PaulR
Western Thunderer
I like to think that I'm not the only one who suffers from that terrible modeller's curse - an inability to settle to a single project. While I'm I'm working on one idea I'm actually thinking about something different. Since finishing Old Parrock I've been tempted by just about every scale, gauge, geographical area, era and layout size. It's unbelievable how little control we have over our thoughts - the Buddhists call it crazy monkey mind.
Another aspect of all this is that constantly changing plans is expensive, and as I will be seventy this year with a pension, that matters. So, layout details apart, because I'm not making a decision about that yet, I've decided to stick with one project and put everything else aside. No - I really have!
Ironically, I've chosen a completely new direction. Well, not entirely, because I have four O Gauge locos which I built from kits about twenty years ago and they need renovating. They're currently in Southern Railway livery but I've decided to re-model them all in the 1950s BR period. Bodies will be upgraded and repainted, and frames stripped completely and rebuilt.
I've started with what is probably my favourite loco, my Meteor Models C2X. I've decided on 32440 as I have photos of it working the 'Sulky Service' from East Grinstead to Lewes. This was when BR was forced to reopen the line after closure in 1955, running four trains a day until 1958. The interlude enabled the Bluebell Railway to become a reality.
This is where I'm at today after about four months work. There's a lot still to do - tweaking things here and there, and finishing the cab interior. It needs a crew and coal. I also need to set up the motor and DCC with sound but I'm pleased that it runs really freely. The last stage will be some judicious weathering.
The most exciting part, for me at least, is that I've converted it to Scaleseven.
Another aspect of all this is that constantly changing plans is expensive, and as I will be seventy this year with a pension, that matters. So, layout details apart, because I'm not making a decision about that yet, I've decided to stick with one project and put everything else aside. No - I really have!
Ironically, I've chosen a completely new direction. Well, not entirely, because I have four O Gauge locos which I built from kits about twenty years ago and they need renovating. They're currently in Southern Railway livery but I've decided to re-model them all in the 1950s BR period. Bodies will be upgraded and repainted, and frames stripped completely and rebuilt.
I've started with what is probably my favourite loco, my Meteor Models C2X. I've decided on 32440 as I have photos of it working the 'Sulky Service' from East Grinstead to Lewes. This was when BR was forced to reopen the line after closure in 1955, running four trains a day until 1958. The interlude enabled the Bluebell Railway to become a reality.
This is where I'm at today after about four months work. There's a lot still to do - tweaking things here and there, and finishing the cab interior. It needs a crew and coal. I also need to set up the motor and DCC with sound but I'm pleased that it runs really freely. The last stage will be some judicious weathering.
The most exciting part, for me at least, is that I've converted it to Scaleseven.
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. My life used to be simple. I changed from OO to EM when I was 16, and built and exhibited an early 1900s GWR layout in my 20s. In my 30s I did the same with GWR broad gauge to P4 standards. Then I had a long break.
. Added to this my 00 layout in the railway shed - fine weather operation only - still gets attention even in winter when circumstances allow. My long-suffering but very tolerant other half quietly pursues her own hobby of knitting.....