Art imitating

 Art imitating art imitating life !   Not that my little railway in any way could be considered art, but I couldn't resist assembling that phrase.  The painter Michael Barnes,  a longtime family friend who paints some lovely landscapes,  has been added to the railway using the superb Phoenix / S&D Models metal casting #OF 122.  Painted with Tamiya acrylics.  I'm no expert at painting figures,  but I do enjoy the challenge.

The easel has a resized re-printed image of the same scene and colorized with very light colour pencil application.  The image doesn't come across as clear in the photos as it does in real life.  All for now,  have a nice week everyone.

Minor dock progress

Another busy month of work and gardening has left little time for progress on the railway.  I have managed to start the base scenic layer of ground ballast at the Boxer Bay Docks.  Again drawing inspiration from many photographs of the S&DJR docks at Highbridge.  It's slowly coming together.  All for now.

Connoisseur Models Saloon Coach Kit 3

 Summertime always brings more gardening, fun time at the beach, and a busier work schedule.  So not much activity on the railway.  In the last month plus I've managed to make a little more progress on my coach from Connoisseur Models.  Still enjoying the challenge and rewards of building my first etched brass model in decades.  Looking forward to painting (& hiding) my messy solder joints !

"Josie" returns to work

 After a long absence,  for scheduled service,  BBR Terrier #3  "Josie" returns to work.  Service included wheel cleaning,  pickup adjustment,  lubrication, and an overall cleaning.   She's seen here at Windrush Junction, shunting the goods yard.  An L&Y cattle wagon is a long way from home !  How it ended up in Somerset, is up to ones imagination :)

Boxer Bay Dock Wall + Hedge

 I took advantage of a day off from work to make progress on the dock wall of Boxer Bay,  which is heavily inspired by the S&DJR dock at Highbridge -  see 1930's archive photograph.  I really like the combination of a stone & timber wall, makes a nice contrast.  The wood was stained & lightly weathered.  I'm no artist,  so just attempt to make it "look good" at a distance.  I'm happy.  A ton more to do,  not to mention the boats & water.

Another job was improving a scene I wasn't entirely happy with.  The stationmasters house at Windrush Junction,  I did not like the shrubbery ;),  and thought a traditional hedge would be more fitting.  Made from simple cheap cleaning sponges & typical foliage.  I think it improves the scene overall.  Monty Python approved !

(Before)

(After)

sweet shunting

 Just having some fun shunting.   Amazing how therapeutic shuffling some wagons around the goods yard can be,  provided the tension lock couplings are working correctly :)  It's the simple pleasures.

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.

 

More Goods Traffic

 Just a lazy Sunday snap.   GWR Pannier 7711 runs round its train in preparation for departing back up the branch with an eclectic mix of wagons.  She will back onto the train, collect the brake van, and be on her merry way.  I hope to start up on some scenic work again soon.  The dock is crying out to be built, ships are stacking up in the Bristol Channel waiting to be unloaded !

Goods traffic

 This weekends running session,  by no intention,  ended up focusing on goods traffic.  GWR Pannier 7711 brings the branch goods into Windrush Junction.  We have a wander through the yard,  hoping to sneak around without getting caught.  BBR's  0-4-4T (former LSWR 02) is seen shunting.  Lots of interesting wagons here this week.

Man & His Shed

 Navvy Ernest is overjoyed to have his "shed",  or grounded wagon, at last.  Perhaps a model railway could be built in there ?   More likely storage for many odd pieces of equipment, tools & heaven knows what else for the staff at Windrush Junction.

The body comes from an old inherited scratchbuilt model,  dating back to the early 70's.  Many details to bring the scene to life to follow.

MM1 MR 1 Plank wagon completed !

Always nice to finish a project,  especially before the start of another long work week.  Overall the kit was very enjoyable to build.  The axle box castings could've been better,  but I'm very happy with the finished model, great fun.  Now for a load !

Note :  One side is lettered for the LMS,   and the other for the BBR.  Some might raise an eyebrow,  but I do enjoy having my own independent,  fictional railway.  Rule 1 always applies.  

MM1 MR 1 Plank wagon painted

The MR 1 plank wagon,  with it's newly applied fresh coat of paint.  Now for some decals, weathering, and a load.  Great fun to build.  One of the best features of modelling in British O,  the huge variety of kits to choose from.  RTR may well be the future,  but I sure hope these wonderful kits will be around to enjoy.

GWR Branch Goods

 Just another quiet Branch line goods train,  GWR #7711 has the duty today.  She's quietly passing through Windrush Junction & the brewery,  trundling along the fine Somerset countryside.  Just another day in paradise.  A slower,  serene pace of life.

Shunting the brewery

From last weekend, here's the BBR Peckett shunting the Brewery siding. A quiet lazy Sunday.

MM1 MR 1 Plank wagon completed (almost)

 A miserable wet winters day on the Oregon coast,  has at least allowed me time to complete the construction phase of the Midland 1 plank wagon.  Very happy with how it's turned out.  Couple little things could be better, but I'm not a nitpicker.  Now comes some tidying up, painting, lettering & weathering.

MM1 MR 1 Plank wagon progress

 Some more progress has been made on the MM1 Midland Railway single plank wagon kit.  I'm already getting excited about the possibilities for an interesting load.

Ready for the off !

The little Peckett is ready to begin shunting the brewery.  The driver will need to proceed with caution by the level crossing.  Shunting maneuvers will require several passes.  I'm sure the motorcoach operator is thrilled !

MM1 Midland Railway 1 Plank wagon

 A new year,  a new wagon project.  It's been quite a while since I've built any rolling stock for the railway,  and I've missed it.  For a Winter project I selected the MM1 models (former JLTRT range I believe) Midland Railway 20' 6" single plank resin / white metal wagon kit,  ref # PWW1.   This kit has been sitting on the shelf for years,  time has come to enjoy it.  I like the variety in goods wagons,  and this ones longer length will break up the string of standard wagon lengths nicely,  plus an opportunity for an interesting load,  perhaps a boiler or a ....... ?  Any ideas leave a comment.   Early days in the build.