3mm auto couplings modifiction.

For sometime I have been considering updating the couplings on my 3mm stock.

Problems have occured with the uncoupling wire shorting on loco chassis. This aspect of the operation I wanted to remove.

So, this is the solution I have come up with, not dissimilar to that which is used on Hillbrow, Woody Lane and Woodlands.

The dropper has been turned through 90 degrees and a steel pin soldered through the hole in the dropper.

This will be activated by rare earth magnets under the baseboard. At present I have fitted the modified couplings to stock which has Fencehouses etched nickel silver chassis but will turn attention to locos and other stock soon as Teignford is booked to appear at Westfest at Verwood in September.

300th Post- Woody Lane update.

Yes indeed, this is the 300th post on Dorset Railway Modelling.

Many more are on the now inaccessible Dorset 3mm Modelling blog.

So- a couple of new buildings for the Station approach, one is a resin offering, the other is the Severn Models etched brass workshop.

This was soldered together and dry brushed brick colour over a white matt undercoat.

Below, for something different is a bus under a bridge. In this case a Shamrock and Rambler Bedford OB coach.

Alton Febex 2019.

 Nigel showed his 3mm layout North Ealing . This was originally made for the 3mm Society 50 something challenge to mark the society's 50th Anniversary.

There was a fair amount of snow on the drive to Alton but all roads were passable using common sense!

However, the van handbrake got frozen on overnight and we just made it to the exhibition with two minutes to spare before opening!

 Braving the elements and attending on Sunday was the 009 Glynn Valley Tramway layout by the REC Farnborough.

I had not seen this layout previously and what a lovely job has been made.

I had also never previously seen the Fourdees GVT engine. The body is a super 3D print and beautifully finished but being powered by a KATO chassis my personal opinion is that it is too expensive.

009 Woody Lane- an update.

The building from Severn Models has been joined by a small stone building from the Bachmann range.

These will form a small feature behind the Station area.

Just have to paint and detail these before Woody Lanes' debut at Compton Dundon in March.

Peco 0 Gauge 16ton Great Western Brake Van.

 Looking at the available GW Brake Vans, I wanted the smallest example for the 0 Gauge layout as yet un-named.

I considered the Parkside 20Tonner before deciding on the Peco 16 Ton offering.

Although slightly more expensive than the Parkside 20 Tonner I felt that this one would be more in keeping with a 5ft long layout!

Well, below is how far I have gotten with this kit - a disaster occured after priming, more of which anon.

Wessex Wagons 00 Lymington Salt Works Wagon.

Number 352 in Wessex Wagons releases is illustrated to the right.

Based  on historic documents this my first salt wagon, indeed it is my first wagon of this type.

Number 83 of 125 t
his is a well detailed and printed example of Wessex Wagons adherence
to fidelity- albeit tailored from documental evidence.

Excellent offering Bruce!

The Mosquito has landed.

I wanted an alternative to the Hawk for RAF Misarah. So the Mosquito has been finished ready for deployment. OK- I know the markings are somewhat speculative but its my etc. etc.

It just about fits the apron on Misarah so I need to remove the Hawk and then conjure up a way to transport both without damage.