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Guest BookTuesday afternoon - 31st October 2006
Fright Knight!
You can be forgiven for thinking that the title for this article is down to the fact that today is Halloween. Well, maybe it`s partly an influence, but it`s in reference to one of the ideas I received for
the spare class 92`s I unearthed in the loft at the begining of the month. I gave you all a chance to decide which locos they would end up as, and the final decision was to be made today.
The overall response wasn`t as great as anticipated, but thanks to all those who made the effort to share their ideas.
Don`t worry about the above picture, the plates aren`t permanently fixed. For some unknown reason, I have two pairs of these plates going spare! Judging by the sugggestions, someone must have known!
Anyway, on to the results (Votes in brackets):
92009 'Elgar' in GWR Green (1)
92013 'Puccini' (2)
92014 'Knight of The Thistle' (1)
92024 'J.S.Bach' (2)
92026 'Bittern' (1)
92031 in Grey, pre EWS (1)
92040 'Goethe' (1)
92042 'Honneger' (1)
92046 'Sweelinck' (1)
A class 60/92 hybrid experimental loco (1)
So there we have it, and some interesting suggestions. 92013 'Puccini' and 92024 'J.S.Bach' were the most popular choices (just) so these are the identities that the 2 spare locos will take on.
It also looks like I may have ample spares to make a third loco, If so, this is likely to become 92046 Sweelinck.
Here we can see the real 92024 'J.S.Bach' hard at work just North of Rugby earlier this year. When I get round to the model, it will not be sporting the EWS bodyside vinyls which are apparent in this view.
Work will not commence on these loco`s straight away, but it shouldn`t be too long until they are transformed into their new guises, so keep looking!
On my Stereo: Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
Monday morning - 30th October 2006
'Re-Cab'ilitated
Some of you will have no doubt noticed the lack of updates recently. The reason for this is because I haven`t spent any time at my workbench for almost a fortnight. We have had a few days away on holiday, and it`s nice to feel rehabilitated and refreshed.
We also made a visit to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough over the weekend, and needless to say, the cameras have been very busy. Here I am resting after all that shooting action!
After getting back into a working routine today, completion of outstanding projects will hopefully resume, and no doubt new projects will take shape. You see - I`ve had a few ideas over the last few days..........
On my Stereo: The Police - Regatta de Blanc
Tuesday lunchtime - 17th October 2006
'De-Cab'inated!
In the summer of last year, I had to get into the cab of the 'then new' Hornby class 08 shunter. I have recently been asked how I managed this, so I thought I may as well do a little 'step-by-step' article on here.
However, it must be noted that this is a guide only. I won`t be held responsible if you damage your model by trying any of the following steps!
First of all, there are seven screws on the underside of the locomotive which need to be removed. (Since re-assembly, it appears that only the 4 outermost screws need to be removed.) The positions for these are highlighted above.
The one with the cross is beneath the NEM coupling socket if you have this fitted. Simply pull the socket downwards to gain access to the small screw.
DO NOT REMOVE THE BODY FROM THE CHASSIS UNTIL YOU HAVE FOLLOWED THE NEXT STEP......
The orange conduit appears to be attached to the upper bodyshell, but it is also connected to the chassis, with the end of the wire inserted into a little hole just above the steps. In order not to cause unnecessary damage, you simply need to prise the wire from the hole.
Gently pull it towards you using tweezers or long-nosed pliers. Once you have done this, the body-shell can be lifted from the chassis.
Your Gronk should now be in 2 pieces. It`s best to keep those screws in a little container, you know you`re going to lose one if you don`t!
Here`s the trickiest bit. You gently need to prise the front end of the cab sides away from the body. The green circles show you the best location do this. The use of a small watch-makers screwdriver is probably best.
The red arrow is pointing out a clip which you can push out, again with a small screwdriver.
This is the same on both sides. Be careful though, you don`t want to push the cab sides out too far. A millimeter either side should suffice.
