Powsides 4mm scale rub-down transfers.

The price of Limited Edition wagons from Dapol has become one step too much.

So, what to do to expand the China Clay fleet? Now what I am proposing is probably too much for the purist- so please look away now!

Powsides catalogue is extensive in both 4 and 7mm scales with quite a few ready printed kits and RTR models thrown in for good measure.

However, I aquired some very inexpensive 4 plank Oxford Rail wagons and after removing the printed on legend undercoated and then sprayed black.

The inside has been left in primer grey but, being gloss black, the transfers will adhere well.

I will admit it is trickier to apply the transfers rather than a flat unassembled side as I had previously done.

After cutting to size and attaching the film to the wagon side with low tack adhesive tape I was able to rub the transfers on without too much trouble.

The result -below- bears this out I feel- then one more black wagon to similarly treat then I will see what kits I have left or if more  Oxford Rail wagons will need to be sourced. Just need to seal with matt varnish then reassemble the wheels, buffer heads and couplings.One more clay wagon to go before another Somerset collieries wagon is started.

 

A canal boat for Gwartha vellan.

I believe that this moulding originated from Anyscale Models- some time ago. It languished in grey primer and a black hull until I finally plucked up courage to add colour.

I am quite pleased with the result, I just need to source some suitable transfers to decorate the cabin area- it will not be quite so elaborate as the original- anyway I can't find suitable signage!

The coal load is a resin moulding which, with a modicum of fettling fits the loading bay.

The canal wharf at Gwartha Vellan will have something to moor now!

 

A visit to Shillingstone S&DJR.

Periodically I meet a friend at the preserved station at Shillingstone in Dorset. There always appears to be progress although the Covid pandemic has quietened things down a little. The long awaited permission to extend the line is with the Council and unfortunately has to wait in the queue as has everything else. No planning or lease agreements means that the work can't proceed which is a shame as a lot could have been done safely in the present climate.

A real Mechanical Horse and trailer are also being restored and judging by the work so far will be an absolute cracker. Much of the cab has had to be rebuilt and the engine needed some work also. Still the work so far is a credit to those participating.

Wagons have been received from the S&DJR Trust at Washford- these include the crane which is on the flat wagon. The covered wagons frame had to be removed for transport as it would be overheight for bridges en-route.

 

Production batch of Jurassic Models 009 Wooden Wagon kits.

The second batch- production versions have arrived. To order yours please contact Mike on-mike.jurassic@btinternet.com

Eight more lazer cut kits requiring PECO wagon chassis.

I only have three chassis that are suitable so a quick order to Derails secured the five I need. For some reason it is cheaper to buy a complete wagon (unpainted) than a chassis kit from other suppliers.

Still that is my gain.

https://www.derails.co.uk/

 

Just for something a bit different some of these wagons have been branded GV for use on Gwartha Vellan. I have used some rub down transfers that were in stock all sealed with cheap matt varnish.

The Box & Sons wagon is , of course, fictitious but adds some variety to the rake.

There are still a couple to make and they will have a different livery from these all ready made.

009 etched brass L&B Observation Car.

Finally have touched in the chips on the L & B observation coach.

This is a brass etch from Brynkits which appears to no longer be available.

The bogies have been substituted for PECO examples- will run with my existing stock.

The roof is my usual venetian blind slat glued on with UHU and secured with elastic bands whilst curing.

Last photo sees completed coach.

 

Completed 009 Wooden kit wagons.

 Both wagons are now finished. They are connected by a simple bent brass pin which will also be used on subsequent wagons.

They will be run as a rake of six with a Greenwich coupling at one outer end and a coupling with no loop at the other.

I am very pleased with the result and await further kits.

Thoroughly recommended for a beginner as the chassis is RTR and the wagon simple to assemble.

00 Gauge Hornby GWR 4 wheel coaches.

 

I had been intending to purchase a GWR liveried Autotrailer for the GW stock for St. Mewan.

However, remembering I had some unused gift vouchers from Christmas, I decided to order this pair of Hornby 4 wheeled coaches from Derails.

https://www.derails.co.uk/

Ordered on a Friday evening they arrived on Monday lunchtime- excellent service that I have come to expect from Big and Small Dans and Saul- thanks guys!

These two are of the same quality as the Southern Railway one's I already have.

The only downside is a First and Third or Tri- composite which would have been better for a short train for a micro layout.

Still, Hattons are producing these so I will patiently drum my fingers until I can see if there is a good livery match when they are released.

In the meantime must getback to modelling!