Author: Kelvin Barnes

Class 14 Numbered (O Gauge)

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Although I have called this post Class 14 Numbered, it really is about the researching of an engine that would fit into two BR era’s on two regions.

Most people know that these engines were virtually redundant before they were delivered to the Western Region and many know they ended up in great numbers with the NCB and Steel Companies, but they also spent some time on Humberside, to be precise Hull.

I therefore picked D9523, Delivered to the WR, went to Hull and ended up with the NCB. This research gives me two BR locations and an Industrial loco for exchange sidings etc.

Congratulations to Minerva Models – great Loco.

To be weathered later.

O gauge SR Atlantic re-work

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

This is the last and most difficult re-work of the six cheap locos I purchased. The first four were reasonably easy to repair, this one had obviously been dropped from a height and needed a lot of TLC. This was a complete strip down and a big re-solder and glue session, lots of filing and rubbing down and then a complete repaint, lining and numbering. Because of the state of the Loco I did not put any money into the project and leftover bits and pieces from previous projects were used. This meant that there was a few things that had to be omitted, like some lining.

If you remember, I traded the sixth loco for some electrical services off group member Graham, this has still to happen on this Loco.

Considering I was contemplating binning this Loco, I am relatively happy with the result, although close scrutiny is not recommended. I will weather it later to try and hide more suspect bits, but it will always be a ‘at the back’ on the steam shed.

Gare De Brindille Blending

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Today I started to blend the front of the new fiddle yard with the original baseboard. There is a lot to do with the broken down Barn a priority. Graham has ordered a load of 16mm bricks and is actively seeking some appropriate roof tiles. It will be quite a tight schedule as this needs to be complete by September 10th when we are at the Cambridge Model Exhibition with the layout in its new form.

I also took the chance to touch in the flaked paint and replace missing ballast. Humbrol Enamel paints both diluted and neat were used.

Gare De Brindille System Test

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

While we were adding the new fiddle yard we also tested the DCC System for the Locos and the DC system for the points.

Here are a few photos taken during the testing.

Gare De Brindille -New Fiddle Yard

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Yesterday we added the new fiddle yard to Gare De Brindille. We now have an off scene fiddle yard, all shunting previously done on the scenic section. We also took this opportunity to clean the whole layout and patch up some ballast that had come adrift. All that remains now is to blend the colours for continuity, Graham will also be making a building, probably an old Barn to ensure exit from the layout is not through a ‘hole in the sky’.

Last Batch of Presflo’s

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

These are the last four Presflo’s in O Gauge – that makes 28 I have done since the release of the wagon. This has proved a great learning curve and the diverse ways of weathering certainly helped with picking different methods of achieving a different look.

And the Presflo’s keep coming

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

Here is the penultimate batch of Presflo’s heading down under to my mate in Australia. In fact he is coming over in November to see his family and collect them.

I think I have learned a few lessons as I done the different batches and this batch has proved the most popular. These are all wash and wipe with all sections wiped with cotton buds, lots of cotton buds. I guess you take off about 70% of the wash. Nice result but very time consuming – I then varnished the whole upper structure.

Another batch of Presflo’s

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

This is the second batch of Presflo’s I have done for my mates – this time group member Graham. This batch are for two era’s, Tops and Pre-Tops. I used my usual methods of weathering to ensure differences between members of the rake. These Ellis Clark Presflo’s really are great models.

CPV – Tops up to 1985 (3)

Pre Tops – one yellow – one grey – up to 1972 (2)

Three Dapol Brake Vans

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

An old friend once said ‘you can never have enough Brake Vans’. Well, not sure about that, but here are three for Group member Graham. All are different liveries and have had a medium weathering. This has hopefully taken away the distinct ‘plasticy’ look and slightly bright paint!

Schools Class 30922 (O Gauge)

Kelvin Barnes Uncategorized ,

This is probably the last of my five resurrections of the cheap SR locos. I have started on the Atlantic but it is proving beyond my capabilities – we will see!

Back to Schools Class Loco Cheltenham, This was in reasonable condition and I did not even have to do a partial repaint. It was just a case of adding missing parts and revamping broken parts.

So there we are – six locos purchased – one traded for some services to motors – four completed – one in limbo land as to whether I can achieve a reasonable result. Well for my initial outlay of £600 for six locos – I now have four very passable locos that I value at least £250 each – would I do it again – yes!!!!!