My random workbench thread

Discussion in 'Workshop Benches' started by Matt, Sep 13, 2021.

  1. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    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.

    IMG_20201130_213415.jpg

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

    F5F-07.jpg

    And a Finemolds 1/48 Kikka:

    k27,.jpg

    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.

    NG1.jpg

    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:

    NG10.jpg

    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.

    NG16.jpg

    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):

    NG5.jpg

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

    NG26.jpg

    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.

    NG25.jpg

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

    NG27.jpg

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

    Matt
     
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  2. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Nice one and welcome back :thumbs:

    I like the weathering and planking on 21, light and subtle.

    Paul
     
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  3. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Welcome back Matt... you have been missed. Great models you made.:tophat::tophat::tophat:

    Yorkie
     
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  4. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    excellent models finished to a high quality :tophat::tophat:

    ian vt
     
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  5. Chris Doroszenko

    Chris Doroszenko Lost in the spare room Full Member

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    Luv it ...some real skills in painting those items and weathering. Thanks for sharing.
     
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  6. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    The aircraft.. wow.. I follow you on Instagram, but they look fantastic on here..

    I’ve seen the NG loco when I’ve been to the 7mm NG shows at Burton Upon Trent. Sadly, they never fitted in with my proposed Leek & Manifold layout which has never progressed off the drawing board (I have a brass kit van to rebuild which I purchased at said exhibition one year..)

    maybe one year..

    Great stuff anyway, look forward to the progress!
    Andy
     
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  7. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    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.

    NG28.jpg

    NG29.jpg

    NG30.jpg

    Matt
     
  8. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Made a signal box like this a number of years ago (well before I had discovered 3D printing lol) but had to do some experiments as I was a real cheap skate and used the card backing from the paper note pads we had a work that folk kept throwing in the bin… like No!!!

    but, on gluing with a wood glue, sometimes some would warp so always 3 layers.. then we found the das caused curving to when it dries.. so card coated in shellac (resin varnish) first which kept it stiff and great for the das.

    sorry, I’ve digressed as I guess you have used that foam board..

    looks good

    Andy
     
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  9. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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

    B5.jpg

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

    B4.jpg

    B1.jpg

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

    Matt
     
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  10. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    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.

    B6.jpg

    I'd welcome any feedback!

    Matt
     
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  11. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    That looks good to me........:thumbs:
    :tophat:Gormo
     
  12. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    And here’s me thinking slates went on the roof!
    (Welsh narrow gauge??)
    Btw, it will look fantastic! with your weathering skills, it will be Just the job that! Brill!

    andy
     
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  13. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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

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

    B9.jpg

    B8.jpg

    And my RAF Valley Hawk is coming along too!

    19.jpg

    Matt
     
  14. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    What a nice little building.....well done....:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
    :tophat:Gormo
     
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  15. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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  16. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    very impressive Matt :tophat::tophat::tophat:

    Ian vt
     
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  17. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    Thanks for the comments all!

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

    Matt
     
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  18. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Yeah that what I use
     
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  19. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    I wonder if a spot of dark blue in the mix would work?

    Cheers, Pete.
     
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  20. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Lovely models.

    A little dry brushing with a light grey (Dove Grey) in various directions then a final light dry brush with with a little white added to the dove grey applied in a downward direction.

    But then looking at your weathering results, it's a bit like telling Granny how to suck eggs :avatar:

    Paul
     
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