Ho, Ho, Ho!

Merry Christmas one and all!

T'was the night before Christmas!

 All I want for Christmas is a Radial, all I want for c
etc. etc.I have always wanted an Adams Radial or
Class 0415 if you want.
As boasted earlier- I now have one- well a kit of
one anyway.
The body and chassis are excellent- and I am going
 to justify this one on my Southern Region layout
even if it means the truth is somewhat elastic!
No chat tomorrow-enjoy the card-
Happy Christmas to all.

Dorset Group

A quick update on the group- I have missed posting a report in our 3mm Society Newsletter!
However , all is not lost as the latest details are all on the Meetings and Exhibition schedule list on the blog- look to the left!
I will post a Dorset Group report when I have time- quite a long one this quarter.

Just to tempt you!

Branchlines were at Warley and they relieved me of most of my hard earned!
Having only one of these was a relief- or the wallets anyway.
I will keep you all in suspense as to the contents of this box but the lid is a bit of a give away!
Also supplied are gearboxes for 3mm scale plus chassis spacers plus a 9F- maybe next year.

Finney and Smith BSA Bantam.

At last a motorbike we can use on 3mm layouts!
Another casting from Finney and Smith captures the prototype exactly.
The pictured offering as well as the recently mentioned Fordson Tractor both come in a cage which is very useful.
It aids the handling and painting of these fragile castings- very useful when it comes to detiling such a small model.
Just need to research-ask my Father- what colours these were produced in.

3MM Dogs!

Some canine friends from that nice Mr Langley wraps up the trio of packets bought at Warley.
Dogs big and small- the lone pooch on Hennock (sitting patiently outside the signal box) can now have a friend.
Once again- well done Mr Langley for some crisply cast dogs- some would say they are the b******* but being a nice chap I won't- I will just think it!

Something different. 1936 Rudge Special.

This is the familys pride and joy, my Fathers 1936 Rudge Special. A 500cc single that is a classic inasmuch as Rudge always did things their way.
The bike has been in the family since the mid sixties. It came to us in a very sorry state but was restored and won several Post Vintage concors at the Isle of Man vintage TT's.
Languishing in the workshop for almost a year she fired and then started first kick, just fresh fuel and a quick wipe of the points was all that was needed.
Not railways I know but very dear to me.

Langley Models Loco Crew-in 3MM!

 One of several recently introduced castings from Langley Models.
There is always a dearth of loco crew in most scales- we don't want the same figure leaning out of the cab or shovelling coal as in the rest of our collection.
So something different and most welcome by me.
These are cleanly cast and have a spigot on a leg to aid fixing to whichever footplate I choose.
Just got to paint them- and a lot more.

Cambrian Models- for the 3MM Society LMS Brake Van.

 This model, marked in memory of Eric Bruton, has been mentioned before.
However, I didn't appreciate a couple of features so I unashamedly show it again.
The main deviation from the usual cast whitemetal or moulded plastic buffers is thes rather fetching clear plastic ones.
Wether these are a Shapeways type castings I know not- but they are good!
I think that a better photo of the chassis is reproduced here as well.

3MM Scale Chickens from Langley Models.

IT is what it says on the packet except in my packet there is ten-bonus. Hope Mr Langley doesn't want the excess back!
Again, as I have come to expect, cleanly cast with a mounting spigot on a claw.
These, or some of them, will peck around the Farmyard on Teignford to their hearts content- give the Geese something to chase as well!

MSE Lattice Signal Post.

 One thing with a large exhibition is that you get to see lots of things you otherwise wouldn't know about.
These will come in useful for the planned Southern Region layout being planned- a long way off yet though.
The etch is very fine as shown in the lower picture with comprehensive instructions enclosed.
I think somewhere I have some upper quadrant signal arms which will adorn these posts.
Whilst on the subject of finding things at large shows, I also got a bottle of solder paint from Squires stand- to me expensive, but in the scheme of things it probably isn't.

