Wright writes.....

[robertcwp]

On 14/07/2024 at 10:43, Tony Wright said:

 

 

 

 

 

An ex-GC RF, downgraded to Buffet status as the M&GNR system's only catering car (all my work).

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't that ex-GER rather than GCR, possibly built from the D&S kit? Sandra has one under construction for Retford to go in the Liverpool-Parkeston boat train.

[robertcwp]

Also on the subject of smaller kit makers, how about Three Aitch? Apologies if they have been mentioned already. They did a few wagons, most notably the coke hoppers, of which there are around 25-30 on Retford, now joined by around 16 Hornby ones. I believe the late Roy Jackson was involved in the Three Aitch kits.

[Bucoops]

9 minutes ago, robertcwp said:

Isn't that ex-GER rather than GCR, possibly built from the D&S kit? Sandra has one under construction for Retford to go in the Liverpool-Parkeston boat train.

 

Agreed, and the number is of a 30E.

 

 

[jwealleans]

13 minutes ago, robertcwp said:

Isn't that ex-GER rather than GCR, possibly built from the D&S kit?

 

That is correct - I was admiring Sandra's on Saturday.   I'm sure Tony knows that as well.

 

Sandra's would be the one attached/detached at Sheffield?  I think it was E667E, but I'd have to check that.

[Tony Wright]

Mention of weathering has seen my looking through my picture library..............

 

 

Seen recently, this a factory-weathered Bachmann B1.

 

Is that a 'motion shadow' on the centre driver's balance weight? 

 

As supplied, a pristine Bachmann B1.

 

 

This one was supplied factory-weathered. Quite convincing, though I added a little more to hide those 'shadows' on the wheels. Did I get every one?

 

 

Pristine RTR locos might suit collectors, but I always think weathering makes locos look more-realistic. It doesn't have to obliterate a model - here, I've applied just light weathering. 

 

 

Factory-applied weathering on a modern wagon by Bachmann - a dusting over with thinners?

 

 

More-complex weathering at source on these Bachmann 16 tonners. 

 

 

This Hornby O1 was factory-weathered, but only below the footplate (creating a weird appearance). 

 

I took it a stage further, renumbering it and adding further weathering. It could well be that this model as supplied was quite 'rare', meaning I've destroyed any collectable value. Since I'm not a collector of model railway items, I care not.

 

 

I've probably devalued this Hornby O1 even more, because, not only have I altered its identity and weathered it, but I've removed the smokebox handrail over the front of the smokebox to create this unique manifestation. 

 

As well as TMC, the likes of Lord & Butler offer a weathering service under their 'Dirty Boy' label...........

 

 

Which is very effective. 

 

Nothing on Little Bytham is not weathered - those who don't weather their stock cannot have observed the prototype.

 

I'm lucky in that I have some excellent weathering on my locos and stock; the work of friends.....

 

 

 

 

Such as Geoff Haynes. 

 

 

Richard Wilson.

 

 

Rob Davey.

 

 

And Tony Geary, whose weathering is often 'heroic'. 

 

 

A splendid weatherer is Tom Foster, and he produced the usual Tyneside-finish on my much-modified Bachmann A2, to the left.

 

Ian Rathbone weathered my approaching much-modified Bachmann A1. 

 

 

Here's a further example of Tom's weathering.

 

Barry Oliver is a prolific weatherer...........

 

 

And there are plenty of examples of his work on Grantham. 

 

Which techniques do others use for weathering. I don't own an airbrush, so mine is done by dry-brushing enamels. 

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

26 minutes ago, robertcwp said:

Isn't that ex-GER rather than GCR, possibly built from the D&S kit? Sandra has one under construction for Retford to go in the Liverpool-Parkeston boat train.

Of course Robert (I'm losing it!). Yes, ex-GE.

 

GC Restaurant Cars were very different in appearance...........

 

 

Built/painted by me from a 3D-printed kit (Alan Rose), weathered by Geoff Haynes.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

 

 

[Captain Kernow]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

I take it that's straight DC, not DCC? If so, that seems a high price for what's basically an 0-6-0 (I'm not being critical of Kernow here, but that's their market price, and it's reduced from RRP). Which brings me again to the question, what might the model I've shown be worth? 

Yes, that does appear to be straight DC, I found a DCC sound-fitted one at £237!!

 

I was also surprised by such prices.

 

[Tony Wright]

36 minutes ago, cb900f said:

Tony I know you don't touch e bay, but to give you an idea.

