Curtains for steel - the PXA (Part 2)…

I’ve referenced in part 1, but I’ll mention it again because it has a lot to answer for - that green 03, what a magical machine and without which neither this nor the PFA would have become a wonderful adventure in N gauge kit bash and scratch-building…

The fifty four PXA were built by Powell Duffryn in 1986 (thanks to Cavalex for the history) to two diagrams. I’ve chosen the more numerous type with fixed bulkhead ends and a tarpaulin between them. These worked steel to and from South Wales for British Steel as well as later import and export from Boston docks - some lasting to the early noughties in Enterprise service for one off spot loads. In the late 90s thirty eight were converted by RFS to a bogie box scrap wagon for Sheerness Steel. 

They’re distinctive, the bright blue hoods with their lightly angled profile weathered to a nice shade in use and to me, they were a perfect prototype to try out a few modern scratch-building ideas with… but more, that wonderful 03, it needed them - so I did too…

The wagons bring my favourite methods together. I was lucky to receive a scanned copy of the works drawing from regular reader Alex - this allowed me to confirm the N Gauge Society bogies were ’close enough’, especially paired with some of Neil’s wonderful 6.2mm Mosskito wheels. A 3D designed ‘core’ included the basic chassis frame, ends and ribbed ‘former’ for the curtain. The platforms received a 2D designed custom etch with ladders and handrails (oh and some label clips) whilst the curtain was formed in plain printer paper. West Coast models buffers do the honours whilst under the frame a range of bits of wire and plastic tube and section along with bits from the ‘bit box’ and some etched hand wheels completed the impression of what should be there…

A note on wheels - the NGS 6.2mm rubbed on the chassis after I’d lowered the bogies a touch, so I fitted 5.6mm from Mosskito but these looked too small, so a few small paper shims were added and the lower profile Mosskito 6.2mm plain disc then fitted without hampering operation.

That wonderful 03, it needed them - so I did too…

Primer sealed the paper and painting in normal enamels followed - a gloss lacquer providing a sound foundation for the custom designed decals and smattering of smaller labels from various Fox transfer sheets. A blend of satin and matt lacquer sealed this before weathering with my usual shades. Each of these stages described a comfortable step forward. Familiar tools and processes, calming and meditative, the model becomes a reality through its restorative effect on me - and so, is more than just a model train. Much more…

So there we are, another wagon and another tale - a story of inspiration and creation - and the benefit of making things myself. It looks wonderful on Paxton Road - and just one more type to create, ar some point, to finish the Boston trilogy. For now though, I’ll shunt her with my new Class 47 and day dream about what other wagons I’d like to make, what other journeys I’d like to take and of the mindful benefits they’ll reward. Until next time, more soon…

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