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.
Monday, March 23, 2026
Sunday, March 22, 2026
1914 Itala Railcar conversion
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 !
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Shunting + restarting Saloon coach project
It's been a fair amount of time between posts. Work and domestic affairs taking away time from the hobby, however I've managed to write up a couple articles for publication in the Guild & operate the railway here and there. Some photographic evidence below of BBR Manning Wardle Niki shunting the Windrush Junction goods yard.
I've managed to dust off an old project & restart the Connoisseur Models brass Saloon coach kit build. I've now completed all brass parts and onto the white metal axle boxes / fitting the wheels. Should be exciting. I'm hoping to get it completed by the end of March. Time will tell indeed. All for now.