Tri-ang Class 31 to 14.2 gauge.

Peter has been refining his conversions, to 14.2mm gauge, of the Tri-ang class 31.
The top bogie uses one Tri-ang axle whilst the other is a length of metal rod., 10.5mm coach wheels have been forced on. being too heavy handed has caused one flange to break.
the lower of the two shows both are both on metal rod axles, these having been thinned down using wet and dry paper and then thoroughly washed to remove any residue.
The tools used for this conversion were a flat file,needle file, cordless drill, digital calipers,and as Peter says-lots of patience and elbow grease.It goes to show that an extensive workshop is not needed for this type of work-just ingeuity and time.

Brynkits Bedford OB.

 This resin and whitemetal kit from Brynkits consists of only eleven parts.
The body and chassis are well cast in resin whilst the detail is cleanly produced in whitemetal.
Minimum cleaning up was needed and as seen here the body and chassis take but a few minutes to assemble.
A good scrub with Shiny Sinks was followed by an undercoat/ primer of light grey.

Humbrol green enamel , numbers 2 & 3 were used for the two colours and left to dry for a day before aluminium paint was applied for the detail around the radiator, wheels and headlight glass. I did chicken out of the surround to the bodyside flash- hands arn't steady enough these days.
All that needs doing is the body glazing- to look best each pane of glass needs individually cutting- something for a very wet day methinks!

Aveling and Porter Steamroller.

 The 3mm Society kit is from original masters made by the late Peter Wilkin.
Available as a Tractor or Roller, this version is that of the latter. The only problem is that a Roller should have a solid flywheel and this one, meant for the tractor, is spoked.
Some cleaning up of parts is needed especially the finer detail such as the wheels and spokes.Assembly is by superglue and a lot of patience. The rear wheels still have to be fitted, I need some substantial wire to make thes as an axle is not contained in the kit.
Once these are fitted then the paintshop awaits.

Hand built turnouts.

 As well as being a 3MM group, we all have interests in other scales.
Robert is assembling an O Gauge point from PECO Individulay components. The template is by Markway but the components are from Beer in Devon.
Assembled with Humbrol liquid adhesive and bullhead rail this method is cheaper than buying readymade and of course improves skills that are applicable to other scales.

AEC Regal Bus/Coach kit.

An original Signal Products kit by Alan Searl from the late seventies.This makes up into a rather nice model.
Minimum instructions are included but the exploded diagram is really self explanatory. A couple of adaptations are suggested but this one is as the castings came.
The depicted body is a Weyman design and these lasted into the sixties having originally been used by many major operators except BMMO.
The roof has still not been attached, this will be done once the paint has been applied and windows fitted.
A useful diagram for the seating layout is on the instruction sheet so this can be fabricated and fitted before the roof. Just the livery to decide now!

Worsley Works M7

The M7 is long in it's gestation period.
Lack of time and other committments have seen a lack of progress on this eagerly awaited kit.
However, at the Dorset Group meeting the bogie has been fitted to the main chassis. The way of fixing is akin to the way that the original Tri-ang M7 had the same type of fixing.
Using a screw used to attach the coupling rod to a TT Jinty, a 12 BA nut was soldered to the bogie enabling the swing arm to be attached. This also keeps the chassis in line and won't need extra work to ensure balance when running.
A start has been made on the body, with the footplate being soldered together and the buffer beams attached. When cleaned I will show some pics of where i've got to.

The Weatherman.

 You may remember that the Dorset Group had a visit from Tom-The Weatherman.
I hear that he will be ceasing his demos at railway exhibitions later this year. This I am sad to hear as Tom is good company  and ready to help and assist in his chosen art- of which I have a couple of examples.
However all is not lost because Tom has accepted my invite to visit us again so Dorset Group will benefit from his knowledge .
I include a couple of photos of Tom's real passion Military Dioramas for your enjoyment and inspiration.
We will all be sorry to see Tomless shows!

September Dorset Group Meeting.

 This months meeting was disappointing due to the few members that attended.
However the quality of modelling is not deminished, far from it.
Todays pictures show Nigels new layout, St Agnes, like Teignford, Nigel has decided to straighten it out.
In its previous form it was a continuous circuit but due to several things this was not a success. So St Agnes is now a through station with a fiddle yard at each end.
The buildings have been rescued and resited and the overall picture immediately is St Agnes!

Conflats and Containers.

 The conflats now have loads.
Both of these are Brynkits mouldings, cast in resin.
the one on the left is a type 'BK' Plywood container whilst the one on the right is a type 'B' planked type.
The paint finish is not my best, trying to replicate a used example gives them a worn look.
The transfers, incidentally, are from Cambridge Custom Transfers.They ar in one piece which would be a nightmare to align individually. John Isherwood produces most of his range in 3mm as well as 4mm and 7mm. See
http://www.cctrans.freeserve.co.uk/products.htm
No other involvement but as a satisfied customer.

Weathering.

Dorset Group Meeting this Saturday 22nd September 2012.

 Following on from the weathering seminar given by Tom Rayer earlier this year I have tried to do some of my own.
This Cattle Wagon had a slight whitening of the varnish. Using Tom's methods a very light application of the paints suggested was applied.
I still am not sure if I can face doing this to the hundred odd pieces of stock run on my layouts but have about a dozen so treated so a rake can be run.I would be interested in any comments .

Woodhead Transfers.

