Friday Update: Six Twelve Twenty-six…

Welcome to another Friday Update packed full of scale, type and prototype variety. I’ve just finished my first coffee of the day, but get yourself one and let’s take a look at what has been happening on the bench this week…

Is there a better way to kick things off than a tractor? This Bachmann model has been weathered, obviously, and renumbered, less obviously… and had a nose end make over. The headcode displays were removed and polished clear. The car headlight was added from an RT models part, with a fibre optic through to a new LED wired inside jumped on to the Bachmann circuit board. The result is a Scottish machine that is yet to be rebuilt, in this condition the prototpe had not even been fitted with air brakes. Weathering is in progress but already has begun to transform the look of the model.

If you’d like me to give your ready to run model a new identity, revised detailing or just bring it to life with some weathering I am able to turn these smaller commissions around more quickly between the larger ones so do get in touch to discuss your requirements. 

Meanwhile, back on the bench there are more Isle of Wight O2s! The last of these models from my customer, this trio were built many years ago and are beautifully finished. That said, the era on my customers layout has changed and they’re here for some gentle reworking and refinishing, the most drastic being 33, Bembridge which now has a Drummond boiler and will receive lined green. It is nice to have the variety of work here, and to be able to repair or refinish older kit built models is often a pleasure.

Another new project this week is the design of a pair of Welsh Highland coaches on 009. I’m looking to create scratch aid kits for these to aid my construction, etched I expect, with Peco bogies and metal wheels. So far work has been confined to sketches and drawings, working out some of the elements I want to include - I’ve still to work out really, the main bodywork assembly - normally I’d just use but joints and folds but it is harder on a larger coach like this - it will be a nice challenge to work through.

On the personal bench in the last few weeks has been another model you can chalk up to the want but don’t need list - this Northern Alberta example scratches an itch I’ve had for several years to model something of the railway. The donor model was a simple Atlas Union Pacific model that has been completely stripped, detailed and repainted - finished with some custom markings and weathering. The result is pleasing, and here, posed on Beaverbrook, a reminder of the challenges and benefits of working in N… it will get its own post and write up in time…

In a completely sideways distraction this pair of narrow gauge destined buildings grew from familiar Wills kits over last weekend. An Indian themed micro is in the offing, potentially a joint project with a good friend. I thought these might get us more focussed… hopefully the source is obvious whilst the character feels right…? There is more to do, painting and signage will transform them… an old Wills chapel has arrived to turn into a mission house - so the first I’ll have built with a nod to its origins!

We started the update with that 37. As part of the make over I designed some custom overlays for the headcode boxes, and for a few extra made - you can pick up a set for £5 including postage from Light Railway Stores. I’ve also restocked some of the Welsh Highland decals too, if you’re after a set - plus there is still some stock remaining of all three greeting card sets - take a look at my full range of bits and pieces here.

Mixed Train Daily and a pretend fire on the TV…

The weekend is nearly upon us and I’m hoping to have the road surface texture finished on Defiance, and possibly some colour on the Indian structures - progress on Cwmbach is notable by its absence… but we’ll see, I am not worried, it still feels a good project and it’s time will come. In addition, quiet mornings and sleepy dogs should let me enjoy a few more moments with my latest bargain book, Mixed Train Daily. This 1947 edition is old and tired, but the visual texture of the language is wonderful, and evokes, for me, the meandering style of (the later) Rice. The photos are rather wonderful too…

However, that’s it for now. Until next time, more soon…

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