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46444

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  1. 46444
    As promised my take on the Bachmann/Rails Caley 812 Class.
     

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

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

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

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

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

     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
  2. 46444
    The venerable Hornby 9F has quite a provenance as we all know. Obviously the announcement of a new model brings the story up to date. 
     
    A couple of years ago I purchased a loco drive Hornby Railroad 9F.
     
    Looking through my well thumbed copy of Steam Railways In Colour Around Northamptonshire by Coleman & Rajczonek I found a photograph of 92231 hard at work at Desborough in 1965. At this time the locomotive was allocated to York. 
     
    The Hornby model captures the shape of the prototype nicely so I decided to bring it up to a more contemporary standard forgiving the punn.
     
    At the smoke box end I lowered the top lamp iron to the left side of the door using the Branson Staple Method. 
     
    Stays for the smoke deflectors were made from brass strip from Eileen's Emporium. The door dart is from Alan Gibson. 
     

     
    Sourced from the excellent Bachmann Spares Department a detailing pack prodded the front steps and drain cocks. The Hornby cast steps having been removed. 
     
    I inked in the valve gear with a silver Sharpie pen to tone things down. The driving wheels and pony truck tyre walls were treated with a black Sharpie. 
     
    Moving towards the cab I remodelled the cab spectacle windows with gentle cutting and filling. Slater's Microstrip helped form the window beading. Micro Kristal Kleer formed the spectal windows. The cab windows were flush fit made from a CD case. 
     

     

     
     
    I added the cabside washout access  doors from foil adhesive tape. 
     
    Around the draw bar area I added the extra plating along with strengthening plates. 
     

     
    Progressing to the tender I scratch built the cab doors from Plasticard and flush glazed the windows with CD casing. 
     
    The Hornby BR1G tender as supplied comes with a generous moulded coal load to accommodate the previous tender driven Ringfield motor incarnation. 
     
    I took it upon myself to improve this feature by chain drilling the coal load and making good. Making a false Plasticard bunker floor I was then able to add additional detail including then fire iron tunnel using the same medium. 
     

     
    Real coal was then added for the load. 
     
    Crew are the usual Dapol/Airfix subjects painted with Vallejo acrylics.
     
    Fox transfers were used for numbers and shed code plate. Pacific Models provided the smoke box number plate. 
     

     
    A light weathering awaits. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  3. 46444
    I'm a bit of a Sentinel fan and possess a couple of the excellent Model Rail/Dapol examples.
     
    However I was given a Sentinel in a rough state by a good friend who asked if I could breath some life back into it. He had previously acquired it in a box of old model railway stuff given to him. 
     
    With a bit of research I discovered it was an early Nu-cast example with a plastic body kit moulded by Ian Kirk. The chassis and buffer beams were cast white metal. It was attached to a Tenshodo motor bogie. 
     
    I understand Black Beetle also did a motorising chassis which is hard to obtain. 
     
    The model I had been given was badly assembled and painted. The chassis had been glued together with epoxy and the plastic body with old school plastic tube cement. Not ideal but a starting point. 
     

     
    With some information to hand I was able to add basic detailing using Microstrip. 
     

     
    The buffers were replaced with excellent RT Models castings. 
     

     
     
    I discovered DCC Supplies being Dapol repair agents carried spares for the Sentinel including the cab roof shutter, chimney, injectors, cab foot steps as well as the guard irons. 
     

     
    I still need to fit the guard irons but the other parts certainly lift the model nicely. I have also added brass handrails from Alan Gibson components.
     
    I have given the bodyshell a coat of Halfords primer. I will airbrush it in Tamiya gloss black shortly.
     

     
    This kit is still available from Nu-cast Partners but in all white metal format.
     
    More soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark 
     
     
  4. 46444
    A good friend of mine asked me to remove the factory weathering of his Hornby Railroad Crosti 9F. Having been a fireman at Wellingborough he actually worked on the prototypes and was none to complementary about them. Poor steaming and terrible visibility were mentioned. He also told the story of the Crosti 9F's being stored at the back of the shed and cannibalised for spares.
     
