• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Do you have any model railway projects on the go?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
My latest weekend project was that I wanted a little ballast train but the prices of N gauge Dogfish, Mermaid wagons etc are through the roof on eBay.
I ended up buying some cheap Peco jobbies, re-wheeling them, weathering the living daylights out of them and making some loads up including old sleepers, telegraph poles, rusty rails etc.
Anyway I’m quite pleased with it as it’s a kind of scrap recovery train to potter around occasionally.

Here’s the result:
88FAC59C-30AE-473C-B056-1EEBB9E022FB.jpegF71FBC0A-C56F-48E3-AFFF-7E869CB7F15B.jpeg
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
My latest weekend project was that I wanted a little ballast train but the prices of N gauge Dogfish, Mermaid wagons etc are through the roof on eBay.
I ended up buying some cheap Peco jobbies, re-wheeling them, weathering the living daylights out of them and making some loads up including old sleepers, telegraph poles, rusty rails etc.
Anyway I’m quite pleased with it as it’s a kind of scrap recovery train to potter around occasionally.

Here’s the result:
View attachment 79517View attachment 79518

Very nice Cowley, I like how each wagon has a different contents looks so much better than the wagons with identikit plastic inserts you see.

Like the Green diesel, a 27?, need at least one of those in Blue just 'cos ;)
 

malc-c

Member
Joined
1 Dec 2017
Messages
990
My latest weekend project was that I wanted a little ballast train but the prices of N gauge Dogfish, Mermaid wagons etc are through the roof on eBay.
I ended up buying some cheap Peco jobbies, re-wheeling them, weathering the living daylights out of them and making some loads up including old sleepers, telegraph poles, rusty rails etc.
Anyway I’m quite pleased with it as it’s a kind of scrap recovery train to potter around occasionally.

Here’s the result:

They look fantastic. I love the detailing of the loads. I know what you mean about prices. I was looking for some maroon MK1 stock....I already have a factory finished weathered MK1 and was shocked to see people asking almost £50 for them.... I really wish the n-gauge society would produce a MK1 kit.....
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
They look fantastic. I love the detailing of the loads. I know what you mean about prices. I was looking for some maroon MK1 stock....I already have a factory finished weathered MK1 and was shocked to see people asking almost £50 for them.... I really wish the n-gauge society would produce a MK1 kit.....

If you think that's dear try Irish RTR, some Galway Mk2s were going for silly money a few days ago! ;)

Also a rolling stock book I have, someone wants £180 for a copy, I think I paid £3.50 inc. postage!
 

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
Thanks for that guys. Much appreciated.
@hexagon789 - It’s a Dapol 33 - 33008 ‘Eastleigh’. I’ve got two of their 33s, it was seeing my friends one that got me into the N gauge in the first place really. They’re such nice models.

5493C17A-67C3-4297-A6BE-D822A41E6224.jpeg

Today we went up to Eggesford and also stopped off at Lapford for a walk around with the dog and to take some photos.
Here’s the next project, not sure how I’m going to go about building the station buildings though. They’re quite intricate...

926D0C9C-9AEE-4F08-8885-975D3BE2A4CD.jpeg
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
@hexagon789 - It’s a Dapol 33 - 33008 ‘Eastleigh’. I’ve got two of their 33s, it was seeing my friends one that got me into the N gauge in the first place really. They’re such nice models.

Cheers Cowley, I don't know why I thought it was a 27, given 33s were of course more usual down there.
 

Sad Sprinter

Established Member
Joined
5 Jun 2017
Messages
1,800
Location
Way on down South London town
I've always wanted to build a NSE era Southern Region layout, however Hornby/Bachmann hardly ever put out any MUs in NSE livery. Bachmann has their 4CEPs in every livery apart from NSE and those that are in NSE livery are mostly, like Hornby, 2 car suburban trains isntead of 4 car.

Of course there are Bratchell Models. But £500 for a single unit is just unaffordable really.
 

Peter C

Established Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
4,514
Location
GWR land
I've always wanted to build a NSE era Southern Region layout, however Hornby/Bachmann hardly ever put out any MUs in NSE livery. Bachmann has their 4CEPs in every livery apart from NSE and those that are in NSE livery are mostly, like Hornby, 2 car suburban trains isntead of 4 car.

