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46444

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  1. 46444
    With the weather being good here yesterday I was able to fire up the airbrush in the workshop so work on the Manor has progressed nicely.
     
    One thing I did want to make sure was I got the chimney on straight because originally when I fitted it there was a distinct 'wonk' on! In order to combat this I used a 4.5mm HSS drill bit and turned it with my fingers to enlarge the existing hole. The size was determined by the piece if plastic tube I had to hand which would fit inside the DMR chimney. Thankfully this made fitting of the replacement chimney with Superglue easy. A clean up with a glass fibre burnishing pen finished the process nicely. The photo below shows this clearly and made a good solid vertical fit. Phew!:
     

     
    I've removed the plastic Bachmann lamp bracket from the smokebox door and made a replacement from a bent up staple. Working from the photograph of 7818 on an earlier post I've also added the two pips either side if the safety valve and a pipe that runs from the cab next to the reverser housing down on to the running plate and goodness knows where after that?!
     
    The boiler was then masked off and the smokebox sprayed with Valejo Black acrylic avoiding the previously painted copper cap on the chimney.
     

     
    Then I masked off the smokebox and sprayed Phoenix GWR green over the boiler. handrails, touched in other areas around the cab and on the tender avoiding the GWR transfers.
     

     
    Here's a close up shot of the chimney insitu and the paintwork as described above. This will receive a coat of Valejo satin varnish before being lightly weathered.
     

     
    Also in the above photo you'll see the brass safety valve cover has been filed down to give a finer lip. This has then been refinished with a mix of Games Workshop Burnished/Shining Gold seen below. Also the David Geen cab screw reverser housing has been cut down to fit the cab as per prototype and will be fitted once the glazing is put back in.
     

     
    Jobs to do include making up some brake gear linkages, seats for the cab, sort out the water filler lid in the open positioning and some detail painting. Then name/number plates can go back on before finishing.
     
    I'm pleased with how this project has gone so far. It's been good to revisit some modelling from 5 years ago and see how I've developed as a modeller by enhancing the previous work and also creating a better model of a class that certainly deserves a more up to date model to the standards of the DJM/Hattons King!
  2. 46444
    This morning the replacement chassis I purchased from eBay arrived in the form of an unboxed 7811 Dunley Manor. I believe this model was only available in the Cambrian Coast set and other than a broken shaft to the vacuum pump was immaculate. Lucky I will be able to replace this with the one from 7802. Otherwise it would have been a case of soldering up a replacement. Additionally it had also seen little use.
     
    This particular model of 7811 appealed because it was one of the later releases so I thought would be in better condition. To my surprise Bachmann appeared to refresh the Manor at some point and this version comes with lamp irons, parallel sprung buffers and a new chimney reminiscent of the BR pattern which is a nicer shape than the original chimney seen on 7802 below:
     

     
    Here's a view of 7811 with the chassis stripped:
     

     
    The finish, new chimney and extra bells and whistles have brought this model of 1980's origin alive once more. One strange thing is the whistle and shield have been moved forwards of the cab on the firebox.
     
    Finally here's 7802. Valve gear being repaired as identified above and slide bars being painted with Citadel Gun Metal.
     

     
    This evening I've cleaned, greased and reassembled the chassis and all is well!
     
    Next stage is the attending to the bodyshell paintwork, detailing and weathering.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 46444
    Following on my my previous entry about detailing these Dapol/Airfix Stanier coaches here they are near enough completed. Both are running on Romford 14mm wheels I had to hand.
     
    First up is the D1905 Brake 3rd which has come out the better of the two.
     

     
    I've added flush glazing to the rear windows and new rear hand rails. The corridor connection board is a spare from a Hornby Stanier coach. The non-brake end has received separate water tank filler pipes although I've kept the moulded pipes on the roof however.
     

    Here's a couple of detail shots of the guards compartment showing where I've added flush glazing. Three of the windows are frosted with Tamiya Japanese Navy grey from behind. The bar across the toilet window was sprayed on with Valejo Beige following masking and priming.
     