    The Hornby model is a Railroad model from a few years ago. Yes it has it's faults but I actually like it and think there are some good points in it's favour including price and robustness. The factory weathering is that awful blast of brown paint on the chassis and lower sides which looks a kin to Elvin Evan's Fiesta WRC after a muddy stage in a Welsh forest. Carefully using T-Cut and cotton buds I was able to remove the weathering without damage the numbers and crests, I quiet like the effect on the tender sides especially.
    .
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Here's a broadside shot with Modelu crew figures being painted up.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Handrails were bent up and fitted above the front foot steps. Lamp brackets were made staples. The lamp is one of Dave Frank's excellent LMS range of loco lights.
     
    Weathering is purely added using dry brushing and washes of Valejo/Games Workshop paints.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The Modelu crew are painted up using the same acrylic paints and posed accordingly.
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    9F by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Tender doors are Bachmann ones from the spares box.Crushed real coal added to the tender to finish.
     
    Now things have warmed up a fraction weather wise I may do a few tweaks with the airbrush to finish it off.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  5. 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
  6. 46444
    Since I bought one of the Bachmann USA 009 Skarloey's when they first came about the intention had been to create a fictitious loco acquired by the W&LLR and named Captain Fisher after the gentleman responsible for being instrumental in opening the railway. The project has sat in a box for a while in pieces but a few days off saw it sprayed with Halfords satin black and reassembled:

    P4181340 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

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

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

    P4181341 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

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

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

    ps2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

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

    ps 1 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

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

    Cheers,

    Mark
  7. 46444
    In 1967 Featherstone Rovers won the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final beating Barrow 17-12.....
     
    Recently I've been working a few projects. One is building a OO/OO9 photo plank which can be seen in the pictures. It was made from an Ikea Lack shelf and some foam insulation board painted with brown emulsion paint. Ancient PECO Code 100 track was resurrected and a piece of OO9 crazy track made up the NG spur. Hanging basket liner has been used for the grass base layer and static grass will be added shortly. A backscene is also planned. More soon.
     
    On the NG front I've been working on detailing a couple of old Jouef Egger-bahn coaches using the excellent Narrow Planet etch for the end balconies.
     
    Egger 1 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    The carriages were broken down into their component parts and the the axle guards glued to stop them swivelling. Tie rods were made up from florists wire. After a coat of Tamiya NATO black I used Graham Farish metal coach wheels to replace the original pizza cutter wheels'.
     
    Egger 2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    With the coaches themselves I've replaced the windows and sprayed them with Tamiya green giving them a coat of satin Valejo varnish. A wash of thinned Valejo acrylics and strategic dry brushing has given them this finish which I'm pleased with.
     
    Egger 3 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    With the roofs I covered the plastic moulding with masking tape. and added MJT roof vents. Tamiya German grey was then sprayed on, The Narrow Planet etched balcony ends were blackened chemically before receiving a coat of primer and a blast of Tamiya black. The uprights are once more florists wire. I also made the couplers smaller reducing the size of the buffer head. Here's the finished coaches seen with a modified PECO 4 wheel coach and my trusty Narrow Planet O&K 'Linnet'.
     
    Egger 4 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    On the structural front I've had a modified Wills wooden goods store sat ready for painting which can be seen below. Once painted with Valejo acrylics and distressed with fine grade wet and dry.
     
    Egger 5 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Also the venerable Wills Pagoda hut is seen below with added bolt head detail.
     
    Egger 6 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Finally the Wills Staverton signal box I've built for a good friend and of course a POWSides 'Eastern United' 7 plank built from a Slater's kit ready for weathering.
     
    Featherstone Rovers 2 by Mark Branson, on Flickr
     
    Finally and the reason for the title and brief introduction a POWSides 'Acton Hall' of Featherstone 7 plank wagon built from a Parkside kit....
     
