Just because…
I made this. Just because - I like, no love creating things and making them my own…
I like the process, taking an inspiring photo, researching the prototype, thinking about the parts I’ll need. I enjoy the craft, of modifying made parts and making my own. The tools feel comfortable, the steps are second nature. The result is unique, and I feel better.
This is an aging Peco Ferry hybar open. I’ve replaced the chassis with one of Will at Coventry Railworks Peco replacements which offers a lot more finesse and yes, isn’t 100% accurate but good enough. I cut down the body, as some were later in life, and I fabricated the door bangers and tie down parts on the chassis in brass.
The prototype survived until the late 80s, they were dual (later just air) braked from new as ferry wagons. The OJX and OJA were used in agricultural lime traffic in Speedlink service and later as barrier wagons too… this one will be Railfreight red and grey.
Thoughts turn to the stages of finishing and this process of creation continues.
More, my regeneration through the soothing calm of craft works its magic. It is powerful to occasionally remember why we do this. Until next time, more soon…
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James I do like that chassis and its always nice to see your modelling skills and producing an excellent finished wagon. Your an inspiration to all us fellow modellers James.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kevin. The chassis are lovely, but it’s the modelmaking I really enjoyed on this one… mad as it seems!
DeleteIts nice to see the intricate bits of detail being added using brass.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin.
DeleteThe ferry lashing hooks are particularly subtle James. I wish I had seen the train ferry in action at Dover. I worked in Dunkerque in the late 1990's and managed to walk under the last train ferry (Nord Pas De Calais) when it was being repaired in the Dunkerque dry dock. All the ferry infrastructure was still in place and I think Dunkerque West terminal was shunted on the French side by post-WW2 Baldwin diesels? I might be wrong about that last bit as they were long gone by the time I was there. Great modelling as always, I look forward to seeing the OJX fully painted. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom - it's a great shame that the Channel Tunnel killed off the train ferry, and now, that itself is a shadow of its freight potential after the migrant crisis in the noughties. Ho-hum... this little Peco wagon is a nice muse for now. I need to draw up my own decals, as I can't find anything off the shelf (fancy that). Mind, I'll need some for the lime and alumina hoppers I'm planning too as they're not covered by the Coventry Railworks decal sheet.
DeleteI'm really enjoying your current exploration of the more obscure speed link wagons in N gauge James.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a treat coming then... Minilink anyone?
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