Friday Update: Two Nine Twenty-two…

It's been a very busy week despite having the Bank Holiday, and reduced hours (as the kids are still off) with plenty to share in this first Friday Update of the new term...

In fact there is so much to share that this might be something of a whistle-stop tour, and pretty much all you'll see here isn't finished so expect more in the coming weeks. From N to 7/8ths, scratchbuild to modified RTR via custom 3D design it's all here so put the kettle on and find a comfy chair!

I've done a few of these 74xx conversions now, this time 7404, a Fairford regular graces the bench in for the removal of auto gear, modified cab, revised handrails and various details along with etched plates, weathering and a Modelu crew. They're an attractive model, and run superbly - classic Bachmann quality.

This pair of O&K skip chassis from Modelearth are destined to be copies of my timber bolsters and so far I've assembled them as per Simon's instructions and begun to fit my own design laser cut parts for the bolster supports. Characterful models that respond well to weathering but really need a nice heavy timber load to run well. I look forward to finishing these in the coming weeks, I really do love working in 7/8ths, a wonderful blend of mass and modelling.

The crew for the 74xx arrived from Modelu (above) with a set of N gauge figures for my own Paxton Road, so I dug out the strongest lens for my magnifier headgear and set to on painting them (still wet in this photo). The quality of Modelu prints is superb, these poses work so well, the chap right at the back (Shunter I believe he's called) I have now in 3 scales! Several examples in H0, but also as a driver on my OO Peckett Post-date, and now in N too... I can't wait to get these on the layout for some set pieces.

The Hornby 0-6-0 Sentinel chassis is well engineered and is secured, like the Ruston with just 4 screws - that lends itself to my Dormon Long longer term project, but in the meantime I've CAD it up so I could do this commission for a customer, a 'what if' 165 late cab narrow gauge example (although OO - that is strictly narrow gauge!). The print will accept the standard Ruston etches, I look forward to working on this unique model more next week. Design work of this custom model was quicker than a scrachbuild because we could start from an existing kit. If you've got a customisation you'd like to see, do get in touch for a personal proposal, it may be more cost effective than you think?

Another large scale model, roughly 1/12 but it's early days - this is the basic chassis sides and beams for a 'Cli-shay' (climax style drive shaft but with a shay style vertical cylinder), my customer has given me a fair amount of freedom other than a photo, so I'm really hoping to go to town with custom 3D and etched parts as this progresses.

Today should see the release of Modelu's new North American figure range. I helped Alan with reference images and measurements, and tested some early prints for my trouble. These are game changers, real North American switching poses, perfect for cameo poses, and end my days of trying to find the British figures that might fit the settings. I especially like the gloves and radio of the crew member at the bottom of the steps, some really well observed detail went into these figures, I hope they prove to be a real success for Alan and the team.

Finally, after filming the video on DG couplings mid-week, I've finally got enough stock fitted for a 1970s era setting on Paxton Road, although not all weathered, it will be fun to ring the changes and swap out the Speedlink era air braked stock for vacuum fitted bauxite liveried models and my Dapol 22. I hope to do a little work on the layout this weekend, but tomorrow I'm busy as Steve and I will be heading for Llanfair for the gala - perhaps we'll see you there? If not, have a good weekend and enjoy whatever railway related activities you can squeeze in - until next time, more soon...