Anyscale Bedford OYD Coal Merchants-4mm.

 The detailing is really subtle and will be better defined when painted or maybe primed in this instance. I usually use a mid grey primer to accentuate the glazing.
This is a well thought out set of castings and cleanly produced, which all points to a good model when completed.
www.anyscalemodels.com

Canal Narrowboat from Anyscale-4mm.

 Second up from Anyscale is this narrowboat.
Haven't yet measured this one but it is of greater length than the one by Mountford recently described.
Again there is little flash to clean off and then a clean with soapy water before painting.
www.anyscalemodels.com

Anyscale Models Half Submerged Boat-4mm Scale.

Recently I ordered some resin castings for Stuart at Anyscale Models. These were delivered after just a few days. The first up is a half submerged boat- like is seen along any bank where moorings exist. Just a small amount of cleaning up before washing to remove any release agent from the casting and then, in Stuarts own words, can be painted with either enamel or acrylic paints without the need for primer.
See www.anyscalemodels.com

February 009 News.

The latest 009 News dropped through the letterbox on the 22nd January.
We were lucky enough to be next to Howard at Romsey and what an innovative layout- just loved the railcars.
A new inclusion is the Novice Corner . We all had to start somewhere and the subject starts with the building of an 009 wagon from a kit.
Whilst some may feel that this is teaching us to suck eggs, it must be remembered that all model railway societies constantly recruit new members.
Encouragement for new members is what will enable the particular society to flourish and move forward.
Some new technology is somewhat beyond me but others, 3D printing for example, give opportunities to create models which would have been beyond me only a few years ago.
So, don't make disparaging noises because of the inclusion of such articles- we all had to start somewhere!

Woody Lane 009-The Beginning!

 Thus begins the build of Woody Lane-The fascia nameboard rests on the join between the two baseboards which in total will give a usable length of 7 feet.

 

The approach from the fiddle yard on board one.

 

 

 

 

 

The station and canal board.

RAF Masirah Railway.

This is the slim tome that started my small 009 layout.
The contents are fascinating as to how this system evolved and indeed survived.
It traces the history and personnel that were involved and the innovative way that replacements and the upkeep that kept it running up until the base was taken over by the Sultan of Oman's air force assumed control.
Worth finding- I wonder how many more books in this series were published?

Southern Nouveau.

There has been a book of this name published some time ago. It was eventually remaindered by various dealers and the now defunct Book Club which provided flyers in most model railway magazines.
It has now been re-introduced in a much larger tome.
It is excellent with so much information on the concrete products produced at Exmouth Junction by the Southern Railway and its successors.
Highly recommended.

4mm Scale Narrow Boat.

I picked this up at the 009 Ilton members day last Saturday.
I haven't heard of The Mountford Model Railway Accessories before and so I must do some searching to see if this was their only product as it is a rather good moulding in grey resin.
Let me know if you can add to this.

Blue Model Trains 009.

I realised that I didn't show the rest of the mouldings, or prints, for Rheanus.
Here they are although it is difficult to get a good photo of something translucent.
When Rheanus is re-painted these parts will be added.

SWOONS 2018.

Whilst preparing for the SWOONS get together at Ilton this weekend I thought I would show the stock boxes I use for transportation.
Occasionally I see JBModel World at shows, the last being Fareham last year. He produces various formats which fit most scales. I use the N Gauge ones for 009 and find them ideal although the larger PECO coaches are a very snug fit.
The contact details are shown on the left- I have no connection other than a satsified customer.

The changing face of Rheanus-009.

 The changes for Rheanus appeared almost as soon as the model arrived.
Blue Model Trains via Shapeways was quick off the mark with a smokebox door, backhead and pump. A replacement chimney was also ordered but due to production difficulties could not be printed so this wasn't added to my order. Subsequently this has been redrawn and is now available.
I will see what Narrow Planet have at SWOONS this weekend.
Anyway, the smokebox door makes quite a difference as does the painting of the footplate-badly- a quick job as eventually both Rheanus and Skargoey will bothbe receiving new paint jobs.

Woodlands Level Crossing Box-4MM.

 The advantage of modelling in more than one scale or gauge is that there is always an alternative should you become bored or just stuck for ideas.
Woodlands has been slowly evolving over a couple of years, probably more.
One of the reasons to get the layout erected is the nameplate  received from Mike of Jurassic just before Christmas.
So, the crossing box is complete-less rodding etc and is shown placed roughly in position next to the level crossing. One of Bachmanns' crossing keepers cottages is in the background- not yet decided whether it will be used as intended.
However, Woodlands can't be up for long as Hillbrow has to be prepared for Ilton 009 Members day.

3MM Scale Southern 02.

 Just getting back into the swing of some modelling after the Christmas festivities.
This one is an Isle of Wight loco- the extended bunker gives it away!
This one came from my mate Nigel and is a ready to run chassis with a partially completed etched brass body- an ex Falcon Brass/Jidenco kit.
Most is completed on the chassis, just the axels to cut to length and add a bit of weight. The body needs the cast bits attached and the bunker finished so a bit to do before painting.
The Southern stock is starting to expand so must also complete some coaches for them to haul, I have more than enough wagons although I have many unbuilt kits with Fencehouses chassis.

3mm Scale Southern region Q1

 This has been slowly worked on for the last I don't know how long. I know I bought it with a Tri-ang TT 0-6-0 Jinty mechanism which is now safely ensconced in a TT loco.
The chassis is etched nickel silver  frames with spacers for 12mm track- some I have a stock of from the 3MM Society shop.
The wheels are the latest Bulleid pattern from the 3MM Society and are know as square wheels because of the axles which have ends akin to Romfords but are simply glued on and are self quartering.
I made good use of Colin's chassis jig and the axles and connecting rods fitted first time- just need to cut the excess pin length off.
The loco body and tender are virtually as bought but will have a repaint with correct numbering.

Track Shack- Isle of Man.

Just a  quick note today.
I ordered a couple of items from Track Shack , Peel, Isle of man,last Friday- excellent web site by the way, and the postman delivered this lunchtime.
It does make a change when the website is clear and concise - I did ask by e-mail if they did, or intended , to keep a particular line and received a very courteous reply at 9.15 this morning.
Bearing in mind the bank holiday then I think this service and level of customer care deserves highlighting-Well done Track Shack!