My first coach

 

I've never been fussed by model coaching stock. Wagons are much more interesting, and far more interesting to build too. The paintwork is easier for a start. 

Recently, I found my first coach model. It's a Lima MK1 in my favourite blood'n'custard livery. 

The thing has been through the wars. Almost certainly operated on our very first layouts, even before The Cawood Wistow and Selby line. 

At some point, the couplings have been removed, but not replaced by Sprat & Winkles. I seem to remember this is the point where I discovered that you had to fit S&W's to the body, but this limited the curve radius the model would than traverse 

Window glazing is from Wills vac-formed units, and looks pretty good to my eye, even today, 

I'm not sure what to do with the model next. I'm not going to throw it away, too much history there! Maybe a quick tidy up, but then I find myself wondering about those roof vents. Replacing them would make a difference, and the roof is cracked anyway. 

What about the handrails? Fiddly to do, and the paint will need touching up. Can I match the shade? 

 

Carrying model road vehicles

 

I've never been a fan of fixing road vehicles to model railways. For a start, it allows me to use the models on more than one layout. 

Then, it means that the models will "move around" between shows, so the display looks slightly different each time. I've usually got too many models anyway, so the changes can be rung. We don't want visitors to see the same thing each time. 

Finally, I quite like the process of placing each model. It's a sort of ritual, an indication that the set-up is nearly done. Quite therapeutic. At least if we aren't in a rush because of traffic delays...

But the models need a home off the layout, and for the Melbridge Dock set, this is a figure carrying case from Games Workshop. Sadly, this is so old, I can't find it for sale, but there are lots of options on eBay, for a lot less money than buying through the shops.

The foam holds each model securely, but without damage, even after a lot of miles. OK, the catch that holds it shut has broken, but a luggage strap (useful things these) does that job perfectly well. 

My Dad used to have the job of putting vehicles back in the box at the end of a show. He always managed to pack them in really neatly, a trait I didn't appear to inherit!

Warehouse Wednesday: Dental laboratory

Spotted on the side of a terraced house in Skipton. I know no more, other than it's full of atmosphere. 

You can see more on Streetview.  

AK paint pens

Newish on my workbench, are some AK paint pens. I'm a big fan of the MiG oilbrusher, it's a really handy device to have around for quick touch-ups, and these pens might be even better.

First impressions are good. The paint flows well, and seems pretty opaque. Basically, painting with no cleanup at the end. The pointy tip isn't going to work for really fine work, but for a lot of jobs, it's OK. 

One job I have found them perfect for, is painting moulded on handrails. 

My only moan is that the colours are quite light. RCM007, brown, looks to be quite a dark shade, close to my favoured track colour, and the shade most useful for the oilbrusher. The results are a poor match for the pen casing, quite a bit lighter as the work on the Ratio pallets shows.  

I like the pen format, but I think I need more experimentation to find the colours I need. They will be out there, I just need to locate them. 

Covrail haul

 

A rather more useful selection of goodies from Covrail than normal. No weird kits, although I looked hard at a Roundhouse HO scale loco that would have been interesting to put together, but decided I really don't need any more loco kits...

I started with a servo from Amazing Little Trains. Andy assures me that this will be much better than the frazzled one operating (sometimes) the regulator in Ragleth. I'm fed up with taking the body off this loco, so let's hope he is right. 

Then, a pile of products from Model Railway Bits. New to me, I liked the look of the curved and pointy sanding sticks, and very soft round brush. The latter is sold for dry-brushing, but looks more suited to weathering powder application. 

A quid's worth of 6-12V LEDS, some 9v battery snaps and those useful push-chocolate block connectors. 

Then some Army Painter washes. I've noticed a lot more MiG and Ammo paint appearing at shows, especially the rather nice paint pens. Perhaps the trade is spreading its net wider, and railway modellers are more open to buying non-model railway products. Whatever the reason, a greater range of materials is always good. 

The inlaid track came from a second-hand stall (thanks Earl) and finally, I stocked up on model filler, something I'm inexplicably out of.