 

Having just looked at previously sold Hornby 08s the successful selling price varied between approx £40 and £120. That is for the detailed 08 not the 1960s variant.

 

I would hazard a guess at a value of around £85.

 

Pete

Thanks Pete,

 

I'm seeking to sell the items through (reputable) dealers I know (Mo and I don't 'deal' in RTR). That being the case, the most I would think they'd offer (though I haven't asked yet) is £50.00 for the 08. About right? Though the weathering cost £40.00! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Clive Mortimore]

7 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

I mentioned recently my helping a widow in finding buyers for her late husband's model railway collection. 

 

It's mainly RTR (with a few kit-built wagons), with some items 'Expertly Weathered' by TMC. Including this..........

 

 

Hornby diesel-electric shunter (later classified 08?). 

 

The actual paperwork from TMC was in the box, dating from a few years ago, with an invoice for about £40.00 (which also included fitting a driver). I assume that's for the service, and not including the cost of the model as well (what's the cost of a new Hornby 08, from four years ago? What's a new one cost now?). 

 

The reason I'm mentioning this is that it's suggested TMC weathering does not necessarily impact on the price of a model when it's sold-on second-hand.

 

I have to say, the weathering is consistent and subtle.

 

I've fitted the extra bits on the buffer beams, removing the tension-locks.

 

I wonder what this might be worth now? Any ideas, please?

 

 

Hello Tony

 

You seem to have fitted air brake pipes. 350HP/Pilots/Jockos etc were not fitted with air brakes until the late 60s and most were repainted blue at the same time.The compressor was in a box on the running plate between the battery box and the fuel tank on the left hand side, which is absent on your model. 13363 would have had a vacuum pipe only.

 

[Tony Wright]

2 minutes ago, Captain Kernow said:

Yes, that does appear to be straight DC, I found a DCC sound-fitted one at £237!!

 

I was also surprised by such prices.

 

Thanks Captain,

 

With those prices, it's becoming a wealthy person's hobby. 

 

As mentioned, the 08 is really the equivalent of a steam-outline 0-6-0T (do they command such high value?). 

 

It doesn't seem that long ago when the £100.00 'ceiling' was breached for an RTR loco. Now it's over £200.00, and heading fast to £300.00 and counting; for DCC, it's well over £300.00 in many cases! Getting near £400.00?  

 

What I find disappointing is that recent sales of (very good) kit-built locos which Mo and I have dealt with fail to get anywhere near those prices. 

 

At last, could it mean that building one's own models result in their being cheaper than RTR equivalents? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

2 minutes ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

You seem to have fitted air brake pipes. 350HP/Pilots/Jockos etc were not fitted with air brakes until the late 60s and most were repainted blue at the same time.The compressor was in a box on the running plate between the battery box and the fuel tank on the left hand side, which is absent on your model. 13363 would have had a vacuum pipe only.

 

Thanks Clive,

 

'Never model in ignorance' should be my motto, and that's just what I've done. How stupid of me - I followed the instructions! 

 

I'll remove them!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[MJI]

I think that often weathering is over done.

 

The cement hoppers look like generic weathering, as far as I recall, basically cement dust in the nooks and crannies.

 

Coaching stock is mainly the bits the washers miss. Mine is very basic, track dirt underframes.

[MikeParkin65]

16 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Clive,

 

'Never model in ignorance' should be my motto, and that's just what I've done. How stupid of me - I followed the instructions! 

 

I'll remove them!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

The other possible problem with fitting the buffer beam detail and removing the model couplings from a shunter (and the NEM boxes for attaching them?) is that it makes it rather less useful as a shunter perhaps? 

[Tony Wright]

11 minutes ago, MikeParkin65 said:

The other possible problem with fitting the buffer beam detail and removing the model couplings from a shunter (and the NEM boxes for attaching them?) is that it makes it rather less useful as a shunter perhaps? 

Good afternoon Mike,

 

But only if tension-locks are concerned in the main. Were I using it for shunting, I'd just have a discreet 'goalpost' at buffer height for shunting with Spat and Winkle couplings, chucking the NEM pockets and tension-lock couplings away! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony

[Roger Sunderland]

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Captain,

 

With those prices, it's becoming a wealthy person's hobby. 

 

As mentioned, the 08 is really the equivalent of a steam-outline 0-6-0T (do they command such high value?). 

 

It doesn't seem that long ago when the £100.00 'ceiling' was breached for an RTR loco. Now it's over £200.00, and heading fast to £300.00 and counting; for DCC, it's well over £300.00 in many cases! Getting near £400.00?  