Of course there are Bratchell Models. But £500 for a single unit is just unaffordable really.
I understand where you're coming from - although not on a full layout basis. :)
I want to make one of the three stations on my layout set in the era of Network SouthEast, purely because I really like the colour scheme and the stock they had back then. However, I've only got one unit (a Hornby Class 423 4-VEP) to run on that section and even that isn't in NSE - it's BR Blue.
Electra Rail make sort-of stickers which you stick on to the sides of engines/units/coaches to change their livery. I've never tried them before, but they seem to be fairly well-priced for some things. I suppose it means that instead of waiting for ages and ages to get a NSE unit from Bachmann directly, you could get a BR Blue one, say, and then put the Electra Rail stickers on. Website: https://www.electrarail.co.uk/

If you feel confident in doing so, you could do what Network SouthEast Latchmere and Various Multiple Units on Twitter do. The latter scratchbuilds all sorts and I think NSE Latchmere makes some of his own stuff. Scratchbuilding can be cheaper than buying stuff from the shop but you need plenty of resources, time, and the want to put in the effort.

Hope this is in anyway helpful! :D

-Peter
 

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
I understand where you're coming from - although not on a full layout basis. :)
I want to make one of the three stations on my layout set in the era of Network SouthEast, purely because I really like the colour scheme and the stock they had back then. However, I've only got one unit (a Hornby Class 423 4-VEP) to run on that section and even that isn't in NSE - it's BR Blue.
Electra Rail make sort-of stickers which you stick on to the sides of engines/units/coaches to change their livery. I've never tried them before, but they seem to be fairly well-priced for some things. I suppose it means that instead of waiting for ages and ages to get a NSE unit from Bachmann directly, you could get a BR Blue one, say, and then put the Electra Rail stickers on. Website: https://www.electrarail.co.uk/

If you feel confident in doing so, you could do what Network SouthEast Latchmere and Various Multiple Units on Twitter do. The latter scratchbuilds all sorts and I think NSE Latchmere makes some of his own stuff. Scratchbuilding can be cheaper than buying stuff from the shop but you need plenty of resources, time, and the want to put in the effort.

Hope this is in anyway helpful! :D

-Peter
That’s interesting. I’ve been thinking about getting an N gauge Pacer and using some vinyls that I saw online somewhere to turn it into a chocolate and cream Skipper.
Slightly scared though...
 

61653 HTAFC

Veteran Member
Joined
18 Dec 2012
Messages
17,624
Location
Another planet...
My progress has been further held up by me being a bit too nervous to start drilling into walls, but I'll have to crack on with that at some point. It won't build itself...

I have however been reunited with the very first loco I ever bought, thanks to my older brother who had held on to it for 25 years. The loco is a Hornby 58, and whilst I also have the original bodyshell (001 in red stripe livery, with the lack of detail expected with a loco from a set) it currently wears a replacement bodyshell in triple grey with coal sub-sector markings. One of the tabs of the unpowered bogie is broken, so a replacement bogie frame has been ordered. I've now painted out the "red stripe" from the chassis (something that's around 25 years overdue!) and this loco (along with a Gatwick Express Lima 73) will be a chance to get the hang of DCC conversion. The 58 will end up a bit like Trigger's broom eventually, with only the chassis (albeit repainted) and running gear from that Christmas present of 30 years ago!

Once I've got the hang of DCC fitment, I'll feel able to sort out my newly-acquired 158, which was a bit of a bargain but is an early (pre-DCC) version. So much for not buying any more locos or units! :lol:
 

GLC

Member
Joined
21 Nov 2018
Messages
298
Sorry to derail this topic slightly, but I didn’t feel a whole new topic was appropriate. The end of the Scotrail Mk 2 service has inspired me to take the plunge into model railways, after admiring them for several years.
I’ve bought a OO Gauge Dapol Class 68 as my first model, which I’m very happy with, but the paint has a slight imperfection at the front. It would be an easy touch up for someone with experience, but I do feel slightly let down by it. Are minor imperfections common/expected on such models?

I have attached a picture of theissue. It’s the edge of the yellow panel, above the left light cluster
 

Attachments

  • B64D5A60-0463-4862-A306-0C76BB117D65.jpeg
    B64D5A60-0463-4862-A306-0C76BB117D65.jpeg
    1.2 MB · Views: 40

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
Are minor imperfections common/expected on such models?

