Here are two coal wagons that were recently released by Dapol in O Gauge – I started them a couple of weeks ago, but only just finished them off.
Author: Kelvin Barnes
BR(W) Push – Pull Coach
At a recent exhibition I saw this coach for sale by a trader, although I already had a similar coach in Crimson and Cream, I purchased the coach for £100. I knew when I purchased it that it had a few problems with some parts laying in the box! After a quick look, I saw that all displaced parts we there and it was just a case of reconstruction.
When I got home I added all the errant parts and painted over any joins. I have just weathered the coach to a medium level and must admit that I am pleased with cheap addition to my stock.
Heljan Observation Saloon
Well, been waiting a long time for this, and it has eventually arrived. After I had put back all the pieces that had fallen off in transit and straightened the air horns which were bent quite badly, it was ready for a light weathering. This is an O Gauge Maroon Midland Region version and will run with Steam and early Diesel Locos, so could not be left pristine.
Class 26 in O Gauge- Long Story
And when I say a long story – I mean it! This Loco is from Heljan’s first run of Class 26’s and as such suffered from major gearing problems, how they got away with such a shambles I really don’t know. Anyway, before Xmas last year I purchased a set of Brass gears from Ultrascale that cost over £60 with the intention of making both this Loco and a similar Class 26 operate of one bogie not two, at least that brought the costs down to £30 per Loco and that works for me as I only have a Depot layout so no heavy trains to pull. This has been achieved with the help of my friend Peter from within our Group – thanks Mate, the other one is ‘in works’ now.
So, rather belatedly I have now weathered it, results as under.
Ruston & Hornsby LAT in O9 Gauge.
This is a narrow gauge O gauge Loco that I have just painted and weathered for Graham. It is a 3D printed Model and a first for me in this gauge. It still has to have its DCC chassis fitted.
Busy Weekend for Ashwell Moor
Two days exhibiting in a row at two different venues. Firstly Saturday at the Sudbury MRC Exhibition and today at the the Stowmarket MRC, Swapmeet and mini Exhibition. It was a bit tiring but oh so enjoyable!
Photos taken over the two days.
Dark Lane at BSE Cathedral
John and Graham took my layout ‘Dark Lane’ to the Bury St Edmunds MRC 75 year anniversary Exhibition at the Cathedral today. I went over for three hours in the middle of the day, and what an Exhibition that was – probably the best Exhibition I have attended since the heyday of the Colchester Exhibitions many years ago.
Congratulations must go to all the Club members, especially their Exhibition Manager Chris Day on his last show before handing on to someone else.
Today was the first time Dark Lane had been run with its DCC Sound operated through a Mobile Phone – it ran faultlessly all day – thanks Graham for introducing us ‘to the modern way’
Wyke St – OO – Update (6)
I spent the afternoon testing all isolating sections and power feeds with Locos with no auto couplings. This was to check that all locos fit where they should and check clearances, all worked fine. During testing I checked one final time if any amendments were worth thinking about – I identified two further isolation sections that may help – we will see!
Wyke St – OO Update (5)
The extra point duly arrived and has been fitted. This gives the final track plan after the extra siding was added. The next job is to reinstate the isolating sections and wire up the new point. I am now happy after the amendments and glad I carried them out, instead of wondering ‘what if’ at a later date.
Ashwell Moor at Mid Essex Exhibition.
On Saturday John and Graham were at Shenfield Exhibition – here are a few shots taken by John. There is also a great video on You Tube by SP Rail of the layout in operation. Everyone I have spoken to says it was an Excellent Exhibition – our lads certainly enjoyed it a lot.