettering-Cambridge line. This interesting line ran for 32 miles and was known as the Varsity Line. In later years the main motive power from the Midland/Eastern Regions was the Ivatt 2MT Mogul and its BR Standard version from Kettering and Cambridge sheds respectively. Nevertheless old timers did make an appearance with Kettering providing Midland 2F's and Cambridge the GER J15.
     
    If you want to model a J15 in 4mm scale there are three options. Either the Alan Gibson etched kit, the Nu-Cast white metal version or scratch build one. About 5 years ago I embarked on building a J15 from the second option having never built a white metal kit in my life. I did use some Alan Gibson parts such as the chimney and boiler backhead which were superior to the Nu-Cast parts however.
     
    Of course not being too familiar with soldering at the time I went for the not recommended 'Super-Glue' method of construction.
     
    Having come from aircraft modelling I was used to kits that almost fall together. Boy was I in for a shock. I fettled and filed lumps of metal to make something that resembled a J15. With this kit which I believe has it's origins with Stephen Poole I came across two major problems.
     
    Firstly, I could never get the horizontal join line on the boiler flush even using copius amounts of filler. Secondly, my attempt at construcing a Comet gearbox was laughable and everything was seized. Needless to say this kit has languished in a box ever since.
     
    Recently, Ivatt46403 rekindled the interest in J15's following his thread on the Buckden Station and I thought I might see what could do to it cosmetically before Bachmann bring out their RTR version in 2015 (So said the tea leaves).
     
    When I built the kit I scratch built a cab from plasticard and here's the finished result also showing the Gibson backhead cut off to allow room for the Mashima motor. I have a set of etched wheels from Mainly Trains which will do for the screw reverser.
     

     
    The wonk is due to the body not being fixed to the chassis.
     
    Bodywork wise, the troublesome line where the boiler halves mated up was treated to more filler and and cleaning up with a glass fibre pen. It's still not perfect but without taking off the handrails it will have to do. Other areas to receive attention were the cab and tender sides which were pitted badly. I used Halfords primer filler followed by grey primer as a base coat. Halfords satin black was then sprayed on the loco and tender though I had masked off the cab and buffer beams following a coat of white primer.
     

     
    I treated the smokebox, bunker and cab roof to a coat of Tamiya NATO black followed by spraying the loco and tender with Valejo black. A coat of Johnsons Klear then gave a suitable gloss finish to apply the Fox decals.
     

     
    Working from protoype photos I decided to model 65390 which was a regular on the Kettering-Cambridge route.
     
    All of this work has brought the loco to life. It is in no way perfect by all means but does capture the beauty of these engines. I couldn't resist hanging a tarpaulian over the rail on the tender as so often photographed.
     

     
    Prior to this work I took the loco to Railex at Aylesbury and spoke to the chap from High Level. I showed him the J15 and he recommeded a SlimLiner+ gearbox. Any thoughts?
     

     
    Other than the gearbox, a new set off buffers and brake shoes from Gibson may result in a J15 that works! Well thats what I'm telling myself.
     
    It would be good to see this loco running as it's one of my favourite classes of engine.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  20. 46444
    Sometimes partners go together quite well. There's been Cagney and Lacey and Morse and Lewis for example.
     
    Now we have Phoebe and Teign who will be the industrial motive power on my Teign Valley project. Phoebe will also migrate to the East Midlands for work on Juniper Hill when required also.
     
    I've discussed the build of Phoebe in other entries but she was all but finished except for her name and works plates. These are custom made ones from the excellent Narrow Planet team and are works of art in their own right. Here's the link to Narrow Planet:
     
    http://narrowplanet.co.uk/
     
    Here she is in all her glory complete with Manning Wardle works plates.
     

    Phoebe and Teign (2) 28-10-13 006rmweb by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Teign is a Model Rail/Dapol Sentinel that has been weathered and nameplates attached once again from Narrow Planet.
     