Finney and Smith Fordson Tractor.

 Dave Finney and Co have just released some more of their castings.
This one, cleanly produced, I know not how or with what is an excellent model of a Fordson Tractor with metal wheels- no pneumatic or even solid tyres here.
I do remember them shod thus, especially in very muddy fields during my childhood- so I will use unashamedly on one of the layouts.

This takes me back.

It's funny the things you come across.
The Ian Allan stand at Warley had a jar full of these so one had to come home with me for No 1 Grandson- and one for me.
I was, in the long forgotten past a member of the Locospotters Club- collected the tokens from the back (or was it front?) of various Locospotters books- sent off the required amount and some time later an envelope dropped through the letterbox containing one of these.
Memories of standing at Bournemouth Central come flooding back!

Warley 2013.

 Well we are safely back home after a very enjoyable weekend up north.
Few pictures I'm afraid as little time could be had trying to take pictures- I was told that 17,000 came through the door on Saturday alone.
Still, here is Hennock set up on the Friday evening with the electrickery checker having passed our set up.
Bob and Tamzin were building stuff- a couple of Bob's buildings are shown below- sorry that the pictures don't do them justice!
The food was excellent, some of the best we have had and plenty of it. Unloading and loading didn't take as long as I anticipated so we left at a reasonable time and arrived home at a decent hour. So all in all a good couple of days- good chat and company- what else do you want?
P.S. Will show some of the goodies later in the week!

Standards keep on coming.

Another impulse buy was a Standard 5 cast whitemetal body by BEC. Then I found the chassis for it- yes I know it says 12mm but is actually for 14.2.
I should have gained enough knowledge thinning down the 700 chassis to be able to tackle this one.
Another reason is that there was a lengthy article in Mixed Traffic on producing this engine so will have a good read of that first- If nothing else it does pay to become a member of the 3MM Society- someone has usually done it and made the mistakes for you!

Collett Non Corridor Dia D117

I struck lucky with these! A pair of coaches by Worsley Works from the Society Secondhand stand at West Byfleet.
A pair of floors and ends plus sides- one seems to be the original Comet type with etched windows with door frames in various positions- easier to glaze.
Also managed to get twenty odd coach wheeled axles so it should mean I can make all the kits I have-result!
Anyway as you read this- think of us slaving away at Warley- it's a pleasurable job and someone has to do it!

Off to Warley!

Hennock is being loaded to day and the journey to Birmingham started about lunch time.
Hopefully we will arrive about tea time to set up and make sure that it works. If you are visiting please come and see us, Hennock is stand F46- there is also a demonstration of 3mm at this years show plus Andy Shillito's Wantage Tramway.

Worsley Works BR Class 4 Standard Tank Chassis.

 Looking into the future, there is much that needs building for Swanage.
Already being made is the M7 and 700 Class 0-6-0. So the next will be a class 4 Standard Tank. The chassis is a fairly new offering from Allan and is etched to his usual high standards-sorry about the pun!
I have been promised a body so looking forward to the first of several Standard Class engines.

Worsley Works Bulleid BC&W Corridor Composite.

 The brass stack is growing!
The third Bulleid coach to complete the three coach set is the Corridor Composite Diagram 2320. I have a feeling that this is the differently vented type than the two Brakes I have.
Still Alan didn't have any of the same type so this is what it will be!
Well etched it is just a matter of cleaning up the attachments to the fret and soldering together-Simples!

Latest 3MM Society kit.

 Seems a long time since the last post. Other things have had to come before the blog-time is at a premium.
However, lots of things have happened, an exhibition, at Poole and the yearly jaunt to the 3mm meeting at West Byfleet where the winters projects are purchased or those needed bits found.
The most notable thing is this new LMS Brake Van. The wagon is in honour of Eric Bruton whose photos still grace the pages of Mixed Traffic.
The kit is produced by Cambrian for the 3mm Society and well moulded in grey plastic. Cursory examination show a few departures from other kits. Firstly the chassis is moulded with the side frames. This makes a rigid foundation from which to hang the step boards etc. Secondly the handrail holes are already started for you- no excuse for differing length handrails or some not in the right place. Really looking forward to building this one- watch this space.

