GWR/LMS OO Gauge DCC RR&Co

You omitted this
 :pedal


 
 
John

You may recall that when I purchased the Hornby 72xx my only disappointment was the missing bunker door and rather poor widow grilles











I decided to buy the Brassmasters detailing etch




The etch includes a number of improvements to the under frame. I just focussed on the cab back wall and bunker.

You can see it in the etch……bottom right corner and virtually ready to plonk……although I did have to punch out some rivets. Brassmasters helpfully include some test rivets to practice with in the etch border. You can see my attempts at the top


The cab roof was moderately easy to remove….it was just held in place with a couple of dabs of glue




Removal of the roof made it easy to pop out the glazing and grilles. The window openings had to be opened up a bit with a file to match the larger (correct) openings in the etch wall




Sorry about the yucky green….photoshop went mad :oops:

The wall in place with grilles superglued.

Having created the 72xx by welding on a bunker extension, the GWR subsequently added a fender guard to further increase the coal capacity and also protect the top lamp bracket! Creating the curves in the brass etch stretched my technical ability somewhat but I am reasonably happy with the result



Crew inserted, roof glued back on and the wall and fender painted. The interface between wall and roof is a little obvious and I should really have been more careful with my test fitting.

The observant will note the loco has also lost its engraved number plate. When it came off I put in a "safe" place on top of the roof where I wouldnt miss it………which I promptly did the following morning :shock: :twisted: :shock:  Not a happy day………..fortunately I found it a few days later amongst the deritrus that accumulates under my work bench…….I also found one of the front steps that had gone AWOL. I rushed out to buy a lottery ticket but sadly I had used all my luck that day…..not complaining mind.

Next step was the addition of real coal, class D Head Lamp codes and some pretty heavy weathering to reflect the grime accumulated during the war years……..

Job done……. I spent a happy afternoon testing 7226 as she hauled 46.10 mixed freight from Birkenhead Docks to Saltney.

Here she is passing Granby sheds



and heading over the viaduct




More photos shortly.


On balance I think the ten pounds spent on the Brassmasters etch was money well spent. :thumbs


Best wishes from Vancouver

John

That's looking very nice John. To be honest, I can't see a problem with the fitting of the roof.

That looks good John!

Congratulations John on the Granbyfication of the 72xx. It fits in beautifully, the weathering is superb and the roof line is perfectly acceptable.

I've just read through the Brassmasters' instructions in more detail and they are a most useful guide for applying much extra detail. I was tempted by the detail etch, but as the additional height fender was only fitted from 1938, it just sits outside of my period (mid 20s to mid 30s), so I'll be making use of my brass and plasticard off-cut boxes.

Continued fun and games with your brewery project, which will make a fine addition to the Granby townscape and local economy!

I notice it seems likely that Oxford's unlined green Dean goods will not be with us until February (Locomotion newsletter), but I'm sure we'll still have a merry Christmas!

Best,

Bill

Pete,Phil and Bill……Thanks for the comments….glad you approve


[user=1814]Longchap[/user] wrote:

Congratulations John on the Granbyfication of the 72xx. It fits in beautifully, the weathering is superb and the roof line is perfectly acceptable.

I've just read through the Brassmasters' instructions in more detail and they are a most useful guide for applying much extra detail. I was tempted by the detail etch, but as the additional height fender was only fitted from 1938, it just sits outside of my period (mid 20s to mid 30s), so I'll be making use of my brass and plasticard off-cut boxes.

Thats why I used the phrase "on balance" ……..the empty void does stand out but a bit of weathered plasticard and some coal will hide it just as well ! The fender is ok for my period and I love these little bits of trivia! :lol:

Continued fun and games with your brewery project, which will make a fine addition to the Granby townscape and local economy!

I am pacing myself othere wise I will go squinty eyed with all the cutting…..I am hoping to get some ideas from Allan once he starts….assuming he can drag himself away from his gorgeous Autocoach :lol:

I notice it seems likely that Oxford's unlined green Dean goods will not be with us until February (Locomotion newsletter), but I'm sure we'll still have a merry Christmas!

Will that be the general release or the NRM special? Not that a month matters…….my black Dean is progressing to the top of the list now the 72xx is completed.

All the best to you and yours for Christmas :cheers :cheers

Best,

Bill

Hi John,

I'm just reckoning that if Locomotion's preserved replica will be that late AND the general unlined green Oxford model also has the same general corrections, then the production schedule for both models will be very similar.

However, if the two models really start out the same, with the NRM version then getting new number plates and a shiny coat of varnish, then the bread and butter version may well hit our doormats a tad earlier.

Never say never, despite my cynicism!

Oh  .  .  .  that gorgeous Dapol 7mm autocoach!!! I hope it's just a matter of time until we get a new 4mm version and Dapol may indeed be the ones to watch. Fingers crossed, but in the meantime, I've a Clifton Down set to bash and a couple of Dart Casting's upgrade kits to play with! Then there's the Kernow railmotor on the far horizon, but I'm not holding my breath for a 2018 delivery.

Bill

 

Pete, Phil and Bill. Sounds as like we should be singing folk songs.  

[user=1120] peterm[/user] wrote:

Pete, Phil and Bill. Sounds as like we should be singing folk songs.  

