Am I completely mad?
A few weeks ago I posted a photo of my 03382 posed against a photo of Birkenhead docks. Since then I've actually gone further and created 03162 - and probably safely stepped back from the precipice of another layout! However, at the same time I picked up the Kernow NSE donor model, I also bought a pair of cheap Farish 3 plank opens...
I had been inspired to recreate a pair of ZCA open spoil wagons - these steam era wagons had been modified and fitted with airbrakes to act as runners for moving EMUs around the depot at Birkenhead North IIRC - and when not required were stored on the docks.
Back to the wagons... I drew up custom decals based upon the inspirational photo - remember each plank here is just 1mm tall! The ZCA and number are 0.8mm tall... these are very small and delicate markings. The scribbles and details on the right are totally fictitious but 'look' right - and anyhow, they're so small the print hasn't resolved on the decals anyway... I love the two different styles, the patch painting and the black panels... considering how small these are I'm happy too with how neat they've turned out...
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| Inspired by this photo on Flickr. |
I loved the look of this pair, bare wood patch painted. Story telling in miniature.
The Farish 3 planks were just going to be simply repainted - but I didn't think I could live with the inaccuracy of the single vs double side doors - so I carved off the Farish moulding and fabricated new straps and hinges in styrene, added a door bangers and also, tie rods between the axle boxes and a second set of brake shoes... the things we do for art!
What follows are some cruel close up photos - including my current favourite, 03162... remember - this is N... That lamp by the way, is Modelu... oh and notice the two different styles of warning flash on the 03...
So, with the threat of a Birkenhead layout passed, I'm left with these rather lovely reminders - since they're so tiny I'm happy to keep hold of them - and enjoy seeing them on Paxton Road. Yes, the wonder layout yet again becomes somewhere else, some time else... anyhow - I hope my wanderings and the challenge to try to create something personal and artful in this tiny scale encourages you in your own modelling. Until next time, more soon...
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No, I think this kind of thing keeps us sane James. these little (tiny in your case!) connections to our past, or to something important to us that we can use as visual, or physical reminders take us straight back there and give us that dose of what we need.
ReplyDeleteI have a N gauge SD39(?) in KT green and yellow stripes, just because of a song….
Keep up your good work
John
Thank you John. Little projects to keep us sane... yes, perhaps.
DeleteLovely pair of 3 plank wagons James! Time well spent I reckon. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, sat on my new bench in the sun, just heard 3802 with the first train of the day. Off for a ride behind D9525 later. Not bad hey!
DeleteI remember visiting Birkenhead Mollington Street depot back in the early 80s when I ran the model railway club at school - we used to write for passes and visit various depots across the country. The furthest we got from Bedfordshire in a day I recall were Newcastle and Gateshead, Liverpool Allerton and Cardiff Canton. I seem to remember Norwich Crown Point and Willesden too.
ReplyDeleteHappy memories. Can still see a lot in my mind's eye! I'm sure one of the Birkenhead 03s had something sign written on the top of the bonnet sides Must still have the slides somewhere.
Those slides would be a Time Machine David! Hope you’re well, glad to have rekindled some happy memories too…!
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