Wagon construction has taken up most of my spare time of late. As a way of change, I decided to take a break from wagons this weekend, and instead turned my attention to my Advanced Passenger Train. My plan to have a full length train had been close to completion for many weeks now. However, as usually happens, other projects get started and either get finished, left to be resumed at a later date, or abandoned altogether. In the meantime, a dozen other smaller projects have started, and.....
Anyway, things have now gone full circle and an extra Trailer Unclassified and a Trailer Buffet Second have now been completed and added to the set. Project Complete!

On my Stereo: David Bowie - Earthling

Just been knocking out a few containers............

On my Stereo: Ian Brown - Solarized

Yet again, progress has come to a complete standstill. However, a further batch of Bachmann containers has been aquired, along with more paints and transfers. This, and a further batch of Bulktainer kits which have arrived from C-Rail, should keep me busy over the next few days.

The only progress made since the last update is the completion of a Cambrian OBA kit which is currently being painted. Some Hornby OAA`s have been detailed, repainted and weathered, and construction of a TURBOT wagon which is also a Cambrian kit has commenced.

On my Stereo: Moby - Hotel

Wagon construction continues. Currently on the operating table is a new Bulktainer from C-Rail. (See p68 in April edition of British Railways Modelling.) This particular Bulktainer will be finished in UBC red.
Also we have a Cambrian OBA kit. However, I have lost my bearings with this one - literally! I seem to have run out of Gibson bearings for the wheelsets so a quick order is needed before construction of this model progresses much further!
Finally I`m looking at the PVB Railiner. It is going to have replacement van ends, roof section and underframe details, most importantly having the wheels correctly arranged asymmetrically. (See p44 Model Rail 68)

On my Stereo: Moby - 18

My rake of Amey Roadstone (ARC) PGA hoppers is being built up nicely.The number of wagons in the rake now total 27 which is near to the desired result. The rake consists of both Lima and Hornby models, mostly repainted, transfers added and weathered. Stone loads are from Ten Commandments, added to where necessary with fine ballast, then suitably painted.
Several wagons have minor modifications, with differences in end platforms, protection plates, dust retaining 'hoods' etc.

On my Stereo: Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion

Work has commenced to increase my APT formation. Plans are to add 2 Trailer Seconds, a Trailer First, a Trailer Buffet, and an extra Non-Driving Motor. So far I have a Trailer First and a Trailer Second at an advanced stage. These vehicles have been constructed by carefully cutting and splicing Driving Trailer Seconds and Trailer Brake Firsts.

APT Trailer First

On my Stereo: Placebo - Without You I`m Nothing

Sunday Afternoon - 6th February 2005

Wagons are the current flavour of the month, with several rakes receiving attention and modifications. Currently I have some old and very crude Hornby Container flats which are being converted into the relevant FFAs (inner wagons)and FGAs (outer wagons). Alterations include closer coupling between units, end plates, buffers for the FGAs, and all bogies are being fittted with Romford wheelsets. Containers will consist of items from the Bachmann range and I may look into the new C-Rail kits. It`s a pity that these important wagons are not available to the standard of the excellent Bachmann inter-modals.....
It`s quite fitting that an article features in the latest issue of Model Rail (77) which looks at improving the Farish model.....

On my Stereo: David Holmes - This Film`s Crap Let`s Slash The Seats

Friday morning - 14th January 2005

The Plastic Population!

Work has once again turned to the layouts populous. The figures that will feature on the layout are from a wide number of sources, and come in both plastic and white metal forms. Most have been (or are being gradually) painted, and even ready painted figures are having a few fashion checks! A few are pictured above after being treated with matt varnish.
When all figures have been completed, a full database will be available, including each figures name, shoe size, and favourite farmyard animal. Anyway, off to do a quick head count now.....

On my Stereo: Lamb - Best Kept Secrets

Saturday Afternoon - 1st January 2005

The Italian Job??

There hasn`t been much activity on my workbench, despite having a couple of weeks from work. Progress on my rake of car-tics has been slow. The fact that I had run out of suitable Romford wheel sets and scalelink etched mesh has not helped matters, but I hope to have a fully completed rake within a week. Several Cararama minis* are required, and several can be seen here, many of which have been repainted into appropiate colour schemes. *Note: a Mini is not one of those hideous BMW 'medium' sized cars...
So, what can we espect to see in 2005? Hopefully a decent 81 and 85 from DC Kits at the end of the year.....

On my Stereo: Unkle - Psyence Fiction