Chippenham - The Work Bench

[The Fatadder]

2 hours ago, Bluemonkey presents.... said:

As it is for many this time of year, it has been rather hectic. Tree pruning, roof window installations, roof insulation and boarding, rewiring interior ceiling lights, new combined TV aerials and chimney pointing checks. Oh yes and some modelling, of sorts.

 

Whilst waiting for the Royal Mail to make a delivery of extra wire the WD open was repainted with the interior now being painted as well. the barbed wire load carefully removed to do this. The load need further coils so this will form the base.

 

 I kinda like these.

 

I also set about the long awaited bastardisation of a Dapol CWS tanker and a Hornby MMB tanker with GWR chassis. Combining the best of both appeals to me rather than bodging the Ks chassis to the tank, as previously planned. Only 'alien' addition are 3-link couplings and new weights as unfortunately neither could be used. I also have a UD tanker to familiarise myself with.

 

 

Another delayed delivery, seems the Royal Mail are flat out at the moment (well in this case, flat on their backs, napping). It appears I have been a very good boy this year and Mr St Nicholls (yes you read correctly) AKA @chuffinghell left me a present a few days in advance of the big one.

The is his latest offering in super fine detail wagon design and build. A real beauty if you ask me and I'm not just saying that because Chuffinghell was good enough to make me one. It really is packed full of excellent and fine details. The design along has taken some serious thought as due to the complexities of the semi open frame and wooden planked deck. There is a risk of the wagon chassis and/or deck warping due to the opposing tension from varying depth of materials in construction. This has been overcome using some clever design work and breaking the wagon into separate components. As you can see there are a number of parts to build this wagon the added bonus (apart from not have the chassis bow as I have seen others do) painting the deck, chassis and trestles separately can easily be achieved making life somewhat easier. As you can see the trestles have even been designed with locating pins for the small holes in the deck and the crates have a hidden hole to allow a cocktail stick to support it and to hold whilst painting/drying. More to follow once primed to highlight those details. 

 

 

 

I have decided that once the layout and boards are being attacked I will start a new 'layout build' thread with a linked ref to the previous attempts, rather than continuing with the false starts on the old thread.

That is one of those wagons that I have absloutly no call for through Brent, but one day I will have to have a model of.  I spent the first 10 years or so of my career based at the what was the Bristol aircraft factory in Filton, I always liked the "Return to Filton" branding on the reproduction they have at Didcot.

[chuffinghell]

Thanks for the mention Matt

 

[Longhaireddavid]

On 03/12/2023 at 09:38, Bluemonkey presents.... said:

Thanks @Mikkel 

I really think I am at peace with the dissolving my my collection. Weird really it only took a couple of evenings looking at the amassed collection of boxes. My modelling keeps coming back to include military items and as daft as it sounds I enjoy making up the Airfix and equivalent kits but of course they need railway wagons.

It took some time to get the components together for the Mail/Ocean Mail train so that is definitely something to stay and challenge. I also have a strong interest in milk traffic, especially tankers, so those kits are also of high importance to me. So my main focus will be one those kits I have to finish the permanent way trains, the mail and any milk traffic.

 

I have a few 'specialist' complete loco kits like the De Glehn. These are the ones that will prove most difficult as there is not an RTR equivalent but realistically do I need them? How are they to improve my layout? So I must have a major sort through. I will of course keep a few especially things such as a Gibson Buffalo and my recent Armstrong purchase. I have to also complete the diesel twin set I started years ago! Releasing the kits to others will, I am sure, release a lot of build pressure and burden from me. I do like collecting railway kits though but that is a habit that needs stopping! New mantra will have to be "If time will not allow you, then neither should your wallet". Although that does not apply to everyone else especially if you are a likely customer of said kits🤣

 

When I owned a scale plastic model shop here in Ipswich, I had a mail order customer pop in to see us one day. He was 82 and had 4,000 kits in his loft. I asked if he expected to live until 525 or maybe 550? Your stash should always be inside your life expectancy!

[Mikkel]

Lovely stuff, christmas has come early!

 

Is the barbed wire bought in like that or rolled by yourself? It looks very good.

 

So do the wagons! I'm off to see your layout thread (Edit: Thought you has posted there too.).

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by Mikkel

[Bluemonkey presents....]

4 hours ago, AlfaZagato said:

Oh, and Aero!  I have one in N.   Real proud of it, though I only managed 'G W' on the solebars.   Neat wagons.

I am really hoping to be able to get the iltalic script done, might have to ask Steve at @railtec-models very nicely especially as this could be a decent seller for the complete wagon livery. It certainly is well wiwein his remit.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

1 hour ago, Mikkel said:

Lovely stuff, christmas has come early!

 

Is the barbed wire bought in like that or rolled by yourself? It looks very good.

 

So do the wagons! I'm off to see your layout thread (Edit: Thought you has posted there too.).

 

Thank you. The first batch was already roll in one long roll and I tightened it a little to reduce the size before cutting to make coils. I have ordered some more but in a single uncoiled length for me to make up. You get a lot more for your money this way.

