Fortunately, after the problems discussed in the last update both Russell and Auric are back in steam, following delivery of replacement parts. The onset of winter has inevitably reduced the amount of outdoor running on the MVR, but we hosted a successful steam-up in mid-December with two visiting engines from the Vale of White Horse Railway: Alfred (Finelines 'Alfie') and Brockhurst (Roundhouse/Riverdale 'Elke' - i.e. the Roundhouse 'Billy' design modified for coal firing). From the same railway came a very fine mixed rake of IP, Timpdon and Brandbright four-wheeled coaches, plus a newly-completed Swift Sixteen open wagon. I am grateful to the VWHR for supplying the photos below, which came out far better than my own efforts!
With the major civil engineering works of the summer (new platforms and track re-ballasting) completed, I decided to re-evaluate my indoor workshop projects. Reluctantly, I have abandoned my scratch-built sheep wagon. The work involved was simply too complex for my current skill level, and personally I have always found that getting bogged down with a difficult project tends to sap my motivation to work on the railway at all. Instead, I have resolved to tackle two simpler projects with which I can hopefully achieve quicker results. The first is to paint our pitched-roofed wagon, Q1. This posed something of a problem for me, as its laser-cut construction incorporates engraved detailing which I did not want to obscure. The solution has been to brush on a single, thin coat of brown paint; the strapping and underframes will then be picked out in dull black. This results in a slightly faded appearance which, to my eye, is surprisingly convincing; it suggests a wagon which has been kept clean, but has nevertheless suffered slightly from the effects of the weather.
The second project is to create an interior for coach B1. Until now I have never bothered to create coach interiors, on the grounds that they are hardly visible from normal viewing distances, and I have usually been preoccupied by higher-priority projects. However, after struggling with the sheep wagon I wanted a project that would allow me to be a little more creative, without having to worry too much if the end result is a little less than perfect; after all, once the roof is on it will be difficult to examine it closely! The first stage has been to give the interior of the coach a coat of brown paint, to simulate varnished wood; I will then have to construct seating and a partition. I am also going to add glazing and handles to the end doors, which should significantly improve the external appearance of the coach.
The second project is to create an interior for coach B1. Until now I have never bothered to create coach interiors, on the grounds that they are hardly visible from normal viewing distances, and I have usually been preoccupied by higher-priority projects. However, after struggling with the sheep wagon I wanted a project that would allow me to be a little more creative, without having to worry too much if the end result is a little less than perfect; after all, once the roof is on it will be difficult to examine it closely! The first stage has been to give the interior of the coach a coat of brown paint, to simulate varnished wood; I will then have to construct seating and a partition. I am also going to add glazing and handles to the end doors, which should significantly improve the external appearance of the coach.