34091 Weymouth
Western Thunderer
For a long time I've wanted to make another us outline switching layout. I've made a few in the past & really had fun with them.
My current german ho layout is coming along & I keep having the thought of a switching layout & something I can weather & detail. I won't do it to my German models, they cost a fortune & its not that kind of modelling.
My initial thought was to do a 1.48 american o gauge layout but they are just a tad too big, I didn't want to do another ho layout as I struggle to see them so it's one I pondered on.
I ended up taking a chance on a S scale rtr model & instantly I was impressed by the size. Its just right in size so it means I can now slowly gather some bits to put a layout together.
One thing that has struck me is that it's got a range of items however the fact you've got hi rail, ac power & scale means its been left behind by many of the manufacturers. However I've managed to pick up a few items including a brass loco so I'm getting there regards stock. I've a few more locos to add along with some more stock before I start building a layout.
Anyway here's what I've been doing.
First up, today's bit of modelling, a Grand trunk covered hopper I've weathered. It's the first weathering I've done for ages so go gentle.
I still have a few bits left to do but I've faded the paintwork using a lifecolour rust & dust set paint firstly. I've then added rust streaks with some mig rust painter brushes & with a lightly soaked brushed of thinner dragged them downwards. I've also gone in with some black mig powder to tone the sides. I've done one side heavier than the other just to have variation.
The other project I've been working on is detailing a Milwaukee Road GP9. This is a american models loco which come rtr although they are basic to say the least.
For some reason american models don't include any grab irons for the hoods so all the grab irons I've added from bits of 0.5mm wire. They do include on the shell pips for the irons though which made drilling the holes easier.
I've purchased a shapeways emd plow which I might add is like handling a faberge egg. I broke the first one so I replaced it at a costly expense.
I've also drawn up a cut wire which I made up again from 0.5mm brass wire. I've still to add the bts mu hoses & brackets but I ran out of gloss black aerosol painting the plow.
Dopey pillock here didn't look at a prototype picture & threw away the correct roof fans & fitted phase 2 twin fans. I've now got to wait to make another order with american models to get some replacements otherwise its 50 dollars for about 15 dollars worth of gear.
Lastly I have a pennsylvania gp30 In brass which I was going to remove the antennas to make a milwaukee unit but I think it could be a big job filling the holes. I'm undecided yet what to do, should I paint it as a fantasy milwaukee unit bought from the pennsy but still with antennas or just paint it pennsy colours.
Anyway in a nutshell that's what I've been up to so far.
Si
My current german ho layout is coming along & I keep having the thought of a switching layout & something I can weather & detail. I won't do it to my German models, they cost a fortune & its not that kind of modelling.
My initial thought was to do a 1.48 american o gauge layout but they are just a tad too big, I didn't want to do another ho layout as I struggle to see them so it's one I pondered on.
I ended up taking a chance on a S scale rtr model & instantly I was impressed by the size. Its just right in size so it means I can now slowly gather some bits to put a layout together.
One thing that has struck me is that it's got a range of items however the fact you've got hi rail, ac power & scale means its been left behind by many of the manufacturers. However I've managed to pick up a few items including a brass loco so I'm getting there regards stock. I've a few more locos to add along with some more stock before I start building a layout.
Anyway here's what I've been doing.
First up, today's bit of modelling, a Grand trunk covered hopper I've weathered. It's the first weathering I've done for ages so go gentle.
I still have a few bits left to do but I've faded the paintwork using a lifecolour rust & dust set paint firstly. I've then added rust streaks with some mig rust painter brushes & with a lightly soaked brushed of thinner dragged them downwards. I've also gone in with some black mig powder to tone the sides. I've done one side heavier than the other just to have variation.
The other project I've been working on is detailing a Milwaukee Road GP9. This is a american models loco which come rtr although they are basic to say the least.
For some reason american models don't include any grab irons for the hoods so all the grab irons I've added from bits of 0.5mm wire. They do include on the shell pips for the irons though which made drilling the holes easier.
I've purchased a shapeways emd plow which I might add is like handling a faberge egg. I broke the first one so I replaced it at a costly expense.
I've also drawn up a cut wire which I made up again from 0.5mm brass wire. I've still to add the bts mu hoses & brackets but I ran out of gloss black aerosol painting the plow.
Dopey pillock here didn't look at a prototype picture & threw away the correct roof fans & fitted phase 2 twin fans. I've now got to wait to make another order with american models to get some replacements otherwise its 50 dollars for about 15 dollars worth of gear.
Lastly I have a pennsylvania gp30 In brass which I was going to remove the antennas to make a milwaukee unit but I think it could be a big job filling the holes. I'm undecided yet what to do, should I paint it as a fantasy milwaukee unit bought from the pennsy but still with antennas or just paint it pennsy colours.
Anyway in a nutshell that's what I've been up to so far.
Si