    A trip to Post Office Road and 'The Big Fellas Stadium' awaits to see Featherstone in action.
     
    Mark
  8. 46444
    A welcome return to my 009 blog and an enjoyable build of one of Matt's 3D printed loco bodies.
     
    In this instance a Kerr Stuart Sirdar tramway version designed to run on the ever reliable Kato 109 chassis. 
     

     
    It's a nice 'Old School' 3D print build with no surprises and the print cleans up really nicely.
     
    The kit also comes with a selection of thoughtful accessories as well and is nicely packaged in a protective box.
     
    Unfortunately I managed to drop my print on my modelling room floor and remedial surgery was required.
     

     
    I rebuilt the buffer beams and running plate, skirts and steps with plasticard I had to hand. 
     
    I used Peco track pins for the tank fillers, the sand box and the sliding rear doors.
     

     
    Safety valves are 10BA screws and the whistle is a combination of an handrail knob and brass wire. 
     

     
    Wire handrails were added to the cab doors.
     
    The smoke box door hinge was rebuilt with Microstrip and wire. The door dart is courtesy of Alan Gibson.
     
    Lamp irons are the standard Branson bent staple affairs. 
     
    The couplers are from Narrow Planet. 
     
    Having sprayed the loco with Halfords White Primer I then airbrushed Vallejo and Tamiya acrylics for the livery.
     
    I painted some Tamiya masking tape with Games Workshop brass and cut a thin piece for a decorative boiler band behind the smokebox. 
     
    A few coats of Johnson's Kleer lifted the paintwork nicely ready for the name and number plates once more courtesy of Narrow Planet. 
     
    Locomotives on the Wadenhoe & Lilford Light Railway are usually painted black but in this instance having provenance from the Craster Kipper Tramway No: 8 retains its green livery and old name. 
     
    Crew are the venerable Airfix/Dapol figures. 
     
    A great kit to build from the Matt Ditch stable and lovely to do some modelling to lift it to another level. 
     

     
    The kit can be found here:
     
    https://www.mattditch.photography/online-shop-1
     
    Just a happy customer by the way.. 
     
    As for the name 'Kipper Wynd' there are many plausible explanations... 
     
    No: 8 will be part of the Wadenhoe & Lilford Light Railway's spur to Stoke Doyle Halt appearing shortly. 
     

     
    I'll tweak the wonky nameplates and add a touch of light weathering before entering service. 
     
    Thanks for looking. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  9. 46444
    Whilst searching for an Hornby Fowler 2-6-4 on eBay for a good friend I came across this Hornby Stanier 2-6-4. It was a reasonable price so I thought it would make a nice project. There were a few areas on the model I could see needed repairing. 
     
    When it arrived and I examined it it became clear the motion bracket was broken on one side. This resulted in some rather lumpy running. 
     
    The other area of note was on the fireman's side the cabside steps and the injector pipework under the cab had been damaged. 
     
    I stripped down the loco. Degreased the chassis and rewired it removing the circuit board in the process. The chassis was reassembled and regreased the gears with Vaseline. Thankfully it was a smooth runner minus valve gear. 
     
    Through Peter's Spares I managed to obtain a replacement motion bracket assembly and got everything running very sweetly. 
     

     
    I then repaired the pipework under the fireman's cabside step as well. The step was also reglued. One of the rear handrails was missing and also replaced. 
     
    The body work was given a light buff with T-Cut and the numbers removed.  I brush applied a number of coats of Johnson's Kleer to lift the finish. 
     
    I sprayed in the smokebox and cab roof with Tamiya NATO black. The coal bunker received a false floor made up from black plastic sheet. 
     
    Choosing a class representative that would be found in the Kettering/Wellingborough area came up with 42446 which was shedded at Leicester 15C but I believe it was a Market Harborough loco and worked on the Market Harborough-Northampton line. 
     
    Numbers from Fox along with power classification and 15C shed code plate. The smokebox number plate is from the excellent Pacific Models range. 
     

