Skytrex SR Water Column.

There are a couple of options for the appropriate water column. This is the offering from Skytrex which is part resin, part white metal.
After a minimal amount of cleaning flash, the whole thing was glued together in a couple of minutes.
Then down to the spray facility-shed- and a quick waft of grey undercoat. The water bag has a dark brown flecked black finish whilst the base is dry brushed with various pigments.
So that's the column- the water tower has the tank made and painted, just needs something to stand it on!

Thumper!!

I must admit that this is a bit of an indulgance.

Whilst browsing in Colletts in Exmouth, I asked if Leigh could get me a green Thumper.

He e-mailed a few days later saying one had arrived for me. So down to Exmouth to pick up this and some new Hornby non corridors.

It does run beautifully but doesn't get much of a journey on Woodlands- it is only 5ft 6inches long scenically.

Woodlands Station.

 Well, the station building is virtually complete, just a couple of down pipes to fit.
I waited for some Lanarkshire Models chimney pots and excellent castings they are.

Ratio fencing is shown on the left together with a Monty's Models ticket collector.

I must admit I am alittle frustrated with the clarity of the pictures buthopefully this will improve.

To the left isthe rearview of the gents facility together with concrete fencing by-again- Ratio.

The roadways are formed with a surface of 1200 grit wet and dry paper- Screwfix do ten sheets for about £3.50. I now have a lifetimes supply!!

Slowly the basis of the scenery is being formed , there needs to have the back scene completed with some more 9mm ply.

Well then-which one is best?

 Well, you wait many years then two come along at once! The Oxford and Hornby Adams Radial have both been released. Much has been said in the model press and on discussion sites but here is an honest, unbiased opinion.
Both have their pro's and con's.
 For a start the Oxford version is a radial, Hornby have made the radial truck separately from the chassis. The Oxford has silver handrails- easily sorted with a coat of black paint.
Much has been said about the lack of light below the Oxford boiler but unless you look closely or are in the know then it is not immediately obvious.
Perhaps it is unkind that one has real coal in the bunker but this is easily rectified.
The real difference is the running straight out of the box- the Hornby is smoother and quieter- not that after some running in the Oxford is not acceptable- far from it especially when you consider I paid nearly thirty quid less for it.
So, both are good models, Oxford must be congratulated for producing such an excellent first try into the world of Model locomotives and I think they have succeeded.
I must admit that I also bought the LSWR version- by Hornby- Colletts Models had sold out of the Oxford version!

Woodlands Station.

The first part ofWoodlands is the Station building. Based loosly on Downton on the Salisbury and Dorset Joint Railway, it is artist mounting card covered with Builder Plus brick paper and individually fitted roof tiles. The chimneys are to be finished with chimney pots.

Running In.

At last Woodlands is operational enough for running in to proceed. The Bachras Saddle is ideal for me due  to its versatility . I model in both 3mm and 4mm and this is capable of running both plus-at a stretch it will also accommodate 7mm!

This Oxford Adams Radial is part of the loco stud to be used on Woodlands-and yes ,I have a very far ranging Modellers License.