     
    The bars on the windows are either Roxey SR PMV/CCT etched window bars positioned vertically or soldered up from scrap etch and wire for the horizontal door bars.
     

     
    Decals are HMRS Pressfix with a few of the remaining excellent Woodhead Decals I have left.
     
    Here's D1925 Composite completed as well.
     

     
    Detailing as before.
     

     
    LMS coach experts will notice I've got the dynamo on the wrong end but I will rectify this next time I put an order into Comet Models.
     

     
    I've had real problems trying to get the glazing to fit in this coach. You could go down the Flush Glaze route but I'll probably revisit this pair when some Lazerglaze is available for these coaches. With the glazing as supplied it is very cloudy. I did use a one of those multisided nail files to bring the plastic up to a shine followed by a coat of Klear. It's an improvement but is no way perfect. It's a shame Dapol don't look at the glazing side of these kits and provide a new clear plastic insert that actually fits.
     
    Weathering wise the roofs of this pair received a dry brush with Valejo German Grey followed by a spray over over Tamiya NATO black and matt varnish to seal. The sides received a mucky wash which was wiped away when almost dry. Underframes/bogies received a light covering of my home brew underframe dirt with some dry brushing to the bogies.
     
    They need the couplings reaplying but I will use wire to couple them together and they will run with an Hornby Brake 3rd/All 3rd which will look good behind an Ivatt 2MT at normal viewing distance. Other than that I need to reaply some crimson paint to the vents above the doors as this was removed accidently when I masked the roofs off.
     
    They've not scrubbed up too badly but I guess there are errors and compromises in using the Dapol kits. I do need to do a D1925 in maroon at some point. Do I go down this route or buy a pair of Comet etched sides and overcome the glazing conundrum? I'd like to thank Coachman for firstly his help and secondly for providing the inspiration in his coach building thread. Here's Larry's take on a D1905/1925
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/26504-br-lms-gwr-lner-lnwr-mr-coaches/page-7
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  6. 46444
    Last night I managed to almost complete the pipework.
     
    O&K 40HP Part 2 30.9.15 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    I also curved the roof ready for fitting once painted by rolling it with a bottle on some paper which worked a treat. I'd previously drilled holes for the whistle. Also I added rain gutters from Microstrip and cleaned everything up with a glass fibre abrasive pen:
     
    O&K 40HP Part 2 30.9.15 003 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The steam pipes where also bent up and fitted to the smokebox/cylinders.
     
    O&K 40HP Part 2 30.9.15 004 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Essentially most of the complicated work is completed. It's application of Archers rivet decals, the addition of smaller details, lowering the chimney and painting the wheels black.
     
    Then she'll be ready for the paint shop.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  7. 46444
    And now for something completely different....
     
    When I went to Plymouth in the early 1990's to study believe it or not one of the things I can always remember are the Western National and Plymouth Citybus buses. Coming from the land of United Counties the mix of colours and different designs always stood out. Even after a night on the Barbican down at a club called the Salling School which was affectionately known as the 'GX'.*
     
    At the time I was in my early 20's and owned a white 2CV # which was my pride and joy. During one of my placements I was driving between Freedom Fields and North Prospect and managed to right it off sadly so ended up having to use the bus to get around North Prospect, Stoke, Stonehouse and Devonport.
     
    At the time Western National were under the auspices of the Badger Line and I can always remember their Plaxton Beavers and the more modern looking Pointers. The red, white and blue livery with the Badger logo always stood out and to this day remains my favourite bus livery. Here's a photo of a preserved example looking resplendent on the Kingsbridge bus rally:
     
    https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3927/15168403558_c80b8dea24_b.jpg
     
    Hard to believe its preserved but I guess its 20 years ago since this example started in service and I'm getting old!
     