P.S. Hennock sneaked into Model Rail- December issue- in the Warley line up page. More advertising for 3mm

Busy times.

Well its a busy weekend for us.
Tomorrow-9th November we are making the trek to the 3mm Society annual do at West Byfleet.
Christmas lists and wads of cash are what is needed this year- we arn't taking a layout this time so all time can be used searching for those bits we need.
On Sunday-10th November we take 'Hennock' to the Poole MRS Exhibition at Poole Grammar School.
Being Rememberance Sunday always means a couple of minutes silence at 11am- something of a tradition over the years and one that is always impecably observed.
Hope to see some of you over the weekend.

Swanage- more photos.

 No excuse but a couple more pictures of our new (to us) layout.
It really has the group enthused and raring to go to get the track and buildings transferred to the new boards.
This we hope to begin at our next meeting so watch this space.
A very good November meet was had but we could do with a few more regular members.
Any offers?

Dorset 3mm Meeting November 2013.

 Basboard building by the Dorset Group- after all the hobby is supposed to be fun!
Here we see a few bits of wood being calmly assembled into the new baseboards for Swanage.
3"x1" frames topped with some decent 9mm ply will be the new base for the sadly warped original.
Last picture shows the original layout alongside it's new base- at twelve feet it means that we have to recreate the now lost boards but we have the plans, pictures and expertise (joking about the expertise!)
to let the laytout rise again to it's former glory.

Warley Arrives!

I must admit that this is professional!
As if having Hennock mentioned on Facebook wasn't enough this package arrived in the post.
I found out about it's arrival whilst luxuriating in the Trim Castle Hotel in Ireland- the castle was where Braveheart was filmed- my sister in law has Mel Gibsons wig that he wore in the film by the way!
This pack is impressive, and I have had a few in my time, even telling me which room, at which Hotel I will be staying.
Tamworth hopefully has some curry houses, after all Birmingham is the curry home isn't it?

Encouraging the next generation of modeller.

Yes I know this is not 3mm but it will be a means to an end!
My Grandson, Thomas, is nearly three. He loves all things steam -Swanage Railway, Great Dorset Steam Fair etc. etc. He has LEGO trains but he wants a railway like Gramps!
So- who am I to argue?
I have been aquiring a train set for a three year old, nothing complicated, just a small layout to encourage his enthusiasm- don't worry I will get him into 3mm at a later date.
It really is encouraging that when mentioned to fellow modellers they are really supportive. I bought a basic set from Wimborne exhibition, Simon Kohler sold me a couple of promotion engines for a song and this, the latest, which is a wagon from the year of Thomas's birth. Add to this a Red Arrows van, Polo tank, Tango van and you get the idea. All a three year old wants is movement and recognition of something that he knows. All I have to do now is build the baseboard and hopefully Christmas will be a quiet time for me but a fun time for a three year old starting the journey to become a proper modeller.
Will the layout be scenic-NO! A plain board on which he can draw his roads, station, trees etc will develop his awareness of his surroundings and plant a seed!

Dorset Group Meeting.

Dorset Group Meeting- 2nd November 2013.

Furzebrook Village Hall

Wareham,

Dorset

1pm-about 6pm

Hennock is having last preparations for Poole and Warley Exhibitions.

New baseboards being built for Swanage. 

Lou Reed Died but life goes on!

