Friday Update: Thirty One Twenty-six…

Welcome to Friday, we’ve made it, the Last Leg returns to Channel 4 this evening, there is BR blue on the bench and more, narrow gauge too - grab a hot drink (because gosh, isn’t it gloomy again - at least there) and let’s take a look…

I’m well in to the swing of commissions again now, it has taken a few weeks to warm up but it feels nice to be busy once more. A new entry this week, in at number one are a trio of BR blue models. Kicking us off a pair of Accurascale Class 31. It is interesting, as whilst I don’t have them back to back, I do feel these have a little bit of an edge over the Bachmann model I was introduced to last year. Not a huge difference you understand, but small touches, like the buffers and body side glazing. The first step was to renumber each, as one another! Railtec decals now sealed in satin lacquer ready for weathering. Crew fitted whilst I had the shells removed and the headcode on 409 replaced with ‘0000’ at each end. One of these will be lightly weathered, the other a little heavier but nothing decrepit.

The third model is a Sutton Locomotivd Works 25, in for some minor reworking and a very very light weathering. The main job is to better represent the exhaust arrangement of the prototype so I was pleased to find the fitted example just prised off! That saved a lot of potential damage… in comparison again, with a Bachmann model, I wondered if all the hype was worth it - and on the whole, I’d say yes I think it probably is… the detail is just more refined, everywhere. I can’t find anything one has that the other doesn’t but the pipework has every little bit of the sockets and connections replicated, the etched grills are just a little more refined… my Bachmann one was easy to get hold of, and cost less than £160. The Sutton models start at £210 and are a little harder to get your hands on… I can see space for both - and even side by side, they could work in a modellers collection. 

A few years ago I did a 7mm/ft narrow gauge Talyllyn, a restoration job - and here I am doing her sister, Dolgoch for the same customer. This time I’ve replaced the old open frame motor (which still worked but was tired, and had lost some of its power, umph if you like) with a High Level coreless example - it just fits within the boiler. The body is slowly being painted and detailed, you can see it mid lining above, showing how I go about adding the corners and straights but before the edge is painted in black. 

Another narrow gauge model that has briefly visited this week is this 009 Talyllyn. This arrived for repair, my customer had struggled with the Fourdees conversion - but I was able to rectify the small error in assembly and re-solder the motor before repairing the broken parts and fixing the whole thing together- she looks lovely without the running boards. If you have a similar problem do get in touch. I will give you a minimum (and expected maximum) price to give you a good idea of what is possible.

The second Ribbons is progressing nicely and it’s exciting to share the cover, which gives a strong hint to one contributor! I’ve expanded to 60 pages giving more space for content whilst continuing the same feel and mix of short and longer pieces. Heartfelt and honest, reflective and thought provoking with some great model making alongside, I can’t wait to open pre-orders! Watch this space or sign up to the newsletter for the first news on when this will be available.

It seems a lifetime ago already with the ups and downs of the week but on Monday I took a trip by train to Chester, primarily to visit the model shop as I was need of some new craft knife blades. I picked up some other supplies and had a look at the TT:120 Class 37 in the flesh (very nice) before taking a stroll to the locks, and hoping to capture a train… the light was poor, weather overcast so black and white and some post processing gives us this result which shows promise but there is such a lack of notice with these modern units and their silenced exhausts that you don’t have long to get the shot! It was a pleasant day out, I also picked up the latest MRJ in TGJones and enjoyed a read over a flat white in Starbucks before heading back to the station. Sadly all 197 travel as I was not in time for the Birmingham trains with their 158s… 

Uesterday my partner and I had lunch out in Betws-y-coed, and enjoyed a walk along the river. It struck me that the layering of greens and browns I had on Coalbridge Street aped the back scene whilst the river bank with its deciduous species, leafless, silver grey with moss on upper surfaces and clinging ivy might make an interesting season to present Cwmbach… funny how when we’re out, miles from inspiration we can still make connections to our model railways. 

As I type this the big dog needs a walk yet it’s overcast, dull and dark outside again. I’ll find the energy and feel better for it, but already I miss the bright skies and sunshine I readily enjoyed on Wednesday. I’m not sure what the weekend will bring, but I’ll be back here again tomorrow, finding something to share with you all I’m sure - 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.