Wensleydale Railway Works Train : A Project - UPDATED
 

I am about to begin a long-term project to build a full replica of the works train used on the Wensleydale Railway for civil engineering purposes.

I already own models of 47703 (HNRC) & 47715 (MTT) both based at the line and have seen use on the train. The train is a complicated affair to re-create with almost all vehicles being built from kits.

'Shark' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Dogfish' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Dogfish' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Dogfish' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Dogfish' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Flatrol' (Cambrian Kit) + 'Lowmac' ( :confused: ) + 'Tube' (Parkside Kit) + 'Mess Van' ( :confused: ) + 'Salmon' (Cambrian Kit) + 20T Brake (Dapol Kit)

I have just ordered the 'Shark' from Intercity Models and hope to have completed basic construction by the end of the week commening the 16th. I will add photos and text detailing progress as appropriate and would love to hear from anyone with ideas of how to re-create the mess van and 'Lowmac' (Hornby Re-paint Possible???). Opinions would also be greatly valued. Photos of the real thing are on my website at http://www.clagmonster.fotopic.net

All the best,
Jonathon

Sounds like a great project Jonathon. Should keep you busy for a while:)
I am an N Gauge modeller myself so I don't really know what's available in 00 but I would have thought that something like the Hornby ZSX 20T Ferry Van would make a suitable starting point for the messvan.
http://www.hornby.com/rolling-stock-87/r6403/product.html

Hmmmmm :confused: That might just be a step too far!!! I'll keep you posted with updates. J

What is the mess van in real life? A mark 1, or an actual van?

EDIT: Just found an image on your site, it looks to be a VAA or a VDA, Hornby do them.

http://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/wa...closed_van.htm

The mess van is an ex-continental ferry van

Go for it Jonathon:D It's amazing what you can do with a fine razor saw and some plastikard.

Maybe you're right. I've looked at photos of both donor and prototype and I believe that if i remove only the side panels and keep the rest of the componenets I can build the bodysides off measuring the real thing.

IF ANYONE HAS ONE OF THESE VANS THAT IS LOOKING FOR A GOOD HOME (ESPECIALLY IN THE LOCAL AREA) I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

More updates soon,
Jonathon

The Cabrian Ballst Plough has just arrived. Looks a nice neat kit although it looms rather complicated :confused: . Also advice on fitting NEM pockets to this would be helpful. I think I may have to make sime adaptations but adive would help!

Cheers,
Jonathon

Went over to Stockton Yesterday and popped into Stockton Modeller. Was looking for a number of colours for the 'Shark' and other grey wagons when I noticed a load of Dapol kits. I rummaged through hoping to find a 'Lowmac' but instead came away with the 20T brake van. This kit is now assembled (took 5hrs) and only needs a final touch of paint. The real wagons is in 'Wensleydale Railway Bauxite' but the model is in lightly weathered oxide/brown mix. The running boards need painting and transfers need to be bought (Will need LOADS of 'W's & 'R's!!!). I am aiming on finishing this model on Wednesday and hope to make inroads on the 'Shark'. Photos will be added after this point.

Another note worthy of mention is that the Brake van now has reflective stripes front and rear for night work (see link 3/4 of the way down).http://www.wensleydalerailwayphotos....new_page_4.htm
The obvious problems this would cause in model form mean we have worked off this photograph:
http://www.wensleydalerailwayphotos.co.uk/guardsvan.JPG
and have produced a suitbale prototype. For added authenticity the doors have been left open at one end and when I have some 'Tacky-wax' Mk2 flashing tail lights and a figure drinking coffee will be added.

More soon (+ piccies :) ),
Jonathon

Sounds like you're having fun. Look forward to the piccies.

The works train is going along nicely. The test 'Tube' is now in traffic and is going OK. I can't wait to have a crack at the proper one! The Dapol 20T Brake is complete save for transfers and I am really happy with the finish despite a few gaps between walls and roof.

I am currently in the process of constructing the Cambrian 'Shark' ballast plough. I have not had time to take any photographs as yet but this kit is now structurally complete and I have added a man to one verandah. All the plough gear is fitted and painted along with both the open door and bodywork. I have painted the yellow patches on the footsteps to simulate the non-slip coating on the prototype. All that is left to do is add some light weathering and the transfers and the vehicle will be ready for traffic.

More soon ('Dogfish')
J

Hi Jonathon, Sounds like you are getting on well with your project. Did you take any photos as you were building? They would be of interest to some of us. meantime keep up the good work.

I haven't been able to take any so far as the 2 brake vans have taken the undivided efforts of 2 people!!!

The Cambrian 'Dogfish' looks far simpler so I'll see what I can do :)

Thanks Jonathon, looking forward to that.

Here are some photos of the 'Shark'. I have 4 'Dogfish' & 1 'Flatrol' on order so I hope to update soon.

J