Marbellup Models DB Class Kit

Hey hey, I apologise for missing the last running night. I received some not so great news and it has thrown me somewhat out of whack. On a better note though, I received some good news today so I thought I'd show off these photos of my finished Marbellup Models DB1588 as she was when she ran the construction trains for the NSR in the early 90's. Another beautiful model completed by Mr Engel (who also constructed my RailWest A class) and finished with decals from Westrail Models. It has a HollyWood Foundry mechanism and NorthYard wheels to the correct size for the DB. Unfortunately I can't divulge what mixes of paint are used as this is a close kept secret by Mr Engel however I do believe it to be an accurate representation of the colour used by Westrail in the 90's. It also has subtle points of weathering but remains mostly clean as these locos were while advertising the Westrail business name. This model is unique as it has the modified windows that it received prior to repaint. Overall I think it's a stunning job and Mr Engel deserves a well earned round of applause and a good rest. Thank you.

Painting and Finishing Tips for modelers - useful You Tube Clip

For those of you wanting some hints and tips on how to paint and finish your models, the following link to a video on You Tube has quite good information from both an Average Modeler and a Professional.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne0fBH6zNkQ

So ignore the title name and overlook the fact that it is based on British Modeling as the concepts are the same no matter what prototype

Hopefully this might help those of you stuck on finishing that model you have been working on!

Inspired!

Hey hey, after the last meeting I got a little spur of inspiration and so pulled out the wagons that I was having some trouble with. I spent most of Tuesday and Thursday at the Australian Model Railway Association of Western Australia (AMRA WA) clubrooms in Moojebing St Bassendean, with several members of the S scale SIG, working on my models.

Tuesday morning was spent making up some brass W irons for my 2x Marbellup Models DC vans which were, up until now, only using the 3D printed ones. The rest of the day was spent working on these wagons as well as a RailWest GE that needed coupler heights adjusted and a RailWest GH that needed the W irons soldered which were previously only glued. I have found soldering these to be the best method as they create rigidity and smooth rolling of the axels.

My XA took up most of my time on Thursday trialling different things to get the bogies to stay on the track to no success. This isn't over, to be continued... I also found time to re-glue some parts on my RailWest ZJ and WestOz Models Z9. Thanks to the help and guidance of the other more experienced members, I have a short train that runs beautifully around Swan View behind my A class. A few more wagons to go I think to make a decent train though.

If you have the time and are a member of AMRA WA, I implore you to come down on either a Tuesday or Thursday from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Join us at the modeling desk and you never know, you might learn a thing or two whilst sharing in some great banter, I know I have!

My RailWest A class and train running through Swan View Station.

A close up of my RailWest A class and train running through Swan View Station. 

A1511 long end leading through the S curves after Morrison Road bridge.

A close up of my RailWest A class and train running through Swan View Station. 

My RailWest A class and train running through Swan View Station.

A1511 heading through the S curves after Morrison Road bridge.

My X class Models XA1405 which is requiring a lot of attention at the moment. 

My Marbellup Models DC van receiving new wheels and having couplers adjusted.

August Meeting 2018

Hey hey, last night's meeting followed a slightly different agenda than usual with the theme/topic being discussed first prior to the usual bring and shows. The topic being a discussion on the viability of the AMRA WA S scale SIG building and displaying an exhibition layout for next year's exhibition. From this discussion, a small committee was formed and more details of developments from this committee will follow shortly (WATCH THIS SPACE!).

Bring and show revealed some impressive work from several members of the group, even inspiring many others to get to work on other projects (including this writer!). Below are the usual photos and captions from the evening. This was followed up by some slides of the old Fremantle yards and wharfs which finished up the evening.

Ray Cooper's passenger carrying vehicles used on the Millars Railway.

Ray Cooper's early RailWest Kit of a G class based on the ones that worked out of Yarloop.

Ray Cooper's passenger carrying vehicles used on the Millars Railway.

Doug Firth's 3D printed Railmotor by Butlers Swamp Models.

Doug Firth's 3D printed Railmotor by Butlers Swamp Models.

Kieran Wright's model of a TA class shunting locomotive. 

Simon Mead's model of a T class for comparison. 

Kieran Wright's TA and shunters float.

Murray Hartzer's brass scratch-built DM class tank alongside his WestOz Models DM tank.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models XA coal hoppers which he has assembled for himself in various liveries and versions. 

One of Stuart Mackay's XA hoppers still in white and awaiting painting. 

John Morrison's Latest work in brass is his beginnings of an LA ballast hopper.  Also pictured are some recent purchases he has made including some motors from overseas as well as a ladder kit.

John Hatch continues to impress with his work in exploring casting in resin and epoxies. Pictured above are some rubber moulds he has been trialling for windows to go with his Australind Cars along with a purchase from the now defunct Toys 'R' Us.