Who is looking?

Daily I am amazed at the level of interest shown in a 3MM scale specific blog!
Looking at the countries that view my humble ramblings, some come as a surprise. I have already mentioned Afghanistan and Iraq but recently there seems to be an interest from Sweden. Is this because of a resurgant interest in Agnetha Faltskog (the blonde one) and the release of her new album?
Conversely word has spread from eastern countries that have an interest in things 3mm.
I would be interested to know as I want to discuss those things that interest and inform not blindly pour forth my own preferences. I don't like publishing forums but if you have any thoughts please post on 3mmscale@hotmail.co.uk This will be an experiment and will be withdrawn if misused.So lets get interactive!

It all comes to those who wait.

Sorry if this is becoming a bit indulgent- there are good reasons which some might be aware.
Being unable to do much in the way of 3mm modelling I have been able to enjoy a day out- a rare occurance- and just want to show how the next generation enjoy what we have enjoyed for many years.
Forget the rivet counters and just enjoy what is really a great big train set!

Deceptive Appearance.

Appearances can sometimes be deceptive. Take this picture. Outwardly it is of a north American loco- the type I remember that Casey Jones used to drive.
However, this is the outward appearance and this loco is of the combustion that is internal- suck, squeeze, bang and blow as I was taught at Technical College.
The driver pushes a button, the ,silenced, engine starts up and off it goes.
Paultons Park is its home and I spent a lovely weekend with my Grand kids recently.
So- everything is not what it seems- the Grand kids were none the wiser- looks like a train- therefore it is a train- QED when I went to school.

3MM Scale in the Press.

This month we are spoiled for 3mm scale articles in the Model Railway press.
First to appear in Railway Modeller was the article by Katier Scott with a first installment of scratchbuilding a 3mm chassis, this being for a J72.
British Railway Modelling has gone one better with a front page picture of the Chiltern Group's 'Gerrards Cross'. This excellent spread does justice to the efforts of Andrew Comben and others who are all members of the 3mm Society.
A great advert for themselves and the scale.
Well done all- keep it up.

Nigels Worsley Works Coaches.

 Nigel is busy assembling a couple of rakes of coaches for his St Agnes layout.
Shown here are some examples that have already had the livery applied.
They range from Bow-ended Colletts to Toplights.
I particularly like the interiors he has fabricated from plasticard- correctly spaced as well.
I am sure there will be a further update at the next Dorset Group meeting.

3MM Society Coach Wheels.

Having exhausted my stock of coach wheels, I ordered a fresh batch from the Society Shop.
A quick e-mail was promptly replied to and the cheque sent off.
I recieved my needs in the post in quick order and pictured is what I recieved.
This is a new type and appear to be concentric and have fine flanges.
The wheels now have to be assembled onto the supplied axle- I was spoiled previously-and the back to back gauge used to ensure correct spacing.
Well thats another night's modelling taken care of!

Worsley Bow -ended B Set.

As well as theearlier flat ended coaches that formed B Sets, Worsley also produce the Bow-ended version.
Cleanly etched in brass, the photo shows how Nigel is getting on with the build.
Already painted in maroon, the bogie frames await their sideframes.
Longer than the originals, a recessed guards door is also a difference in design which makes the build a little harder.

M7 Build Continues.

 The next stage is to produce and fit the boiler.
This is simply a 13mm brass tube sourced from my local model shop- this one specialises in radio control aeroplanes but keeps a good stock of general modelling supplies.
Once cut to length, the area around the motor/gearbox needs to be cut away. Once this has been done the whole thing is aligned and the boiler soldered into place.
In hindsight, it would have been easier to thread a bolt through and tighten a nut to hold it all together in line- but as they say hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Now theboiler is attached, the body can be assembled onto the footplate.
One thing with this kit is that ,being etched in nickle silver, it does solder together well and the fit has been exact so far and looking at the rest I have no reason to doubt that the rest will also fit.
So on to the body next!

Dorset Group Meeting May 2013.

 The Group Meeting isn't always restricted to 3mm Scale modelling.
We all have other scale interests and this shows Roberts latest layout-O Gauge.
This is being built as part of a project to recreate as much of the Swanage Branch as can be accomodated in the larger hall adjacent to where we meet. One more turnout needs to be built, the plan is already in position, to complete the trackwork.
The framework is in position to commence the scenic work also.

Helping Hands.

This piece of equipment is often overlooked- I know!
Helping Hands have been around for ,what seems, ever.
Here it is being used to hold a coach bogie fret whilst the couplings are attached.
These bogies will be part of the current topics about coach building- hopefully spuring you on to try your hand.