     
    Everything was then sealed with a coat of airbrushed Kleer followed by a coat of Vallejo satin varnish. 
     
    The valve gear was inked in with a Sharpie silver marker followed by washes of Vallejo dark rust and German grey to pick out the relief. 
     
    I managed to find an accessory pack on eBay which was duly fitted. 
     
    Weathering wise the usual mix of Tamiya NATO black/brown for underframe dirt was sprayed on. Satin black from the same manufacturer was dusted over the smokebox. Detail painting and washes with Vallejo acrylics. 
     
     

     
    Finely crushed real coal was added to the bunker. Crew are Horny drivers (For Mikkel) with suitable amputations to fit in the cab Dukes of Hazard style through the side windows. 
     
    Lamps to be fitted.
     
    A nice project all round and good to restore a loco and give it another lease of life. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
     
     
     
  10. 46444
    Bit more progression on my Dapol van body builds over the past few days. 
     

     

    Transfers have been sourced from the excellent range by John Isherwood at Cambridge Custom Transfers. They were sealed with Johnson's Kleer floor polish. 
     

     
    The tie bars are 1mm 'L' shaped brass strip from Eileen's Emporium. 
     

     
    Weathering so far as consisted of a wash of Valejo acrylics left to dry then wiped off with a damp cotton bud. Some detail painting and distressing with a glass fibre brush to follow. 
     
    Then BOCM wagon posters from Hollar Models were added to the sides. 
     

     
    I need to finish the weathering with a dusting of track colour from the trusty airbrush for the underframes and a blast of roof dirt.
     
    Vacuum pipes and couplings to finish. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
     
  11. 46444
    A while back a built up four Cambrian Kits with a Southern Railway theme.
     
    They were given a coat of primer and have been awaiting spraying as well as the internal planking painting on the open wagons. 
     
    One of the newer Cambrian Kits is the LSWR 10T van kit. I understand the S&DJR had some of these wagons as well. The SR classified them as D1410. 
     
    The kit itself goes together nicely. I've used Gibson wheels and brass bearings. 
     
    I've sprayed the underframe in Tamiya Nato black and preshaded the bodywork. The main body colour is Tamiya Hull Red. I think the sole bars should be brown also. Can anyone confirm this?
     

     
    Buffers are from the excellent Lanarkshire Models range. I just need to fit a rain strip on the roof and paint it.
     
    I'll finish this wagon in mid-30's-40's livery with smaller lettering from HMRS.
     
    Here the van is seen in the company of a SR/LNER 12T Mineral Wagon built between 1945-1946 at Ashford to D1390/D192. 
     

     
    Same process again with painting but I've feeling I need to repaint this wagon in unfinished wood effect with painted in iron work. 
     
    I'll put an order in with Eileen's soon so will order some metal strip to make door bangers. 
     
    Below are the last of the SR builds for the time being. From left to right are an 8 plank 12T D1379 wagon as well as a 5 plank D1380 wagon. 
     

     
    These are built and finished the same as the first two kits. 
     
    More soon and apologises to Sal Solo for the title of this entry. 
     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark
  12. 46444
    Hello. Welcome and Good Evening...
     
    A few years ago I purchased the Kernow LSWR Gate Stock in SR Malachite livery finished as Set 373 and suitable for a Plymouth based set.
     
    Overall I was pleased with my purchase but was aware of a few detailing weaknesses including over scale bogie stepboards along with the problem of the continuous rear seat in the mouldings where a gangway should be present.  An excellent review by Graham Muspratt  on his blog highlights in more detail the short comings and positives of these models and is listed below:
     
    https://grahammuz.com/2017/10/26/the-first-ex-lswr-gate-stock-sets-arrival-from-kernow-model-rail-centre/
     
    For me the Malachite paintwork was also a bit flat and I thought I would respray the coaches giving them a more satin finish.  Having stripped the coaches down and having received a coat of Halfords grey primer they sat for many months on my to do shelf.  Thankfully with the completion of Wadenhoe Road my 009 layout  I have managed to start work on this pair once more along with a few other projects., So far I have undertaken the following:
     
    1: Replaced the original pizza cutter 'blingtastic' wheels with Alan Gibson 14mm coach wheelsets on Lima length axles (Due to the bogies being too narrow standard length wheelsets will not fit).
     

