Narrow gauge coaches

Rummaging around for some 009 stock to pose on a project, I found a pair of coaches bought at the 009 Society 50th Anniversary show. 

The sharp eyed will notice that they are a bit (gasp) foreign. And they would be right. Both are from Lilliput. The orange one is a Zillerfalbahn buffet car, albeit with no interior (replacements are available) and the green is labelled "Steiermärkische Landesbahnen", which Google translate tells me means Syrian State Railways. 

Technically, this means they are Hoe models, but I'm not fussy. They look nice, and didn't cost a fortune. 

Anyway, I added them to the 009 fleet because I don't have much luck with coaching stock. A rake of Dundas 4-wheelers built years ago are steadily falling to pieces. Admitedly, they were assembled in a hurry, but 009 kit built stock never seems to feel as solid as RTR stuff. 

So, I'm thinking these are a bit Welshpool-ish. They run foreign stick, so I don't think this is too horrible. They don't look iconic either - I have some Peco bug-boxes, but they say FR too much for me. I need stock that doesn't shout its location.

A long term dream is to repaint these into blood and custard livery, or at least a pastiche of it so they can be properly freelance models. I think that might look better than the current colours. Or maybe not. Opinions? 

 

Centre Models Leek & Manifold Coach kit

 

Ever since I built a Centre Models Avonside in a weeked at a show for a hastily-arranged demo, I've been fascinated by the firm, and their products. 

The locos, I'm reasonably familiar with, but I didn't know there were coaches. Until I saw this. 

Produced to accompany the firms' whitemetal locomotive from the same line, it's so different from the rest, I wonder if parts were bought in. 

Clear plastic, pre-printed sides look a lot like the products of PC Models, who made a range of standard gauge kits with printed sides. 

We also have a sheet of black plastic sheet, marked out for cutting, some whitemetal parts for bogies and solebars, etched balcony gates, and Peco wheels. 

To be honest, I don't fancy building this, as it's going to be pretty basic, and any attempt to detail will require paint matching, or even repainting, which takes away the point of the printed sides! I suppose in the era this was produced, it would be a significant aid to scratchbuilding, but now, nothing more than an exercise in nostalgia. 

That said, poking around in the box has been interesting, which is what this is all about. 

If anyone fancies adding this to their collection, £15 quid plus postage and it's yours. If not, I'll get around to popping it on eBay at some point.

Cardboard loco kit

 

Spotted at The International N Gauge Show last weekend, the Kato STEAM Starter Kit Narrow Gauge Diesel Locomotive 'Billy'. 

It's a cardboard kit that fits on a supplied RTR motor bogie. At £96, it's a long way from cheap, but despite the material, the model feels really solid. I'd assumed it was freelance, but apparenlty the design is based on a DL3 theme park diesel locomotive. 

It's a nice looking 009 model, well if you like yellow diesels that is. And I'm not sure the wasp stripes make for a beginner kit unless you use transfers. At least the builder is assured of a working model at the end of it, which makes the kit much better value for money than many. 

There's a handy construction video too.

Ulfstead Road of Mid-Sodor in NGW

A couple of months ago, I mentioned that my photos of Rev W Awdry's layout "Ffarquar Junction" were appearing in BRM. Well, while in Wales, I had the chance to shoot another of his models, the 009 "Ulfstead Road of Mid-Sodor". 

To be honest, I didn't know this layout existed until the custodians of the OO model mentioned it would be there, but obviously, I wasn't going to miss out on the chance to grab some images. 

These photos are now in the Jan-Feb 2022 issue of Narrow Gauge World. 

Better still, the words to accompany them have been writen by Richard Awdry - grandson of Wilbert - and someone I hadn't met for many years. In fact, the last time we talked, Richard was a young boy who accompanied his dad sometimes to whereever we were exhibiting the L&WMRS Thomas layout. It was a shock to realise just how much time had passed...

Ulfstead was built in 1970, the year I was born, and is a very traditional "rabbit-warren" style layout. A type of model railway that had fallen out of favour, but is enormously entertianing for the general public, and can be built in a very tiny space. 

Like Ffarquar, this is a model of it's time as well as being interesting because of the builder. I'm not sure it will be seen in public very often, so it you want to know more, you'll have to buy the magazine.

Save the boating pool!

 

Storage has not been kind to the boating pool on the Handyman Hall Railway. The varnish had developed long white streaks. In a river, I could have told people these represented white water, but no-one was going to believe me here!