 :doublethumb

"The runaway train" by Michael Holiday is for starters  :lol:

Thinking about it, if I had the time and somewhere to put it I wouldn't mind having a crack at that building  ;-)

[user=753]Phil.c[/user] wrote:

"The runaway train" by Michael Holiday is for starters  :lol:

Thinking about it, if I had the time and somewhere to put it I wouldn't mind having a crack at that building  ;-)

The more I dig into it the more interesting it becomes……the roof lines and gables are quite fascinating.

Cheers

John

There's lots to it but it's too big for my train set!

What great news from Dapol…..a new Mogul and Large Prairie…..I imagine either (or both) Bachmann and Hornby will be scratching their heads this morning……..pre-emptive definitely springs to mind.

Here are the additional shots

 of the 72xx with 46.10 Up freight

Its one of my long established schedules, previously hauled by the 28xx, that completes a slow, stately circumnavigation of the layout.

These shots follow the train round as it emerges from the storage yard 



Trundles past the Goods Warehouse











The empty Warwell doesnt mean my little tank is still disrupting traffic in Station Road…….the decals have finally arrived and once I have decided what legend I can use for a single tank from a disbanded Armoured Division travelling in North Wales  :roll:   it will get dollied up and crossed chain restrainers fitted

























Its not really a long freight by prototypical standards….a little over 5 feet in total……but hopefully these shots convey an impression of something rather longer.




In other news the Dean Goods is now chpped (after much fuss) and weathered. As I write this it has been slowly crawling back and forth on my profiling track………it took over an hour to make two passes at a scale 2mph…..it is an amazingly smooth runner.

Regards from Vancouver

[user=434]John Dew[/user] wrote:

What great news from Dapol…..a new Mogul and Large Prairie…..I imagine either (or both) Bachmann and Hornby will be scratching their heads this morning……..pre-emptive definitely springs to mind.

Great news John and thanks, particularly as my Airfix 61xx needs transplant surgery! I've took a look at the Dapol website and the pair are mouth wateringly impressive. The spec seems to have taken a leap forward as well. They just need to announce the 4mm autotrailer now, teehe!

In other news the Dean Goods is now chpped (after much fuss) and weathered. As I write this it has been slowly crawling back and forth on my profiling track………it took over an hour to make two passes at a scale 2mph…..it is an amazingly smooth runner.

You smooth operator Mr Dew  :cool:

Great stuff as usual John and good to know that I'll not be spending too much on locos until 2019!

Bill

Thanks Bill

I think it will be interesting to see how Hornby and Bachmann respond in January to Dapols announcement. There are some fairly cryptic comments from some knowledgeable commentators on RMWeb implying that Dapol are (were?)  not the only guys developing either a Mogul or a Prairie…….with the possibility of appropriate coaching stock.

Best wishes

John

Hi John,

I'm following the mounting tension over at RMWeb with a thoughtful smile. Speculation is producing lots of potential scenarios and only time will reveal the true course of events. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to my Dean Goods.

Good luck with your post wartime black version. They look wonderful.

Bill

[user=1814]Longchap[/user] wrote:

Hi John,

  I'm looking forward to my Dean Goods.

Good luck with your post wartime black version. They look wonderful.

Bill

Just to whet your appetite Bill here are some photos

Here is a before  tken just out of the box…….




The tender top was loose because I had removed the screws prior to fitting the decoder. Naturally the screws were put in a safe place……which I promptly forgot about……long story which I may or may not reveal after Christmas.


Crossing the Shropshire Union Canal at Richard's Wharf.




After some experimenting I found that a drop of Brake fluid left on for about an hour was the most effective way of removing the BR decals. It still left a slight impression but after even moderate weathering its no longer noticeable.

I fear the GWR lettering may be the wrong shade for War time Black but Fox Transfers no longer sell the version I used previously.but again the weathering helps blend it in.

In addition to the normal weathering I applied washes to the rather garish silver trim and cab interior…..particulary the brake handle. Lamps,Coal and Fire Irons (well one…..I ran out)     



I mentioned the Dean was passing Richard's Wharf………it was so named recognise all the help that Richard (Wheeltapper), late of this parish, gave me when I was building the canal scene.

Somehow, at this time of the year, it seemed appropriate to take the photographs at the canal and remember an old internet friend. The bricks laid  to provide footholds when opening the Lock gates were one of his many suggestions









As always the eagle eye of the camera reveals yet another drunken fence.




It is indeed a driverless train……..not only did I run out of fire irons I also ran out of drivers!




The fireman is one of the splendid Modelu products and I felt the driver had to come from the same stable otherwise the contrast would be too great …….a new supply is winging its way accross the Atlantic





I usually end my posts with greetings from Vancouver and a brief comment about the weather

These were taken this morning….





Could be a White Christmas?





To all who have visited into this thread during 2017, and particularly those who have commented, my best wishes for a very


                         MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

John

Great photo's, great layout and modelling.

Have a merry Christmas and happy new year from Oz where it's 'ot.

Great photo's John, love the B&W the best, Happy new Year to you and your family …. :)

Hi John,

I havent been around the forum much during 2017 so just catching up with your posts.
best wishes for 2018  - keep the panniers coming !