    Now as it happens I have a number of EFE Western National buses from this period along with the odd Citybus example and whilst looking on eBay came across a sorry looking Western National Beaver that looked as if it had been around Charles Cross too many times. It had severe paint chipping around the destination screen roof as well as other places and the wheels looked like they were hanging off. I kind of felt sorry for it and bid 99p for it and won it. Postage was more that the model!
     
    I should have taken a picture before I started but basically other than the above mentioned problems there was a mark in the roof paint work. This was removed with T-Cut and polished up nicely. The fixing points were drilled out underneath and the model broken down into its component parts. Thankfully, the decoration was not damaged.
     
    The red area around the destination screen was carefully cleaned up with wet and dry as well as well a fibre glass brush. Once this was complete I used Tamiya masking tape to mask the red area off. Then the the remaining areas were covered in blue decorating tape.
     

     
    First of all I sprayed the area with Valejo white as an undercoat before spraying the red using Valejo paint once more. On unmasking there was no strike through so the whole body was given a coat of Valejo satin to blend things together.
     

     
    The offside wheels were repaired and the tyres glued into position with CA, The wheels and other blue parts of the body requiring attention received touching in with Valejo dark Prussian blue
     

     
    The interior moulding has been sprayed with Halfords grey primer and will be detail painted. A driver and a couple of passengers will be added. I'll add mirrors and make good the reaming paintwork and in doing so it should be a suitable model bus for a layout as opposed to a glossy, out of the box shelf queen.
     
    I'm pleased with how things have gone with this project and feel it's been saved from an uncertain future. The building masquerading as Western National's Laira Bridge depot before they moved to Chelson Meadow is the excellent free warehouse kit from Scalescenes.
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
     
    * Groin Exchange
     
    # I owned a further two 2CV's before selling my last one to two spinsters from Bodmin...
  8. 46444
    As some of you may know (gwrrob in particular) I'm a real fan of the GWR 78xx Manor Class and often request a photo of 7804 at work on ANTB.
     
    Several years ago I had a go at detailing two of these Bachmann models which date back to prehistoric times Mainline days. In fairness Bachmann did give them one of their new split chassis back in the 1990's but these are prone to axle problems.
     
    When I detailed my brace I modelled 7802 Bradley Manor and 7807 Compton Manor. Later on I sold 7807 which was the better of the two and gradually 7802's running qualities deteriorated resulting in the infamous waddle. She's been stored for a number of years and appears once in a while. Here's 7802 as she stands today:
     
    7802-29 ps by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Now with no imminent announcement of an up to date model that befits this class I've decided to bite the bullet and order a replacement set of driving wheels from Bachmann's service department. Hopefully all will be well and once the chassis is reassembled she'll run well once more.
     
    If all goes to plan I'll totally revisit this loco and look at finishing adding details and improve the paint finish. When I initially did this model I didn't possess an airbrush. I'm planning on trying to bring up the depth of the green with some Kleer before weathering and sealing once more.
     
    The chimney was replaced with one from DMR and is the correct pattern GWR version. I've also a David Geen screw reverser from the Malcolm Mitchell kit to add to the cab along with an ATC bell.
     
    7802-29 ps2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Lets see where this goes though first before I get too carried away.
     
    Out of interest does anyone know if the splasher beading and cab window surround would have been brass on this class of loco particularly after the war?
     
    7802-29 ps1 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    More soon. Either good or bad news!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  9. 46444
    Yesterday I managed to pick up two of these Your Model Railway £3.99 MK1 SK coaches from ASDA in Rushden for a friend of mine. He asked if I'd put numbers on them and weather them for him too.
     
    Thanks to David I was able to source a suitable number for an Eastern Region example. Here's the link to David's in depth posting on the SK number series:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/75546-br-mk-1-sk-coach-number-series/&do=findComment&comment=1143408
     
    If you've got some of these coaches this thread will be invaluable to numbering them. Thanks to David for taking the time to post this information.
     