It's a long while since I built the layout, but my usual method for representing water involves coats of Ronseal Yacht varnish. Lovely stuff, but slow to dry and I was on a deadline. As well as the yacht varnish, I always keep a can of Interior floor varnish, and decided a coat of this might just cover up the white bits. 

The stuff normally dries within 20 minutes, but of course as I was on tenterhooks, it took well over an hour. 

But - it worked!

I'm now wondering if I used interior varnish in the first place. Yacht varnish is slow drying enough not to show brush marks, and these are definitely evident. I wonder if I can get away with a coat on top now?

Lundgreen Wood in NGW

Building the Billy Bookcase layouts for BRM has been fun, but as nearly every picture needs to be a construction shot, there's not much chance for something "pretty".

Fortunately, for my 009 layout, I persuaded the editor of Narrow Gauge World that a feature would be a good idea, and it's now in the October issue.

This gave me the chance to dig out all my 009 stock to pose on the model for some photos, most of which ended up in the article. 3 images didn't make the cut though (I don't mind, I always provide too many) so I'm putting them on here for you to enjoy.

009 flatbed wagons

Fed up with putting a couple of ancient Colin Ashby 009 5 foot wheelbase flat wagon kits back onto the shelf they kept falling off, I decided to spend an evening sticking them together. 

The plastic is surprisingly hard, removing parts from the runners is definitely a job for sniper rather than a scalpel. Once free and cleaned up (there is little or no flash) everything fits together brilliantly. 

Even the plastic wheels seem OK. If they find themselves used in anger, I might put some metal sets in, but these will do for now. 

If you know your wagons, then the 7 different brake gear options will appeal. I just picked something that looked OK and didn't have the brake lever poking up above the floor. My wagons have brakes on both sides because I like value for money so use as many bits as possible. No vacuum gear though, that just seems wrong for NG stock. 

Finally, loads of lead was tucked under the floor. 

Now the models reside in the 009 stock box. At least they will stay put there.

Yeo and First in NGW

Something for the 009 fans in (unsurprisingly) Narrow Gauge World this month - my review of Hejan's L&B loco. One of the second production run was passed to me a few months ago and I've had a poke and a prod.

There's been a lot said about these locomotives. Admittedly a lot of it has been "Waaaaahhh it costs money!!!!"  but there have been a few constructive comments too and there are undoubtedly issues with this model and I've included a few of these in the piece. It's a critical review, but one I ran past Heljan to give them the chance to comment - I think a response from a manufacturer adds to a review if you can get one.  As it was, they were happy but that's mostly because they would rather see an accurate review than a hagiography, something to be applauded.

One point I do mention is that the prototypes are mainline machines. The L&B was laid with generous curves and long points. Drop one of these on your typical Welsh line and it will be off the track and the first corner. In model form, if you bend your track around your knee for curves, then you don't want one of these.

There is also a feature on the layout "First" using a selection of my photos. Cracking layout and some interesting details emerge in the text.

Narrow Gauge World magazine.

Loco crew for a Bachmann Baldwin

Chris Ford recently exploded on to Facebook with a complaint that he was struggling to find suitable figures for his 009 Bachmann Baldwin. It seems that the cab is a little on the low side, and that the first choice, a set of BRM people, were more than a bit tall. Worse, other figures also seemed a bit of a squeeze.

Now, Chris is a top chap. Excellent modeller and in possession of several top quality jackets, rather more "dandy highwayman" than my more sober tweed, but he doesn't own either a complete set of MRJ's or a complete set of MREmags from the era when I was the editor.

If he had, he'd know of the specially made Bantam figures from Ken Clark. These multi-part models are designed to be a bit shorter than most for use in old loco cabs with lower rooflines. People weren't as tall back then.

Facing the Bachmann Baldwin issue myself, I dug through my figure box and found a packet I'd bought at the time. Assembly, then a quick slosh of paint and they are a perfect fit in the loco.

Minitrains Marvel

Take a bow, Minitrains Plymouth Diesel. 

Two days solid running - well over 14 hours - without a murmur. 

OK, I did give it a dose of light oil, but then it hadn't turned a wheel for several years. After some running, the lubrication reduced any noise to next to nothing. 

Pretty impressive I think. If you are in the market for a 009 diesel, I recommend it.

The return of the Handyman Hall Railway

For the Leamington Show, I dug The Handyman Hall railway out of storage. Despite not having seen the light of day for at least 5 years, it is looking pretty good. One loose figure and some discoloured varnish were all the problems found. 

The figure was quickly glued in place, the varnish issue ignored (I pretend it's a running water effect if asked) and after a quick track clean, it was good to go. Testing showed that an L&B loco didn't have a chance on the tight curves, but any of my 4-wheel models were fine. 