Sorry @Mikkel I have not properly started on the new layout thread. Need to make sure I am on top of the current builds before diving in.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

3 hours ago, chuffinghell said:

Thanks for the mention Matt

 

Credit where credit is due. This wagons are fantastic, thank you. The fine details you included will show up nicely with the primer. I plan to showcase them here before fully painting. You may end up with too many orders for these (sorry), also could have a knock on effect for your other superb wagon kits as they also feature the same super fine details and have the supporting transfers from @railtec-models.

[chuffinghell]

44 minutes ago, Bluemonkey presents.... said:

Credit where credit is due. This wagons are fantastic, thank you. The fine details you included will show up nicely with the primer. I plan to showcase them here before fully painting. You may end up with too many orders for these (sorry), also could have a knock on effect for your other superb wagon kits as they also feature the same super fine details and have the supporting transfers from @railtec-models.

‘blush’
 

I’ll do you a sketch tomorrow that you can send to @railtec-models so Steve knows what dimensions he can work with in

[Bluemonkey presents....]

16 hours ago, Mikkel said:

Lovely stuff, christmas has come early!

 

Is the barbed wire bought in like that or rolled by yourself? It looks very good.

 

So do the wagons! I'm off to see your layout thread (Edit: Thought you has posted there too.).

 

 

Morning,

 

The first lot of wire I purchased is this, pre-rolled;

 

http://Barbed Wire Roll 72 inches Long, Ready to use. 1/72,1/76 20MM Scale - JBARB | eBay

 

And then needing more I decided to have a go at making the coils myself, especially as I was cutting the preformed coil anyway. I am yet to attempt the rolling as it only arrived yesterday.

 

http://5 Meters (16feet) Barbed Wire / Razor Wire Model. Ideal 40k, 28mm, 32mm, 1:35 | eBay

 

[Mikkel]

Thanks Matt.

 

Looks like RMweb doesn't like your links but this one works hopefully: 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311651979684?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=82kA4pzPTRK&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=igtQrLvjRFq&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Bluemonkey presents....]

1 hour ago, Mikkel said:

Thanks Matt.

 

Looks like RMweb doesn't like your links but this one works hopefully: 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311651979684?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=82kA4pzPTRK&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=igtQrLvjRFq&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

 

Oh sorry. Thank you, yes that one is the original one purchased.

 

This is the second purchase and how it arrived.

 

 

I don't seem to be able to post links but if the below is copied to the search bar should hopefully reference the product.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314113616235#:~:text=5 Meters (16feet) Barbed Wire / Razor Wire Model. Ideal 40k%2C 28mm%2C 32mm%2C 1%3A35

[Bluemonkey presents....]

OK, as promised here is a bunch of very close up pictures of the Aero wagon in grey primer. The primer brings out the fine details included even showing some poor quality and lumpy spraying by myself (please ignore this as I will be sorting that out shortly).

All parts are only push fit together for the pictures as painting separately will be much easier. The crates are literally placed on top of trestles clearly showing the quality of design and print.

I could wax lyrical about this wagon but I will let Chuffer's skill and ability talk for it's self.

 

    

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Hope everyone had a decent festive break.

 

Having finished the first of the opens that will have a load of barbed wire with Railtech WWII transfers and a very positive discussion about the possibility for the Aero wagon's transfers I thought it prudent to throw together the pair of Ian Kirk 5 plankers in order to utilise a waft with the airbrush in freight grey. So joining the military group. The WD wagon is waiting a light shading/weathering on the outside.

 

    

 

    

 

The Kirk opens will be in GW freight grey and holding GWR livery. One is destined for further barbed wire and the other (number 44) will have a load of 250lb bombs as picture in Elaine Arthurs and Felicity Jones book; Wartime GWR page 76.

 

Whilst the primer is going off on the opens I decided to make a start on the Aero Wagon. After painting the deck in what I was hoping to display a worked wagon deck, with a replacement plank. The first wagons will be that from the originally build batch in 1939, followed with a couple from a later batch in 1941m with slightly newer and cleaner decking and less wear to the wagon frames.

 

 The camera has not really highlighted the various shade and degrees of colour used but gives a reflection.

 

Whilst this was I thought "Hmmm would the Great Western just have painted the entire wagon, including the wooden deck, freight grey. Speed and ease of painting as well as better protection of the wood?" Oh well too late now I guess.

 

Moving back to the Aero wagon body Chuffinghell has provided some really nice details as well as some very modeller friendly build details. These are especially helpful and aspects you do not get with other kits offered on the general market. Talking of which these wagons are available to purchase from Chris, just drop him a private message! 

"Well why are these particularly better than other kits offered of the Aero wagon?" I hear you ask. "Because Chris made them and were designed completely with the modeller in mind" I reply.

 

You have already seen the separate decks, allowing ease of painting (if required) but also reduces/eliminates the risk of distortion. 

A chassis is provided and included as part of the kit. This features the main modeller friendly elements. These include accurate holes to insert brass axle bearings, no need to open out or to position the W-irons. Pre-printed location holes on the inner brake gear in order to add a central brake rodding if desired. This allows the use of metal wire, reducing those oops moments.

