Sunday Snap

 BBR #1  making up the daily goods for Boxer Bay.  Local lad Anthony is hoping to see a Dean Goods bring in the GWR daily mixed train today instead of the regular 45xx.

Connoisseur Models Saloon Coach Kit 2

A little progress on the Connoisseur Models coach.   The body is now together.  My soldering technique is improving,  learning to not hold back on the flux !  Nice kit to build with very helpful instructions.  My first etched kit in decades is turning into quite the enjoyable project.  

Boxer Bay Dock wall

I've finally gotten round to working on the "other side" of the layout for a change.  Decided it was time to get working on the dockside wall,  which is inspired by the S&D docks at Highbridge.   The wall is split between timber & stone,  just like Highbridge.   Here's the current state of things,  a long way to go but at least it's a start.   Plus one quick photo of the branch passenger in good old black & white.

Connoisseur Models Saloon Coach Kit

Time for a new project, something a little different.  A coach,  but in etched brass !   I have built a brass kit,  but it's been over 16 years.   If there is one thing true in this scale,  it's that one should start ones journey into etched kit construction with one of Jim's fantastic kits.  The instructions, diagrams and well thought out design of the Connoisseur models range is very well known.

I've wanted to expand my choice of available coaches to form a typical light railway passenger service,  which will mostly be run in the form of mixed trains between Boxer Bay & Windrush Junction,  where passengers will change trains to "God's Wonderful",  or the occasional  S&DJR service.

The kit is PMK.7,  four wheeled Saloon coach,  based on a North Eastern design.  It will of course be lettered for my fictional "Boxer Bay Railway",   Price was £64 plus wheels.  I've already managed to make my first folds & form the tumblehome curve.   Since this is my first brass kit in decades I'll be taking it slow.  Learning & challenges are all part of the enjoyment & satisfaction of model railways.   I hope to construct my first locomotive after this experience.

Couple GWR Stalwarts

A GWR weekend with a couple Great Western stalwarts,  the 48xx & 45xx.  Both beautiful running models by Dapol.  (The interloper is BBR #8 ex MR  0-6-0T  Hilda !  also a sweet running model)

Prairie out & about

Something a little larger this week,  GWR 45xx Prairie got a run this weekend with the branch goods. Such a lovely model by Dapol.  Hard to believe models this nice are now available in O,  and not much more expensive then some of the OO stuff !  A couple favorite wagons in the mix,  including a scratchbuilt LBSC van from 1977,  and a Peco GWR van which was one of my first kits.