    There has been a lot of comment on here about these coaches and a few people have brought them I'm not going into the pro's and con's of these coaches but all I will say is that you have unpainted BR maroon lined and flush glazed Bachmann sides and an economy roof and underframe etc.
     
    For turning this coach around I dismantled it and gave the sides a couple of coats of brush painted Klear to add lustre to the unpainted sides. The roof was primed and sprayed with a mixture of Tamiya acrylics.
     

     
    Numbers and other transfers came from the HMRS Pressfix sheet. I chose E24195 which was from the first ER batch according to David's post.
     

     
    The underframe was treated to a coat of home brew Tamiya underframe dust and details were picked out on the bogies etc. with dry brushing.
     

     
    Hand rails and door handles were picked out in brass and another coat of Klear sealed things. Panel lines on the doors were treated to a wash of mucky acrylic paint watered down and then wiped off with a damp cotton bud when starting to dry. I then sprayed a light coat of Tamiya matt varnish to blend things together.
     
    As a cheapy project I'm pleased with the result. It will never win awards but for what it is it fits the purpose.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  10. 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
  11. 46444
    Bit of an update on the Coble front I've made from the Zvedza 'Medieval Boat' kit. It was given a coat of Halfords grey primer and then dry brushed with Valejo German grey, On top of this it has received a coat of Valejo dark earth. More dry brushing to complete as well as name and registration lettering for a Scarborough registered boat. I'm told fishing boats in the 1950's carried registration details painted on their hull's.
     

     
     

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

     
     

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

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

     
     
     
     
     
     
    * Filey Bay Light Railway
  12. 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
  13. 46444
    Well it's been a while since I posted on here,
     
    Real life has certainly had a profound effect on my modelling escapades of late.
     
    However, in between things a good friend of mine has taken up 7mm modelling. As a gesture of kindness I thought I'd paint a few Monty's 7mm figures for him.
     
    Here's the finished result:
     
    Loco crew and guard 11-14 001 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Finished with Vallejo/Revell acryllics. I built up layers using washes to obtain the effects on the figures. Monty's/Dart figures are a pleasure to work with as always, though the size differential is noticeable!
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  14. 46444
    The recent introduction of the Halling Zillertalbahn VT1 railcar has been well received by modellers of this iconic Austrian railway which runs between Jenbach-Mayrhofen and I brought one from Winco recently.
     
    The prototype came from the SLB in 2013 and is on long term loan to the Zillertalbahn. Here's some photos of it being delivered (Scroll down):
     
    http://www.alpenbahnen.net/html/zillertalbahn.html
     
    The model itself is made in Austria and is crisply moulded. Those familiar with Vi-Trains locomotives will be accustomed to the number of detailing sprues that the owner is expected to fit however drilling out the holes makes fitting the parts really easy and the instructions are self explanatory.
     

     
    One thing that did disappoint with the model was the mat finish. Zillertalbahn stock is generally clean so I thought this needed rectifying. Dismantling the railcar is easy-four screws underneath and away comes the bodyshell which was given a couple of spray coats of Humbrol Clear-then a brushed coat followed by another light spray coat. Windows weren't masked.
     
    Once everything was dry I started to add the detail parts. Working from the pictures in the link above it would appear that VT1 has a whistle instead of a horn on the left side so a spare shock absorbers were modified and painted and fixed to either end.
     

     
    Dry brushing of the underframes, bogie sides and couplers was carried out with acrylics. The windows were then given a coat of Clear as well to make them crisper.
     

     
    Finally some roof grot was added around the exhaust and the two side vents received a wash as well to define the detail.
     

     
    The model runs superbly and really does look the part. I just need to get on with the layout in the next few months.
     
    The next step is detailing two Liliput Zillertalbahn Gmeinder B-B locomotives.
     

     
    The prototypes were delivered in 2004/2007 and numbered D13-D16. They are nicknamed 'Lupos' (Wolves). D15/D16 both carry advertising liveries as shown in this model of D16. the plan with these is to add pipework, ploughs and weather the roofs. Again the locos themselves are generally clean.
     
