Wheal Ponder, a Cornish Cameo.

[Andrew Young]

A fortnight ago I sprained my ankle. Pretty much back to normal now, but the recuperation period enabled some modelling.

With NG Now six weeks ago, a quick fix project was the way to go. Those of a finescale or engineering mindset may wish to look away now, this is pure Bachmann Bashing Bodgery.

My attempt at converting a Bachmann Porter to resemble a Stephen Lewin contraption. Pure function over form.

As usual, more waffle on the blog…

A Quick Bachmann Bash

Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

Returned home from a very enjoyable child free weekend in Brugge to find my order of Narrow Planet plates had arrived and so have been able to finish off my Lewin Bachmann Porter bash.

Managed a few improvements to the weathering so that I’m now happier with the finish. Some coal has been added alongside a couple of tools and oil cans. With the finishing touch being a pair of ‘St Piran’ nameplates.

All set to enter service, shall see what I decide to tackle next to run on Wheal Ponder.



Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

Been building some more Iconic Rail Corris kits.

Some more photos and what I think of them on the blog. More Iconic Carriages

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

The next project on my workbench out for a test run before entering the paint shop.

Purists may wish to look away now…

Heathens may wish to read the blog:

There will always be an England…. (Somewhere in the stash)

Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

Making good use of this rich stream of modelling mojo that I’ve struck lately with several projects brought to their conclusion. All done with over a week to spare before the layout appears at Narrow Gauge NOW in Mansfield a week on Saturday.

More about the show here:
Narrow Gauge Now 2024

First project to be finished was a granite sett load for one of my wagons to make better use of the pair of Port Wynnstay FR style one plank wagons I’ve got.
Wagonload Wednesday

Second has been the bigger projects of my re-worked Port Wynnstay England loco and my Iconic Rail Corris four wheel tram car and brake van.

I’ve also built another cassette for the fiddle yard to house an extra mixed train.



More words on the blog should anyone care to read more.
A Duchess and her Chariots

Hopefully see some of you at Mansfield.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

What, more locos?!!!

https://flic.kr/p/2qww8ZQ

Yes, more, having now received my new nameplates from Narrow Planet ordered back in the summer, I’ve been able to titivate and personalise my pair of Bachmann rtr Quarry Hunslets.


Quite pleased with how they’ve come out, I do however think that I need to give loco building / modifying a rest for a little bit and get some more layout built to run these things on.

As usual, more waffle on the blog should anyone be sufficiently interested.

A Royal Pair

Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

We held our Mickleover ‘do’ on Saturday and I took Wheal Ponder along. A write up and some photos are over on the blog:


Mickleover 2025


Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

Latest news from ‘Wheal Ponder’. Took the layout to Narrow Gauge North and some print news too…

Narrow Gauge North

Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

Very little modelling being done at the moment, but I have been playing trains this week. A few photos from my visits to Wheal Ponder this week. Merry Christmas all.

More photos and some thoughts over on the blog.
Contentment



Andrew

 

[Andrew Young]

The culmination of six months steady plodding of modelling has finally been finished. But as it involves a kit that I first started over 25 years ago, there’s no rush….

It has been a challenge, some considerable frustration and the occasional disappointment. But completing this build at last gives a sense of satisfaction that makes it all worth while. Though I might not tackle another loco kit with outside valve gear any time soon!

Wheal Ponder now has a Kerr Stuart Tattoo on its roster, a particular favourite of mine.

Anyone of a particular mind to read more can do so over on the Blog:

Come In No. 4

Andrew

 

[Joe's Garage]

Hi Andrew
I've just caught up on this layout. Well I have to say it is rather wonderful. I particularly like the lush greenery and of course the array of locos.
I will keep "pondering" on this little bit of Kernow.
Thank you for posting
Julian

 

[Andrew Young]

Hi Andrew
I've just caught up on this layout. Well I have to say it is rather wonderful. I particularly like the lush greenery and of course the array of locos.
I will keep "pondering" on this little bit of Kernow.
Thank you for posting
Julian

Thanks Julian, glad you like it. Esoteric narrow gauge steam locos are very much my thing, hence the reason for such a large fleet for the layout. And there more in the pipeline so I may well need to build another extension or another module for it.

Have tried to depict Wheal Ponder in that last spring, early summer period where sunshine and showers makes the grass grow lush and green. It’s my favourite time of year to enjoy narrow gauge steam and recreating that in model form helps me with some escapism from time to time when in need.

Many thanks,
Andrew