     
    2. Opened up the rear gangways on both seat mouldlings with the aid of a razor saw.
     

     
    3: Resprayed the bodyshells with Precision SR Malachite and carriage roofs with Tamiya German Grey.
     

     
    4: Replaced the buffers with Roxey turned brass versions as the moulded ones are fragile.
     

     
    5: I am in the process of replacing the stepboards.
     
    I'll post some photos of my work to date tomorrow but I have a few questions I'm hoping some kind soul may know the answers to.
     
    1: In Grahman's review he mentions the transposing of the battery boxes and the brake 'V' hangers. Can anyone advise on the correct  positioning and which ones need removing?
     

     
    2: What colour would the carriage interiors have been? Kernow have gone for a two tone effect with brown on the lower compartment side and cream on the upper compartment side. Is this correct or would they have been varnished stained wood?
     
    3: What colour would the seating fabric be?
     
    Thanks in advance and photos tomorrow in good light. 
     
    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
    Evening,
     
    Been very quiet of late, mainly due to a course I'm doing.
     
    Have managed to do some modelling (hopefully some updates soon) and am getting into the swing of things again.
     
    However, a group of us meet at Brian's for a running session once aweek. He happens to have a very posh shunting plank in a spare room.
     
    Being an ex-Wellingborough (15A) fireman there is obviously a BR Midland theme though anything goes as long as it's steam. The only diesels seen on the plank have been an Heljan Class 14 and Class 15.
     
    I've supplied the Ratio Midland signal box and a few other pieces including the scratch built platelayers hut which is based on one that stood opposite Wellingborough Station.
     
    Here's a few photos taken on my phone:
     

     
     
     
    Said box and hut with a young Brian chatting to the signalman

     
     
    One of Brian's old engines he worked on. This is Wellingborough's (15A) 48671-that belongs to him which I've renumbered and weathered for him.
     

     
     
    Then Kettering 15B's 46400 on a Kettering-Cambridge train in the early 50's. This is a repainted Bachmann loco, and as you've guessed is one of my favourites.
     
    Just need the J15 now!
     
    All I'll say is this an excellent layout to spend an evening pottering about and shunting. Work continues, but I can't persuade him to get rid of the foam underlay and put some ballast and greenery down-which would certainly make a difference on appearance.
     
    Thanks to Brian for is excellent hospitality and allowing us to take over his layouts.
     
    Thanks,
     
    Mark
  15. 46444
    A good friend gave me this OOC Bedford OB in Wallace Arnold livery for Christmas. I believe it was part of the Great British Bus Collection from Atlas Editions.
     
    It's a lovely model and with the West Yorkshire connections and the destination screen set to Scarborough it is very appropriate and will be used on a future layout. Because of this I thought I would detail the model and it would make a quick festive project.
     
    I managed to separate the bodyshell from the chassis by gently prising them apart and removing the glazing. I gave the bonnet grills, driver's door and rear doors a wash of diluted acrylics which when nearly dry I wiped off leaving the panels lines with a darker outline. I then sprayed a coat of Valejo satin varnish over the bodyshell.
     

     
    The chassis,wheels and tyres were also weathered with Valejo acrylics. The seating module was sprayed with Halfords grey primer before receiving a Tamiya NATO black pre-shading. Valejo red was then sprayed over it.
     

     
    Driver and passengers from Airfix/Dapol figures were cut down at waist height and glued in. The coach was reassembled and holes drilled in the glazing for fitment of door mirrors made from bent up PECO track pins painted with Valejo silver.
     

     
    A nice little project and one which will be seen again at a later date.
     