    Update soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  15. 46444
    Evening
     
    Bit of an update on the Px48 build after spending three days in Cambridge on a course I've had the day off and in between things have managed to make some good progress fitting brass bits I've cut out.
     
    Sorry about the photos-they're quick workbench shots taken with my HTC.
     
    Here's a front view showing the roof profile:
     

    px48 12-12-2013 004 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    On the loco I've added some thin brass overlays to the top of the cylinder casings and on the lower half of the firebox as per the prototype. I've also tried to thin the front steps down as well and add chequer plate overlays sourced from the Mainly Trains etch.
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 006 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Here's a view of the loco and tender together. You'll notice I've cut away the tender cab roof plastic and just used the brass overlay I made to get that thinness to the edges:
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 007 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    The tender needs some new wheels and I'll adjust the ride height slightly to clear the extended cab roof seen below:
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 009 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Here's a front view of the tender showing my dodgy brass cuttings for the doors and the vent above the door. I've added a shelf to the bottom of the tender cab and made up the coal hole from plasticard.
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 010 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    The next photo shows where I've put the vertical back in the bunker space and added the water tank filler hatch. To do this I had to remove the rear light which will be moved back slightly.
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 012 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Finally an overview of the rear of the loco:
     
     

    px48 12-12-2013 013 by kettering15b, on Flickr
     
    Essentially the main work has been completed. There's a few other bits to add before I give the model a coat of primer. I'll then add the myriad of pipes and handrails and use some Archers rivet transfers before further priming and application of the red, green and black paint.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  16. 46444
    Work has continued on the GLR Models 3D printed PKP Px48 kits today.
     
    As I've mentioned previously these 3D printed kits are like a blank canvas and offer many variations in the level of detail you want to add. In this case and as with many Continental locos it's going to be pipeworktastic but for the time being I thought I'd concentrate on getting the main work done on the body prior to adding handrails and pipework.
     
    As with any 3D printed kit there are limitations to the level of detail that can be portrayed and also the finesse of the detail. Richard has designed a brilliantly thought out kit but one area I thought that could be improved is the roof of the cab and tender cab,
     
    I carved off the rain strips from the cab and tender and made smooth. In this case Shapeways have used a really hard nylon to print the kit and it's not the most easiest of materials to cut. Also on the cab I removed the overhangs from the front and rear of the roof and bevelled the edges to the rear of the tender cab.
     
    Thankfully in my drawer of 'bits' I had some brass sheet of various thickness and have made new roofs up for the cab and tender. Having cut the brass sheet to shape I scored the edges from behind to facilitate bending the tight curves that meet the cab sides, I then rolled the brass on a couple of sheets of kitchen roll to get a curve, followed by bending the edges with the handle of a needle file. The centre part of the roof is held in place with Blu-tac for the time being.
     
    Here's the close ups testing the ability of my HTC's camera:
     

     

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

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

    Quite a productive session really, although there's a long way to go yet and I've a second loco to be getting on with.
     
    However, I'm really enjoying this build and I look forwards to seeing them run on some 'static grassed' track with a couple of Rollwagens and a green PKP bogie brake van.
     
    I'm away for a few days now so no further progress until Thursday.
     
    Na zdrowie,
     
    Mark
  17. 46444
    Evening.
     
    Well the GLR Px48 kits arrived from Shapeways on Monday courtesy of UPS. I'm impressed with the kits and Richard has done a good job of capturing the shape of a Px48 well.
     
    On examination there's a little 'stepping' from the print process on the rear of the tender but generally everything is crisp and forms a blank canvas to add the detail to. There's going to be a lot of it as well.
     
    The kit comes as three parts with the smokebox and running plate forming one of the prints, then the cab and boiler and finally the tender print. The HOe version is designed to fit the Graham Farish 8F chassis and it is a good fit with room to add plenty of weight. The tenders will run on Liliput HOe bogies when they arrive from the 009 Society Members Shop.
     