Recently, one of my hero's and the writer of 'A perfect Day' passed away.RIP Lou Reed.
 This in itself may not mean much to you , my followers, but to me it, hopefully, means that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
A lot has to be dealt with, as some you that know me may know, and I am not going to relate here.
Cutting to the chase of this post, you may think that things have slipped lately- I agree. With a Group Meeting fast approaching- I did get the new boards for Swanage cut by the way- working away for a month and two exhibitions on the horizon I have had little time to indulge myself in blog articles.
Poole exhibition is ten days  away on Rememberance Sunday with the 3mm meeting at West Byfleet the day before.Added to this is the preparation for Warley at the end of November .Something which I am very proud to have been invited to.
With a recent job commenced, which involves office work, something I haven't done for years, and I do mean years, time has been somewhat at a premium lately.
Bear with me and I hope to have lots of news and photos from the above activities to share with you in the coming weeks.
Until then a photo from the archives.

Updates.

No pictures today- just a note to let you know that the calendar for next year-2014- has been updated.
Please click on the exhibiton link on the left.
Regular entries will be made as and when new information is available.
Please check if you intend to travel to our meetings or Exhibitions.
We have been asked to hold the 2016 Westfest, a long way away I know but these things creep up on you.
As soon as details are available they will be entered in the calendar.

A Turntable for Swanage.

This PECO 'N' Gauge turntable was found at the recent CMRC Exhibition in Bournemouth.
Scaleing at 50ft it is the perfect size for the one needed for the Group's Swanage layout.
New boards are to be built to transfer the trackwork onto.
Recently Pete Nicklen, the original builder, passed a photo album to me via the group guys that attended Westfest 2013 which will help greatly in the refurbishment of the layout, plus recreate the missing bits!

Irish Railways.

In days long ago, or so it seems, rolling stock was widened from that used on the UK network.
Now it seems that the bogies are just widened as this shot shows.
Could the model UK stock have the bogies altered to show this modification.
As I have said , I have no idea on the latest DMU fleet but in any scale would this mod be feasible?
More Pictures are on the other blog-click here.

Time Away.

 Recently some good fortune saw me doing an European Tour- well Eire, Northern Ireland, Wales as well as all around England.
Stayed at some luxurious Hotels and worked very hard!
However, the one time I remembered to carry my camera, I happened upon Great Victoria Street Station in Belfast. After explaining my interest in Trains the Station Manager let me take photos and walk around the platform area- it pays to be nice and ask politely!
So a trio of photos are shown today- please donn't ask for the technical bits like types etc.- I really have no idea of modern day stock. But, they do resemble the type of units running on UK rail network.
In the enxt few days I will publish some more with my take on how to replicate a feature of these wider gauged Multiple Units.

Static Grass.

 Well it was my birthday recently and I have been promising one of these for quite a while.
So-at the Christchutrch Model Railway Clubs exhibition I came across the Simply Southern display where they had this- sold on behalf of Basildon MRC (to boost funds I presume) at a reasonable £15. This is a little more than it would cost to make one- but now I do have one.
Purchased also was some static grass about a millimeter in length and described as 'Summer'.
Must admit my hands were itching to fire this up but family matters have precuded this but soon!
Very amiable chap on the stand- have a look at their products here-mainly OO Gauge but well worth a mention.

Signal Box innards!

Having a rare hour to kill, I thought that it was time I stuck the roof on the Signalbox.
But- no interior detail had been fitted although it isn't possible to see as the back faces those viewing.
So a piece of channel-plastic- had a dozen holes drilled in it, and some plastic rod stuck in these with MEK. Then some black plasticard to make the shelf and some offcuts to give a suggestion of instruments and an hour is up.
Just got to paint the levers and the instruments and the'box roof can be securely fitted.

Ex GWR 'B' Sets.

 Passengers waiting for their connection at St. Agnes.
The main point of the post is the lower picture which shows the two types of 'B' Set available from Worsley Works.
The far side coach is the original flat ended coach whilst the nearer one is of the Bow-end type.

Behind the Scenes.

Some pictures of Teignford. The top two are only seen from behind the layout- I sometimes wonder why detail the rear of a structure as no-one will ever see it! And ,yes, there are a couple of tell tale signs- who can spot them?