00 Gauge Sprat and Winkle couplings.

 

There are two possible sizes of Sprat and Winkle couplings to choose from to use with 00 gauge stock.

On the left is the 4mm scale designated one which is for remote uncoupling and shunting. So, after looking at the original type seems somewhat oversize.

The option is to use the 3/4mm scale ones which are a lot smaller and neater.

 

 The 4mm size is shown attached to a Bachmann Toad Brake Van which to my mind looks far too big.

So, another order to Wizard Models resulted in an etch of 3/4mm couplings which are a lot neater and enable closer coupling. As St Mewan is a small layout ,tight curves are not an issue so reduced distance between vehicles is possible.

Then I found these on a well known auction site which, on arrival had the smaller type fitted.                     

Shown here is one of the wagons as received with the coupling made with the mounting plate- a lot neater I think you will agree. So after that I have decided on the 3/4mm type.     My biggest problem is making and fitting the 3 links to attach to the paddle to enable magnetic uncoupling. My eyesight wont enable me to assemble them without a lot of frustration.             

This is my attempt at fitting the couplings. instead of assembling on a mounting plate some .4mm holes to thread the wire through were drilled in the wagon base.

Loops are bent from .33 nickel silver wire and superglued in the holes so that, if required, the original couplings could be refitted with a minimum of damage.

So, now I am on a roll and waiting for some preformed links from H&A Models.

https://www.hamodels.net/

Making and fitting the first Sprat and Winkle wagon coupling.

Cracking on from the last post sees one van as received and the way the previous owner had fitted the couplings.

Then started a batch build of the later type together with uncoupling loops. This is where you find that your eyesight isn't as good as it was! I ended up enlarging the soft iron loops so I could see them to fit to the paddle. It ended up with me fitting the loops before fixing the paddle to the mounting plate. thus the first wagon fitted by me was a conflat.

 

Sprat and Winkle fitted 4mm wagons.

Whilst browsing the internet, I came across some EM Sprat and Winkle fitted vans- three in total.

More out of interest on how the couplings were fitted I rang and purchased three.

Swiftly delivered they turned out to be in excellent condition, the Palvan was kit built very well the other two were Bachmann. There was a lot of care taken to build and fit the couplings. The EM wheelsets were quickly re-gauged but were replaced with 00 gauge examples.

 The couplings turned out to be the ones that cant be shunted when uncoupled but a quick order to Wizard Models produced an etch of the later type plus some mounting plates- so to work!

Updated scenes from St Mewan.

 

A few scenes from St Mewan as it hurtles towards completion.

Only a few passengers are awaiting the next service- nearly outnumbered by staff- that was the nature of things then all contributing to the ruthless removal of perceived loss making infrastructure.

No thought for the future was given at that time!

 

Livestock Dock for St Mewan-00 Gauge.

 The dock is just about finished, just needs a few lengths of straw and a few cow pats to complete. Then the water trough and tap can be placed ready for a few bits of livestock. Considering it was made of bits from the spares box it has turned out quite well and perfectly fits the intended area.

Kernow Models Delabole 00 Gauge Presflos.

I had been considering purchasing these Presflos from Kernow Models for some time being of Cornish branding.

So when they appeared as part of their exhibition offers I ordered a set. For just shy of £30 they are a real bargain. The detail is first class and putother Presflos in the shade!

As a rake of three, they give another option to the working of St Mewan. They are brought to the terminus to be turned and despatched- well that's my  excuse anyway!

 

S&D Railway Trust Limited 0 Gauge Wagon.

 

Recently took delivery of this 0 Gauge wagon from the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust.

A duplicate of the 00 gauge one I have shown recently but, being O Gauge it is a limited run of only 24.

https://www.sdrt.org/Sales.html

 

Like buses- no Shepton Mallet wagons then two come along!

 

Recently I took delivery of a couple of special edition wagons from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust. One in 0 Gauge and the other in 00.

I have been looking to enlarge my S&D collection and had so far found five wagons.

Then I had a look at the cabinet in the loft and lo and behold another wagon I had forgot appeared. This time for the Mendip Granite Works. 

 Wessex Wagons issue 92 limited edition which had a production run of 167.http://www.wessexwagons.co.uk/

A trip to Shillingstone September 2020.

Two Polish constructed USA tank locos are resident at Shillingstone, one 30075 is undergoing   restoration while 30076 is patiently waiting for its turn. No timescale as yet.

    Newly delivered Hudswell 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter will provide enough power to complete the track re-alignment once more flexibility is available.

Shillingstone is open to visitors on Saturday's and Sunday's at present with limited facilities

 

00 gauge Western National bus for St. Mewan.

As I am producing two layouts, St. Mewan  in 4mm and  Gwartha Vellan in 009, I have produced some suitable buses for the area. This was served by Western National so I have a couple of Bristol K6'sand this single decker. One of the double deckers has St Austell on the destination blind- this one is bound for Falmouth . Replacement branding and destination blinds were sourced from e-bay .

St. Mewan Signal Box nameplate- 00 Gauge.

 Just a couple of days ago I received the nameplate from Narrow Planet and it has already been fixed into place. It wasn't until I viewed the photo that I realised it is slightly wonky- new glasses to blame i'm afraid. Still, as it's secured with UHU glue it should be easy enough to refit.

Projects in 00 gauge.

After some time there has come the opportunity to update on the end of Covid lockdown projects.  First of those is a renewed enthusiasm for 4mm and the first to benefit is St. Mewan. 

Several new wagons have been aquired . One of these is a new release from the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust of a Mendip Mountain Quarry four plank. There is also a companion in O gauge but this is produced as a five plank wagon on nine foot chassis. Once I produce a small O gauge test track I will post pictures. This is because Cringle Street Goods has migrated to a new home in S&D country.