Friday Update: Twenty-two Five Twenty-six…

Well somehow it’s half term and officially my eldest step-daughter’s last day of high school too, May seems to be flying and progress is good - but the work keeps rolling in (thank you all) making a break any time soon not very likely. A few bits of progress and some new things to share, so get yourself comfortable and let’s take a look…

A collection of 4mm scale models in view here, with visible progress on the IoW pair in brass centre, as I’m moving onto details and pipework this week with half an eye on having them in the paint shop next week - we will see… these things don’t always go as smoothly as I’d like - I’ve reworked the front wheel arches this week as I wasn’t happy with their fit, but cut my finger quite badly in the process - the dangers of working with sharp metal! No lasting damage, but sore today…

Another pair (and there are more besides upstairs in boxes) one of which was my previous commission, are here for reworking to represent a specific time period on the island - all that work is for later though. A pair of Manning Wardles too - with the 00-12 in the paint shop and the Rapido arrival still on the bench despite the etch artwork going off earlier in the week. Variety, as always…

The 03 has featured heavily this week - but it’s what’s behind that I’ve been working on as a commission - a Cavalex Class 56 has been weathered and went back home yesterday - so that will feature on Monday’s ‘Commission’ slot. It was good fun working on something a little different - I enjoyed studying a few prototype photos to work out how dirt and crud accumulated on them in the BR blue years. My weathering services are easy to fit around larger commissions so do get in touch if you’re interested in me working on your own box fresh model - the turn around might be quicker than you imagine.

The other commission making progress this week is the 16mm stuff that has been residing on the window sill… paintwork well in hand and I’ll let this harden over the weekend and get on with weathering and finishing touches next week. These models naturally have a lot of presence - I find weathering in this larger scale am interesting blend of caricature and reality, I’m looking forward to it!

A few projects to touch on now, the weathering book has progressed another step this week - I’ve weathered and taken photos of the first item for inclusion - all of which are pictured above. All of this has been bought by myself, no discounts, no favours, no free advertising. You’ll be getting a book from my heart and my wallet…

Meanwhile, below, a new idea begins to take shape - the idea is to get us a step back towards analog again, and unplug our layout design work. I won’t say more yet, but the rough idea is a complete, branded, layout design set with templates, curve guides, pencil and gridded note book… ideally with a low-fi website alongside to share and socialise with like minded individuals…

Last weekend I created an 03 rather than do the wiring on Cwmbach. We’ll see if the warmer weather is a help or hindrance to further progress on this small but snails paced layout project. In the meantime, have a good relaxing weekend and there will be, as always, more soon…

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