    The pictures below are a couple of quick shots taken on my mobile this evening with the smokebox and boiler pushed together. Both the locos I'm modelling have a few variations on the Px48 theme so I've started to modify the kits to represent the prototype. On the boiler print there are skirts in front of the firebox either side which I've removed opening this area up a bit more.
     
    Firstly, Px48-1784 pictured in the link below doesn't have recessed handrails on the tender so I've started filling the recess with Revell filler. It has the raves on the bunker sides too.
     
    http://www.tabor.wask.pl/egzemplarz.php?&id=50708
     

     
    The second loco is being modelled as Px48-1919 and has recessed handrails on the tender sides but no raves. Here's the prototype:
     
    http://www.tabor.wask.pl/egzemplarz.php?&id=50754&foto=914#opzdj
     
    On this tender I've cut of the moulded raves on the with a scalpel before sanding to a smooth finish with various files.
     

     
    A close up of the tenders together as well:
     

     
    There's a bit more work to do before giving the kits a coat of Halfords filler primer, then sanding and priming with plastic primer before adding the detail.
     
    More soon.
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  18. 46444
    Evening,
     
    Once more another modelling project that is different to the norm and will spur a small layout.
     
    Before I start I need to thank two people. Firstly, Castle on this forum for making me aware of the PKP Px48 through his thread on a visit to Poland and actually driving one of these locos. Here's the link to his photos and accompanying commentary:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/51212-little-didcot/page-22
     
    Secondly for James Hilton on NGRM for making me aware of the GLR Models 3D printed kit through his build of the kit and his help and advice.
     
    For those not familiar with these locos here's a link and a video clip showing Px48-1919 hard at work:
     
    http://www.interlok.info/Px48.htm
     

     
    Now on to the kit itself. Richard from GLR Model Design has designed a 3D printed kit for the Px48 available through Shapeways website. Here's the link to Richard's website:
     
    http://www.glr3dmodeldesign.co.uk/home/3-5mm-scale-products/px48
     
    The kit is available in OO/HOe and TT Scales. The HOe version which I'm doing uses the Graham Farish 8F as the donor chassis.
     
    I ordered my kit over the weekend from Shapeways and it's due to arrive tomorrow from Holland according to UPS.
     
    In the meantime I've sourced two Graham Farish 8F chassis and have painted the wheels and valve gear tonight with Valejo acrylics. They've had a coat of Klear as well. Next I will add a wash of German grey to bring out the detail and disguise the solid wheel sets. This is tonights progress:
     

     
    One thing that has surprised me is how smoothly the Graham Farish 8F chassis runs-which is very pleasing.
     
    I've sourced some Liliput HOe coach bogies from the 009 Society's members sales shop for the tenders and acquired a few other bits necessary for the build.
     
    The locos I'm modelling are as follows:
     
    Px48-1784:
     
    http://www.tabor.wask.pl/egzemplarz.php?&id=50708
     
    and Px48-1919 which features in the video clip above.
     
    http://www.tabor.wask.pl/egzemplarz.php?&id=50754&foto=914#opzdj
     
    If you look closely you'll see differences in the cab/tender handrails-some being recessed.
     
    Steve at Narrow Planet has just completed the artwork for the numberplates, 'Px48' plates and 'PKP' plates although they are not listed on the website yet but can be ordered by contacting him. They cost £10.
     
    http://narrowplanet.co.uk/
     
     
    That's it for now until the 3D print arrives.
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  19. 46444
    Blimey! It's been a while since the last entry.
     
    Woodwork and electrics have taken over recently and modelling has been put to the side. Last night I thought I'd actually try to finish off the three Ninelines L&B wagons I have sat on the workbench.
     
