LarryG's loco & coach WB (4mm/00)

[LarryG]

All door hinges, destination boards etc added, but awaiting a roof...


Early Period I corridor partition with single door and quarterlights...

 

[LarryG]

Since taking all the photos above, I have had to remove both ends and fit new ones. The originals, which were etched separate from the floor, were set too low and left a 1mm gap between the end and the roof. I found some spare 18 years old ends and was glad I kept them!

 

[LarryG]

Still awaiting coach roofs.

I wouldn't know what do do all winter if I wasn't building, so I am starting on an LMS D1904 open third. The etches were ordered for a job some years ago, but it kind of melted away and then I retired. So I have plenty and may as well built one for myself. I'll move onto painting when the weather warms up. 14 coaches are awaiting the spray shop....

 

[Phil O]

Larry, at that rate, you'll need more than a BLT, Manchester London Road may be more appropriate.

 

[LarryG]

Larry, at that rate, you'll need more than a BLT, Manchester London Road may be more appropriate.

Ha ha. I'm a coachaholic! They re all planned for different kinds of trains. GWR coaches were a necessity because the BLT is on the Western Region, but LMS coaches are my real interest. Now I can't stop building them!

 

[Pencarrow]

Ha ha. I'm a coachaholic! They re all planned for different kinds of trains. GWR coaches were a necessity because the BLT is on the Western Region, but LMS coaches are my real interest. Now I can't stop building them!

It doesn't matter Larry, if building coaches makes you happy then build coaches. (Makes up for all the non-enjoyable stuff we do)

 

[LarryG]

It's been a productive two days with a fully finished D1751 compo, and catch-up on the other two coaches after the roofs arrived...

LMS Period II D1730 corridor brake third...


LMS Period I D1751 corridor composite...


LMS Period III D1904 open third...

 

[LarryG]

I had a choice of two ex.Midland Railway coaches and chose this D1284 brake third over D1283 brake composite because I have enough coaches with first class accommodation.

The MR D1284's were the final Midland corridor coaches and the last one was built under the auspices of the LMS in 19324. They were in effect LMS coaches with the same chassis although the three compartment bodies were an oddball. The last one was scrapped in 1961 and so it fits into the period of my layout...


Non-matching matchboard ends came from the scrap box...

 

[LarryG]

An all-brass interior had been made before it dawned on me that if I was calling a halt to building coaches, I should be using up the plastic interiors as well as etchings and other parts.


Some detail still to be added. Unlike the LMS, the Midland mounted battery boxes on both sides of the underframe.....


I have a particular job in mind for this coach. Right from the early days of BR, passenger coaches were used for carrying parcels etc. I'll try to dig out a photo. This coach will be used occasionally to take out the daily wares of the raincoat company at Llanfair...

 

[LarryG]

Finished ready for the sprayshop. I have seen a photo of one in BR lined maroon at Chinley, but this 'un will be in grubby blood & custard to show it is spending much of its time on parcels work...


Waist and top door hinges added plus destination board holders and beading down edges of doors and over panel repairs. I have none of my own MR 9' bogie sideframes with MR axleboxes left in stock, but I am very pleased with these MJT LMS bogies from Dart Castings...

 

[Deano747]

Hi Larry, some fantastic work and accuracy with your builds! Your past 'name' is befitting of you!!

Cheers
Rob

 

[LarryG]

Hi Larry, some fantastic work and accuracy with your builds! Your past 'name' is befitting of you!!Cheers
Rob

Thanks Rob. The basic 2-stage etches can be improved a lot with additional glued-on detail and weathering.........Very time-consuming but therapeutic.

 

[LarryG]

I am busy completing a new-build but it cannot be shown for a while. I only have enough castings to complete two more LMS etched coaches and am prevented from buying in more stock due to the non-availability of BR steam-era transfers for ex.LMS coaches.

There is no shortage of materials and transfers to build more ex.GWR coaches, but I don't need any! So it looks like I'll be spraying & lining the mountain of brass coaches for the foreseeable future, probably finishing just in time for recommencing the layout in the Spring.

 

[Pencarrow]

I am busy completing a new-build but it cannot be shown for a while. I only have enough castings to complete two more LMS etched coaches and am prevented from buying in more stock due to the non-availability of BR steam-era transfers for ex.LMS coaches.

There is no shortage of materials and transfers to build more ex.GWR coaches, but I don't need any! So it looks like I'll be spraying & lining the mountain of brass coaches for the foreseeable future, probably finishing just in time for recommencing the layout in the Spring.

Sounds like you need to turn your hand to LSWR coaches Larry!

 

[LarryG]

Sounds like you need to turn your hand to LSWR coaches Larry!

I'd be starting from scratch, scratching my head as to why I was building 'em....

 

[Mike Garwood]

Hi Larry

Lovely builds as always.

I'm on the verge of retiring (June 2022) and need to pick your brains over the shed you use for painting your models. Are there any words of wisdom or maybe a common sense approach I should take to such a shed - I should like to be able to use it most of the year.

Like you my favourite modeling is building coaches, I don't have as many as you to paint but I do have lots of little projects that need the attention of a airbrush / spraygun. So any help or ideas would be appreciated.

regards

Mike

 

[LarryG]

Mike, the lads at the local shed centre built me a sprayshop to a rough drawing I gave them. I spray with the door open and so it was vital to have a canopy across the doorway to deflect rain. The only time I cannot spray is when the rain is being driven towards the door. A convector heater is used for safety. Other fittings are a thermometer, a clock, compressor, gun, box of old nylon stockings for filtering and old shirts for paint rags plus shelves. Internal shed measurements are 6' X 4' plus 14" canopy overhang.

 

[Mike Garwood]

Thanks Larry - That's really helpful.

Mike

 

[LarryG]

Dammit! Deleted while messing up the editing so here's an abridged version. Usual Acid 8 etch primer to kick start the painting...



White primer followed, then BR cream. The black lining shows where to mask off for carmine...

 

[LarryG]

This is as far as things have gone tonight with weathered chassis, ends and roof. Glazing and interior fitted. Still needs detailed weathering with powders etc...