The cab itself can then be lifted upwards. It`s a tight fit, so a little wiggling should get things moving. Take your time though, there`s no rush, and we don`t want any breakages now, do we?
And there you have it, look at that nice detailed interior.......
On my Stereo: Joy Division - Closer
Leaving brushes dirty after use is a sin. I have a strict routine of cleaning brushes as soon as practically possible after use. This is so important, as it helps maintain the quality and durability of your brushes.
However, some brushes just have to be dirty. I am of course referring to the Brush type 4, the class 47!
Here we can see 47475 which was repainted last week. With a little work using the air-brush, as well as other weathering techniques, the model is greatly improved. Note the light blue patches on the bodyside. This locomotive received such treatment around 1992.
Minor fire damage rings a bell, or perhaps it was to simply cover graffiti? 47474 'Sir Rowland Hill' has also been remodelled. The Lima version of the model has the nameplates printed in the wrong position. Enamel thinners were used to remove the unwanted print.
The red tape above is to simply help protect the grey painted area while removing the printed nameplates.
As it happened, some of the original yellow plastic managed to show through, so a partial respray was required.
Now looking nice and dirty, 'Uncle Rolly' looks like he`s put in a good few hours of hard work! Note the LED tail-lights, white window surrounds, and replacement 'overhead warning flashes. This is how this locomotive appeared in it`s last few months of revenue service.
And to sign off, a little advice when setting up a photo-shoot.
Always ensure that any pets which could possibly interfere, are put outside, or are locked away in a different room!
I did not take such preventative action, and as a result, Samson, by far our most naughty cat, has popped along to voice his opinion. After a few little meows and purrs, I managed to decipher the following:
Apparently, I should model 47088 or 47808 next......
On my Stereo: Beck - Stereopathetic Soul Manure
Ok, I`m perhaps playing on the Friday the 13th theme a little too much.... There`s no case of heebie jeebies here!
Yesterday I popped into our local HobbyCraft, which happens to be a large store that also sells various modelling products, including items from the Hornby and Bachmann ranges.
I won`t normally purchase items from stores such as this, instead, prefer to stick to dealers I know, and small local businesses.
However, as they were offering a very good discount (30%) on some of the range, I thought it would be unwise not to take advantage. As a result, the rake of YGBs has now been increased.
Below, we can see a YGB which was modelled towards the end of last year, although it still hasn`t been completed!! At the time, these wagons were unavailable in the departmental livery. This one was repainted from a Mainline blue example.
Note the heavy weathering. You`re not going to see any immaculate looking wagons in this rake!
You may also recall my project from last year which involved converting Bachmann POAs into MKA / ZKA limpets. At the time, these wagons were not available on the shelves. However, when Bachmann announced they were to manufacture these wagons,
I decided to put a halt on this work, and wait until their release.
These wagons are now available, although only in plain grey or departmental liveries at the current time. It will be interesting to see if they produce any of the above livery variations!
Finally. it`s nice to see 87002 out and about again. Here she is yesterday winding her way through Dodford.
In model form, she is just waiting for a completed Hurst Pantograph to be installed, and then some weathering. I hope to get more pantographs completed over the coming weekend.
On my Stereo: Bright Eyes - Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Ground
The class 47, for one reason or the other has often been regarded by some as a boring locomotive. With 512 examples built, they even outnumber the current total of 'sheds' currently running on BR metals.
Unfortunately, there are only a handful of the class which can be seen in operation today.
I can hold my hand up and safely say, that (with the exception of the class 47/7`s infiltrating the Waterloo-Exeter route in 1991, I`ve never had an issue with these veterans.
A well designed, and attractive loco, they have sported more liveries that you can shake a very big stick at, and a plethora of names have been applied to various members of the class throughout their working lives.
This class presents many, many modelling opportunities.
Similar to Heinz, There are currently 57 class 47`s in my collection. However, some of these are from previous layouts, some are still packed away in their original boxes, and some have been detailed, although some of these were done many years ago,
when standards weren`t set as high as they are today!
