Sold: 21t quintet…

This quintet of N scale coal wagons have become somewhat of a white elephant. A folly perhaps? Not for their detail, or finish - but sourced and built with an end in mind - only to not ‘feel’ right in their intended role…

So they’re sold - £100 gets you a set of ‘James Hilton’ models, these are not available ready to run. The hoppers have been modified as re-bodied examples so are not even available as a kit… get in touch if you’re interested (or have 6 16t minerals you’d like to trade).

They have been assembled from 2mm association kits, designed for rather lovely etched chassis. For my purposes I cheated, and sourced some Dapol chassis which have been modified and detailed to match the prototype more closely - adding ties between the axle boxes, door opening levers / bangers as appropriate. The chunky Dapol coupling boxes were removed, but I’ve fitted some Peco NEM mounts as a ‘proof of concept’ (above - and will include enough for the other 4 wagons to any purchaser). Alternatively a DG can simply be glued under the buffer beam.

I’ve weathered these using my usual approach of washes and micro painting - which has brought them to life and makes the most of the tooling, I think. I’m particularly proud of the 21T hoppers - the reworking of the kit to remove the additional framing from the sides and modification to the lower supports - plus the wire handrails really have created a unique pair of models.

I’d love to see these go to a good home and rest assured any sale will purely fund the acquisition if MORE 16t minerals which suit the ‘mundane’ and repetitive effect I want to capture. I probably sound a bit like a broken record, but I can’t get the idea out of my head, inspired by the way Paul’s brown boxcars suit Maple River. Last time I operated that layout in November I ended up with a rake of HEAs - also destined for the same project for the same reason… anyhow, I digress… these five wagons whilst lovely, have entertained but their role here is done. They perhaps aren’t a folly, but I hope they find a new home quickly. Until next time, more soon…

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