 

What I find disappointing is that recent sales of (very good) kit-built locos which Mo and I have dealt with fail to get anywhere near those prices. 

 

At last, could it mean that building one's own models result in their being cheaper than RTR equivalents? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

And yet Tony, in this crazy World, the prices for 0 gauge rtr models continue to amaze.

Recent offers from Rails have included Dapol 0 gauge  0-6-0 Jinties and GWR 14xx 0-4-2T for £125.

[cb900f]

3 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

You seem to have fitted air brake pipes. 350HP/Pilots/Jockos etc were not fitted with air brakes until the late 60s and most were repainted blue at the same time.The compressor was in a box on the running plate between the battery box and the fuel tank on the left hand side, which is absent on your model. 13363 would have had a vacuum pipe only.

 

You're a braver man than me Clive, I spotted the pipes too but didn't want to incur Sir's wrath.

[Tony Wright]

34 minutes ago, cb900f said:

You're a braver man than me Clive, I spotted the pipes too but didn't want to incur Sir's wrath.

Good evening,

 

Please (and this applies to everyone), if I've dropped a blooper, then point it out. Folk read this thread in their numbers, and if I've cocked up then it needs to be highlighted. 

 

Constructive criticism (which is what Clive's post was; and, not only that, educational) should be sought at all times. I give it , and, if I do, then I must be prepared to take it. 

 

It seems to me, that at this time of 'snowflakes', anything critical is seen as 'persecution'!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Jamiel]

Lovely to see some diesel/DMU kits and builds on here, here are few I have done or been working on for a while, while the shed and layout is stored.

 

Silverfox resin body on a Hornby Railroad Class 40 chassis cut down. A1 etches and other odd bits plus a scratch built front door. Needs a bit of cleaning though.

 

 

Obviously the Kernow model is superior, and had fantastically detailed bogies, way better than the Lima/Hornby Railroad ones. I am dubious about the level of detail on the roof of the Kernow model, there are very few photos of it from above, but from some shots on shed with roof panels raised I suspect a bit more detail could have been added, still from the cantrails down the Kernow model is far, far superior to mine. I enjoyed building it though.

 

 

Am A1 detailing kit, and old Hornby body and a Bachman class 24/5 chassis. Not a patch on the Dapol model, but it was fun to do and is my build.

 

 

 

 

Using DC kits cabs (thank you Charlie) plus various etches.

Class 129, with Craftsman sides on a Replica chassis. Needs lowering a bit on the chassis when I unpack it.

 

 

 

Class 124 TransPennine, very long running project. DC cabs, Worsley sides, Replica MK1 coach bodies, Highlevel Low Rider power bogie, Comet chassis and parts, MTK bogie frames, Hornby and Dapol spares and Trix cab roofs (mostly cast off in resin), Craftsman detailing kits, A1 and Shawplan etches, etc, a complete mongrel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class 120 Craftsman detailing kit used for the bodies, Comet chassis plus Replica Power chassis. Bogies MTK & Hornby sides, Comet detailing parts and resin casts as well. Plus the usual etches, etc. Cab roofs cast from DC kits cabs, but I used the Craftsman cab etches here as they work well with the shape of this cab (a couple of DC cab spares going of someone needs them).

 

 

 

 

 

 

It started with a Craftsman detailing kit for a Class 128, before Dapol released their model, and encouragement from those at Leeds MRS.

 

 

I must go back and detail that up and sort the side doors which are recessed too deeply, and bring it up to the level of detail I am now more confident with.

What is the opinion on Q Kits?

I have been watching an etch for the 10800 diesel prototype on Ebay for a while, but I suspect the grills and detail is not as good as the Helajn release, and I should probably spend time building rolling stock and finishing the projects I have started, rather than add yet another loco. I have probably also flagged to others now, anyway, so please grab it if you are tempted.

It is a pity that there are not etched brass mainline BR diesel kits, some lovely shunters and industrial loco by Judith Edge and a few older kits as seen here, but it would nice to have the option to make your own Class 31, 40 or 47, or any of them really.

Jamie

Edited July 17 by Jamiel

[Richard_A]

19 minutes ago, Jamiel said:

Lovely to see some diesel/DMU kits and builds on here, here are few I have done or been working on for a while, while the shed and layout is stored.

 

Silverfox resin body on a Hornby Railroad Class 40 chassis cut down. A1 etches and other odd bits plus a scratch built front door. Needs a bit of cleaning though.