There will also be a few 'one-way' departures from Rugby Parkway. These will mainly consist of older Hornby offerings.
Most Lima models will remain for the time being. In some aspects, these relegated Lima models, if super-detailed, can look more convincing than the rather corpulent Heljan offering.
Also worth bearing in mind is that not all Lima motors have poor running qualities - honest!
To keep the numbers up, a few extra locos will be added to the fleet.
Initial plans will feature, amongst others, the following class 47`s:
47117 in BR blue
Needless to say, forthcoming Bachmann releases are eagerly awaited... The first 47 out of storage is the unique 47475 in Provincial livery, the only member of the class to gain these colours. This model has received a full repaint. Although Lima had this model in their range, the bodyside stripes were totally wrong, hence the repaint.
The loco is due for some heavy weathering within the next couple of days.
In the meantime, thanks for the responses I`ve had for the undecided class 92 identities. (See entry below.) There have been some good ideas so far, but we`re still open to further suggestions.
A decision will be made on the 31st October, so you`ve still got plenty of time to email your suggestions.
Right, what`s next in the box...... 47474. Oh dear....
On my Stereo: Buggles - The Age of Plastic
The recent find of two spare class 92`s has got me thinking. I can either keep them locked away in their boxes, or make use of them. One of the models is Lima`s 92001 with a limited edition certificate, and the other is 92045 by Hornby.
To be honest, they`re not really much use if I never use them, so I`ve decided to give them new identities, and get them nicely detailed up like the rest of the fleet.
The only thing is, I can`t decide which members of the class to turn them into.
The current class 92 fleet can be found here.
For these 92`s, I cannot choose. Nothing to lose, what are your views? That`s right, the choice is yours! Simply email your suggestions and the most popular ideas will see fruition. Anything goes, just name it!
On my Stereo: Buzzcocks - Entertaining Friends
My current class 87 projects are moving on nicely. Between coats of paint and the like, I have also been doing some overhauls on some of my older models.
Above, we can see 86209 'City of Coventry' which is now ready for service after sitting on a shelf for almost a year patiently waiting for some TLC.
This particular model has had all bufferbeam details replaced, and has seen work done to areas of the roof.
Another new feature of this model is this section of peeled away paint, as featured on the prototype.
This has cut straight through the Virgin stripes, which, on this model, are lower down on the bodyside than are represented on a Hornby RTR model.
You may also notice that this locomotive retains the Hornby version of the Brecknell-Willis high speed pantograph. This is only a stop gap. I hope to send the Pantograph to Coventry as soon as possible. But.......
I still have a dozen or so Hurst Pantographs to construct, and problems have arisen with my drill. For some unknown reason, the drill is operating at a much slower speed than usual, the consequences of which means
I am unable to use it at high speed settings which is preferred when drilling through the brass.
When used at a slow setting, it takes absolutely AGES, not to mention very hot!
Thought currently on my mind: Let`s get drilled.......
On my Stereo: David Holmes - Let`s Get Killed
I knew it wouldn`t take too long until work commenced on improving my model of 87101 STEPHENSON. It`s a good job I enjoy playing with plastic sheeting and section, as plenty has already been used on this project as can be seen above!
Above we can see before and 'during' photographs, highlighting areas which have received attention.
The round cab-roof pods (A), unique to this member of the class have been added. These have simply been created using a hole-punch and plasticard.
Above, we can see the scratch-built conservator. I have been unable to find suitable drawings or photographs, so I thought I`d pretend to be doing my research for a major RTR manufacturer, and make a few guesses.....
The blue circle on the circuit breaker is highlighting an area which I don`t think I`ve got quite right. Can anyone help?
Anyway, as you can see, although it`s bound to be far from 100% accurate, the end result will be a model that is at least 'more correct!'
Sticking to the same subject of roof detail, albeit a different class of locomotive, I was recently sent a few photographs taken from the roof of a class 90.
