Happy Christmas all.

 

 My attempt at an environmental Christmas Greeting!

Nigel Cullimore passed away on 24th October.

 

It is a very sad occasion when we loose a great friend.

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.

Slaters 0 Gauge 4 Wheeled Coach- Full Third Dia. S9.

Next on the build list is a coach- first one I have made in 0 Gauge.

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.

 

0 Gauge Slaters Palvan kit- completed.

The Slaters Palvan kit is now completed. An excellent kit to put together although I must admit that the brake gear gave me some challenges.

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!

 

0 Gauge wagons. An update.

 

A Slaters 12 Ton Palvan that has been long in the making and is still not complete.

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!

A Parkside by PECO Southern Railway Insulated Van to dia. 1477.

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.

0 Gauge GWR Milk Van- Dia. 0.13 Lot 1299.

This van I recently found at a model shop- an unusual kit. Constructed from a brass DJB kit, information is rather scarce.

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!

 

A new addittion to the family- reason for lack of modelling!

 If anyone wondered why no new posts have been made since August- This is the reason, my puppy Alan.

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!