Finally, I`ve been testing out these new weathering powders which are available from Howes models. They are rather pricey when compared to Carrs powders, but at least you get a nice pot, which is more stable than an old 35mm film container!
I also experimented with a little 'scenic rust' from Deluxe Materials. However, this didn`t quite work on this model, either because I got the simple mixture wrong, or it didn`t like the painted surface. I think this product could be useful, so I shall be conducting numerous experiments with it in the near future.....

On the wagon front, I finally picked up some I.S.O. Tank containers by S Kits, some Parkside Dundas VEA kits, and a few more Bachmann POAs which are already in line for conversion.
Pictured are some of the new Hornby SEACOWs. I picked up three of these impressive models, although they are not going to look pristine for long, I can assure you of that!

I would have preferred Hornby to release them in Engineering grey and yellow livery first, but as usual, they release them in the colours you don`t want first! I shall heavily weather (and rust) a couple of them, and one I shall totally repaint. So there you go, more than enough to keep me busy - as if I didn`t already have enough on my plate!

I said I`d get back to some wagon modelling, and this is what I`ve been upto. Yes, I`ve been wrecking brand new models, converting Bachmann POAs into MKA spoil wagons. The most obvious modifications being the cut outs in the side to prevent overloading. The wagons have been suitably 'bashed about' and weathered, but are pictured awaiting a few finishing touches. I am yet to decide whether to model them 'empty' or loaded with ballast. These three wagons will eventually be joined by more 'boring' rusty brown companions, but I thought I`d model the more interesting ones first.
One modification I have not made to the models is to replace the leaf spring suspension. I don`t think it`s too noticable, but I may possibly tackle this area at a later date.

My next task is to tinker around with my recently purchased MTA`s, although hopefully the alterations will not be as drastic as with the MKAs. These wagons will be modelled 'emptied' and will compliment my current rake of over twenty MHAs and MFAs. (See 'Archives' for a few shots')

On my Stereo: Paul Weller - As is now

"Of shoes and ships and sealing-wax, of cabbages and kings......"

In some quarters, there seems to be a little dissatisfaction with the quality of detail parts supplied with more up to date locomotive releases. I`m sure this is simply down to the fragile nature of the parts, and yes, these can easily be broken, or can often come adrift, but hasn`t this always been the case with locomotives of the old order which have been treated to various detailing parts?
Yes, I`m sure some of those nice looking continental offerings have better quality parts, but you only have to compare the prices. Recent 'We`ve never had it so good' locomotives from Bachmann, Hornby and Heljan are slightly more expensive than models of only a few years ago, but are still considerably a lot cheaper than the likes of Marklin, Roco etc.

Model railways are model railways, there is little diversion. Yes, quality is important, and I like quality. I drive a top of the range Audi, and drive to the local shops at the weekend in my Mercedes. You won`t catch me driving a Ford, or any of that polished french stuff. However, if, for example, you want a new model of a class 20, you have to settle for Bachmann, the Roco`s of this world just aren`t going to offer one! I simply do not see the point in purchasing expensive continental models (as good as they are) if you have no general interest in that market, or simply because the quality is better than Hornby. Ok, I admit to having a few foreign AC locomotives in my collection, but these were purchased because I liked the look of them, and nothing else.

I decided to think of alternative purchases for those who are a little disgruntled at detailing parts breaking off easily, and as a result end up purcahsing something that isn`t really 'their cup of tea.' Despite being of no use to me whatsoever, a good cabbage can be picked up at a reasonable price. The one pictured was a mere 39p at a supermarket, although I heard somewhere on the internet that you can pick them up cheaper at a local farm shop.
The detail in each cabbage leaf is incredible, and I`d even go as far to say that it looks just like a real cabbage. An ingenious feature the cabbage allows you can peel away a few leaves should they become damaged, and this can be done several times. The downside to this, however, is that the cabbage reduces in size should this be done too often, but what do you expect for less than eight bob??

If however, you feel that a cabbage may be too big, the trusty brussels sprout is more than adequate for any N gauge layout. These can be purchased in bulk packs at very reasonable prices. You will notice that the pictured class 50 is yet to receive it`s apparently 'waiting to be damaged' detail parts.

Bachmanns latest 'MODELZONE Limited Edition' Class 46 'Ixion' arrived this morning.
I`m not going for a full review here, but I aim to highlight just a handful of points. First of all I`m glad to see that Bachmann have included the seam in the nose, a glaring omission from previous releases. I just didn`t fancy the idea of getting a razor saw out to these, and as a result deterred me from parting with cash. At least Bachmann have now corrected this simple error. When compared with the image that comes with the packaging, Something looks dreadfully wrong. On the model, both sides of the bodyshell have a flat profile, whereas the photograph shows the loco with a protruding ribbed effect. I believe this was a kind of duct for electrical cables. I believe this only affected one side of the locomotive, in which case Bachmann have got it half right! Also, another small error is that the lamp irons did not match. One was slightly lower down on the nose of the locomotive, and was painted blue, whereas the other was higher and painted yellow. It`s best to check photographs before making any modifications, because as far as I can tell, each end was different!

The above picture shows the location of the lamp irons which were painted rail blue. Note the left hand side lamp iron is higher up and painted yellow. As far as I can makeout, the positioning of the blue and yellow lamp irons is reversed at the other end of the locomotive.... Anyway, in all not a bad model, although I`ll have to play around with the lamp irons, and in my opinion, the rail blue at the bottom of the nose ends does not extend upwards enough, so this area will have to be repainted. Pick out the cab door grab rails with white, attatch the nice etched nameplates provided, and hey presto!

As predicted, Kira, and indeed none of our other cats have managed to get any work done on the layout.

As a result, things are falling further and further behind schedule. I just haven`t had the time lately to even spend an hour on the project. The only activity has been the aquisition of a few wagons. Recent additions include: Three more Shell TTA`s, 2 further RMC JGA`s, a Loadhaul MKA, 2 Yeoman POA`s (With different bodies,) some MTA`s, and an ICI Chemical TTA. Several of these need minor modifications, renumbering, weathering etc, but these are jobs that can be done periodically, with each stage taking relatively little time to complete, ideal when spare time is limited!

So, over the next few days we will shall endeavour to make some progress on a few wagons at the very least.

On my Stereo: Toranaga - Gods gift

Thursday morning - 3rd November 2005

Paws for thought........

All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.

All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.

All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.

All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jason a dull boy.

Yes, you`ve guessed it. There`s been another one of those periods when work commitments dominate, thus allowing absolutely no time for modelling. Fitting and wiring the final few points in the lower level fiddle yard must be completed before anything else, but this isn`t going to get done for a few days. Our only hope is that Kira (pictured) get`s to grip with the book we`ve asked her to read, and gets on with a few jobs between her eating, sleeping, and shi**ing sessions. That`s it. I have finally gone mad!

On my Stereo: Dave Gahan - Paper Monsters