Locos & Rolling Stock
The first locos are on their way. For economy at this early trial stage, they are based on Hornby 0-4-0 chassis. Probably not the best for running but it gives me a chance to try my hand at scratchbuilding loco bodies.
I have just about completed one of the Peco carriages. A very good kit to start. This will give me a loading gauge to work to. I’ll probably used the Peco chassis as a basis for further models. Pictures soon...
I have just about completed one of the Peco carriages. A very good kit to start. This will give me a loading gauge to work to. I’ll probably used the Peco chassis as a basis for further models. Pictures soon...
The first two attempts at scratchbuilding locos. Both are freelance and are made from plasticard, Chimneys from plastic tube & Milliput. The two ‘domes’ on the green loco are end caps from a cartridge fuse. The smokebox doors are coat buttons with the holes filled in. The grab rails in the doorway of the green loco are dressmaking pins with heads filed flat and the valve wheels are small press studs. Both are painted in artist's oils, which may seem unusual. However, I have used these paints for years on my military figures and am quite used to them. When brushed out thinly they dry matt in about a day. It also gives you ages to blend in the weathering and rust marks.
The third set of photos (the Red Loco) is a model of ‘Victoria’ the ill fated loco from the Plynlimon & Hafan Tramway. It wasn't red then but on my layout, it will be ‘Phoenix’ and I like red. The boiler is a 35 mm film container, the valve wheels again are press studs and the rivets are plastic rod, glued into pre-drilled holes. The spectacles are slices of plastic tube, still to be glazed. The chassis for this one is still being worked on.
These locos contain enough lead weighting inside to furnish half a church roof. Every space was filled with tiny pieces of lead set in place with cyano glue. They feel great and run pretty well, considering the recycled Hornby chassis.
*NEW
Below are a couple of pics of the latest loco in the stud. An 0-16.5 steam tram. Again it has a Hornby 0-4-0 chassis. The boiler is a shortened Hornby one. The chimney is Wrightlines. The roof supports and the handrails are brass and the remainder is plastic card and strip. Valve wheel is the usual. (I’ve single handedly solved the unemployment problem in the Press Stud Industry!) The lettering and numbering are Slater’s. Crew and couplers are on their way.
The third set of photos (the Red Loco) is a model of ‘Victoria’ the ill fated loco from the Plynlimon & Hafan Tramway. It wasn't red then but on my layout, it will be ‘Phoenix’ and I like red. The boiler is a 35 mm film container, the valve wheels again are press studs and the rivets are plastic rod, glued into pre-
These locos contain enough lead weighting inside to furnish half a church roof. Every space was filled with tiny pieces of lead set in place with cyano glue. They feel great and run pretty well, considering the recycled Hornby chassis.
*NEW
Below are a couple of pics of the latest loco in the stud. An 0-
The last one is an 0-9 loco for the quarry railway. Again plasticard, this time on a Farish Chassis. There wasn't much room for a lot of lead in this one but the upholstery on the seat is cast from lead and it now has a white metal driver.
0-9 Quarry line permanent way train vehicles.
Click on these thumbnails for a better (?) look.
Another steam tram, this time a Gnomy conversion, Hornby chassis once again. Nice easy conversion. Also a passenger car and brake/goods van These Gnomy toys are great value at only £1.50 each. If you want one (or two) click here. then scroll to bottom of page
Above are couple of conversions from Dapol Pugs. These wonderful little locos are no longer made by Dapol, but they are quite freely available on Ebay. Hornby have now taken over making these but I haven’t used one of theirs yet. These Dapol ones however, run very smoothly and extremely slowly.
The footplates have been widened and the cabs replaced with correct scale ones in plastic card. Keykits white metal chimneys, brass wire and odd Peco wagon parts have been added. The spectacle windows are superb glazed brass ship’s portholes. It’s very easy with these, to model the windows open. I simply went round the edge of the glazing with a metallic
Using the Dapol Pug chassis again, this little loco is scratchbuilt apart from the chimney & dome. Mainly plastic card with some brass tubing & rod. There are also some bits from disposable cigarette lighters, used as valves etc, on the firebox. The side tanks are filled with “Liquid Lead”
Nameplate, couplers and driver still to add. This one came together very quickly - it only took five evenings and one Saturday!
If you like these portholes,click on the photo to go to where I bought them