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JANUARY 2018 UPDATE
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KIER HARDY *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
STEVE HARROD *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
PETE JOHNSON *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
FEBRUARY 2018 UPDATE
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KEITH TRUEMAN *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
PETE JOHNSON *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
KIER HARDY
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MARCH 2018 UPDATE
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PETE JOHNSON *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
PAUL JAMES *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
JONNY DUFFETT *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
STEVE HARROD *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
KARL CROWTHER *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
APRIL 2018 UPDATE
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KIER HARDY *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
STEVE HARROD *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
PETE JOHNSON *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Brush type 4 number 1510 is ready for top link service on the East
Coast main line, seen here ready to leave the depot. It's interesting
to note that after overhaul and repaint at Crewe in the late 1960s,
the data panel which had previously been located on the cabside, had
moved to the bodyside under the number by the early 1970s. Being ETH
fitted, it will be useful for hauling a rake of mk2D coaches
which were new into service in 1971.
1510 - a Heljan class 47 came into the workshops a couple of
years ago, (as ex-Oldshaw 47001). Out went the Clayton boiler and
in came the Spanner, courtesy of an ex-vacuum braked scrap bodyshell.
The Hornsey locomotive fleet has been further bolstered by the transfer
of 3 Bachmann class 37s from Shenston Road. Here 6999, a
Canton allocated example heads south with a rake of Carflats, which are
also new into service here at The Broadway.
The 4 Carflats are now finished and I've resisted the temptation to
load them with vehicles for the moment, instead securing the chocks with
PVA glue for ease of future removal if required. For the record, they
have been fitted with Bachmann LMS bogies and 14mm wheelsets. The
chocks could be found neatly stowed all together at one end of the
Carflat, placed as shown here (dependant on the last traffic use), or just
spread all over the place making it difficult to drive anything along the deck!
English Electric type 3 number 6890 is another of the 3 Bachmann models
to be recently transferred, and although a Canton allocated loco,
it will retain its identity for use on inter-regional freights.
The last of the trio of class 37s is 6728, a March allocated split box
example. I had hoped to get a close up shot of it this month, but instead
just caught a glimpse of it heading north with a tank train from Ripple Lane.
Whilst in Market Street waiting for a train to take me back to Kings Cross,
I stumbled across this used car lot, the site having just been
occupied by a local trader, and no doubt awaiting signage to promote his business.
A view looking back towards the station, showing the remaining pre-fabricated
buildings which are host to several local merchants. These
snapshots of the locale highlight certain aspects - the vegetation
has got out of hand and needs the council to come around and tidy things up.
The layout detailing work continues, with the addition of street signs having
been made and planted recently.
BR Sulzer type 2 number 5193 is seen here waiting at the signal
for the road ahead. This is the latest addition to Paul James 'Eastwell fleet'.
It's a double motored Hornby class 25, recently renumbered to a
pre-TOPS example from a photograph dated early 1970s. The numerals at
each end are of a different font on this side of the loco.
I have started work on Warship class D847 Strongbow, the original 842
numbers and BR arrow being easily removed using Model Strip, new
numbers and BR arrow were used from a HMRS pressfix sheet and the
data panel is from an old Fox transfers sheet I had lying around.
Using photographs of D847 from 1971 I could ascertain that on one
side Strongbow had received body swipe damage and on the other side
there was damage to the nose cone on the drivers side and also
great chunks of prestolith had dropped off from the body side leaving the
exposed steel skin to rust. The other prestolith patches have
had some attempt by depot staff to paint over the patches to protect the
bodyside. I used a pointed chisel to create depth for where
the prestolith had dropped off by slightly digging into the bodyside.
The same pointed chisel was also used to scribe the 2 horizontal
bodyside swipe lines into the side, these 2 lines were then painted in a
slightly lighter BR blue, I have also added the rectangular
shed code sticker this has come from Railtec transfers. At the recent Cheltenham
model show I managed to get more work completed on the traverser, these
being to scratch build the 2 lights and the power pick up post,
which has isolators on and need the wiping arms added so as to pick up
the power from the 415v overhead catenary. The safety rails have
now been added which has really brought the traverser to life.
I have purchased from Modelu some of their 4mm drivers which
are currently being painted as can be seen in this image they have been
primed ready, in the background can be seen some steam pipes, the
ones to the left are the original Bachmann ones which I like - the steam
valve however, I find the pipe a little undernourished, so to the right
I have removed the pipe itself and added some guitar wire to make it more
substantial. I have also added an isolating handle, and the connecting
coupling parts at the base of the pipe.
