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A frozen lake doesn't stop play
Yesterday morning, the car had to be scraped clear of a thin ice layer, but the day dawned sunny and bright so I decided to head down to the model boat club for some fresh air anyway. All the time...
View ArticleSaturday film club: Making model cars
New feature time!For the next few Saturdays, I'll be highlighting interesting videos found on the web. Most will be railway based, but I'll include some more general model making stuff too. Basically,...
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Appliance repair
From xkcd earlier in the week.Across the world, tinkering types recognise the problem and are nervously laughing...
View ArticleWhy do modellers hate model shops?
The recent news story about a bookshop owner asking people for a 50p entry fee to his shop has appeared at a time of interesting comments on the Interweb.I first heard about it on the Radio 2 phone in....
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Cheap tools aren't a bargain
On my workbench I have a plastic dial vernier. It's an invaluable tool for matching drill bits in my miscellaneous box of leftovers with piece of wire or plastic rod. So useful a tool that it doesn't...
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Clapperboard warehouse
Looking through folders of old photos taken at exhibitions, I found this building. I like to go for a stroll around during shows and snapping buildings as I pass. Sadly, I'm less good at noting where I...
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British Rail design references
Last week, I mentioned the discussions I'd had over the choice of colour for a station name. At the time I mentioned the BR design guide at £75 being a bit outside my pocket.The good news is that it is...
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If you want your photos in print, get them on-line
The latest edition of the Collectors Gazette includes a few photos of my APT models, both Hornby and wooden. Many people would like to be able to say the same. Even for those of us who do this for a...
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Saturday Film Club: Roadrail Landrover
Mr Macdermott has come up trumps with this selection for our Saturday films, and by that I don't mean a fluffy haired American President to be. A road-rail Landrover would make an interesting model and...
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Vintage steam boats
Vintage model making has always interested me and this week a friend sent me a link to a fascinating blog post about Ted Vanner, model boat builder in the early part of the last century. We tend to...
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A Knightswork?
Looking for a quick and easy project to kick off the modelling year, I dug out something bought at ExpoNG a few months ago.Described by Mercian Models amusingly as "A Knightswork" , I bought the kit...
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The first job is riveting
Most of the building of this kit took place while I watched Sherlock on TV. Watched is a bit strong perhaps as I'm rubbish at actually sitting still and gawping at the box like we are all supposed to,...
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Warehouse Wednesday: Uckfield watermill
When I'm at shows, I like to go for a stroll. And when I stroll, I take a camera and photograph interesting buildings. At Uckfield show, I spotted this one. A little research on the web tells me this...
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Soldering done
Dinky little wagon this one. 24mm long and weighing next to nothing. Soldering wasn't painful. All the joints were made inside the box, a job possible because there isn't a floor to get in the way....
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Superglue and paint
Once the wagon has been cleaned up, it was time for superglue. I know "real" modellers only use solder but I'm pragmatic and know when to stop burning my fingers. First up, the axlebox cover pieces...
View ArticleSaturday Film Club: Blue Pullman
Did any of the Blue Pullman's survive the cutter torch? According to a corespondent on Facebook this week, one still exists converted to an Army command centre. Part of the mysterious strategic reserve...
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More Meccano fire engines
A few years ago, I told you about a talk I'd seen on Meccano fire engines. Well, after the latest boat club AGM, the same gentleman came back to see us again. He's been busy and we thoroughly enjoyed...
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Rusty water tank wagon
A cruel enlargement but at least you can see the finished water tank wagon in all its "glory". Weathering was kept simple - the model was dry-brushed with Humbrol enamel tank grey (69), rust (70) and...
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Weathering resources
Richard asks:I notice from your latest entry on your Workbench that you are about to weather the water tank wagon. I want to try my hand at weathering. Can you recommend any books or DVDs that will...
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Warehouse Wednesday: Fishing huts
Spotted in Scarborough a few years ago, these "huts" for fishermen are part of a new-ish quayside development. The roof is a walkway presumably so the tourists can watch the traditional goings on from...
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