 

Power came from a  Beatties controller which apart from a slightly sloppy direction switch, works perfectly still. Plenty of God's own DC available all weekend.  

An amusing moment came when a youngster picked me up on the rescue boat. He identified an RNLI D Class lifeboat and pointed out it would only be used offshore. I excused myself by saying it was a lifeboat day and they were demonstrating it. 

Actually, the model is a pencil topper which isn't a bad match for 4mm scale figures, if a little short. It's bright orange though, so I like it. 

009 railcar

Another slightly random purchase - an Egger Bahn 009 railcar. In my defence, I'd just won 25 quid on a Premium Bond and the sudden rush of cash made me go mad. 

I've always had a liking for railcars and this was cheap. Hardly surprising as they aren't rare. I picked the cheapest of 3 on the second-hand stall, although I did have it checked to make sure it is a runner first. 

Looking for a prototype, I posted to Facebook and received the response that it was a caricature - from, possibly, the Rhein-Sieg-Eisenbahn Gesellschaft line. Digging on RMweb brought me this thread, complete with some photos that don't look too far off. 

The big question was just how well does it run? Some describe their models as working like coffee grinders!

Firing up my trusty ancient H&M Clipper, I gave it a go. Maybe the thing will run a bit better on a more modern controller, and it certainly responded to some light oiling, but I have a feeling that we'll be grinding coffee!

Someone DOES read what I write!

At Tracks to the Tranches last weekend, I found what might be the most exciting layout I'll see this year. It's certainly the most satisfying.

A simple 009 model, it might look familiar to regular readers. It's a copy of my model "Owen's Bridge".

Yes, someone has read my articles and followed them!

OK, this might sounds a bit sad, but I'm really, really chuffed by this. So much time goes into producing models for publication and yet there is very little feedback. I assume I'm doing OK, but it can be difficult to tell. 

This is different. Not only has someone looked at my model and thought it was good enough to build themselves, they've done a creditable job too. 

The hardest part is the bridge itself, based on a WW1 plan that couldn't appear in BRM as it had already been in NG&I. Nevertheless, the builder has copied it faithfully. The buildings are the very same ones I employed, although with a slightly more severe weathering job. Even the tents are the same - and I like the creamier colour used, possibly more accurate than my efforts. 

You might notice that I don't identify the builder and that's because I don't know who it is. The current owner bought the model from eBay earlier this year. No more details have (rightly) been divulged. 

If the builder is reading this though - well done. And thanks for making me feel really proud. Getting people modelling is something I care passionately about and it looks like I'm getting there. Yes, looking at the model is a little weird, but in a good way.

Ben in 009

I'm not much of a loco buyer, prefering to build them myself. Normally, I'll have a crack at anything, but there was one kit I looked at many times and decided that it was beyond my abilities. Backwoods Miniatures Barclay Contractors loco in 009 (Link here, scroll down).

Building a high quality but fiddly chassis always put me off, even though I thought the loco looked delightful in the adverts. At the very least I would be required to quarter some tiny wheels and I'm no good at that in OO. Alongside this, I simply didn't have a real need for the model and there were (still are) plenty of kits in the "to do" pile.The kit isn't available any more and so I thought no more about it.

Fast forward a few years and I'm at the Oxford 009 show and on the society stand I spot a built up Barclay. After half a day of pondering, I ask to see if the model runs. It does, although a very slight tweak to the quartering might be required. Price £70 - a tenner less than the kit used to be sold for.

Looking at the chassis, it's not nearly as scary as I thought.The design looks not unlike some RTR 009 locos. The wheels would need to be set up, but turning the working bits over without a motor would be simple enough for fiddling.

All seems to work, but I fear the motor isn't long for this world. When running it heats up and a full speed blast for a couple of feet seems white smoke wafting off. Since nothing seems tight, I conclude that there is something bad going on in the windings. With Mashima motors being unavailable, I have to hope I have something suitable stashed away, or can one day replace it with another unit. The chassis design makes that look a distinct possibility, so I'm not worried.

Going back to the days when I looked longingly at the Backwoods adverts, they appealed so much I scratchbuilt my own version in 16mm scale, 32mm gauge. I was always rather poud of "Ben", so much so, I've ordered a set of Narrow Planet plates for the 009 version with the same name.

Rusty water tank wagon

 

A cruel enlargement but at least you can see the finished water tank wagon in all its "glory". 

Weathering was kept simple - the model was dry-brushed with Humbrol enamel tank grey (69), rust (70) and track colour (173). I worked quickly, not letting each coat dry. That way the colours merge a little so nothing stands out. 

