Friday Update: Eleven Four Twenty-five…

Welcome back to another Friday update, served fresh from the bench on another sunny morning that has marked each of the last fortnight…

Further variety in the workshop this week as some smaller weathering jobs have been tackled along with quite visible progress on many of the longer term commissions. First, above is Littleton No.5. This OO gauge model has come together well from a CSP kit. Painted, lined and lightly weathered she is just a step or two away from completion. I enjoy building up your flat etches, get int ouch for your own personal proposal.

The large scale Ruston are in the paint shop! No two alike, not just in colour but detail as each has a different exhaust setup! We've got red-oxide, Ruston green, a brighter green and a dark green - all wet here but now sporting a mix of sheens from the matt and satin shades. Next week is half term though, so progress on these will understandably slow.…

I shared the first pair of weathered wagons yesterday - but it was quite the rake in the end - these will feature next week, but suffice to say, weathering 16T minerals has become something of a speciality! If you would like me to breathe life into your own models then prices start from just £40, get in touch using the form here (or if that doesn't always work) via email using my Facebook page.

The 16mm GVT rake I shared last week includes another Binnie GVT open wagon but this one has been finished in 'chocolate', to represent one of the private owner 'Ceiriog Granite Company' examples. I ordered the transfers from Dickie's Decals via IP Engineering, knowing they were difficult to use because of the thickness of the transfer backing but always preferring to support other small suppliers. However, when they arrived they are over-size AND don't match the prototype. I decided to draw up my own, scaled to fit the Binnie wagon and based upon the manufacturers factory works photograph. I made a few extra and these are now available for £15 including free postage from Light Railway Stores.

I subscribe to the Camden books email and it was lovely to see the first companion added to their range this week, the second is in print at the moment and we're nearly sold out of the first issue - so if you're keen to add it to your collection it is available from a wide selection of specialist book sellers. I've started work on the third edition and am still looking for contributions - specifically larger layouts - and even better if of North American, European or Asian prototypes.

It is the gala on the Llangollen Railway this weekend, starting today, so I'm rushing through the end of this weeks updates so I can go and get some early morning photos - I did manage a ride myself this week, lovely to see the work at the station in Llangollen - but more, the efforts of the line side vegetation team are phenomenal. If you're visiting this weekend let me know and I will try and get down to the station to say hello!

In the evenings I continue to find solace and calm in my N gauge modelling. The Chivers OCA has some decals and needs lacquer and weathering - and the remaining pair of Revolution Britsh Fuel wagons have DG fitted. On Denton Road I've been scratchbuilding some OHLE - but more on that another time. Beyond N, a rake of cement hoppers has arrived for Beaverbrook - and a U23B is due today. A developing story, and one I look forward to sharing in due course. Until then, and next time, more soon...

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