MrWhippyO Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 If I saw that tanker sitting on a layout I would struggle to tell it was a model! It's looking really good! James 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted February 1, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted February 1, 2012 Cheers mate! I hope to get on to doing some BP green ones next, and shock horror, some fairly clean ones soon!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Popular Post James Makin Posted May 12, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Popular Post Share Posted May 12, 2012 (edited) Hi Guys,I've been busy recreating one of my favourite trains from my youth; the Connex South Central 4-VEP.Loftus Road by Worthing MRC by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrBased on the Hornby model, I have repainted it into the defunct operators' awful livery, complete with dirty paintwork and custom faded transfers!Connex SouthCentral 4-VEP 3486 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrConnex SouthCentral 4-VEP 3486 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrConnex SouthCentral 4-VEP 3486 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrConnex SouthCentral 4-VEP 3486 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrLoftus Road by Worthing MRC by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrWhat I like most is how mundane this once ubiquitous unit was, it really was nothing special and a true workhorse unlike some of its celebrity South Western colleagues that made it into preservation and beyond. This model is for all those forgotten Slam doors, working day-in-day out; you never saw them in the railway mags, you thought they'd work forever. Simple, rough and draughty they just turned up at your platform and took you to work and back, without so much as a second glance.It's far from glamorous, but I hope this model helps to do this forgotten era justice.Maybe every dog really does have its day Edited July 23, 2016 by James Makin 37 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitbull1845 Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Love it James, nice to see something different on a layout, I'm not an expert by any means but it definately looks the part. Cheers Scott 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tase Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 (edited) Love it....travelled Connex many times. Your effort certainly looks the part! I wish Hornby would bring that livery to us who are not so blessed in paint skills! T. PS. Good to see Loftus Road in this month's British Railway Modelling.....your detailing with the graffiti transfers certainly has given me some ideas!! Did you create your own transfers? I particularly liked the 'tags' on the line side cabinets...were they transfers too? Edited May 13, 2012 by Tase 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted May 13, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 13, 2012 Yes, a very fine depiction of a most unattractive unit. Even blue/grey looked better than this run-down mess. Once things like the curtains had been stripped out the VEPs became truly draughty, utilitarian stock, a bit removed from their initial self in 1967. Your model captures that feeling v well indeed! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles2 Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Hi! Got to say your work is fantastic !! I remember back in 1985 catching the old slam doors from Earley to Bracknell when I started nursing, then cycling to Sandhurst in the evening to see my girlfriend then catching a diesel 2 or 3 car DMU back to either Earley or Reading! Where I lived in Reading you could sometimes see the electric sparks lighting up the sky on early morning services in the winter! I am heavily impressed with your tankers - so far that it's possibly given me the push I was looking for to model the old petrol terminal at Earley (nowadays yes - you've guessed it - houses :D !!) and maybe the station too! They are so much better than mine anyday for my Penzance layout !! I saw Loftus Rd in BRM and am totally impressed with it! Looking at the pictures inside and the front cover I had one of those rare times of having to look twice to see if it is real or a model - so to me that's gooooooooood !! Thanks, Charles. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 James. Did I miss this yesterday? That's annoying. I'm guessing that it was sat on the fiddle yd at the time. It does look very nice. Nice to chat yesterday... hpe Loftue Rd got home ok. Jon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted May 13, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted May 13, 2012 Many thanks for all the comments guys, much appreciated! Good to see Loftus Road in this month's British Railway Modelling.....your detailing with the graffiti transfers certainly has given me some ideas!! Did you create your own transfers? I particularly liked the 'tags' on the line side cabinets...were they transfers too? Cool, cheers - as it happens, for the graffiti I actually don't use transfers at all, all 100% handpainted believe it or not! I just brush paint the graffiti using local imagery as inspiration or stuff from websites accessible via Google - tons of artists showing off their real life work in web galleries. I use Humbrol paints and "00000" brushes and build up the layers of paint from lightest to darkest, a bit like they do in real life. 