The mechanism for the Class 05 has been completed and performed well during test runs.
The low-roof Class 05 is pictured with the chassis fitted and the addition of
air cylinder details in progress.
The January edition of Railway Modeller included an article looking at the
wagon fleet of the layout,
illustrated with some excellent
pictures taken by Craig Tiley.
The Class 04 swop body has forged ahead with use in an extended Southampton
1959-1967 sequence during the Canterbury show
(January 20th/21st) in mind.
The pale grey plastic saved the use of any undercoat before the black
stripes were applied to both ends.
The pale grey wasn’t so helpful for the rail blue paint however!…..the
appearance after the first coat is shown. Memory suggests the Humbrol
Authentics version of this colour, back in the 1980s, had far better covering power….
After a second overall coat, and then some local touching in, the blue
finally got the better of the grey…..a darker undercoat would have been
a better approach. D2294 may have been amongst the first Class 04s to
receive blue to judge by the block style numbering. Not many ever
were blue, and most of these few were SR allocations.Some light weathering, to
suit a recent repaint, will see the model finished.
Also recently completed with Canterbury in mind is Class 33 ‘D6505’. The
SR were unusually slow to apply yellow panels to many of their
diesel fleet. Photographs suggest D6505 remained all green until the
late summer of 1967 –
roughly the same time that D2294 would have been being turned out in blue.
Detailing work continues at Lesney Park with the addition of
these 4mm scale 45 gallon drums, produced locally by one of our cottage
industries a few years ago here Down Under.
Other details added are steps for the furniture factory as shown here.
There is still much more to be done to the ground works in this area.
The only other major detailing to be added recently on the layout
is the fence around the parcels vehicle area, to completely separate it from
the rail corridor, and is made from Ratio components.
This Heljan Dogfish is basically straight out-of-the-box, just
gauge converted and then some weathering treatments added with enamel paints.
During the Canterbury show in mid-January several BR Southern Region
sequences were featured. On the Saturday morning USA tank
30071 is pictured heading into the docks with some vans.
During the same morning Class 33 D6505 is pictured standing
amongst more vans in the exchange sidings.
The show was the first outing for the USA, which after some
final tweaks to the motion on the Friday evening generally ran well.
It did have a slight tight spot when running in one direction however,
so the quartering will be checked on the bench.
The Southern theme continued on the Sunday morning with new
swop-body Class 04 D2294 getting a run out.
During the closing mid-70s sequence faded 08 296 is pictured on an air-braked van.
With me being based in Gloucester, this Bachmann private owner wagon from
the CCMRS club stand was impossible to resist!
Back on the work bench the blue grain project is reaching the final
stages before featuring in the layout’s Glasgow appearance later this
month. A ‘Johnny Walker’ early type wagon is shown after fitting
of roof walkways and ladders.
A close-up view showing the etched details in position, the
challenge now is to get some paint onto these without blocking all the holes!
Also being readied for a big Scottish Region sequence on the layout
in Glasgow are the two North British 0-4-0s. D2774 is pictured after
completion of the back lamp and conduit details.
Another view of D2774, now just awaiting final weathering.
..... and now a few more images of Canada Street and its rolling
stock captured at the Cantebury exhibition by Paul James.
BR class 08 number D3381.
Drewery class 04 number 11224.
Class 07 with a rake of 3 Sand wagons.
BR class 03 number 2135 alongside class 08 number 3296.
A skirted class 04 number D2212 with BTH class 15 number D8239.....
... and an unidentified classmate at the end of the siding.
Grain wagons on the quayside.
Steam tug 'Julia' awaiting its next turn of duty.
The barge 'Ellesmere' is still just afloat.
A copy of a mid-1960s carriage print showing the King's Cross
suburban lines route diagram.
A map of the area being modelled - click for a larger image.
The Cattle wagons of the layout have run empty for far
too long – one of two that are now loaded with prime black
and brown beef cattle.
The six poster-board 35T BRT grain hoppers were finished
during the month, ahead of a first appearance at Model Rail Scotland.
One of the early pattern ‘White Horse’ wagons is shown
after the undercoat blue has been applied.
