Classic Great Western

 Just a couple classic Great Western Railway locos featured in this weekend's photos.  What more can one say,  great models, of great locos.  Dapol does a great job with their models.  Cheers

Heljan Ruston 48DS - On Trial

 A new addition for the docks at Boxer Bay,  something completely different,  a Diesel !    Wow,  didn't see this one coming.  It's such a neat looking little thing,  and at £130,  I just had to have one.  After all,  Colonel Stephens utilized internal combustion power on many of his lines,  so why not ?  With the earliest examples being built in 1937,  I figured I could justify having one.  Her job will be to shunt the docks.  Just how reliable over Higgin's Horse she'll be, time will tell, so she's "on trail".  She may or may not stay in this color scheme,  but will be customized,  not sure how yet.  She runs beautifully,  and weighs a lot,  so well done to Heljan.

"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 :)

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)

A lonely Peckett + JJ

 After what seems a long break from the hobby (long for me anyway),  I've stoked up the fire and am ready to get going on the second half of the layout.   Here's a photo of the next loco project,  the excellent Minerva Models Peckett.   I plan on making some modifications to the cab,  add crew,  number and of course weathering.   Full steam ahead.

And just for kicks,  or is that hooves ?   A photo of "JJ",  & coachman "Robby",  a local Boxer Bay delivery merchant.

GWR 45xx in Steam

Just had to give the Dapol Great Western 45xx a run,  a superb model.  Definitely needs some weathering.  Here she is passing Windrush Junction with a train made up of some of my favorite wagons.

Long Time ~ No Train

 It's been a long time since the last update.  Work & life have kept me away from the hobby for the Summer.   I hope to get back "on track"  and "steam ahead" on the railway.   To start off I had a fun little operating session tonight.  Here's BBR "Niki"  departing Windrush Junction for Boxer Bay with a short goods.  Nice to be back.  P.S.  it can be beneficial to take a short break from the hobby to re-stoke the boiler. (I'll stop now)

Peckett Perfect !

 Haven't featured the excellent Minerva Peckett for awhile.  I really need to get around to finishing this model for the BBR,  with lettering,  nameplate, crew, & of course,  weathering !  Still contemplating going crazy and hacking the back cab off & opening up the footplate.  We will see.  In the meantime,  here she is, shunting a single LMS refrigerator wagon into Gordon's Brewery.

Dapol 45xx Video

 I just couldn't resist making up a short film of the excellent Dapol 45xx.  A really nice model of a nice locomotive.  So happy I got the chance to see one in the flesh way back 20 years ago.

Plucky Peckett

I love large, impressive, powerful locos,  but I also love the little ones, so full of character.  Decided it was time to get the little Minerva Models Peckett out for a run.  Here's a couple photos showing her in action.  I have plans for a few minor modifications, and weathering for the plucky little Peckett !

GWR 4555 arrives

Train spotters at Windrush Junction were delighted to see a new loco arrive on the morning branch goods,  small Prairie #4555, steamed in with a long string of wagons.  A beautiful model by Dapol,  and first class worldwide service by Tower Models.  

I knew that I would have to get one,  as way back in '03 when I visited the WSR steam gala,  I enjoyed a ride behind one. Happy memories,  coming back to life in O gauge !  A few photos, new from box.  She runs as good as she looks !

Sunday Snaps

A couple close-up photos to round off the week.  One of ex MR 1F BBR #8 "Hilda"  getting ready for the day at the Windrush Junction loco shed.  Second photo shows Peco kit built GWR brake van at the end of the branch goods.

BBR #8 ~ 1F 0-6-0T "Hilda"

 The BBR has acquired another loco.  I've had this model for awhile,  but it was lettered for the LMS.  Purchased secondhand, for the pricey sum of $125 USD.  It took a little re-working,  a set of new gears kindly supplied by Mr. Tinsnips,  and now she's ready for service.  

 The name "Hilda" comes from another of our Boxer canine family members.  This was a loco I felt a small independent railway would have for it's own, ancient, used, and most importantly, reasonably affordable !  She runs great and will be a welcome addition by the staff I'm sure.  The local lads already approve !

BBR #1 ~ Manning Wardle "Niki"

The Boxer Bay Railway's Manning Wardle "Niki" has now been completed,  with lettering, name plate, crew,  suitable coal load  and a light weathering.   A superb model from Minerva,  she looks good in the lined blue,  the semi official livery for BBR locos, when we can afford the paint !  She is loco #1 as she was the first supplied to the BBR in 1884. Colonel Stephens inspects her at Windrush Junction shed.

Afternoon Departure

I had a few minutes to play trains this afternoon so decided to get the camera out.

BBR #3  Josie  is seen departing Windrush Junction  for  Boxer Bay,  while newly acquired Manning Wardle is awaiting her lettering,  number and nameplates,  to officially join the BBR roster.

Minerva GWR Pannier Tank 7711

 I finally got around to finishing my Minerva 57xx Pannier Tank.  Details added per instructions, number & builders plates are from Narrow Planet.   As this is the riveted tank version,  I decided on number 7711,  which was built by Kerr Stuart in 1930.   This will be the most "modern" loco I have for the layout.  It's really too late for my era,  but how can you not have at least one Pannier on a railway in Somerset !  After all in my fantasy world the GWR runs into Windrush Junction to connect with the Boxer Bay Railway.

 Weathering is my usual easy way of acrylic washes and chalk powders.  Not too bad,  however I might revisit the weathering again on this loco in the near future.  Fireman / Driver  figures are by AC Stadden and very nice too !

Christmas in May !

  After a long hard day at work,  what could be a better welcome home then the following sight ?

My Minerva 57xx Riveted Pannier Tank,  a GWR Iron Mink van,  plus  the G0G May Gazette,  and Niki guarding it until my arrival :) 

 The 57xx is another super model from Minerva,  had a quick test run on the railway.  It runs super smooth, and is very quiet.

 So what is a Col Stephens line doing with a 57xx ? Well that's a good question. There has been an extension added to the railway, which was planned. The line now cuts through a wall and into an adjacent closet to form a fiddle / storage area. That will represent a connection with the GWR, or S&D depending on what mood I'm in. The Boxer Bay Railway commences at "Windrush Junction" and curves off heading for Boxer Bay docks. At least that's the story I'm sticking with.  Now I need to get up my courage and have a go at weathering a loco or two,  wagons I enjoy,  locos make me nervous !

A Recent Acquisition

 The Col. was able to acquire a "new" piece of equipment for the B.B.R.,  an Ex Midland Railway 1F 1377 class 0-6-0T.  Our locomotive Superintendent had a quick look over and gave the thumbs up,  despite some history of the loco wanting to only run in reverse !  Here She is being lined up for the official photograph,  awaiting re-lettering & numbering.