Thursday 24 January 2008

Rolling Stock

The above is image, you've most likely seen before. It's been in this state for 4 years, the chassis has actually seized. Great...

Currently running on the old school GraFar chassis, I am considering purchasing the new BachFar model and using it's chassis on turned down wheels. I can't see this being a problem as they still use the original body shell (please correct me if I'm wrong, it could be a costly mistake).

Also in the gloat box is a Worsley Works class 24 etch, but sadly I can't see this being completed in time for the competition.
On the wagon side of things, I have been building up 3 of the initial of Stephen Harris' 16T minerals. These are excellent little kits and go together with ease (thanks to the use of the dowel/tab location style assembly). If all goes to plan I'll have a few more of the 16T variations and the 21T(?) version.
I'm still not sure on which route to follow for the TTA tank wagons; Peco or Bachmann? Both require TPM's (http://www.tpmodels.co.uk/) walkway etch and repaints. The main down fall of the Bachmann chassis is the fact they have made the w-irons flush with the outer edge of the sole bar, giving it a strange overall look. An option would be to replace these with Association etches and white metal axle boxes and springs. Otherwise, these are great little models. The Peco model, which a little cruder, dose seem to have a better "feel" about it. Yet requires more detailing. Etched chassis anyone?
Other items built include the Association (http://www.2mm.org.uk/) 20T brake van and SH Dogfish wagon. If time permits, I would like to make a small rake of PW stock which could be stored in the yard ready for use at the weekend/evening.



Image - Grahame Hedges

Monday 21 January 2008

The Prototype


The goods yard at Colwyn Bay was build in the early part of the 20th century and remained in service until the early 80s. I plan to model the yard towards the end of it's life, with the coal and oil deliveries still making a regular showing.
The above plan shows the yard in it's final state, before being lifted during the construction of the A55 Expressway. The goods shed has been separated from the railway and it's through road lifted. The shed is now a privately owned property.
The coal yard at this time was still taking deliveries by means of standard mineral wagons and the oil via TTA tank formations. The majority of these trains were headed up by class 24s and 25s.
My research is still in it's early days, so I shall report my findings as they happen. So I will leave you with a link to the excellent 2D53;


In the beginning...

... there wasn't very much, to be honest, there isn't much to report currently. A few weeks back I decided to build a shunting plank for my first attempt at modelling to the 2mm Association's standards. Not long after the 2mm layout challenge was mentioned to myself by Andy Morris, so I thought to myself "Why not... I'll have a go". Famous last words.