My random workbench thread

Hello everyone,

I've been away from this forum for quite some time until earlier tonight. I'm not sure what made me drop by, but I did and noticed a few messages in my layout thread which I'd missed.

Although I post intermittently on a few different forums and a few modelling groups on FB, it's not something I always want to do. These days I share most of my modelling on Instagram as its much easier.

I was surprised that there had been any interest in my thread while I'd been away to be honest, but thank you the people who took the time to comment.

The last few months have been pretty good in a modelling sense. Work is crazy, so it's been nice to have something to do a couple of times a week when daughter/wife are in bed. My modelling has always been erratic, with my focus bouncing from project to project. If I could just stick to one thing, I might finish something one day, but that's not the way I work. I've also been fortunate to have had the opportunity to sort out and improve my modelling space which has really helped.

Anyone who has encountered me before will know I had a few threads running.

Talerddig has now been scrapped as an idea. I just don't see it ever progressing. The buildings are safe - maybe one day to be completed, but quite possibly not and the baseboard is now in storage.

My China Clay micro layout is also shelved. I do hope to return to this idea one day but I can't see it happening any time soon.

My freight only shunting layout survives, although pretty much in the same position its been for 6 months.

The last few months have been spent building some model aircraft, and more recently a new scale and subject for me: 7mm narrow gauge.

So, as this is a workbench thread, let me share some aircraft pics with you first.

First up is an Airfix 1/48 Spifire. This is actually currently featured in a magazine that's available online.



I also built an Eduard 1/48 F-5F Hellcat:



And a Finemolds 1/48 Kikka:



Now to the Narrow Gauge. While my main interest is, always has been, BR Blue era, I've always had a soft spot for NG. I think I can trace it back to seeing Gordon Gravett's Llandydref in RM many moons ago.

5+ years ago I bought a Smallbrook Studios kit, plus the recommended Bachmann Bill/Ben loco to use as a donor. I never got much further than opening the box and looking at the pieces. A by-product of sorting out my modelling space was that I found these parts, which I'd long forgotten about.

A quick dry fit of parts convinced me that it was worth considering as a side project.



As decent as it looks, a quick study of some photos of Quarry Hunslet's (which I think the kit is inspired by), coupled with my inability to leave anything alone, meant that Bill/Ben's stepped footplate really annoyed me.

After debating whether it was worth the effort, I realised that if I wanted something reasonably realistic, I had to address this part of the model even though it would create more work. So, some plastic sheet later and things were looking up:



While this solved the issue of the stepped footplate, it created an issue in that the kit cab would no longer fit. As I was going to have to lengthen the rear cab parts, I decided to scratchbuild new sides as the kit parts were way too thick. So, after more cutting, filing and gluing, I have a new cab and I am much happier.



The loco will be named "Enfys" after my daughter, and nameplates been ordered.

I also have a coach on the go - this is the inevitable Peco kit with several tweaks (new roof, new handrails, full length footboards and some end strapping) to make it a bit more individual (when I took this pic the ends hadn't been done):



Finally, I've built a freelance open wagon using an underframe kit, again from Smallbrook Studios:



Why number 21? Simple - I asked my daughter to call out 2 numbers and she said "2" and "1".

The top is from coffee stirrers suitably weathered and distressed.



I'll leave you with a picture of Enfys propelling wagon #21:



If you got this far, well done! Feel free to ask any questions, make any observations or share any information!

Matt

 

Thank you for the comments and Andy, thank you for following me on Instagram!

I've been doing a bit more "concept testing" here, and by that I mean testing various 7mm elements to see if I can make a decent job!

Anyone who's seen my other threads will know I've made buildings before, but always from embossed plastic sheet. I wanted to try a scribed surface texture this time, as would like some slate built structures and embossed plastic just doesn't cut it in my opinion.

If you're familiar with Gordon Gravett's methods then there's nothing new here - foamboard construction and a layer of DAS clay which is scribed.







Matt

 

Painting and ridge tiles aside, this little experiment is complete.



Guttering and drain pipes are plastic rod which I'll probably regret attaching before painting but I couldn't resist!





Painting is going to be a challenge in itself, but that aside, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Matt

 

I've spent a couple of hours tonight experimenting with grey acrylics and I think I'm getting close-ish to a reasonable slate finish.



I'd welcome any feedback!

Matt

 

They do go on the roof, but also the walls!

Now finished apart from a few bits and bobs (and ridge tiles).





And my RAF Valley Hawk is coming along too!



Matt

 

Thanks for the comments all!

@Andy_Sollis - nothing fancy, Vallejo neutral grey and dark grey mainly. Mixed together in various combinations.

Matt