Click here for some interesting views.
I have noticed a few errors with the prototype already.
If only they had made closer observations of the Hornby model before commencing production!
On my Stereo: Buzzcocks - A Different Kind of Tension
I spent some time this morning rummaging around in the attic in search for a locomotive which has been purchased by a visitor to this site. Unfortunately I was unable to locate the said locomotive (But I will keep looking!)
However, during my foraging I managed to find yet another spare class 87.
A brand new, mint and boxed 87018, with a little piece of post-it note with SPARE written on it. I can`t leave that lying around doing nothing now, can I? I also found yet another Hornby Class 92, also labeled as spare.
I also managed to unearth an old model of 87101 STEPHENSON. Closer inspection revealed that this particular model was nowhere near up to spec. Some extra detailing needs to be carried out, and more importantly, major modifications need to be made to the roof.
The unique Thrystor controlled locomotive had a different arrangement of equipment on the roof, but finding photographic evidence of this is proving hard to come by.
I shall cover this area in more depth in a future entry.
On my Stereo: Beck - The Information
Yes, the mystery 87 is none other than 87002 in it`s distinctive Porterbrook purple livery. The picture above is how the loco looked a couple of days ago, while below, we can see that progress has been swift over the last day or so.
This is the other side of the locomotive. I decided to model the locomotive in its earlier guise with a livery variation on each side.
Incidentally, the livery was soon altered slightly by having a small band of purple between the white cab window surrounds and the yellow fronts. This is the version I have opted to model.
And back again to the other side.....
I thought modelling the version with different sides would make the model slightly more interesting and would provide more of a challenge. Also, I`ve never been able to make my mind up as to which side I liked (or disliked) the best!
So, many apologies to The AC Locomotive Group for not modelling the loco in it`s current guise. Anyhow, etched nameplates are not currently available.
There is still a fair amount of work to be done yet. This includes toning down with Satin varnish, adding jumper cables, flush-glazing, adding screen wipers, upper front grab-rails, roof mounted arials and one of my carefully constructed Hurst Models pantographs......
And then, weathering fun with the air-brush!
On my Stereo: The Who - Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy
Someone out there didn't want me to get a nice shot of 87006 in the sun yesterday.
These parts had been enjoying a lovely clear blue sky throughout the day, with not a single cloud in sight. This is evident in the shot below which was taken during a lunch break. Shame I left my sandwiches at home.......
After eating my lunch later than planned, and after tying up a few loose ends for work, the sky was still nice and blue, so I decided to make a short drive to catch 87006 in full sun! The top photo shows what happened to the sky within 20 minutes of getting to my location.
Despite looking up into the sky and using a few choice words, it was clearly obvious that things were only going to get worse.
However, dark clouds behind me or not, I was here now, and I wasn`t going home in a sulk. (Well, I had planned not to anyway!) Making the most of a bad situation, here`s 87006.
Now that the sun appears to have deserted us for some time, I guess I`ll be doing less 'photting' and getting back to some serious modelling......
I have gone as far as I can with 87006, 87022 'Cock O'The North' and 87028 'Lord President' until my recently ordered supply of paint and transfers arrives. However, work is progressing well on another member of the class, details of which will appear here shortly.
On my Stereo: The Stranglers - Feline
When I found two spare Lima 87`s last weekend, I decided to model 87006 in it`s current guise, but was in two minds which other member of the class I wanted to produce, either 87022, or 87028.
Initially, my thoughts leaned to 87022 as this had recently been renamed "Cock O'The North", and because I already had a model of 87028, albeit in Virgin livery.
(I`m not counting my version of 87022 in Lima`s imaginary large logo livery scheme!)
But then, I`ve always had a soft spot for "Cock O'The North" (Above), so when I found yet another brace of spare Lima 87`s, it was ultimately decided to model this loco too, and also enabled me to model a further locomotive!
