Boaty Mc Boatface

What I know about boats you can write on the back of a stamp, so apologies to those that have more knowledge. What I was looking for was something akin to a semi abandoned craft left on the foreshore inspired by a couple of photos that I took at Rye Harbour. The base for this is the well used Zvesda kit for a medieval lifeboat. I'm quite pleased with the almost 'paint expired' finish, but I couldn't get the lighting right and it doesn't come across in this shot.

Peco track mix

I'm not particularly fast at laying track and there was a bit of a break in proceedings. As indicated earlier this is all down at a basic level.. The track itself is a PECO mix: the points are yellow pack code 75 and the plain is a mix of the same with the sleepers spread out a little and a length of the new Bullhead stuff mixed in, and is what you might describe as 'tramway style'. Which is exactly what I wanted. Now it is down I can't tell the difference with the sleeper spread as the sleepers themselves are the same length and width. Regulars will have noted that the track layout is exactly the same as the 7mm NG plan that it replaces on the same board.
This is a very slow burn project, but may be ready in some form for the WRG show in March... possibly.

Non runnng P class

Back in May I raved about the quality of the Hattons P. As you can see from the shot above with it perched on some 009 track most if not all of this reaction was visual. Fast forward to now and with the track laid on Dury's Gap it was time to try a few locos out: a Terrier, an 03 and then the P....dead, nada, nothing, it just sat there looking pretty. Removal of the body via four (now three) of the tiniest screws on the planet found that all was well if you gave the motor worm a bit of a helping hand... well that's OK then, I'll just run it without the body and prod it every time. The quartering seems OK and once it's running it seems fine except odd power surges (is this connected?). This leads me to think it's the motor that's at fault. Really not impressed at all.
Update: Call to Hattons reveals a speedy no quibble replacement. Fingers crossed.

GWR cattle creep

In not the best of circumstances myself and Mrs. F. snuck off to Cornwall for a few days with we me as the uncomfortable non-driver. Deliberately non railway after the Ffest-fest of a few weeks back, this was a kick back and walk along the beach type of break. Something magnetic happens though as on waking (having arrived in the dark) it became apparent that we were billeted in spitting distance from the GWR's Helston branch and faced this little beauty of a cattle creep under the old trackbed. Even when I don't do any research, the railway lines find me.

009 Festiniog Oakley wagon

It's been a finish off day: something boaty, and this, a scratch-built effort in 009 based upon an Oakley Quarry wagon on a chopped Peco N gauge chassis

009 locomotve Invicta

Ply,card lipstick tube = character.

BR period WR MINK van

A minor health issue took centre stage this week, though things are returning to some sort of normal - whatever that is. I made myself build something; something finishable in a day, and the RM giveaway Ratio grounded van body sprue landed on the mat at the right time. A scrabble about in various boxes turned up some transfers, wheels, buffers etc. and after more searching, a close to suitable chassis in the form of a Parkside BR 10' fitted version. Painted and weathered it's ideal for the foetal Dury's Gap which is now slowly at the track laying stage.

Festiniog Oakley wagon build

Getting there - just the end strapping/hinges to do. It's a bit tippy-toes due to the commercial chassis, but will have to do.