At the same time as doing the last three Steam Engines, I also finished off weathering two of my favourite Class 47’s. These two were on the Liverpool St to Norwich services in the mid 80’s – I used to take my sons up to see them and hoped they would follow me into Railways, full size and model – one did and one did not – not a bad conversion rate !
47634 Henry Ford
47596 Aldeburgh Festival
As previous posts indicated this Loco has been reworked from a rather tatty looking Model. Now weathered and blended. I purchased this Loco because it is a superb runner.
Just noticed that it has no drain-cock pipes – will try and fabricate some. I think the previous owner did not add them so the front bogie wheels can turn without fouling them – we will see !
This is a Loco purchased by a friend in LNER livery – my job was to turn it into a loco that was used on the Haughley to Laxfield branch before it closed in the early 50’s. Part of it is now called the called the Mid Suffolk Light Railway and operates on some re-laid track.
After research we discovered that 65447 was the Ipswich engine most photographed on the line on both Passenger, Goods and mixed Trains.
This Sunday 9/6/24 will be ‘The Middy’s’ O Gauge Exhibition and this Loco will be operating on a layout that I made about ten years ago and since sold to Graham. It is called Little Sefton – come and have a look – all proceeds go to the track extension.
I have just refurbished this loco for a friend – it was also renumbered and it has had a light weathering. This loco will be fitted with Dingham Coupling and run on Micro Layout.
This is a loco I purchased a few weeks ago, it was a great runner, but the bodywork was a bit tatty to say the least. I have replaced the lining, renewed the number and BR early logo. I will weather it later, probably a medium dusting!
Here is a O Gauge J15 recently purchased by Graham, a group member. It was partly in LNER Livery and it needed a partial repaint of the tender after original lettering removed. It also is awaiting a smoke box dart to finish off. A footplate crew will also be added later.
It has now been numbered and lettered into BR Early Logo as 65447, a loco that was a regular on the Mid Suffolk Light Railway until Closure.
It still has to be medium weathered when the varnish is dry.
Here is an O Gauge J68 – partial repaint after removing old numbering. I then renumbered it as required – just waiting for the varnish to dry and then a light weathering will take place. Sadly due to the vacuum brake and air brake pipes being soldered on the buffer beam in the wrong places, I could not put the numbers on the buffer beams.
I am afraid to say that the transfers I used have doubled in price over the last two years – this can not be good for the Hobby.
I recently refurbished my OO and O Gauge photo planks, they are several years old and needed some TLC. I also put photos of the O Gauge plank on a superb website called – Realistic Model Railways – it is a very friendly site and cultivates ideas for yourself and others. Anyway a kind gentleman suggested that I should try a ‘curved’ corner on the plank – this was to improve the photos and cut down on sharp shadows formed by the corner. I think I have seen this method used on a few layouts over the years.
I intend to re-do both the O and OO planks when I get time – but in the meantime I had a go at the suggestion on the OO plank and ‘patched’ it in – did it work. Yes it did, thank you kind Sir.
Before
After
Please Note – this was quickly done and the replacement will have a photographic background. By the way the Tamper was scratch-built 40 years ago by myself and a friend.
Now all the fuss has died down, I thought I would update you all on my considered decisions. Firstly I would like to thank you all through this trying period, I never thought so many people cared about me and this great hobby. Special thanks to Peter R, Graham S, Graham M, my Son John, Ian H, Mike B and Colin F for some excellent advise. I have decided to modify my retirement plans. My original plans were a ‘knee jerk reaction’ and on reflection was not good for me, my friends and family.
Sadly my health is an issue that is not going to go away and everything I do still needs consideration. But my plans are now going to be amended as below:-
1/ I am NOT going to send all ongoing projects back to the people I am helping. There will however be some slowing down and extending of timescales. I want to enjoy my work and not rush or be pushed into timescales that push me to the limits – I still want a better life full stop.
2/ I am NOT withdrawing from the Exhibition Circuit so all my bookings for this year and next year will be honoured. Please come and say hello and lets talk Railway Modelling.
3/ I will try and continue with helping to organise Charity Exhibitions although in a lesser role. I would like to thank the management of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway who accepted me so well, especially as I am a Non Member. I would also thank my rock – Colin French for — just being Colin. Please support The Middy on 9th June and again – lets talk Model Railways with all the Exhibitors, Traders, Displays and Societies. Don’t forget to talk to the Middy Staff about all things Light Railway.
4/ I will continue with the Local Modelling Groups that I belong to, One Track Minds, Just Modelling Friends, Norfolk Model Railway Syndicate and Nationally with the O Gauge Guild.
Well that’s that – please do not see me as a ‘Drama Queen’ suddenly I saw my modelling life as worthless and coming to an end, and that ‘Knee Jerk Reaction’ took over – SORRY. I will not bear any grudges against anyone for what happened – but remember – its just a hobby.
I will not post this final (I hope) declaration anywhere else – THANK YOU ALL – and more importantly – great modelling.
I seem to be making an awful mess of things linked to my retirement. My wife want’s me to continue with my modelling – but I am not sure I can. The guy that slagged me off on that website has really given me some more stick on my website – he was going to confront me today if I went to Ely – not nice. however I do believe he is a genuine enthusiast and felt strongly about completing an Anglia Set in model form – so as usual I take full blame for everything. Had enough unpleasantness! If he wants to meet me – I will meet him – I might be lots of things but I am not a coward Harry.
People are asking me about Exhibitions – Yes I will be at the Middy and I will offer both Bury St Eds and Stowmarket the chance to pick up the layouts and stock from me and bring them back when they have finished with them.
I just can’t work like I used to, a need a break.
I ask my Sons to keep out of this! don’t block anyone – things will sort themselves out.