 

 

Fine detailing of brake levers and gearing and buffer beam detailing. This also includes separately printed (included) buffer shafts so the modeller can choose these with additional steel buffers heads or buffers from another supplier and an accurate space for 3-link coupling hooks or an option to add a NEM coupling type.

 

    

 

The trestles are separate from the deck for painting aid as well as ensure no distortion of the deck. These are also finely detailed with very nice rivet details, fine trestle support and angled braces for supporting those crates. Along with these details is the addition of locating lugs ensuring accurately positioning on the deck. This ensures that the crate loads and trestle angles are perfect, another potential modeling frustration avoided.

 

    

 

The detailing of the entire wagon including the accurate design of the open mid (ish) section (all the way to the sides, completely open) also allows the modeller to run unloaded wagons losing no accuracy of having to hide a lack of detail.

 

Finally the crate loads. As much attention to detail has been paid to the crates as the wagon. The crates were made up of wood and metal braces and sit on the trestles whilst in transit.

The current modelled crates are in a base wood colour awaiting further washes and detailing but this allows for the detailing to be displayed. Each crate is provided which printed hole, large enough for a cocktail stick, to aid painting and drying. Another detail included with the build and modeller in mind.

 

 

Personally speaking, this is a superb little wagon kit. One that is accurately made so all parts slot together without any need for modification. Includes such details that help any modeller successfully create a notable wagon. All Chris' kits/wagon designs have similar modeller supports and super fine details. The only extra you need is your choice of coupling and some buffer heads and you'll have a finely detailed wagon that would match any other propriety kit or R-T-R wagon available. Other wagons produced by Chris have fine livery support from the excellent range of waterslide transfers from Railtech. The hope is that the Aero wagon will also be provided with the specific details to create an accurate finish to the fine model.

Thank you Chris for producing this for me and hopefully many others as well!

[chuffinghell]

You’re far too kind ☺️ but thank you

 

Looking good so far, excited to see these finished 

[AlfaZagato]

I've always understood GWR to have painted it's freight stock gray down to the solebars.   Vans had lead white roofs, that are considered to have faded to gray or black anyways.

[Bluemonkey presents....]

That was what made me start thinking about the deck being painted or not. I had thought freight wagons completely grey including the under frames but certain wagons had some unpainted wood, i.e. open planked wagon and cattle wagons.

I think in reality the decking would have been painted the same as the wagons, for ease and speed as well as protecting the wood but I am somewhat reluctant to change what I have done as it adds character and distinction to the overall wagon appearance. Anyway lets work on the same presumption as other 'decked' wagons like the Hydra and Loriot which to my knowledge had unpainted wooden decks 😉

 

Here's the first WD military wagon now awaiting the barbed wire load. Finished with a little dry brushing and a light wash, here and there.

 

    

 

The load in it's making. That is 5 metres coiled and condensed to about 25cm.

 

[chuffinghell]

Someone is going to be a busy boy in the new year

 

 

😉

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy massive thank you again. These are little crackers. Now I just need to cull the collected loco kits and bits to ensure I have enough time to do everything justice.

At least I now have two work benches, one for painting and transfers and structure builds and the other for rolling stock kit builds, soldering etc.

[Mikkel]

I like that: Too many kits? No problem, just get an extra workbench! 😄

[chuffinghell]

“Too many kits” is like “too many Panniers” not possible! 🤣

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Head down, load up!!

 

Coils cut and then tied with fuse wire, ready for a flash of colour and dry brushing.

[chuffinghell]

You certainly put me to shame, I don’t think I’m moved my ar** off the sofa since Christmas Eve

[Bluemonkey presents....]

Well the coils can be made on the sofa, so no excuses. Just ask my supervisor.

 

 

Tedious but complete. The fuse wire needs trimming and a spot of glue to hold each one, then off to the paint shop.

 

 

Whilst the glue is drying I think I may have to do something with the supervisor. I think that's a hint!!!!

 

[MrWolf]

Supervisors of the four legged variety are very good with hints. Mine, if more subtle hints were ignored, would go into the kitchen, pick up his bowl (actually a stainless saucepan minus handle) and drop it on the stone floor.

 

A sort of reverse dinner gong.

 

I have a cast iron excuse for doing 0 during Christmas, I wasn't at home. 

Now that I'm back, I've trees to make, fencing to install and just possibly an AERO wagon or two to build.

 

Chris's efforts in designing and producing these kits just get better and better. 

I don't think that it's a stretch of the truth to say that they're better quality than the vast majority of commercial prints. It's been a real pleasure to play a small part in the research and development.

 

If asked whose idea it was to create such an obscure prototype as the AERO I honestly couldn't remember,  though we have been discussing all manner of possibilities, or chucking darts at Atkins, Beard, et al, which gives me plausible deniability at least....

 

 

[Bluemonkey presents....]

7 minutes ago, MrWolf said:

 

Now that I'm back, I've trees to make, fencing to install and just possibly an AERO wagon or two to build.

 

Chris's efforts in designing and producing these kits just get better and better. 

I don't think that it's a stretch of the truth to say that they're better quality than the vast majority of commercial prints.

 

 

 

Very much looking forward to watching your trees grow.

Couldn't agree more about Chris' prints.