I wouldn't come to 'expect' them, particularly on higher priced models, but it does happen, I'd say the most common faults are colour bleeding and fuzzy lines.

Did you purchase new or second hand, I certainly wouldn't expect it of a new model but second hand you have the added possibility of an accident by the previous owner causing the issue.
 

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
I wouldn't come to 'expect' them, particularly on higher priced models, but it does happen, I'd say the most common faults are colour bleeding and fuzzy lines.

Did you purchase new or second hand, I certainly wouldn't expect it of a new model but second hand you have the added possibility of an accident by the previous owner causing the issue.
Yes I’d agree with that. I don’t think any of my N gauge models (all purchased new) have any paint issues.
 

malc-c

Member
Joined
1 Dec 2017
Messages
990
If the loco was purchased new then I would be sending the image to the retailer and requesting a replacement at no charge. If the retailer finds that their stock is all like that then a refund is the way forward and leave the retailer to seek redress through their purchasing chain.
 

GLC

Member
Joined
21 Nov 2018
Messages
298
It was indeed purchased new, but the box was not sealed when it arrived. I've gotten in touch with the shop who sold me it so here's hoping it can be rectified. Thanks for the advice everyone!
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
Yes I’d agree with that. I don’t think any of my N gauge models (all purchased new) have any paint issues.

Hmm, other than known issues with certain finishes on some liveries that have been publicised in reviews within some modelling magazines you wouldn't expect a new model without any known issues to have any.

Sounds either as though it's had an "accident" or a faulty batch.
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
It was indeed purchased new, but the box was not sealed when it arrived. I've gotten in touch with the shop who sold me it so here's hoping it can be rectified. Thanks for the advice everyone!

Fingers crossed they can, but it's definitely something to get sorted by them
 

43055

Established Member
Joined
8 Mar 2018
Messages
2,884
Sorry to derail this topic slightly, but I didn’t feel a whole new topic was appropriate. The end of the Scotrail Mk 2 service has inspired me to take the plunge into model railways, after admiring them for several years.
I’ve bought a OO Gauge Dapol Class 68 as my first model, which I’m very happy with, but the paint has a slight imperfection at the front. It would be an easy touch up for someone with experience, but I do feel slightly let down by it. Are minor imperfections common/expected on such models?

I have attached a picture of theissue. It’s the edge of the yellow panel, above the left light cluster
Looking at the two 68's that I have (1 DRS, 1 TPE) both do not have imperfections on around the lights so it may be a one off.
 

Peter C

Established Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
4,514
Location
GWR land
Sorry to derail this topic slightly, but I didn’t feel a whole new topic was appropriate. The end of the Scotrail Mk 2 service has inspired me to take the plunge into model railways, after admiring them for several years.
I’ve bought a OO Gauge Dapol Class 68 as my first model, which I’m very happy with, but the paint has a slight imperfection at the front. It would be an easy touch up for someone with experience, but I do feel slightly let down by it. Are minor imperfections common/expected on such models?

I have attached a picture of theissue. It’s the edge of the yellow panel, above the left light cluster
I've just had a quick look at my Chiltern 68 and it seems alright - I think you just got unlucky with that one. As a general rule, in the current era of model railways, any issues with a particular model will be down to either that one model or a batch. It's only in rare cases, such as the recent issues regarding the Dapol Water Tower, that entire product lines are at fault.

I hope this hasn't put you off anything in model railways - we are a nice bunch, and we don't bite!* ;)

-Peter

* - just don't feed us or put your fingers through the glass :)
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
I hope this hasn't put you off anything in model railways - we are a nice bunch, and we don't bite!* ;)

Asides from slight issues with colour finish, you also have those occasions where liveries as rendered are just 'wrong'.

Oxford's Mk3 Executive Grey colour and the "orange" on the first batch of Supertrain Mk2Ds from MM come to mind.
 

Peter C

Established Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
4,514
Location
GWR land
Asides from slight issues with colour finish, you also have those occasions where liveries as rendered are just 'wrong'.