A few days later ‘VAT 69’ number 5848 is shown in ex-works
condition. The blue colour used was blended from Revell Gloss 52 and Humbrol
Matt 109. Fox Transfers came up trumps after my request
for a suitable re-sizing of one of their existing sheets to provide the block-style numerals.
The sheet has now been added to their range as F4122/2,
catering for both the blue and yellow (black numbering) livered fleets of these wagons.
Lima-based late style wagon 6134 ‘Haig’ is also shown ex-works.
The thinly applied blue top-coat left the walkway holes clear – much to my relief.
Meanwhile the two North British 0-4-0 shunters were also finished to
an ex-works condition, D2731 is pictured.
Classmate D2774 is shown at the same stage.
The grains were quite lightly weathered as they model their
condition when only a few years old, and may have been subject to
wash-downs to judge by pictures from the early years. ‘White Horse’
number 5821 is shown ready for service.
‘Johnnie Walker’ 6112 is shown at the same stage. The Humbrol
enamel varnish used for the weathering dried matt as can be - thank goodness!
…and still the walkway holes did not block!!
Broadside portrait of ‘VAT 69’ number 5848 in finished condition…..
worth all the effort over the past few months.
The end of the month saw Canada Street appear at Model Rail Scotland,
a great show on every level – and we were blessed with good
weather for the long journey north (and back). D2731 is pictured working
into the docks with a string of grain hoppers.
The Blue Grains featured in both a Scottish and East Anglian sequence,
portraying the two ends of their regular route during the latter years of
the 1960s. Modelling these is a personal ambition fulfilled,
and it is a pity that all these colourful wagons had gone to the scrapman by the end of the 1990s
During the show we highlighted the Scottish built diesel types,
and other diesels associated with the region, each afternoon. D2774
is shown awaiting its next duty on the Friday. Thanks must go to
Mike Edge for producing such superb kits of the type.
The real D2774 spent some time as a Glasgow engine, so may
even have shunted the docks area which is now the location of the SEC.
The model is captured in an operator’s-side view heading for the low-level sidings.
During the Saturday, Class 26 D5331 is pictured with a busy
yard during a 1970 sequence on the layout.
D2581 is spotted en-route at Hornsey Road Depot, and also recently
was seen at Canada Street during the recent Model Rail Scotland
exhibition. This and D2578 are fresh into the Eastwell Fleet,
utilising a modified and weathered Heljan model to give that Scottish touch.
D2578 weathered with a mix of acrylics using brush and spray gun.
....And here's a project for the backburner - heavily modifying a pair
of Hornby cabs onto a Bachmann bodyshell on a budget.
Following on from a previous project to bolster my fleet of Southern
Region EMUs (building a 4-EPB unit from surplus Bachmann models),
there were enough bits left over to create something completely
different which would suit the Great Northern theme at Hornsey Broadway.
This view shows one of a pair of class 97 battery electric locomotives
which were converted from ex-class 501 Driving Motor Brake vehicles.
This project has been on the back-burner for a few months, making
progress as and when it could be fitted in between other activities. This
view shows a selection of underframe boxes scratchbuilt from styrene
and brass detail parts.
The major die-cast chassis modifications involve shortening it to a
57ft variant by chopping the required section out (equal to 1 compartment),
splicing and strengthening, and finally fitting and securing the trussing
before detail parts are added.
They were converted at BR Wolverton Works C1974, which involved the
removal of all internal seating and fittings, and then installing banks
of lead-acid traction batteries. The first 2 vehicles converted were
for use on the Merseyrail system, for use on maintenance duties. Further
units were converted at Doncaster Works for tunnel maintenance / OHLE
installation work for the GN services to Moorgate.
A silhouette cutter has been used to form the louvres, replacing most
of the windows on the bodyside for ventilation purposes.
Further detail parts have also been made for the ends, as through access
between the units was a requirement for working in confined areas.
The BE locos at an advanced stage of construction are seen here on
my Hereford layout for running in trials. The 2 vehicles have now been
transferred over to the Traction & Rolling Stock Engineer at the Hornsey
Works for detail finishing and conversion to EM Gauge. It's been an
interesting project despite one or two difficulties along the way, so
I can now get back to some of my other BR(S) models and look forward
to seeing it at Hornsey Road Depot sometime in the near future.
Attention has now focused on building part of the Newton Abbot
Works building. Thankfully around 1991 (twenty years after closure) I
managed to go around the old works and take lots of photographs,
which for this project have turned out really valuable. I studied the
images of the front/entrance to the works by counting all the
bricks etc to enable me to mark out on the English Bond brick plasticard
(SE Finecast) all the correct measurements to
where the windows and doors should go.
