Friday Update: Eighteen Seven Twenty-five…

A productive week in a cooler workshop, hopefully mirroring your own experiences too - the last week of school for the kids and hence the last to make solid progress on anything before the holidays…

What a difference a week makes - and Lametton shows its potential, the back scene has really lifted the scene and the trees along the back of the layout, inspired by the tree lined upper section of the prototype Looe branch. Further progress has been made since these photos, including blending the lime kiln in to the scene, adding further ground textures and a few hand made trees. This project is very nearly finished, I can’t wait to share it with my customer.

On the bench I’ve been working on another Bagnall DL2. This was produced during the first limited release batch last year, I was asked to assemble it recently and it has been nice to revisit my design work and breathe some life into the combination of 3D printed resin and etched nickel silver parts.

In primer, the plan is for wasp striped buffer beams and a dark blue NCB inspired livery. Under the hood a Bachmann sound fitted Class 03 provides the motion and presence - and brings real character to this burly industrial. It is interesting to see that the Vale of Rheidol are overhauling a narrow gauge Bagnall diesel to haul summer trains when there is a fire risk - this thing has a very similar outline but of course outside frames… it would be interesting to see this kit modified, like I did with the Ruston 165, to fit the Hornby Sentinel… Wrapping up customer work, not pictured this week is another etched brass kit, this time a pre-grouping ballast brake - more on that next week…

Beyond the bench I was excited to receive my ‘thank you’ cards - this set of 6 images from my model railways are to include with commissions, but if you fancy a set they are now available as a set from Light Railway Stores…

A number of Rapido UK models are coming up against order deadlines - if you would like to support my business even without a commission I can source these for you with similar discounts to the big shops. Anything listed here as available to order, even limited availability I can source for you. Drop me an email or message and I’ll get you a price… 

Taking a look at a few personal projects this week, the realisations about Gerald Road and its impending sale have allowed a fresh look at my 03 collection. Another example arrived this week…

I’ve always loved Network SouthEast livery - my first Class 47 was decorated as such and I’ve been sorely tempted to leave it like this…

…but common sense prevailed and I’ve removed the paint and modified the exhaust and she is now in the paint shop, later to become 03162 in BR blue. Also pictured here are a pair of Farish 3 plank wagons which were a cheaper place to start than a kit for some ZCA runner wagons that were seen at Birkenhead in the 80s. I removed the hinge detail and fabricated my own, adding a cut in the centre of the side to represent two doors and door bangers added too - really they need a second set of brakes, perhaps I’ll address this too - I know the ends aren’t right but sometimes life is too short.

The distinctive ‘mini bulk’ 2 axle refurbished ‘Whisky Blues’ that appeared in Speedlink service are sadly not available in N. However, the larger Polybulk is in the Farish range, I’ve owned and sold one previously but this is the ‘weathered’ later version. I’ve begun to modify the finish, removing some of the brown dip applied in the factory. This version has less lettering and is marked for CAIB rather than TSL, I also like the faded cream lettering - which will help blend in with my own weathering - it will join the Speedlink collection, but could appear on anything dock related in future… and I think this is the joy of N gauge for me, I get to take beautiful models from the box and make them mine… they evoke childhood memories of the Ian Allan colour annuals of the early 90s. Magic, and something to consider more when I have a quieter morning.  

Lets wrap things up with a view of the Llangollen Railway’s class 104, at Glyndyfrdwy, pictured after the journey that fuelled yesterdays prose. I believe she will be retired at the end of the season for some well deserved but extensive bodywork restoration - so if you’re a fan, and haven’t had a chance to ride her this year then week days during the summer are a good bet - or the DMU gala at the end of the season. This weekend should bring the chance for catching a breath one last time, and it will be interesting to see how we get on with daily blogging over the holidays. I will do my best! Until next time, wherever you are, I hope you have a good day. More soon…

Support my work

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free. Alternatively, feel free to buy me a coffee.