August Update

Several projects have been completed this month and a couple of sessions operating the line have also happened. Weather and work have got in the way and running on the line has been at a minimum. Hopefully we will have an Indian Summer and I will get to play trains a bit more.

Houston Gate Locomotive No. 8

The new loco has been completed to operating condition although more detail and a remote control system will be added later.

The body is complete apart from its roof

The chassis is fitted and the loco gets a test run

The roof going on

Ready for paint which was initially grey

I didnt like the grey roof so I masked up the loco and sprayed the roof black to match the body.

With the window glass and surrounds in place the loco is now ready for service.

Another test run with the new van's shows that the loco is smooth and runs well.

Fenor Type Locomotive no. 7

This freelance locomotive is slowly coming together although it tends to get pushed to one side when other jobs fill up the workbench.

The 4 wheel drive Andel chassis has been fitted and is getting a test run with my usual lash up.

The underframe and buffer beams are going on.

More underframe parts are added. I am not sure if I like it.

Fendyke Brake Van Kit

The kit is rapidly taking shape and will hopefully be in service very soon.

The main body is complete and ready for paint

The body colour is on and its looking good

The underframe is taking shape. This is where materials I have in my spares box come into play as the parts were not delivered to me before Fendyke went bust.

The axle boxes and their support bar goes on. 

'Critter' Locomotive No. 9

This locomotive was created by Mr Bruce Bates of the USA and was originally a 7/8ths model but as it is roughly the right size for 16mm that is what it will be.

The kit of parts as delivered to me by Houston Gate Locomotive Works to a pattern supplied by Bruce Bates.

Yet another pile of wood to be coaxed into being a railway locomotive

The chassis complete.

The cab going together

Chassis, cab and bonnet all ready for the next phase of creating a bonnet cover and then painting.

As you can see the locomotive is big but not stupidly big when compared with a 16mm scale loco. Its an American loco and they always do things bigger :-)

The primer goes on

The bonnet gets its silver finish

A smart red for the cab and a black underframe

The buffer beams are painted white and then masked to receive the red stripes 

Once the red is dry the masking tape will be removed.

One end done, now for the other one.

Father Christmas

To go with the Sleigh built last Christmas I purchased an unpainted Santa figure from Houston Gate to go with it.

The figure as supplied

First the red goes on. I was going to paint the trousers black but decided to do therm red

With the red in place the skin tone for his face is added

The black is added along with the white and the buckle painted gold

Finished.

The population

I bought several figures that will make up the start of the population of the line. Painting will start once the current projects are complete.

Other Projects

The IP railcars will be worked on now that several other projects have been completed plus I have had an operating session a video of which is YouTube.