 

 

Obviously the Kernow model is superior, and had fantastically detailed bogies, way better than the Lima/Hornby Railroad ones. I am dubious about the level of detail on the roof of the Kernow model, there are very few photos of it from above, but from some shots on shed with roof panels raised I suspect a bit more detail could have been added, still from the cantrails down the Kernow model is far, far superior to mine. I enjoyed building it though.

 

 

Am A1 detailing kit, and old Hornby body and a Bachman class 24/5 chassis. Not a patch on the Dapol model, but it was fun to do and is my build.

 

 

 

 

Using DC kits cabs (thank you Charlie) plus various etches.

Class 129, with Craftsman sides on a Replica chassis. Needs lowering a bit on the chassis when I unpack it.

 

 

 

Class 124 TransPennine, very long running project. DC cabs, Worsley sides, Replica MK1 coach bodies, Highlevel Low Rider power bogie, Comet chassis and parts, MTK bogie frames, Hornby and Dapol spares and Trix cab roofs (mostly cast off in resin), Craftsman detailing kits, A1 and Shawplan etches, etc, a complete mongrel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class 120 Craftsman detailing kit used for the bodies, Comet chassis plus Replica Power chassis. Bogies MTK & Hornby sides, Comet detailing parts and resin casts as well. Plus the usual etches, etc. Cab roofs cast from DC kits cabs, but I used the Craftsman cab etches here as they work well with the shape of this cab (a couple of DC cab spares going of someone needs them).

 

 

 

 

 

 

It started with a Craftsman detailing kit for a Class 128, before Dapol released their model, and encouragement from those at Leeds MRS.

 

 

I must go back and detail that up and sort the side doors which are recessed too deeply, and bring it up to the level of detail I am now more confident with.

What is the opinion on Q Kits?

I have been watching an etch for the 10800 diesel prototype on Ebay for a while, but I suspect the grills and detail is not as good as the Helajn release, and I should probably spend time building rolling stock and finishing the projects I have started, rather than add yet another loco. I have probably also flagged to others now, anyway, so please grab it if you are tempted.

It is a pity that there are not etched brass mainline BR diesel kits, some lovely shunters and industrial loco by Judith Edge and a few older kits as seen here, but it would nice to have the option to make your won Class 31, 40 or 47, or any of them really.

Jamie

Hi Jamie, 

 

The etches are not the best as I have a sheet of them plus a few other parts, I have just managed to get an Alexander models 10800 kit with motor bogies for £80 from ebay, I also have another alexander models 10800 kit which somebody had started and removed the bottom louvres from the bodyside doors but this has no motor bogies, this is going spare should you wish? 

[westernviscount]

A spot of weathering on a uplifted airfix presflo. 

 

 

 

[Barry Ten]

Since Tony mentioned Kitmaster motorisations, I guess these count (just?). These are both based on the Branchlines kit for motorising the Kitmaster/Airfix/Dapol City class:

 

 

The City had to be "Truro" as that's where I was raised, despite being born in Wales. I made no effort to correct any of the issues with the Dapol mouldings, as the objective was just to have a reasonably good City, there being no Bachmann model at the time I made mine. The model is ballasted to the gills and has no trouble with a five or six coach express. which it will easily pull at the (historically correct) scale ton.

 

 

Also from the same source is this Bird class, which I built more recently. The Branchlines etch easily caters for the Bird, but quite a bit more work is needed on the Dapol parts due to the differences in wheel diameter and boiler detail. It's inaccurate in many areas but still ticks the box for me in being a somewhat different outside-framed GWR 4-4-0. I just wish I'd gone a bit lighter on the reinstated boiler bands, as they are too prominent - it probably would have been better just to leave them off completely. As with the City, it's got loads of weight in it and has no problem with the typical trains I run.

 

Both models have Branchlines gearboxes with open-frame motors (not Mashima) which tend to run a bit hot, but it's not been a issue so far.

 

They've both been on Little Bytham but I think one of them ended up on the naughty step after fouling the platforms on the through lines!

 

Cheers, Al

[mullie]

Talking of Silver Fox Models, prior to the Rapido J70 the Silver Fox Resin body was the best way to model a J70. The Rapido model is not an easy conversion to EM so mine will run for a few more years yet. They are due to go into the shops for etched lamp irons and I've bought some small bells from a ship modelling company to improve the roof detail.

 

 

 

 

I think they've been seen on here before so apologies for repeating myself. They run on Bullant bogies with wheels opened out to EM and adjusted pick ups. DCC with stay alive, very reliable performers. Photos taken by @SouthernRegionSteam at SWAG, Taunton earlier this year.

