Friday Update: Three Ten Twenty-five…

It seems to be ground hog day this week, not so much repetition but just endless painting and lining on several OO gauge models. Grab a coffee and let me share them with you…

So, as you can see - and more later, a pair of Isle of Wight O2 and a D14! Not the only thing on the bench this week though, as between times I’ve found a chance to progress my Minilink project…

I’ve not really shared much about this yet but you may have seen hints or suggestions that something was in the works. Well here, above, is one of five 3-D printed MiniLink containers (of my design) now working their way through the paint shop to be finished with these ancient FMR transfers. Themselves something of a mystery - who commissioned these or why were they created, I’ve never, ever found a photo of a model of this distinctive item - so I hope, when my model is finished, it will be quite something, certainly distinctive!

The first Isle of Wight 02 is the etched kit I assembled over previous Friday updates, now in the paint shop. The photo above shows how I go about lining something like this - a combination of Fox decals and hand painted corners - the results, below, worth the effort. She is nearly ready for weathering!

Whilst the second O2, below, is from an EFE model. This has been repainted in BR black, and I’m now waiting on the name and number plate to finish this off - again I used Fox lining, being careful to try and match the distinctive shapes, although perhaps the cab corner of the bunker is a little too sharp a radius. However, I think once sealed and reassembled properly this won’t be distracting to the overall neat effect. In this photo, I still have the boiler banding to apply - and a little detail painting to finish.

The weather has been kind and I’ve had the opportunity to get out and about a bit - a few photos show a 158 on Cefn Mawr viaduct, and a misty morning at the village crossing. Autumn is definitely my favourite time of year.

 

This weekend is the DMU gala here in the valley, and I’m very excited to enjoy the busy timetable - as well as beer and food at the village station, if you’re visiting then do let me know! Otherwise, more slow but enjoyable progress on N gauge wagons for me - as well as trying to avoid starting the latest Farish 08 (well, really and 09, and hence, my first) conversion. Next week I may well be travelling to Cardiff again, and I’d all goes to plan, via the Heart of Wales line - so daily blogging may suffer, but I’ll do my best to keep you all entertained with some back catalogue reflections if that is the case! Enjoy your downtime, wherever you are and whatever your plans. Until next time more soon…

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