54XX Pannier.

 A few photos of the Push Pull Pannier before it recieves a coat of varnish.
Not too happy with the numberplates but they should look a little better once Matt varnish covered.
The chassis needs couplings added, these should be done in the next couple of days!
Isn't it always the way that once an identity is applied to a loco then photographic evidence comes to light of other class members appearing in the West Country-Ah well- you cant win them all!

Ex GWR 2-6-0 Mogul.

Yet another model by Nigel is this Mogul which is awaiting its identifying plates from Guilplates.
I think the subject is well represented by this whitemetal kit  with additions.
Another which will run at Westfest on the 8th September.
Mike Corp is auctioning West Harptree that day so if this excellent Branch layout is what you need then make sure you attend.

Dorset Group August Meeting.

 Our August Meeting saw five attend on what was a day of sun and showers.
Nigel excelled with his ex GWR 2-8-0 tank engine as seen here.
Made from several kits, Taffy Tank, Worsley chassis and County Boiler, the result is excellent.
Hopefully this loco will be running on Teignford at the 3MM Westfest Exhibition on the 8th September.
Wagon kits were also started and continued, Robert has made a good job of  the Dogfish Ballast Hopper produced by Cambrian for the Society.

Hymek

Sme may remember that in the distant past I bought a resin casting of a Hymek- it is in the archives somewhere.
I was surprised and pleased to find the motor bogie and dummy waiting in an envelope from those chaps at 3SMR.
To the correct wheel spacing this will save a lot of time and the quality is superb as the pictures show.
Not having had time to run it yet but the wings should make it much simpler to attach to a chassis than having to fabricate one to fit a Halling.
More impetus for a quick small layout which will have the Hymek and a class 03 as motive power!www.3smr.co.uk

Dorset Modellers Meeting

That time of the month again!
Dorset Modellers next meeting at the Pullman Carriage-Avon Causeway this coming Saturday-25th August.
All new members welcome.
General modelling this month with an M7 chassis and body being soldered together plus a chance to see the 54XX pannier in the flesh- hopefully completed.
1pm start as usual.

54XX Pannier

 Well, the main colour has been applied and I think
the detail really comes out.
 Bit tricky masking around the buffer beam as it is the devils own job to cover black with red- needs about four coats, which, with drying time takes about four days. So the extra effort to mask is well worth it as well as saving a lot of time.
So, when the buffer beam is done and coal added to the bunker, just motifs to apply and a  numberplates to make as no-one makes the number chosen.
Then a couple of fine coats of Matt varnish and it will be ready to reunite with the chassis.Hopefully in time for the next Dorset meeting on the 25th August.

54XX Pannier

 Due to major work being carried out on the house, posts have been somewhat irregular lately. This has curtailed a lot of modelling as stuff has had to be packed away and so not readily to hand.
I managed to get the primer/undercoat onto the 54XX Pannier and it has really brought out the detail that Nigel has added.
Whilst still in undercoat, a couple of small areas need to be cleaned up but that won't take very long.
To be painted in plain black with earlyBR motifs, the livery doesn't pose too much hard work or masking, just for the buffer beam.
Research has found that only 5412 was shedded in the West Country, Exeter to be precise, so that will be the locos identity. I am sure that those with better knowledge or reference than me will contact me if this is wrong!
I await the loco in it's black paint and then I have to make or source the number plates. The smokebox number is no problem as these are made up using some rub-on numbering from Replica Railways range which suit the purpose.

54XX Pannier.

Nigel has given me the completed 54XX Pannier Tank for painting. I think he has done a superb job and the character of the prototype is well captured. A couple of shots before the livery is applied- hopefully this weekend, weather permitting!

Hennock in Railway Modeller.

Septembers edition of Railway Modeller includes a six page spread of Hennock, my 3mm scale layout.
I am particularly pleased with the quality of the photography which was the work of Jolyon Sergeant.

Several copies of the as seen posters were included with a complimentary copy of RM and a set of pictures taken at PECO. That's another ambition fulfilled-must think up a new one!