Once this was complete I then cut out 2x sheets of 60thou plasticard
which would be part of the frame to which the brick work would be glued.
These 2 sheets were bonded together using Deluxe Materials RIC glue,
which I find great for glueing large sections of plasticard together
(this glue was used on the brickwork for my G1 Worcester Road layout).
To add some pressure to the laminated sheets I used 2 bricks that
I managed to save from Swindon Works ‘A’Shop, so find it kind of ironic
that 2 bricks from the old GWR Factory are helping me build Newton Abbot Works!
I have also been experimenting with photos I took of the old
NA works behind the main centre window section (in steam days this
was the door area, where engines were brought into the works
side ways), I am still not sure about this as the image shows the
old redundant shop. I will scan the images then stitch them
together to see how it looks but not entirely sure it works yet.
This view shows the parts that make up the recessed window of the
side wall, which will be installed to the left hand side of building.
Once the plasticard brick had been laminated onto the front support section
I started detailing the front of the works, first up was the 2 arched
windows that thankfully come from the Wills range, then I built the
centre section with its new brick wall (red brick plasticard) and the area
where the glazing will eventually be. After this was complete I then
could build the support frame around this area using various section of
plasticard strip, this was finished off by adding the lead flashing
to the cill above using silver foil from a Cornish pasty base and then
embossing the area where the bolts were.
Next up was to build the 2 door entrances to the works again this was
built up using various thicknesses and widths of strip, also one of
the doors was made using a sheet that best resembled roller shutter
doors, I plan to have one door closed and the other open, an excuse
to model a little something of the inside of the works, this idea is
just a suggestion to the viewer that something exists within the works,
this may lead to me cutting a Warship to reduce its length so to
accommodate inside the works as the depth I have available is 8.5cm.
Showing progress so far on the front of the works building. Also
visible is the laminated back wall to the works structure.
Quite a bit of activity has been taking place in preparation
for this month’s outing to Ally Pally (March 24th/25th). A recent addition to the fleet
is this scratchbuilt Belgian Ferry Wagon. The type was kindly
identified by Adam Chapman from a >photo I took at Halifax in the late 1970s.
Having found a drawing I worked out that the bodyside louvres were
pretty much identical to those on the Belgian version, and I just happened
to have a suitable ‘donor’ model. In fact those and the axlebox/springs were
the only bits that were actually used, the rest going in the bin!
Otherwise from styrene, with Bill Bedford axleguards, Lanarkshire buffers
(very close match), tie-down cleats/hooks (Wizard) and various other
bits from the spares box. Transfers came from the same Railtec sheet as the
BR version – it doesn’t quite provide all of what you need, but
most of it can be made up from this source.
Belgian ferry van under construction - the bits that came from the
Hornby donor vehicle, speak for themselves. The roof was made from
several laminations of styrene sheet to give the rough shape and then sanded to the correct profile.
Work has also been done on the scenic side of things. This little
hut was built from a set of laser-cut parts kindly given to me by Ralph
Roberston. Just spotted it still needs a door handle! This
part of the layout needed a small building of some sort and this fitted the bill perfectly.
Also some more vegetation and various bits of clutter, but probably
needs even more to give that authentic run-down 1970s atmosphere…….
Deltic 9002 'The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry' approaches
Hornsey Tunnel on the last stretch of its journey to Kings Cross, as English
Electric type 3 number 6782 heads a Down freight across the fly-over
on to the East London lines. 6782 is a double motored Lima model from
Paul James' Eastwell fleet.
English Electric type 4 class 40 D229 at the head of a lengthy
northbound freight (also a double motored Lima model).
More Eastwell locos here in the form of 6607 & 6963 on a MGR working.
Regular running sessions see a variety of visiting motive power, and
a great way of testing the layout and putting it through its paces,
ahead of its trip out at the end of May to Railex at Aylesbury.
This and the following snaps are from the camera of Paul, featuring
most of the recent Eastwell projects. As seen last month, the pair of
Hunslet class 05s are seen passing by on running in trips.
Sulzer type 2 class 27 D5332 heads back to the Midland Main Line to
load up with more coal from the Nottinghamshire area. (Heljan)
Another Heljan model which has been extensively modified, to include
new headcode boxes and roof fan detail matching up with the bodyside
grill. Baby Deltic D5908 is seen here hauling the Down Cambridge Buffet.