Oxford's Mk3 Executive Grey colour and the "orange" on the first batch of Supertrain Mk2Ds from MM come to mind.
Ah yes - those are some good examples of incorrect colour applications.
You'll always get them on something which uses varying reference material and all sorts but as a whole, model railways are pretty good. :)

-Peter
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
Ah yes - those are some good examples of incorrect colour applications.
You'll always get them on something which uses varying reference material and all sorts but as a whole, model railways are pretty good. :)

-Peter

I could understand the rendering of Supertrain colours being off (corrected with the second batch), but Oxford getting Executive light grey wrong when there is plenty of reference material to me was less than impressive.

I agree with your latter point though, and besides - many faults can be corrected by liberal applications of the weathering airbrush! ;)
 

Peter C

Established Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
4,514
Location
GWR land
I could understand the rendering of Supertrain colours being off (corrected with the second batch), but Oxford getting Executive light grey wrong when there is plenty of reference material to me was less than impressive.

I agree with your latter point though, and besides - many faults can be corrected by liberal applications of the weathering airbrush! ;)
In my opinion there isn't much, if any, room for getting things wrong on an expensive model. But some may disagree and that's alright. :)
I've never used an airbrush before - in fact I don't have any weathered models! But the result does look very good if done correctly.

-Peter
 

FrodshamJnct

Established Member
Joined
14 Apr 2019
Messages
3,407
Location
Cheshire
Well, I’m no longer an airbrush virgin. The first time went well just adding some Railmatch Sleeper Grime to the track. Today didn’t go as well. Airbrush splattering on the first press throughout. Having reflected and read up I think my enamels weren’t thinned enough and I’ve also noticed a bent needle. Fortunately the end result looks decent (to me). A great little (hot) afternoon modelling and learning. End result below - Railmatch Sleeper Grime first, then a light layer of Roof Dirt, then Phoenix Precision Oil Leakings.

2DC17697-F5BD-4388-9A42-2F8D5AFACF66.jpeg
 

malc-c

Member
Joined
1 Dec 2017
Messages
990
Looks good to me... I went the other way and had my paint too thin... after a first pass there was hardly anything there ! - Its a learning curve and I'm sure with practice you'll get to know the brush and paint consistency juts right.
 

FrodshamJnct

Established Member
Joined
14 Apr 2019
Messages
3,407
Location
Cheshire
Looks good to me... I went the other way and had my paint too thin... after a first pass there was hardly anything there ! - Its a learning curve and I'm sure with practice you'll get to know the brush and paint consistency juts right.

Yeah exactly. This little lockdown layout project has provided me with the perfect opportunity to have a go at airbrushing. I’ve really enjoyed it and learnt a lot today. I’m really pleased with what I’ve achieved with a cheap (Voilamart - WHO?) airbrush and a bit of practice.
 

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
Well, I’m no longer an airbrush virgin. The first time went well just adding some Railmatch Sleeper Grime to the track. Today didn’t go as well. Airbrush splattering on the first press throughout. Having reflected and read up I think my enamels weren’t thinned enough and I’ve also noticed a bent needle. Fortunately the end result looks decent (to me). A great little (hot) afternoon modelling and learning. End result below - Railmatch Sleeper Grime first, then a light layer of Roof Dirt, then Phoenix Precision Oil Leakings.

View attachment 79965
That looks Tom. I’m hoping you haven’t got too much paint on the point blades? ;)
 

Cowley

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
15 Apr 2016
Messages
15,688
Location
Devon
Blu Tack in place for the painting!
That’s a really good idea. I always stuck a bit of masking tape over those areas and brush painted it in afterwards.
That’s the thing about model railways - sometimes someone suggests something really simple and obvious and you think “Why haven’t I done that before?” :lol:
 

FrodshamJnct

Established Member
Joined
14 Apr 2019
Messages
3,407
Location
Cheshire
That’s a really good idea. I always stuck a bit of masking tape over those areas and brush painted it in afterwards.
That’s the thing about model railways - sometimes someone suggests something really simple and obvious and you think “Why haven’t I done that before?” :lol:

TBH it’s all gone a bit mad with this project. It’s only a 900 x 550mm board on a coffee table but gawd knows how much I’ve spent since lockdown began... The ONLY thing I regret is using point clips rather than soldering.

However - I’ve got an Absolute Aspects ground position signal that needs it (soldering) so I’ve bought a soldering station, some solder and some flux. I’m less intimidated than with the airbrush so let’s see how it goes.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top