Managed to get a little work done on the Saloon coach kit. It's now up on it's wheels and starting to look like it could be ready for the Summer season service on the BBR. This was the first time in 20 years I soldered white metal castings on an etched kit, and it went fairly easily with thanks to Carrs low melt solder. Excellent stuff it appears. Now to press on and get it finished.
#7711 goes about shunting the daily branch goods. A few more wagons than normal, business must be surprisingly good.
Old vs. New. The GWR Pannier, state of the art RTR product, manufactured just a few years ago. The Fruit van, scratchbuilt, in the 1970s. They make quite a contrast. Both very enjoyable models to have on the railway.
Next chapter in the occasional "Train of the week" films. This one features the very nice, sweet running Minerva 57xx / 77xx Pannier tank, with the daily branch goods. Here's 2 short films caught by our local photographer Tristan. Sometimes even just 20 minutes of running trains helps bring one to a calm inner peace.
Not much to report this week. A photograph was taken by amateur photographer Tristan of some activity down at the Boxer Bay docks. The new on-loan Ruston Hornsby shunter (a nice model by Heljan) is put through it's paces. Happy Easter to all.
A quick photograph was taken of BBR #8 "Hilda" , an ex Midland Railway 1F 0-6-0T, standing in the goods yard at Windrush Junction with a newly acquired brake van.
Another little fun side project. Inspiration for this one came from the Spurn Head Railway and it's pre-1914 Itala road car turned makeshift railcar, in the neat book by John Scott-Morgan, British Independent Light Railways.
The "railcar" model started as a 1/43 diecast model by Rio of Italy. Price was a fiver. The model was easily disassembled, stripped, repainted, and modified. Some additions included running boards, changing positions of the headlights. The wheels were converted by removing the rubber tires, and the outside flange filed down. I think the model is a decent look-a-like of the Spurn Head railcar. Now if only we can get it going without breaking our hand or wrist on the starting handle !