Last but not least, new into the fleet is D8030, a Stratford class 20 (Bachmann).
Now a selection of Greg's Shenston Road loco & tank train
formations, Starting out with this rake of scratchbuilt Leather's chemical tanks
behind split-box Peak 27.
Western 1012 'Western Firebrand' passes the tail end of
another rake of scratchbuilt tank wagons....
...and another view, this time heading back behind Class 40 number 352.
Now a turn with BRCW type 3 locos 6568 & 6596.
Waiting for the road ahead.
Fast forward a few years with 47229 & 47450 in charge (both ViTrains).
This first image shows the detail inside the works, I know
in the last instalment I was considering using a photo
showing the inside of the works that I had taken, this idea
worked perfectly on Worcester Road, with the side door
open and an image of an 08 Shunter, however this time it did not
look or feel right so……. I made the girders that
support the works roof, one of these also has the
overhead walkway added, along the top of the horizontal girder
will be seen the rails for the overhead crane, also in
the view is the detailed side wall, working platforms
(as yet unpainted) and the electrical cabinet.
Building this interior gives a much better perspective of what's
inside when viewed from the outside, as seen from this image. Through the
windows are the raised working platforms from which a cut down Warship
loco will eventually be seen (courtesy of James Bullock from the
Abbotswood Junc layout). Internal lighting will be installed using
grain of wheat bulbs left over from Worcester Road.
OK when I had the original idea of building the Newton Abbot
‘The Works Dump’ I was only going build the yard and to partly show a hint of
the traverser pit to suggest there was one there (somewhere) however
reading Pete Johnson’s account of Canada Rd becoming Canada St
inspired me to go the full hog and build the traverser and part of
the works to sustain my interests even more (thanks Pete).
Showing the near completed Newton Abbot Locomotive Works building
which will be the backdrop for ‘The Works Dump’. All I can say on a
personal level is a big thank you to all the companies that supply,
plasticard in all its intricate shapes, sizes and embossed brick etc, to allow
us scratch builders to produce our art. All I have left to do on the
works building is to add a soffit and guttering to the side wall before painting.
Image showing the roof access walkways and skylights.
Image showing the roof access walkways and skylights.
The Newton Abbot locomotive works building (well part of it), showing
side wall detail and the front of the building with tie bars added
along with the electrical conduit, fuel pipe and support brackets
(courtesy of left over lamp irons from a 1/32nd scale class 21/29).
The open works door will also show a cut down Warship installed
(adding to the detailed interior).
The layout appeared in a 3 page piece in the April edition
of Railway Modeller. Craig T of RM did a superb job with the pictures once again.
The low-roof Class 05 is being readied for the appearance of the
layout at the Liverpool show on April 21/22. In this view the black
element of the wasp stripes has been applied onto the white undercoat.
A few days later and the model now has all the small detailing items
fitted, and has just completion of the livery and weathering to go….
Another Class 08 livery variation is being worked on after a
pre-used ‘3256’ was picked up at Model Rail Scotland. On this example a
black steam-era early member of the class is planned…..and I’m
beginning to understand why Hornby have not really offered this style.
The cab unit is pictured with the upper conduit run re-routed
using 0,3 brass wire and the side vents removed.
The early class members had the forward equipment box on both sides,
so box moulds were made from the original using epoxy putty.
2mm black polystyrene was then warmed and press-moulded off these moulds
to create the front and top panels, which were made up into
the box. Most of the bodyside grab handles have also been removed – as on the
prototype - and the empty holes filled.
The final four Blue Grains have been finished ready for Liverpool. The
real 7678 was rebuilt into the pedestal suspension, with its poster
board fixings removed, during the summer of 1974. The model is pictured after
the blue top coat has been applied.
BRT 7553 is an early type wagon based on the Bachmann model. By the
late 1970s the whole fleet had been renumbered into the
7500-7799 range, and some – as here – had the number applied within a datapanel format.
Fellow fleet member 7504, in a fairly typical dirty condition for
these wagons in the final years of the blue livery.
The final member of the group is 7746, which survived into the early
1980s still in blue with a set of poster board fixings. These four will
feature in a Birkenhead 1979 sequence, as photographs show small trips
of these wagons still running on the dock lines into the early 80s.