Here we can see 3 of the Lima 87`s which have been stripped, and work has commenced on removing unwanted front-end detail. I decided not to use model-strip on these locos, instead giving them a liberall rubbing down with wet & dry.
Here`s another shot of my current 'mistress' 87006, soon to be replicated in model form.
But what is to become of the extra Lima 87? We can confirm that an identity has already been taken, and work is already well under way. However, nothing is being revealed at this stage. If you want to guess, go ahead, answers on a postcard!
In the meantime, thanks to the responses I`ve had regarding the Pilkington Glass rake. (See article below.) However, I`m convinced that there are more of you out there who can shed further light on the subject, so if you can, please get in touch.
On my Stereo: Hugh Cornwell - Hi Fi
Whilst sorting through some old photographs, I had another one of my over-ambitious ideas that I will probably regret at some point in the future!
As rakes of Bachmann Mk1 coaches have gradually built up, most of my Mainline, Lima and Hornby coaches are now redundant. What better way to give some of them a new lease of life than with this colourful rake!?
This is the part where I`m pleading for help..... If this project is to come to fruition, I need further information regarding these coaches.
So, if anyone out there can provide further information, pictures, or if you have taken on this project yourself, then please get in touch, it would be good to hear from you.
On my Stereo: XTC - Drums and Wires
Monday afternoon - 16th October 2006
Dirty Brushes.....
Friday morning - 13th October 2006
Got the HeebY-GB`s?
Tuesday evening - 10th October 2006
Ne`er Dissed a Duff!
With this in mind, I decided to treat the class with the respect they deserve, and bring all the models which are to be used on the layout, up to scratch.
All Heljan models are due for weathering treatment, with the exception of 47596 Aldeburgh Festival. This was purchased directly from the Stratford 47 Group.
With certificate number 596, I`m affraid this is going to remain a collectors item - A rare decision for me!
47142 'The Sapper' in Railfreight red-stripe
47292 in very faded Freightliner distribution livery
47444 'University of Nottingham' in Large logo
47840 'NORTH STAR' in BR blue.
Friday evening - 6th October 2006
Spare pair
Friday afternoon - 6th October 2006
Back on speaking terms......
Maybe I`ve worn the poor thing out. If I can`t fix it, it looks like a new pillar drill press will be the order of the day....
Thursday afternoon - 5th October 2006
Up on the roof.....
The pantograph support bars (B) have been spaced out correctly. Note that the pantograph will actually be fitted at the other end of the locomotive.
The transformer radiator vents (C) have been scratchbuilt from plastic section, thus giving a better appearance than the Lima mouldings.
The Conservator (D) is totally wrong for 87101. This whole section was cut away from the locomotive, and replaced with 1.5mm Plastic sheet. After filling and sanding down, new roof sections (F) were constructed and added. The new conservator (E) was scratchbuilt.
Finally, the busbar and Vacuum circuit breaker arrangement (G) is a mixture of spare class 90, and 92 parts.
The pantograph (H) has been removed. A Hurst models high-speed pantograph will replace this.
Tuesday lunchtime - 3rd October 2006
101 things to do!
Sunday evening - 24th September 2006
Purple Haze.......
When the locomotive was named, the loco lost the long silver band and porterbrook lettering, and instead was turned out with both sides sporting the porterbrook logo instead. Smaller Porterbrook lettering was also incorporated into the design. (see below)
Friday morning - 22nd September 2006
Grey days....
Sunday afternoon - 17th September 2006
MY Sweet Lord....
But then my thought patterns swung the other way. I liked the orange cabsides which 87028 received a short while back. (See above photo.) The loco has since been reunited with its "Lord President" nameplates, and that was it, 87028 Lord President was going to be modelled!
Wednesday afternoon - 13th September 2006
A touch of glass?
The photographs which got my brain thinking were these taken of the Mk1 vehicles from the 'Pilkington Glass' rake, which, correct me if I`m wrong, were used for numerous railtours in the early 1990`s.