    Thanks to Jaymz he was able to help me clarify the positioning of the lettering on the brake van. Also the purchase of a second hand copy of Chris Leigh's book on the L&B recently and a loan copy of the Prideaux et al book helped to speed things up considerably.
     
    This is where we stand at the moment.
     
    Here's the brake van which needs its windows putting in.
     

     
    The bogie van:
     

     
    The bogie open:
     

     
    Decals are by Fox/HMRS.
     
    I also need to complete the weathering and add the vacuum pipes then they are finished.
     
    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
    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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 46444
    Managed to do a few more bits on the 'H' Class over the past few days including fitting the cut section of tubing under the saddle tank to represent the boiler. Thank's to Ruston's measurements of his Ixion 7mm version I was able to work out a rough figure for the depth between the bottom of the saddle tank and the running plate. The photos below show the model held together once more with Blu-tac.
     

     

     
    Thankfully, I managed to make up the smokebox door straps fairly successfully with Micro-strip, though looking at the picture it looks as if the top one has a slight 'wonk' on. No SOS calls to Robert at RT Models! The smokebox door wheel is a combination of a Comet smokebox door dart and a Mainly Trains etched wheel from one of the excelllent detailing etched frets they do. I've bent up a lamp iron too from a staple.
     

     
    To the rear I've added to brackets once again made from staples. I forgot to mention in the first post that handbrake housing on the rear panel is a piece of vacuum cylinder from a Parkside kit. Inside the cab I've added bracing to the rear panel,
     

     
    Here's the final view for this evening. The other thing I've done to the cab is added beading around the side cab windows again using Micro-strip. I've made provision for cab door handrails too. The leaf springs are once again from the excellent RT Models.
     

     
    At the moment the loco is sat on a non-working chassis but I'll be getting one next week so as to finalise the build and add the roof. I might look at adding the handrails over the weekend but other than assembly the main work is done. I will be adding the pipe work for the sand pipes and will remove the sandboxes from the new chassis when it arrives.
     
    Steve at Narrow Planet is going to make me up a set of Manning-Wardle works plates and a nameplate as well. I'm looking forward to receiving these. (I've gone for a work number of 1783 and build date of 1912-Totally fictitious of course)
     
    This has been a lovely build so far and really enjoyable.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  25. 46444
    A while back I was given one of those excellent Hornby Southern Railway BY's in olive green and decided to repaint it into BR (SR) green. Paul Bartlett's excellent site came up trumps with this photo:
     
    http://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/srby/h3317da13#h399adca5
     
    The thing I liked about this photo of 'S764S' is didn't appear to have the full data panel on the right hand ends this making application of decals easier.
     
    The model itself breaks down really easily into its component parts. The bodyshell received a coat of Halfords grey primer followed by Howes Railmatch BR (SR) green acrylic paint. Then the roof and ends were sprayed with Tamiya black and NATO black. Once dry a coat of Klear to the sides give a good surface to apply the HMRS decals.
     
    I had to put the wheelbase decal above the 'BY' lettering owing to size. The HMRS sheet doesn't contain the 'BY' lettering so this was made up from other parts of the decal sheet. I managed to find a 'Y' on an old set of Woodhead decals I had. The decals where once more sealed in with Klear.
     
    I then sprayed a home brew track colour on the underframes, lower sides and around the iron work. This was followed by a wash of the same mixture which was wiped off with a damp cotton bud once nearly dry.
     
    Everything was sealed with Tamiya matt varnish and left to dry.
     
    In my eyes one of the weaknesses of the Hornby model is the lack of window grills. Thankfully, I had some of the excellent Roxey etched grills suitable for the 'BY'. These were given a coat of white primer then misted with NATO black to tone things down. Prior to putting the glazing back in I fixed these in with PVA so as not to fog the glazing.
     
    Reassembly was straight forward. Here's the finished article being shunted by 46444 somewhere along the Kettering to Cambridge line in the 1950's.
     

     
    A detailed Base Toys AEC Monarch is parked up next to the line.
     

     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
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