Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Serious scenic work has been ongoing for a few weeks now, still a long way to go obviously but getting there slowly.
Courtybella Road (Western Region Mid 1990s).
- Thread starter Courtybella
- Start date
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Like I say slowly getting there.
BrushType4
Western Thunderer
I’m like that Mark.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
08389 on the headhunt at Cwmhenbargoed sidings. The former Barry Railway tunnel can be seen in the background.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Getting there, plenty of extras to add and toning down of the lush green grass.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
BrushType4
Western Thunderer
It’s coming together now Mark. Nice.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Work on the layout has paused for a short time whilst I focus on a OO project; but I’ve had a mini side project on the go, the conversion of some HEA wagons into MEA box wagons as per the real wagons.
The first step was to remove the HEA hopper, straight forward just undo a few screws and cut the pipe work.
Remove the hopper mould from the chassis.
File down the raised lip on the chassis.
Measure out the floor for size.
Under floor support rib starts.
Ends measured, cut and fitted.
Sides fitted.
Basic shape of the box complete.
End and top rib supports fitted.
Wagon body complete, the underframe still needs some work.
The first step was to remove the HEA hopper, straight forward just undo a few screws and cut the pipe work.
Remove the hopper mould from the chassis.
File down the raised lip on the chassis.
Measure out the floor for size.
Under floor support rib starts.
Ends measured, cut and fitted.
Sides fitted.
Basic shape of the box complete.
End and top rib supports fitted.
Wagon body complete, the underframe still needs some work.
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Courtybella
Western Thunderer
A few happy snaps of the prototype MEA on the layout, there is a little video over on my YouTube channel as well.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
New toys arrive at Courtybella Road, the new Dapol TTA tank wagons,
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Dapol TTA tank wagons, very good looking wagons from my non expert viewpoint. I’ll be using them as refinery to depot fuel services.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Some happy snaps from this afternoons testing….
The new additions to the MEA conversion program..
The new additions to the MEA conversion program..
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Second MEA box coming along, I’ve decided to reduced the side ribs by one to make the spacing a little more pleasing to the eye.
Unless you know your MEAs the lack of one rib really isn’t going to detract to much.
I’m looking to eventually make up a rake of a dozen in mixed EWS, and Railfreight Coal colour schemes.
Unless you know your MEAs the lack of one rib really isn’t going to detract to much.
I’m looking to eventually make up a rake of a dozen in mixed EWS, and Railfreight Coal colour schemes.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Much happier with the rib spacing on this one, I’ve used the small RfD branding to scale the larger gaps.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Going to call this complete, very pleased with this one managed to get the spacing and number of the ribs correct.
Now to production like the process, although it only took about 4hrs from start to finish.
I need to fit the air tank underneath, that’ll need a little support underneath on the under frame before the box gets a coat of primer then too coat.
Now to production like the process, although it only took about 4hrs from start to finish.
I need to fit the air tank underneath, that’ll need a little support underneath on the under frame before the box gets a coat of primer then too coat.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
I’ve come up with a (I think anyway) clever idea…..but as an aide can you guess what is it yet ?
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
MEA & MFA conversions more or less complete, with the next 8 being drawn into the yard behind.
The initial / prototype box (grey) will be used as a paint sample first, before I rerib to the correct spacing.
The initial / prototype box (grey) will be used as a paint sample first, before I rerib to the correct spacing.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Three more MEA, and another MFA box ready just need to finish off the ribs but I’ve run out of stripe. Only another 8 and 10 respectively to do.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
Three pictured completed MEA boxes, I finished the fourth later.
These will be EWS, Mainline Blue, Trainload Coal branded and Trainload Transrail branded.
These will be EWS, Mainline Blue, Trainload Coal branded and Trainload Transrail branded.
Courtybella
Western Thunderer
The death of a HEA….
Complete wagon arrives for conversion.
Wheelsets, ladders and support struts removed.
Hopper body removed and pipe work cut clear.
Underside weight removed to allow striped underside to be sanded flush.
Completely striped under frame with wheelsets replaced - next up is sanding flush to allow a nice level fit of the box.
The pre fabricated boxes attached to the chassis ready for painting.
Complete wagon arrives for conversion.
Wheelsets, ladders and support struts removed.
Hopper body removed and pipe work cut clear.
Underside weight removed to allow striped underside to be sanded flush.
Completely striped under frame with wheelsets replaced - next up is sanding flush to allow a nice level fit of the box.
The pre fabricated boxes attached to the chassis ready for painting.