Friday Update: Seven Eleven Twenty-five…

I’m exhausted! Lots going on beyond the work bench, worries and a mild cold, poor sleep and as a result it’s a miracle I’m still standing - yet here we are, looking back at a week of progress. Take a comfortable seat and a warm drink and let’s take a look…

It’s taken a fair amount of time but I’ve finally managed to swap the headcodes for domino dots on the Rat! This required the shell removing, the cab back and floor removing, the cab roof light removing and a cocktail stick to press out the plastic from inside the shell. I gently removed the previous decoration with a blade, polished them up with fine wet and dry and then applied the Railtec transfers with a gloss lacquer to aid adhesion. They’re not perfect, but neither was the prototpe, so I think they look pretty good. Good enough for now, and I can always change them if I need to! Posed here on Beaverbrook the Bachmann model feels detailed, heavy, comfortable and poised. With talk of a joint ‘Dym Byd’ project with another North Wales based modeller we will see if she gets to stretch her legs beyond the stock box. 

Now, the reason you all keep coming back (!), news on the Backwoods NGG16. I posted a short video on YouTube earlier this week of one of the chassis units with the valve gear fitted running in. It hasn’t been without sweat and tears but this milestone encouraged a good push on - seeing the pony trucks, frame tops and tanks added, as well as the boiler and cab section - and she comes alive. Remember this is a rescue project. The previous builder(s) gave up! The bodywork has been done to an exceptional standard though, and I’m sure it won’t take too long to detail these parts and have the model ready for paint.

At the other end of the narrow gauge spectrum, a Brandbright 16mm Peldon. I have re-wired and replaced the control system and now added fine yellow black edged lining. Hopefully I’ll be sharing a finished model on Monday.

Those who have visited here in North Wales will realise how small a space I work out of, so layout builds spread into the bottom room, the old garage. The worst part is the construction phase where wood seems to spread everywhere - and this 6ft cameo box is no exception - probably the worst offender as it’s much larger than I usually consider. This is a bit of a favour really, a specific requirement for a longer scene - and I just hope it works. Here you can see an aluminium angle being added to the Pelmet to ensure it doesn’t sag, I hope! With a prevailing wind the box will all be built up by middle of next week and onto more interesting scenery.

Yesterday saw my Minilink project revealed, and part 2 is well in hand now. Pictured here at the start of this week it was working its way through he final stages of the paint shop. All will be revealed soon, I promise! 

A quiet shuffle of wagons at Penpont to unwind earlier in the week, after all the excitement of the Ribbons launch and second print run. Here, arranged on the desk, you can appreciate just how small this scene is, and as I pick up the controller I can feel myself not concentrating at first, almost ready to walk away. However, I’ve found on Paxton Road too, if I push through that moment, calm quickly follows. Magic.

Last weekend saw 3802 out on trains in the valley, and I believe she is running this weekend too - with Sunday bringing home the last service train of the season. Looking back over 2025 I have been proud to volunteer and help produce DVM as well as sharing my photos for their publicity.

I’ll close this week with a gentle reminder of the tag line on each post. Whilst I’m very humbled by the number who visit everyday (now measured in thousands) putting this together takes my precious time and energy - very precious when it has been a week like this! Any donation or ‘tip’ is welcome, and helps take some of the guilt out of my Farish class 08 addiction. The PayPal donate button lets you do any amount (though they take nearly 25%), the ‘Buy me a coffee’ page gives a better return… sales pitch over.

The weekend beckons. At the same time as cutting wood for the new commission I also did the basics for Cwmbach - and have provisionally been invited to an exhibition with it now - always a motivation to press on with a project. Oh, and the kitchen needs decorating before Christmas! Wherever you are, whatever your plans, I do hope you can find some time for your hobby. Until next time, more soon…

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