Hi all,
While I wait for an opportunity to paint the 12t van, I've started work on a Mermaid ballast wagon.
There were two choices: the Flangeway RTR option or the venerable Cambrian kit and I opted for the latter. It's a shame there are no detailing/upgrade parts available for this kit because it would really benefit from a few bits.
I initially constructed the chassis as per the instructions, and went to bed feeling pretty pleased with myself. Next evening, I realised I had messed up somewhere, because it was much too narrow and I couldn't even fit the wheels.
I tried to disassemble it, but this was easier said than done and the w-irons and chassis frame were damaged in the process. After resisting the urge to stamp on it, I rebuilt things as best I could using a range of bits and bobs.
It's not perfect, but it runs smoothly. The body was harder than it needed to be and is only balancing in place in these photos.
I've also started adding a bit of extra detail - again just from bits and bobs - to the bufferbeams.
I originally planned on building a few of these...currently that's not looking likely!
Matt