     

    Phoebe and Teign (2) 28-10-13 009rmwebTeign by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    The narrow gauge wagon in the background of both the shots is one that came as a free gift when joining the 009 Society. It is a Colin Ashby kit that was surplus to requirements so I finished it in a battered state.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  21. 46444
    Bachmann recently gave us a revised model of their Ivatt 2-6-2 tank with a new DCC ready chassis. Other than the dome on the body no further changes were made sadly. A good friend bought one to put the new chassis under an old body I'd previously renumbered. I thought I could add a few enhancements to the spare new body by adding a new chimney and a few other tweaks.
     
    I had a 247 Developments Ivatt chimney in my spares box so cut off the old Bachmann effort and glued on the new one. New lamp irons were made from staples and handrails replaced with Alan Gibson short knobs and wire. The smoke box door dart from the same source.
     

     
    The undersize mechanical lubricators where also replaced with some Comet ones I happened to have.
     

     
    On the cab I opened up the roof ventilator making sliding shutters and runners from scrap brass sheet and Micro-strip. Again lamp irons from staples.
     

     
    Other than the cab roof and the smokebox area the paint is original. I removed the factory printed number with T-Cut. My friend was a passed fireman at Wellingborough 15A shed and wanted it numbered as 41328 a loco he had worked on. I used Fox decals to finish.
     
    Since these photos where taken I've airbrushed the roof and smokebox with a coat of Tamiya Nato Black and sealed it all with Valejo Satin varnish. Reassembly and tweaking of the weathering will be next and it will be reunited with it's new chassis. I've tried to find some auto-gear fittings to no avail so these will be taken off the older body.
     
    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
    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
  24. 46444
    A little bit of progress today on this build. I've replaced the top panel in the centre above the doors I removed on these two 16 Tonners. Suitable width plastic sheet was used for this. Trusty Micro-Strip then replaced the beading and door locking latches. 
     

     
    I've also tidied up the area around the bottom of the doors to try to look more prototypical. The kit doors are designed to open but in this case are glued shut. 
     

     
    Essentially other than the Lanarkshire Model Supplies buffers I need to order and fit the wagons will be ready for the paint shop. 
     
    I would like to add the tie bars. Does anyone know of suitable brass strip for the job?
     
    Also I know some of these wagons were vacuum braked with brake cylinders. Were others just through piped? 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark
     
  25. 46444
    In between messing around with other projects I've started work on one of the Narrow Planet (NP) O&K 40HP contractor loco kits designed by James Hilton.
     
    http://shop.narrowplanet.co.uk/collections/loco-kits/products/npl-003
     
    The kit is designed to go on a Minitrains Kraus chassis and does so easily. The quality of the 3D print is superb and with a soak in white spirit to remove any residue left from the printing process as well as a clean up of the sides with wet and dry paper a lovely smooth finish can be achieved.
     
    The etching is also well thought out and is gradually added to build up the detail. Obviously you can add as much or as little detail as you would like but I thought I would add some panel lines, add rivets from Archers transfers and a few other cosmetic details. I'm using the NP Bosna couplings which were fitted with the aid of a Greenwich coupling height tool.
     
    Here's the state of play this morning:
     
    O&K 1 29-9-15 001 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Various gauges of brass wire has been used as you can see and further pipework needs to be added. I've added the flanges to the clack valves as well as the valve on the side of the dome from plastic rod. Lines have been scored on the cabside and rivet detail will be applied.
     
    I've also reduced the the size of the dome shape on the smokebox door and added details from Microstrip and wire. The wheel is from a Mainly Trains etch.
     
    O&K 1 29-9-15 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Lamp brackets have been made from staples and the cylinders are in the process of being modified to bulk them out slightly. The chimney will be reduced in height and receive a lip as well.
     
    Here's a side on shot showing the added detail so far.
     
    O&K 1 29-9-15 004 ps by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
     
    Steam pipes are to be added along with roof and whistle and the wheels and valve gear painted.
     
    Out interest does anyone know what the cab flooring is made from on these little O&K's. Is it wood or steel?
     
    Livery will be plain black but I'm in the process (Still!) of designing some decals for John at Precision to print for me which will be old gold for the locos and coaching stock of the FBLR. The loco's are to be named after sea birds, local folk and locations around Filey Bay.
     
    This is a lovely kit to build and I'll be ordering a 20hp version once this one is complete.
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
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