I know that I bang on about these but in my opinion they are the best so far produced. Don't get me wrong, Cambridge Custom products are very good but I suppose habits die hard and I have used Woodhead since their inception some years ago. I even still have the first sheet I sent for that has a few tips from Mr Annan the creator.
They are getting old now and the stick has gone so how can I still use them?
Simply apply a smear of acrylic varnish and place the chosen letteing over the top, add water from a fine paint brush and gently release the decal. Slide onto the varnish and whilst still damp apply another  smear  of varnish over the top. Sounds fiddly but it probably is quicker than reading this. An example of 4 separate pieces on the side of a Conflat illustrates the point. If one of these can be done this way- anything else is easy.

3mm Vanwide.

I had made one of these before but had mucked up the lower door runner.
Again a kit that was made in my usual way, first the body was made and painted/ lettered and roof fitted.
Then the chassis was attached after assembling the pin point bearings and the spring mouldings onto the side mouldings. This I find aids drilling holes for the brake gear. It allows the brake levers to have a short piece of brass wire to be fitted which gives a better mechanical join to the V hanger.
When the first side attached has hardened, the wheel sets are popped in before the adhesive on the second side has cured.
The holes for the buffers are opened out with a drill bit in the pin vice. The buffers are secured with a spot of Superglue.

3mm Society Dogfish.

 When assembled the wagon is remarkably stable. I was a little apprehensive about the strength and wether it would stand up to the rigors of handling at an exhibition.
My fears were unfounded and I think the result is rather good.
Comprehensive notes on the instuction sheet aided the positioning of lettering, all from my trusty Woodhead sheets-just couplingsto fit and its ready to use.

Gillingham-Dorset Exhibition 2012

Purbeck 009 by John Thorne.

 An enjoyable time was had at Shaftesbury and Gillingham Railway Society's show.
Well organised with plenty of room between exhibits a steady stream of visitors was evident throughout the day.
A few pictures of other layouts with brief captions.
A new trader had an interesting range of card building kits,electrical components and tools at what I consider to be keen prices.Railway Scenics is a small online model shop based in Gillingham. See http://www.railwayscenics.com/
There are several downloads for 3mm scale including a 3mm scale rule which is free!
Please mention Dorset3mm.blogspot if you make contact.

Springfield 0 gauge by Phil Dowling

Moorside o gauge by the Burnham Boys.

Roestock 009 by Ian Turner.

Llangasty EM gauge by Angus Watkins.

Nigels new Mogul takes a bow on Hennock.

Teignford.

 Normally I don't like pictures of me! However, Nigel sent me these four photos of Teignford at Westfest 2012.
It's good to show pictures taken by others as they often show a different aspect to those that I take.
From these I am fairly satisfied with what I have created so far and must really crack on and plan the scenery on the third board- oh and sort the fiddle yard out as well. A soldered joint came adrift and the quick repair job did cause some problems.

Westfest 2012.

 I am splitting the layouts between a few posts so not to have too many photos on one day and it would be a shame to skimp on some excellent layouts!
First there was the dual gauge Yeoton Wharf by Nick Salzman. The top picture shows his award winning Ilfracombe Goods.
The canal scene and cottages really look convincing and time is needed to take in the wealth of detail Nick has produced- thats not mentioning the working wagon tuntable!

Westfest 2012.

The top and smaller picture to the left depict Andy Shillitos Wantage Tramway. Capturing the small light railway which ran between the GWR Wantage Road station and Wantage Town. In Andys words it lasted until the 1940's but never recovered from the ravages of American Tanks-Thanks Yanks!
The lower pictures of Mike Corp's, now sold, West Harptree. A fictitious GWR branch in North Somerset.
Sold by auction at the show, a generous sum was raised for the Ilton Village Hall.
 Teignford was also there but I have posted enough pictures of that for the time being.

Westfest 2012.

 A couple of layouts also attending were, firstly Richard Popes Dunkerton.
Built originally by Bob Brown, who this year was demonstrating his buildings for his new layout , this minimum space layout really captures the atmosphere of the former GWR Cammerton branch.
The layout is a combination of Monkton Coombe and Dunkerton stations.
The run round has enough of a head shunt to enable a 14XX loco and Autocoach to shunt as was prototypical- too much work to disconnect the Autotrailer.

 Peter Whites Masham is a superb piece of work!
In fine scale 14.2 mm gauge,  the layout captures the small market town station in North Yorkshire. It is the terminus of a 71/2 mile branch from Malmerby.
My photos don't do the layout justice- there is just so much to admire and appreciate.
Adding to the atmosphere are Peters kit built locos and stock.

Gillingham, Dorset Exhibition Sept. 15th 2012.

Hennock will be appearing at the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Railway Society show in Gillingham, Dorset this weekend.
Held at Gillingham Primary School, School Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QR, Ten layouts and trade support are promised and is open from 10am till 4.30pm.
Must crack on and do a couple of remedial jobs since last time out.

Westfest 2012

Brynkits

 Glorious sunshine greeted us in rural Somerset at the Village Hall. Spacious hall with good catering,  a steady flow of people made this a relaxing day, not as intense as the usual shows. A meeting of modellers and much banter was enjoyed.
Before the layouts I have decided to show the three trade stands which attended this years get together.
Top picture shows Brian Goldings Brynkits stand. Packed with fold up chassis and many other useful things, I have featured many of Brians products in previous posts.
Secondly, 3SMR was busy ,packed with much stock and some RTR from ROCO in 1:120 scale.
Lastly Finney and Smith ahd their usual selection plus some new 3D Printed Vehicles. These look excellent and the detail is superb. Available on the day were a tractor, stationary engine, Cement Mixer. All models had their own 3D printed 'box' which aids painting before separating from its carrier. Look forward to more!

3SMR

Finney and Smith