Wagon Loads.

Just a simple 7 plank open, a Slaters kit- SL1 if you'r interested.
Easy to make and paint, this is the one with side and end doors.
I have several of these and some have coal loads. The base is a chunk of styrene roughly shaped and covered with coal- the real black stuff.
This has the advantage of also adding weight to the wagon as there ain't a lot of space underneath.

GWR Container Wagon.

The picture today is of a wagon I purchased from the Society stall some time ago. I bought it cos I liked it. Wether it is a faithful replica of a GWR wagon or its container I know not but I think it is a characterful piece of stock. One that won't appear that often but it does get some comments when it does.

Southern Vans.

Two distinct age differences here. On the left a LSWR van and on the right, one designed by Maunsell.
Both of these kits are part of the 3mm Society range and are the Southern representation for the stock at present available for use on Hennock and later Teignford.
Don't forget to look at the other site, I am nearly at the point of adding scenery.

3MM Society PP7 LSWR Van.

 This wagon is fairly long in the tooth as 3MM society Wagons go.  Introduced as part of the wagon programme which strove to produce a brake van, van and open wagon for each railway company the project was completed some time ago thanks to New Products officers such as Paul Furner. We have a very comprehensive list of products from which many variations can be made.
Back to this one. A 10 Ton 18 Foot Van to SR Diagram 1408/9 with a 10Ft 6In wheelbase. Produced by Parkside Dundas exclusively for the Society, it is a simple to construct kit and one which goes together very well. All that is needed to complete, as with most kits, are wheels and bearings, transfers and couplingsof your choice. The detailing shows up well in this lower photo and all the product of a couple of hours work!

Finney & Smith LSWR/WD Brake Van.

 This kit is from F&S, made for them by Cambrian.
It depicts a LSWR Diagram 1545 & 1549 Brake Van and with some modification can depict other companies stock.
The kit has been finished in unfitted Grey and markings are from 3SMR transfer sheets produced exclusively for them by Modelmaster.
The kit is probably not a first timer but goes together well, the only additions are the handrails which have been made from .33mm brass wire and fitted into pre drilled holes.
Finished with a grey undercoat from a spray can and the chassis hand painted with Weathered black and the whole lot coated with Matt varnish after the lettering was applied.These large photos really show my defects, seems a good idea to take some shots whilst under construction.

Micro Layouts.

Following on from the last post, I thought there would be interest in the construction of Roberts baseboard.
Take it from me that this is entirely made from cardboard!
The fiddleyard, on the right of the pictire, simply slots into the scenic board and needs no fixing bolts or screws, the sliding fit keeps it all in place.
Simple wiring is shown- all that is needed is a controller to be attached and you are ready to go.
This really is as easy as it gets and an inspiration to have a go- So no excuse now.
Try 3mm- you do have room!
Don't forget to view my other blog at http://3mmscalestocklist.blogspot.com/

Another Take on Ballasting.

This piece of track is the fiddle yard of Roberts Micro Layout.
Because it is constructed of cardboard, it is not advisable to adopt the approach I have made on Teignford (Try Link).
Instead, PVA has been spread neat inbetween the sleepers and ballast added. Allowed to dry, the excess is brushed off leaving a well ballasted track.
This is ideal in this case and may be one you will try.

Who Says You Have No Room For A Layout?

 Another Milestone-The 200th blog Entry!

 Buy yourself a new pair of boots and the box has a
very useful purpose!
I often hear the comment that people have no room for a layout- I beg to differ. Group member Robert has a penchant for Micro-Layouts.Indeed he has several in different scales. This one however is 3mm Scale.
Using cardboard as the basis, strengthened by webs
underneath, this little layout has one point, two sidings and a slot in fiddle yard. The whole lot pulls apart and fits inside the box as shown.
There is enough space left for the necessary rolling
stock to fit under or over the layout.

The Loco shows some perspective of size and has the makings of a fine layout which could be taken by bus or Bicycle to its next outing.
A new slant on the Inglenook theme and one project
which won't break the bank.
Rolling stock need only be a minimal and Motive
Power catered for by the excellent small industrial
diesels by Finney and Smith or the 04 by Worsley Works.
Track by Peco (Hom) and buffers from 3mm Society.
Only extra is a control unit and away you go-Simples!

Teignford.

New post on Teignford today.

Dorset Group Meeting February 2012.

 Regular attenders will know the diversity of projects being taken on by group members.
Nigel is adding to his stock of Western Region wagons.
The photos show some in differing stages of assembly.
The Toad is a particular favourite of mine especially since Brian Golding introduced the etch for the handrails. The kit goes together very well with minimum flash and cleaning up.
A couple of vans are also in production. Nigel is making the bodies and painting them before adding the chassis. I also like his functional modelling board!

Zvezda Opel Blitz-

The Dorset Area Group meeting was a busy affair.
Robert Rhodes brought this along. He has painstakingly opened out the windows which are solid on the model as supplied.
He commented that the modification took best part of an evening. Because of the soft styrene used by the manufacturers, cleaning up was not an easy task.
However, I thing it is an improvement on the original and certainly look forward to seeing the completed model.

Dorset Meeting Feb 11th 2011.

Quick reminder that our next meeting takes place on the above date, I had hoped that Teignford would be there for a trial run but alas the ballast hasn't dried yet!
Still there will be plenty of tea and coffee on the go plus I hope to adjust some couplings for the next show.
Usual place- e-mail me if more info needed.
P.S Bring a Mug!

Couplings-some close ups.

 I have some adjustments to do to the couplings after the last show.
So I have taken some more shots to show the couplings from Worsley Works to show them in operation.
The pictures are really self explanitory and show how simple they are in construction and use. Also, it shows how, when the picture is enlarged, that what seems square by my eye, are patently not so!
So onward to adjust for the next outing which should make my co-helpers a bit happier.

Weeds Galore.

 The weeds are planted and I think they look good. Several shots today showing the Signal Box, Pub and track.
It would be very easy to go mad with these, more can be added as the track gets more run down, and the infrastructre becomes less cared for.
I will be on the lookout for more of these excellent, economical products and recommend them wholheartedly.

Silflor Mini Natur Weeds.

Next on the agenda is some weeds. Purchased at the same time as the flower these are easier to attach.
Just get a set of fine tweezers, pick a clump from the backing film, dip into glue and plonk where you want it. Couldn't be easier.
Both of these products are reasonable in cost, mine were £3.75 each packet- it says so on the ticket.
See how it turned out next time.

Southampton Model Railway Exhibition.

 A good couple of days were spent at SMRC 2012 exhibition. The venue was warm and spacious, just as well because the Saturday was very busy.
Some 50 odd stands were present including twenty two layouts.
My operating colleague Nigel, patiently assisted-he's still smiling in this photo anyway.
Saturday was a little fraught because Hennock had spent the night previous in the back of the car and took a little time to warm up-bit like us really!
The only other problem was the left hand fiddle yard deciding not to play on the Sunday. This Nigel identified as a dry joint and it was quickly fixed.


 This shows a busy time with the branch goods being shunted- I am very pleased with the Mica's, an excellent model.

 Nigel's 45XX at the water tank, this makes a good cameo photo I think.

Lane Rage!
Someone has to back down and it looks from the Tractor drivers folded arms that it won't be him!

Silflor Mini Natur Flowers

I purchased these some time ago but have not got round to adding to Hennock.
With Southampton Exhibition a few days away and the neccessary cleaning  etc. done I had a few minutes to add some of these .
Available in several colours, I bought the orange one's to see how they looked.
Simple instructions are provided and its just a matter of cutting off a clump, dipping in glue and plant.
Will show how they look next post.