NSWGR HO scale NZBF Ballast Plough KIT

Hi all,

Some of you may know, but for those that don't, I have a NZBF ballast plough kit for sale. The kit comes with brass etch steps and brake wheels, white metal plough wheels, bogies, decals and polyurethane castings. The kit does not come with couplers.

Price is...Now sold out. Other styles of plough coming soon 

If you would like one please email me or see December 2011 AMRM page 80 for phone details. You can also visit www.railsinsacle.com.au

Dean

Columbia models BCW

Hi all,

In this blog we look at a Columbia models BCW. The model did not take much work too bring it from a toy train into a model train. I used a craft knife to give the smooth wood a weather worn look, added some cattle, and new AR kits bogies.

I first painted the wood white and the steel bracing in rust colour. I also used weathering powders to colour over the white with light and dark gray tones. I then used rust powder over the steel bracing. I removed the roof (not an easy job, it's glued well). Finally, I added some livestock and made a new thinner roof from a tin can!

I got this idea for the roof from the tin one that came with the Stephen Johnson models BCW kit and this model is almost a carbon copy so the steel roof worked out well.

One last note If your thinking of buying these models try to see them before you buy as there somewhat toy like and some of my modeling mates have not been happy with the price charged for the models based there basic appearance. However that being said, with a bit of work, you can come up with a good looking model that I believe was worth putting in the effort.

Dean

Weathered NSWGR NPRX Cement hopper

Hi all,

In this blog,we look at an AR kits NPRX hopper, with Keiran Ryan models brass etch detail parts.

By adding some etch detail and under body parts, you can come up with a very nice model that's comparable to the ready-to-run models coming out of China. The model was built and painted in gray primer (from a spray can), then gloss clear was brushed where the decals would be placed. Then the decals were added and sprayed with flat clear.

The weathering powders were used to complete the model. I did not see the need for a silver top coat, as silver needs a lot of clear to make decals adhere well, and would be lost under layers of weathering powder anyway.

Just like the prototype, it has lost it's raw aluminum finish under layers of cement dust. 

Later,
Dean

http://www.arkits.com/catalogue_ark/3

http://www.krmodels.com.au/ho_brass_kits.html

NSWGR CDY / NOCY weathered open wagon

Hi all,

In this blog we take a look at an AR Kits NOCY open wagon. With smooth sides, this is an ideal wagon for weathering damaged sides and rust. The whole model was painted with a brush! I dont use an airbrush much for weathering, as the model sometimes can look over weathered and often the spray pattens and splatter can be seen from the airbrush, giving the model an unrealistic look.

I use soft brushes (often the cheap jobs) and thinned paint and build the layers up to give the effect of years of service. 

Dean

Weatherd WHX Wheat hopper

Hi all,

With so many ready-to-run- models out there, it is hard to keep up with what is new.

I have around 9 lay-buys going at once! Paying for so many models is only possible for me because of the easy payment deals the manufacturers have in place. Sadly Austrains don't do lay-buy so I'll give them a miss.

I spotted a set of hoppers on Ebay and had just sold a few items myself, so I went for it! This is what I have came up with. The whole model was weathered with powders and a coat of  flat clear between each dusting a total of four layers. It may sound like a lot of work, but is was quite fast. I don't think I spent any more than an hour on each model.

Later,

Dean

                               

Victorian railways V/Line lime hopper

Hi all,

In this blog I have a Victorian Railways V/Line hopper. The hopper is an ex-wheat hopper converted to carry lime from Victoria into New South Wales in the In the late 1980's.

The white paint is pealing away, and the original silver paint with "BUNGE BULK FLOUR" and "VR" logos are beginning to show though. The wagon is based on a mix of 3 photos taken in 1975, then early 1984, and again sometime in 1989.

Later,
Dean

                            

                           
                            

WASH ME LOCO 8133

Hi all,

In this blog we have 8133 in need of a wash!  The model is based on the 81 class locos on the cover of Railway Digest issue December 1988, showing 8122 and 8132 trailing the rebuilt 4527. Both the 81's are heavily blackened from working coal to Port Waratah.

Unlike the 44 class below, the paint is still well kept. It's just covered in soot and coal dust, and in need of a wash. One reason for the paint not showing signs of wear, is the fact that the locos are working coal and not passenger coaches, where they do get plenty of washing.

This combined  with the harsh caustic based detergents and scrubbing by maintenance staff,  has left some locos not just in need of a wash, but a repaint!

Later,

Dean