[Jon4470]

22 hours ago, Tony Teague said:

 

Chivers also did a couple of loco kits that I am aware of:

 

 

An ex-LBSCR Billinton D3, and

 

 

an ex-SECR J class - an unusual prototype; both of these built for me by Chris Philips.

 

Oddly, for an SR layout, I also have a couple of Chivers' LMS express fish vans; I made up the kits which were weathered by Mick Bonwick.

 

 

Finally, no-one has mentioned MARC Models, which is certainly now defunct and made models of many obscure prototypes across all regions; this is his SR Bulleid cinema coach & generator van:

 

 

He (Mike Radford) also produced in conjunction with Model rail magazine, a more or less complete set of kits to make up the SNCF Night Ferry stock:

 

 

Tony

 

 

 

 

Mention of Chivers locomotive kits……they also produced an Q6.
 

This is one that I built a number of years ago. Shortly after completion it had a run on Little Bytham. As I don’t have a layout to test locomotives on, I wasn’t too confident about how well it would run. So, I was really pleased to see it happily and successfully run around with no mishaps.

 

Apologies for the background clutter!

 

Jon

 

[Tony Wright]

2 hours ago, Jamiel said:

Lovely to see some diesel/DMU kits and builds on here, here are few I have done or been working on for a while, while the shed and layout is stored.

 

Silverfox resin body on a Hornby Railroad Class 40 chassis cut down. A1 etches and other odd bits plus a scratch built front door. Needs a bit of cleaning though.

 

 

Obviously the Kernow model is superior, and had fantastically detailed bogies, way better than the Lima/Hornby Railroad ones. I am dubious about the level of detail on the roof of the Kernow model, there are very few photos of it from above, but from some shots on shed with roof panels raised I suspect a bit more detail could have been added, still from the cantrails down the Kernow model is far, far superior to mine. I enjoyed building it though.

 

 

Am A1 detailing kit, and old Hornby body and a Bachman class 24/5 chassis. Not a patch on the Dapol model, but it was fun to do and is my build.

 

 

 

 

Using DC kits cabs (thank you Charlie) plus various etches.

Class 129, with Craftsman sides on a Replica chassis. Needs lowering a bit on the chassis when I unpack it.

 

 

 

Class 124 TransPennine, very long running project. DC cabs, Worsley sides, Replica MK1 coach bodies, Highlevel Low Rider power bogie, Comet chassis and parts, MTK bogie frames, Hornby and Dapol spares and Trix cab roofs (mostly cast off in resin), Craftsman detailing kits, A1 and Shawplan etches, etc, a complete mongrel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class 120 Craftsman detailing kit used for the bodies, Comet chassis plus Replica Power chassis. Bogies MTK & Hornby sides, Comet detailing parts and resin casts as well. Plus the usual etches, etc. Cab roofs cast from DC kits cabs, but I used the Craftsman cab etches here as they work well with the shape of this cab (a couple of DC cab spares going of someone needs them).

 

 

 

 

 

 

It started with a Craftsman detailing kit for a Class 128, before Dapol released their model, and encouragement from those at Leeds MRS.

 

 

I must go back and detail that up and sort the side doors which are recessed too deeply, and bring it up to the level of detail I am now more confident with.

What is the opinion on Q Kits?

I have been watching an etch for the 10800 diesel prototype on Ebay for a while, but I suspect the grills and detail is not as good as the Helajn release, and I should probably spend time building rolling stock and finishing the projects I have started, rather than add yet another loco. I have probably also flagged to others now, anyway, so please grab it if you are tempted.

It is a pity that there are not etched brass mainline BR diesel kits, some lovely shunters and industrial loco by Judith Edge and a few older kits as seen here, but it would nice to have the option to make your won Class 31, 40 or 47, or any of them really.

Jamie

Great stuff Jamie,

 

Thanks for showing us.

 

You (the generic 'you') can keep all the (brilliant) RTR equivalents, but I know which is the more-interesting; all the time - actual modelling!

 

I commend you for your efforts.

 

Well done.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

6 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

You seem to have fitted air brake pipes. 350HP/Pilots/Jockos etc were not fitted with air brakes until the late 60s and most were repainted blue at the same time.The compressor was in a box on the running plate between the battery box and the fuel tank on the left hand side, which is absent on your model. 13363 would have had a vacuum pipe only.

 

Me again Clive,

 

Duly altered...........

 

 

 

 

An 0-6-0 diesel shunter would be unlikely at Little Bytham - unless, as suggest here by the lamps, it's running light engine from Donny Works to........... wherever. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony.