Thanks Malc. I'm having fun repainting some older models. This time it's a Parkside Fish Van done up as an SPV. Over painting the shoddy, very dark BR Blue attempt again. Yes it's very light, but so are some of the real ones: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/paulbartlettsrailwaywagonphotographs/h1d7cede9 Attempting to make the most of the existing markings to save time and effort. Matt
Thanks Gary. So, some progress. I started with this, actually built and painted in 2011: I was always a bit disappointed with the finish, especially compared to more recent efforts. I found some photos on the Bartlett website of some of these vans in a pale blue colour - originally I assumed it was faded Rail Blue but now think it may be the original ice blue livery with new markings? Can anyone verify? The colour is quite difficult to mimic given the weathering and the fact its a photo so my version is just my interpretation. I had intended on retaining the markings but my first blue was way too bright and vivid. Subsequent toning down pretty much obscured the markings so I had to reapply new ones. Weathering of the body is all done with oil paints. Any errors...I can live with them. Still needs a bit of work - some final weathering and then a coat of flat varnish. Matt
Hi Matt, Very impressive stuff well done, looking forward to seeing the finished projects I take my to you although I don't wear one being a female he he. Kindest regards, Gloria.
Thank you sir! Hi Pete, please do, I have very reasonable rates! Thank you Gloria! I'm sure women wear hats though Thanks Ian! I've applied some final weathering with the airbrush, just needs a matt coat now. I've started stripping down an old Bachmann HEA to have a go at. Don't have any use for one but it might make a nice project. Matt
Here's the HEA I mentioned in the last post. Pretty old model, must have had this at least 20 years and it's spent at least 15 of those stashed away. I have no real need for one, but it seemed like a good subject for a bit of an upgrade. The only work I've done is to add the two grab handles at the top of the hopper from 0.33 wire, and replace the chunky and blobby ladders with some spare etched ones. If this turns out OK, I might sell it on unless I can find a way to justify keeping it! Matt
For a quickie, I'm still faffing with this. My first attempt at scuffing the Railfreight logo looked unconvincing so I've had to rebuild the stripe using various white offcuts - may be visible here. I've also made a start at chipping the bodywork subtly. Matt
Here we are 99% finished: Not the best photos but the light isn't too great. Anyway, here's a brief list of the work I've done: Replaced the moulded ladders with etched ones. Added the grabrails to the hopper ends. Underframe repainted and weathered. Hopper repainted red and new Railfreight markings added. Red paintwork weathered to a subtle "faded pink". Slots cut for Smiths couplings. Now to decide what to do with it next. As I mentioned I don't really have any use for one of these. Matt
I'm flying through these old projects at the moment. I actually have four Parkside VEA's in various states of repair that all need reworking and repainting. This is the first on the bench and was originally built in 2011. I've added to the brake bits (technical term) with micro rod for consistency with my other stock and am in the process of replacing the door grab handles with wire. Then it'll get a repaint/reweather. I've realised that I'm doing all of this to avoid doing any actual track laying on the layout(s)! But any modelling is better than no modelling! Matt
Hi all, These unpainted Dapol RTR wagons have found their way to me for a quick-ish paint and weather before being sent on as Xmas presents: I'm not doing anything to them other than repainting them. In other news, I'm getting ready for another "random Matt rolling stock project" which'll be an ex MR brake in use as a mess van using the Parkside kit. My only problem with this is markings. Anyone recommend anyone that can make one-off transfers without it costing the earth? Matt
Cambridge Custom Transfers might be able to help, He did a set for my English Electric Gas Turbine GT3 a while back. Fox Transfers may also be able to help, they are my 'Go-to' name/number plate/transfer suppliers. If you are able to find suitable photo's online and have a printer, you could make your own using transfer paper from 'Crafty Computer Paper'. Keith.
Thanks Keith, I'd actually forgotten about CCT, I'll drop them a line but not sure they'll have what I need, especially as it's only for one vehicle. I'd thought of making my own but that was soon dismissed as I don't have a printer! Matt