    Happy New Year,
     
    Mark
  16. 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
  17. 46444

    Caution Toads Crossing

    By 46444,

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

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

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

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

     
    All in all not a bad project and once more it goes to show what delights can be conjured up from the spares box. Also it offers the GWR modeller something different to the standard Bachmann or Ratio Toad.
     
    More soon on Kirby Hall and 7427!
  18. 46444
    A bit more progress on the Hall over the past week.
     
    Managed to airbrush the Precision post-war GWR green last weekend which went on nicely.
     

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

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

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

     
    The transfers are the recent releases from Cambridge Custom Transfers and are really good to work with. A drop of Microsol setting agent helps them bed down nicely.
     
    Glazing and couplings and it will be finished soon....
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  19. 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
  20. 46444
    With apologies to Alison Goldfrapp for the title of this entry
     
    Been sorting quite a lot of bits on the workbench of late and making space for other bits and pieces. I've been off for just over a week and have fired up the airbrush for the first time in ages. Next week I need to get on with completing the fiddle yard for Juniper Hill.
     
    Here's a few photographs and descriptions of some of the stock that will be seen running on Juniper Hill.
     
    First up is the ready to run Airfix/GMR Low Machine Wagon (Lowmac). I probably stand to be corrected on this but the Airfix model is based on a Diagram 2/247 (According to the number on the model) 25 Ton design intended for Continental working. Only 13 wagons were built. In my Rowland there is a photograph of a Diagram 2/243 25 Ton unfitted design of which 136 were built.
     
    Now I know this isn't strictly correct and the design differs in a few areas but I fancied something a bit different so went with the unfitted wagon. Here's a photograph of the wagon on my small diarama:
     

     
    This wagon was finished with Tamiya and Vallejo acrylics. It just needs a coat of matt to blend it all together. The photograph in Rowland shows quite a bit of additional timber on the load bed so I cut up a coffee stirrer to make chocks and battons.
     
    I've replaced the buffers with Markits turned ones and added a pair of 10.5mm Gibson wheels as well as fitting a Parkside NEM coupling block for a Bachmann coupling.
     
    The Roco side tipping wagons have also been finished as above. The plan on the Juniper Hill is to have a piece of OO9 track in the foreground with a few rusting narrow gauge wagons. There's a bit of inspiration in this photo linked below but not the raised line:
     
    http://www.flickr.co...N06/6966019662/
     
    Thomas E Gray's quarry was where the preserved Sentinel 'Isebrook' worked. Here's a photo in sadder times:
     
    http://www.flickr.co...N05/3118325693/
    Also temptation (Carol Kenyon/Heaven 17 singing Temptation springs to mind ) comes in many forms:
     
    http://www.madge00n3...k/Shop/Shop.htm
     
    May lead another quick project!
     
     
    Anyway-I digress!
     
    In my bits and pieces box of wagon bits was an old Ian Kirk GWR wagon and one of those beautifully finished Hornby private owner wagons (Princess Royal). Also there were 2 Ratio 9ft chassis and some spare Gibson spoked wheels. I used some excellent turned wagon buffers from H and A Models too for these.
     
    Again finished as above with Tamiya/Vallejo acrylics to represent the wagons at Burton Latimer in the above Flickr link. Numbers are from a HMRS LMS wagon sheet.
     
    The Sentinel in the background is the Model Rail 'Great Southern Railway' of Ireland release. I have two of these which will be weathered and as I write this I've just received confirmation from Narrow Planet that the custom nameplates for them (Cranford/Islip) are almost ready! So these will become a blog entry in the future.
     
    Few more bits to finish then as I say next few weeks fiddleyard and track laying and wiring on Juniper Hill
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  21. 46444
    I'm in the process of detailing a number of Bachmann GWR Toad brake vans. Two of them will be numbered as Newton Abbot's Diagram AA13 vans. There's a bit of modellers licence here but the Bachmann van based on an AA20 I believe is not far off an AA13. Major discrepancies include metal sheeting on the guard's accommodation and the lack off J leaf springs.
     