To finish, I experimented with Citadel Typhus Corrosion, a rust paint with texture. Paint on and wipe most of it off again. The stuff thins with water and so a wet brush will work most of it off, stroking downward to represent weather. 

It's collected in the corners quite nicely and definitely added something to the tank sides. Lots of potential for the future I feel. 

 

The only problem was the water-based weathering removed my carefully applied with a mapping pen, ink numbers. Never mind, they used to get weathered off the real thing too. 

Couplings are Greenwich. They are supplied in the kit but I soldered them up solid so had to have a second go on a spare etch. The last job was to glue some lumps of lead in the tank as it weighs practically nothing.

Nice little kit and a pleasant project. You could really build it as a "Knightswork"  although I suggest that painting is another couple of hours spread over later evenings. For now, my model will sit in the box with the other 009 rolling stock. At least it's a kit off the pile!

Superglue and paint

 

Once the wagon has been cleaned up, it was time for superglue. I know "real" modellers only use solder but I'm pragmatic and know when to stop burning my fingers. 

First up, the axlebox cover pieces were fitted. One needed a little modification to fit around the brake lever I'd previously soldered to the tank side. A quick snip of the corner with scissors sorted this and you can't see the fudge. 

Next, although a piece of nickel silver is supplied to be rolled for the tank filler body, I used a length of fat plastic rod topped with the disk from the kit. 

Next up a coat of etching primer and followed by some Halford's matt black. This is more of a satin shade but I reckon it will look OK after weathering, which is the next step. 

Soldering done

 

Dinky little wagon this one. 24mm long and weighing next to nothing. 

Soldering wasn't painful. All the joints were made inside the box, a job possible because there isn't a floor to get in the way. Bearings were fitted with the axles in place and then quickly soldered to ensure they were the correct distance apart. Fast work with plenty of flux required to avoid toasting the plastic wheels. 

Amazingly, after all this the model sat flat on glass. If not, a quick twist would have fixed it I'm sure. It ran freely too. I must be having a good day!

The brake lever is provided, but no method of joining it to the wagon. A bit of wire would have done, but I used a brass pin. The head is a bit chunky in the photo but looks OK on the model. 

Next up, superglue time.

The first job is riveting

Most of the building of this kit took place while I watched Sherlock on TV. Watched is a bit strong perhaps as I'm rubbish at actually sitting still and gawping at the box like we are all supposed to, but it was on and I enjoyed it in the same way I enjoy a book during a train journey - I like to look up from time to time to see the scenery change.

Anyway, there was much concentration for the first part of the wagon build - rivet pressing.

There are an awful lot of little half-etch marks to be turned into dimples on the sides. I used a GW Models Press but I'm sure a blunt nail would have done just as well.

By the end of the job, Sherlock had done something (I forget what) and I had a slightly buckled component with lots of fake rivets. A little massaging with fingers straightened things up so I could move on to soldering.

A Knightswork?

Looking for a quick and easy project to kick off the modelling year, I dug out something bought at ExpoNG a few months ago.

Described by Mercian Models amusingly as "A Knightswork" , I bought the kit from the Parkside Dundas stand - pretty much a one-stop-shop for the 009 modeller. I'll be honest, I was inspired by the show and felt I ought to leave with at least one kit and this appealed.

Of course, once you start, you can't always stop. More of that in the future.

Anyway, in the packet is everything you need to complete the kit apart from solder, glue and paint. I don't know the prototype, but it appears to be a box on wheels for carrying water.

A quick look on-line reveals this photo by Roger Marks:



which claims it to be a brine carrying wagon, for hauling water for a swimming pool.

Interesting, but there are detail differences with the kit such as the tank body being wider than the chassis.

Not to worry, like most NG modellers I'm not looking for a model of a particular wagon, just something that can be "typical" for a freelance operation.

Leo and Bantam in print

 

I need some loco power for the forthcoming Warley exhibition at which I'll be showing Owen's Bridge. The only reasonably bomb-proof model to hand is a Roco Leo which I've mentioned on here before.  

To get me through the show I've come up with a cunning plan. Part of this required the model to be tickled up quickly to lose the out of the box appearance. Nothing difficult but enough to be a good starter for anyone dabbling in 009. 

The results can be seen in the Nov/Dec issue of Narrow Gauge World magazine.

While you are browsing the racks, you might like to take a look at the latest Model Boats.

This special construction issue includes a few pages on my Bantam Tugboat. All the plastic wrangling you could desire.

Which reminds me, I must fix the fender as it's on show next weekend...