009 Lynton & Barnstable Observation Coach.

In bright sunshine the 009 L&B coach has been primed ready for it's top coat.

This is one of Brian Goldings excellent etchings- I have one more to build.

Once the top coat has been applied then door handles and hand rails, transfers will be fitted before a coat of varnish. Then windows and roof which will be a venetian blind slat fitted with lamp tops.

Although there are etched bogies in the kit I decided to use PECO kits which have had metal wheelsets substituted with the original plastic mouldings.

The mounting hole needs to be opened out to 4mm and they just clip in- lot of work saved!

The coach ends need reducing below the floor level to accommodate the couplings but otherwise it is straight forward.
 Please excuse the last picture slightly out of focus!

009 A1 Models Box Cab Kit.

These have lain unfinished for some time.

On receipt of a couple of new KATO 11-109 motorised bogies it seemed the right time to compare the new offering with the original 11-103.

Firstly the A1 kit builds to a very solid 009 model with little cleaning up of the etch and once a quick swipe with a glass fibre brush solders together easily.

Once assembled they were both given a couple of coats of red primer before the final coat of maroon was applied. When dry the roof was hand painted dark grey and numbers added. Then a coat of satin varnish sealed it all before glazing from a kit bubble card was fitted using canopy glue.

The only modification to the body was a couple of brass rod pieces attached at the lower part of the body side to aid attaching to the KATO bogie. I must add that spacers need attaching front and rear of the motor bogie to keep the body square. This is because the fitting clips are offset on either side so will skew if not retained..

This shows the differences between the two- the 109 is the lower chassis. They are totally interchangeable and will be run to ascertain the running differences. All I need now is a couple of model generators to fit so you are unable to see straight through the finely etched grills!

3mm BR&CW Type 3.

The transfers have finally been affixed and I am very pleased with the result.

Rather than having to fix individual numbers, often from several sheets, Railtec provide them as a complete loco set- everything you need on one sheet. They even supply an extra transfer in case you muck one up.

Steve is very helpful as to your needs and the service is usually very quick- allowing for present circumstances.

3mm Hymek Chassis fitted.

The chassis has been fitted to the Hymek. Also the first couple of handrails.

I am waiting for the numbering transfers to arrive from Railtec.

Once these have been applied then a coat of varnish before the windows are fitted.

These, as also on the 33'swill have to be cut individually or ,as I intimated before, I might try Glue N Glaze.

https://www.railtec-models.com/index.php

Ratio 4mm GWR Water Tower.

Pufferwillies delivered the water tower a few days after ordering.

It has reached the stage shown after a couple of hours work- reminds me that I have a white metal example in 3mm to finish as well.

The kit goes together well after cleaning up the areas where released from the sprue.

All of the plastic pieces have been assembled and a start has been made on adding the extremely fine brass etches.
https://www.pufferwillies-stm.co.uk/

3mm Scale type 3 Diesels- slowly getting there.

The tedious bit is touching up paintwork and colouring the various grilles and windscreen surrounds. One of the Crompton's and the Hymek are just about ready for transfers to be applied. Then a coat of matt varnish before the windows are cut out and fitted although I might try 'Glue and Glaze' this time.

Platform details for St Mewan- 4mm scale.

After what seems like forever, the figures and station furniture can be started on.

In idle moments I have painted numerous figures- not all 4mm.

The ticket collector is having a chat with a passenger. Both are ,I believe, Slaters figures.

A porter and the cleaner have a chat while a passenger waits for the branch train to arrive.

Opening the platform store. Kits were sourced from The Railway Conductor, Pufferwillies, Jacksons and others. Trying to support smaller suppliers who respond excellently.