'Taggings' are done using fineline markers or gel pens and I varnish these afterwards otherwise they just rub off your buildings. I tried some of these horrible Busch graffiti transfers on the EWS VGA wagon in the BRM article...was a bit embarassing they showed that photo, doesn't look at all realistic to my eyes!! You can tell the difference between UK graffiti you see in everyday life and graffiti on the continental scene I think, so nowadays I always whip out the brushes! Best thing about handpainting is that it's really cheap to do, only barriers would be eyesight or steady hands, but I'm alright at the moment...give me another 40 years....hmmm! Hope it all goes well, helps to have the building on a flat surface on the workbench and definitely not on the layout! Cheers, James 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 The weathering on that VEP is awesome - just like the real thing! Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Vep looks excellent James, livery and weathering is superb. Graham. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dseagull Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Wow, that's stunning - reminiscent of many a daily commute! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted May 13, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 13, 2012 The number of times i used to travel in one of those. I particularly remember catching them from Riegate in the morning rush hour some times and on a wintry day they would be cold and full of condensation. In their final years they would sometimes even have a mini waterfall down the windows on wet days so the window seats sometimes had to be avoided.. Some very nice modelling. Ian 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swifty11 Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Hi James, The electrostar looks fantastic! Definently the best model I've seen scratch built. Wells Green TMD is a fantastic layout and my favourite layout. Is there any chance of Wells making a return to the exhibition circuit as unfortunately, for one reason or another, I never got to see the layout in the flesh. I'm a keen follower of your Wells Green TMD blog. Is there any chance of Loftus Road coming up north? Thanks, Tom 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted November 14, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 14, 2012 Hi James, The electrostar looks fantastic! Definently the best model I've seen scratch built. Wells Green TMD is a fantastic layout and my favourite layout. Is there any chance of Wells making a return to the exhibition circuit as unfortunately, for one reason or another, I never got to see the layout in the flesh. I'm a keen follower of your Wells Green TMD blog. Is there any chance of Loftus Road coming up north? Thanks, Tom Hi Tom! Thanks so much for the kind words, means a lot! Sorry to hear that you haven't yet seen WG in the flesh, I've taken the poor little plank to many shows now but mainly down South so far. I've temporarily retired it but it's mainly due to work/social commitments but I will bring it back one day, promise! The layout's getting on 8 years old and whether it can still hold its own against the new breed is another matter but it'd be quite fun to do a large-ish Northern show sometime in future so if an invite comes in then I will seriously consider! Same for Loftus Road, it's Worthing MRC's club layout and there's always the operating team's availability to consider but I'm sure any invite will be given serious thought! My mates have made some amazing scenary (I'm allowed to brag as I did none and am in awe of the talent!) and I've got a few unusual rolling stock projects in the pipeline so hopefully it might attract a few more invites in due course (hint, hint!) Cheers, James 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swifty11 Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 (edited) Hi Tom! Thanks so much for the kind words, means a lot! Sorry to hear that you haven't yet seen WG in the flesh, I've taken the poor little plank to many shows now but mainly down South so far. I've temporarily retired it but it's mainly due to work/social commitments but I will bring it back one day, promise! The layout's getting on 8 years old and whether it can still hold its own against the new breed is another matter but it'd be quite fun to do a large-ish Northern show sometime in future so if an invite comes in then I will seriously consider! Same for Loftus Road, it's Worthing MRC's club layout and there's always the operating team's availability to consider but I'm sure any invite will be given serious thought! My mates have made some amazing scenary (I'm allowed to brag as I did none and am in awe of the talent!) and I've got a few unusual rolling stock projects in the pipeline so hopefully it might attract a few more invites in due course (hint, hint!) Cheers, James Thanks for the fast reply! Have you got a new car or just a different colour as your profile pic has changed? I'll have a chat to the guys at Stafford MRC on regards to getting a layout up north, when I've built my layout Portland Road DRS then if your up you can come for a play while Wells Green is stored. P.S... Any new updates coming for the Wells Green website as the last one was July, if a new one has been posted and my computer hasn't loaded it then sorry... The pics of the electrostar on Loftus road look great Edited November 15, 2012 by Swifty11 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted November 16, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted November 16, 2012 (edited) Thanks! I'm sure the Loftus Road gang might enjoy a trip up to Stafford one year, good show I do keep meaning to update the website but never get round to it I'm afraid! The FCC '377' had made good progress, currently assembling