Déjà vu - Clay Tiger in N…

About two years ago EFE released their Clay Tiger in N gauge and with my life long interest in china clay railways one arrived here in North Wales…

Since then I’ve had several clear outs and re-focusing of the collection - one early casualty was my china clay stock, including this PBA. A few weeks ago Kernow had their remaining stock on offer and I picked a replacement up for just over £20. That first wagon had a distinctive bow in the chassis - but I swear this second one was worse! I dismantled it to component parts and cut out the material between the hopper doors on the chassis before putting it under heavy weights for a few days to correct the bend. On reassembly I superglued the frame to the weights and left it, again, under weights. This hasn’t entirely removed the upward curve but it is vastly improved. Sometimes we can live with a models shortcomings, sometimes we can’t. In this case extreme re-engineering has been necessary… I’m sure others wouldn’t have bothered.

A note on the weathering I suppose would be appreciated. Weathering pale colours is not the same as usual, so I look to adjust the shades used. Humbrol 72 (long discontinued) was used on the sides and ends, and the usual 98/33 for the trucks and underframe. Later 28 along the roof hatch and on the truck frames to whiten them up a touch. Wet on wet washes, where white spirit is applied first, then the enamels are thinned with more white spirit before applying and working as they dry with brushes - both regular and flat edged.

I think, looking at these studio shots and enjoying the model on both Penpont (!) and Paxton Road, that the result belies the scale - yes chunky handrails and ladders but otherwise, bags of character. For someone focusing on Speedlink in the late 80s early 90s, at Thornton yard in Fife, not owning one wasn’t an option. One day I’ll build that Auchmuty branch… until next time, 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.