    Looking at photos of Diagram AA15 brake vans the actual body has the metal sheeting on the guards accommodation like the AA20. In addition to this the chassis has the 'J' hanger suspension.
     
    I have a couple of the old Airfix GWR Toads whose chassis has the 'J' hanger suspension and some spare Bachmann Toad bodies. Now if you remove the four mouldings from the corners of the Airfix chassis the Bachmann Toad body fits nicely.
     
    Now would this make a fair representation of a Diagram AA15?
     
    Of course us GWR modellers would appreciate an up to date model of a Toad. Alternatively there's always the Frogmore etched brass kits.
     
    I'll post some photos soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Mark
  22. 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
  23. 46444
    My workbench has a number of ongoing projects involving  Bachmann Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0's which will appear in various future blog entries. Watch this space....
     
    Reading and perusing the photographs of the excellent Volume 4B: Gloucester Midland Lines Part 3: South * by Neil Parkhouse the Dursley Branch has always held a fascination since I read Ben Ashworth's Last Days of Steam in Gloucestershire.
     
     

     
     
    Now to me an Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 looks best in lined BR black. However Swindon built 46526/46527 the last two members of the class migrated to Gloucester 85B Barnwood shed in March 1962 working the Dursley branch until September 1962 before heading to Oswestry. 
     
    Being Swindon built they were finished in fully lined out BR lined green. 
     
    Now my ruse here is did they ever make it down to the Forest of Dean? Perhaps they may have but were never caputered by the illustrious Mr. Ashworth. Then again.. 
     
    I managed to aquire a Bachmann lined green 46521 for less than £50 missing the accessory pack from a well know auction site. 
     
    The Bachmann Spares Department came up trumps once more and the missing accessory pack was obtained for less than £10 included including P&P. 
     
    Here's a few reference shots I've taken of 46526 my chosen example over 46527 owing to the fact it had an 85B shed code plate fitted. 
     

     

     
    Following on from investigations into poor steaming at Swindon in the early 1950's the Ivatt 2MT's were fitted with a number of different styles of chimney. Some appeared to represent those fitted to the BR Std Class 2 78xxx which was inspired by the Ivatt design.
     
    Thankfully PDK still produce a lovely turned brass design suitable for fitting to an Ivatt 2MT. 
     

     
     
    I removed the original Bachmann example with the aid of Zuron track cutters, a scalpel and fine grade wet and dry. 
     

     
    Here it is fitted. I used a shimm of plastic tube inserted in the turning to help with secure fitting. The brass turning was finished with Halfords grey primer and satin black before receiving a coat of Vallejo black. 
     
    Notice the Bachmann numbers and water softening triangle logo have been removed from the cab sides using T-Cut applied gently with cotton buds and cocktail sticks. Also the builders plates have removed from the front frames using the above technique ready for electrification flashes. 
     
    Tamiya masking tape has been cut to size to apply the Fox Transfer numbers in a straight line. Note the centre marking point. 
     
    Being a WR loco the front and tender rear lamp irons have been turned 90 Degrees to represent the prototypes designed for WR style lamps. 
     

    These have been touched in with Precision BR green enamel. 
     
    Another Ivatt 2MT design feature subject to varience was the tender steps. Bachmann's 46521 comes with an elongated cab end step seen below. 
     

     
    Looking at photos 46526 had rung ladders to the front and rear of the tender chassis. Therefore a quick chassis swap and addition of spare rear tender steps resulted in the following. 
     

     
    Smoke box numplate wise I'm going to use the Pacific Models printed examples which look fantastic and are excellent value for money. As you can see I will also  be using the brilliant Fox shed code plates. More photos tomorrow. 
     

     
    Cheers, 
     
    Mark 
     
    * The whole range of the Gloucester Series books by Lightmoor Press is a well worth purchase. They are very informative accompanied by some inspirational photography. 
     
    Well recommended and a suitable Festive Gift... 
     
     
     

     
  24. 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
  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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