Progress, News and Waffle.............

With the end of the year fast approaching and modelling time about to be swallowed up by a festive break, cheer and chores this will most likely be the last update of the year.
So what's new ?..........Well like many fans of the WR Hydraulics I have been waiting for the release of Dapols Class 22.  I never, ever pre order because despite rumours of shortages there always seems to be plenty of models to go around.  At some point I might be caught out but I doubt it, so keeping my wallet firmly shut I sat back and waited for the reviews of this new model.  As everyone who had reviewed a sample was impressed and liking what I had read and seen I decided to take the plunge and order one.

Now since my local model shop closed down and with no others in the area I have been dealing by mail order with  http://www.modellers-mecca.co.uk/  This company has proved to be a reliable source for all my general modelling needs, kits, RTR, etc, which saves me having to spend time shopping around to find the things I need.  Service and prices are hard to beat, to give you an example I ordered my Class 22 on a Monday evening and it was on my doorstep first thing Wednesday morning.  But wait for it........the price was £25 less than one of the largest discount dealers in the country !  The lesson is to check with a proper model shop before parting with your hard earned cash and support them whenever you can.

Here we are fresh out of the box with the separate side valences fitted but still awaiting the addition of the other detailing parts, all of which come with the model.  The box is rather nice too and makes a pleasant change from the poor packaging we have come to expect.

Conversion to EM using the existing wheels is quick and easy and might be covered in another posting should the interest be there.  Suffice to say after testing the model on my 00 test track I soon had it converted to EM and running on the layout.  The slow smooth running is an absolute joy and the super creep motor does just that......... truly excellent !
 
The following photos show the model on the layout but still awaiting detailing and a little light weathering.

A local looks on as D6331 in ex works condition departs from Penhydd

On duty with milk tanks at the creamery, notice the individual strips of corrugated sheeting being fitted to the water tower tank top.

So much for the Class 22,  let's take a look at the creamery..................

Since the last visit you can see how the chimney has been clad in stone sheet and weathered.  The perimeter wall has also been painted and weathered.  Work is very much in progress on the water tower tank top and the landforms in the foreground have been prepared for the top dressing of Siflor grass etc.

One thing I hoped to create was the sight of the creamery chimney beyond the road bridge when viewed from the goods yard., I  think it works well but then again I would ?

 Last but not least I am really pleased to mention that an article on Penhydd Station will appear in the next issue of Model Railway Journal No.211 which is due out next week, so if I can do it so can you !

Geoff