the bodyshells and creating the chassis for each vehicle, I'll try and get some pics up at some point soon. Have you got a new car or just a different colour as your profile pic has changed? Funny you mention that! Tomorrow I am picking up my new baby!2010 Focus RS by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrMy next car is this Ford Focus RS, finished in a subtle shade of Ultimate Green!!As a pre-registered car it's basically brand new and comes fitted with the Ford-approved Mountune power upgrade, the car is packing a stable of 350 horses! However I'm a man of simple pleasures and my favourite part is the luminous lime green seats hehe!I will stop now as I could talk for hours about Fords lolWells Green TMD fits in the back for shows...I might now have the fastest depot layout in the country! Edited August 6, 2016 by James Makin 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swifty11 Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Thanks James, The car looks really good, will the next project be a new car to put on centre stage at Wells Green TMD, looking forward to seeing a new update on Wells Green.com but there's no rush. Hopefully my new depot layout will turn out ok, if it turns out half as good as yours I'll be happy! Tom 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitbull1845 Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Hi James, I'm liking the look of your new car!! If your passing through Dorset at any time pop by and give me a spin... Oh and bring your connex 4 vep, I saw a picture of one stored at Marchwood so would fit in nicely with my layout.. Cheers Scott 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Very nice Rs you have!! was going to buy one in that colour "but" i bought one in the white,so ive got to clean,every couple of days.... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Evil Bus Driver Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 (edited) Maybe a resin cast of the 4VEP gangway end door would sell well, James? This could sit in the gangway held in by the clips into the main body without any major butchering. Edited November 17, 2012 by The Evil Bus Driver Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
P.C.M Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Hi James, The new car looks a real beast, There are a few over here in Oz,an older one went past me the other day like I was stood still. They certainly go well. Cheers Peter. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted December 8, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 8, 2012 (edited) Hi guys!Hope you won't mind a little bit of self-promotion for a moment (with Andy's permission!)I've started selling resin 4mm:1ft scale Adtranz Bombardier Electrostar cabs for the Class 375 / 377 EMU based on my scratchbuilt copy of the prototype.The ends are moulded in high quality resin to fit the Bachmann '00' scale Class 170 Turbostar DMU, and can also be used to recreate the newer class 172 & 379 units, along with the traditional 375 & 377 EMUs. PM me for further details, I'm selling these on an adhoc basis - (JM, 2016)There's much more information about the conversion on my website and in Model Rail magazine No. 172 (Aug 12), and although I've shortened my units to make the 20m bodyshells, you can make a unit just as good by simply putting the new end on a Turbostar. I believe aftermarket transfers are even available on eBay from other suppliers making this a very easy and simple conversion for all.I've included a few images below, more detail can be found on the eBay shop above or on my website http://www.wellsgreen-tmd.co.ukThese are the cabs as sent, modellers will need to remove the window blanks but with a little sanding will fit perfectly onto a Bachmann Turbostar without all the painstaking part of scratchbuilding the cab!Scratchbuilt Electrostar by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrHere's another shot of the finished unit from last year, I've got a First Capital Connect one on the way too!Scratchbuilt Electrostar 377207 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on Flickrcratchbuilt Electrostar 377207 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on Flickrcratchbuilt Electrostar 377207 by James Makin by jamesmakin2002, on FlickrThere seems to be a fair amount of interest in these units so it seemed a shame not to let others utilise some of these mouldings I'd created myself, any questions about modelling these fantastic Electrostars in 4mm:1ft scale so please do give me a shout!I'm really interested in others modelling Electrostars using my resin ends so I encourage anyone with an interest to buy a pair and post lots of pics of your project on RMWeb please!Many thanks,James Edited August 6, 2016 by James Makin 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swifty11 Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 Hi James, Just read that BRM are publishing pics of Wells Green TMD, Are they new pictures or pictures from your website? Thanks, Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted December 9, 2012 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 9, 2012 Hi James, Just read that BRM are publishing pics of Wells Green TMD, Are they new pictures or pictures from your website? Thanks, Tom Hi Tom! They're a selection of my favourite pics I've taken from the last 7 years, so some have featured in low res online and others are all-new! I made sure that they're all different angles to the previous article in Rail Express all those years ago! Cheers, 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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