Friday Update: Thirteen Six Twenty-five…
The week has flown by - I can’t believe I’m sat writing another Friday update this morning. Join me with fresh coffee for a wander through various projects, trips and visits that have occurred since we last met…
Three commissions have been the focus - 009, 16mm and a layout build. I love my job, such variety in subject, scale and even type of work. Starting with the smallest a pair of plantation diesels (to follow the trio of steam locomotives I did last year) in 009. The basis 3D prints of vastly different quality and vintage, hopefully to be unified somewhat by my finishing and detailing.
In 16mm the Boot Lane Works Kerr Stuart has had the cast brass details fitted and entered the paint shop. Currently sat here in green now (not pictured) I’m pondering how best to tackle the lining on such a large model - either Posca paint pens or the trusty bow pen.
This week has seen the development of a new distraction - Penpont Dries in N. I mentioned working on a 08 specifically for the layout, this is the result so far! A ‘Basra’ body from eBay, stripped down and the cab modified with later metal framed side windows and the vertical strapping on the cab rear. Paint shop beckoning for this model too…
Mid week saw an evening drive down to Ruabon, a chance to get out as I’d been stuck in all day. Witnessing the Carlisle logs come through, on time, almost at the end of their journey as they feed the insatiable MDF plant at Chirk. 19 on the back of 66791, an ex Swedish 66 repatriated by Beacon Rail for GBRf and currently leased to Colas. Impressive but a bit quiet, these modern locomotives!
Whilst the 14 at Llangollen has rather win me over, I’m pleased to say I managed to find my own Farish example a new home - to a returnee to the hobby too - which leaves just the Pannier available for sale. Help me out - £80 including postage. Stripped down and rebuilt, she is a solid layout performer, smooth and quiet, just without the shunting prowess I expect for Paxton Road and my style of operation.
Finally, the layout build, Lametton halt has been born! Track down, wired and tested. Sleepers and rails painted (top) and ballasted (below). Next up - some scratch building to add some Looe branch character to the composition with the road bridges to go in and a lime kiln too!
Last weekend saw more than just the day with the Class 31 - I followed it up with a cab ride on the 14 on Sunday, a wonderful experience and such a difference to the 26 and 47 I’ve witnessed on the line already. The noise and raw mechanical power with 5 coaches, slippery rails and the hydraulic transmission can only be described as visceral. Quite something! She certainly has grown on me…
The weekend beckons and I’m off to the Churnet Valley tomorrow - a quieter Sunday to follow and perhaps a chance to do some more on Penpont. I hope that whatever you’re up to there is the chance for some trains, large or small. Thank you as always for stopping by, joining us all here for a touch point this morning. There is quite the community of you all who visit and I am grateful for each and everyone one of you. Until next time, more soon…
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