Delayed by the postal strike, I must say that the wait was worth it!
Withe a die-cast metal frame and added detail the result is stunning.
This- yet again- provides impetus to dispose of vast amounts of 00 gauge stock and concentrate on the five layouts that I have or are proposed.
New Year resolutions are great- aren't they?
This one has been well made and, if I can remove the roof, will be paired with said all 3rd.
Couplings need fitting- Sprat and Winkle as usual- then it will be ready for forthcoming layout.
The layout will be based around Wells so I can use S&DJR, Southern and GWR locos and stock.
It is absolutely gorgeous- so much so that a lot of my oo gauge items are going to be sold to make way for more 0 gauge.
I will still have 009 layouts and stock plus 00 gauge Watershoot Bay and Woodlands as well as the two venerable 3mm layouts Hennock and Teignford.
Much 0 gauge track and turnouts have been amassed and a new layout is being planned- but not too big.
I had known Nigel for over 20 years and we shared a mutual pastime of model railways.
We attended many shows as exhibitors and days out to various places of mutual interest.
A qualified sparky, Nigel also had a passion for military aircraft and ships- his attention to detail was astonishing.
Seen here on board a Lancaster Bomber taxiing together with a member of the aircrew. His last days saw him having visits arranged for him which had always been wished for.
Rest in peace my friend- one of the nicest most genuine people I had the privilege to know.
Supplied with a 17 page instruction booklet plus a couple of sheets of historical data.
As suggested I am making the chassis first although work has been done on the body whilst waiting for chassis components to cure.
Below is how far I have progressed. This coach will be a nondescript Maroon for use on the next 0 gauge layout.
The brake gear is brass, made up from a well etched sheet.
No specific transfer sheet is available although some of the Shocvan/ Palvan sheet is useful although no made up wagon numbers are supplied.
So, more ficticious numbers but you can't read them when the wagon is moving!
The transfers need to be applied and Sprat & Winkle couplings fitted.
A challenge to interpret and fit the brake mechanism which I am not really happy with but you can't see it when the van is in motion!
An excellent kit which wen t together excellently.
When searching there seemed to be no Southern Freight Stone available so I used weathered sand from Precision Paint.
Pleased with the result.
This van I purchased recently and no info was given as to maker.
Possibly a Parkside Dundas kit, it will be useful for the next 0 Gauge layout which will be located in S&D, Southern and Great Western area.
Finally a Skytrex 7 plank with coke raves. The purchase was made due to the wagon having metal wheels- all other Skytrex wagons I have are plastic wheels.
It is simple to remove the sides- they both unscrew, which have been sprayed gloss black and will be branded with a West Country owner.
Originally built as a pharmacy car , a batch of four I believe, They were converted to Milk Brake Vans around late 1918.
1399 is preserved at the Severn Valley Railway at the Bewdley Cattle Dock.
The only things missing are the transfers!
Weighing in at 1.7kg this little bundle of fur has been an absolute delight and worth every minute that has been spent training and nursing to full health.
None of the info we were given turned out to be true- not chipped or vaccinated and his coat was severely matted.
Moving on some six weeks we now have an adorable , affectionate puppy that has repaid our work immeasurably
After six weeks Alan is now fully vaccinated etc plus he is now a healthy 4.8kg.
He is a keen modeller - sits on my lap ensuring I don't do anything- but the rewards are priceless.
Here's hoping we get back to serious modelling- but I don't hold out a lot of hope!
Watershoot Bays first outing is at the Minehead exhibition on the 6th August.
A new venue this year at the West Somerset College, Bircham Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6AY.
Open 10am to 4.30 .
