KOF

Originally included in MTS Starter Sets, this little switcher has six directional lights, two flashing roof lights and one cab light. Until I added a little plasticine, its pulling power was a little weak but now with the additional weight, it's strength has increased.

Length: 240mm Weight: 1340g

Minol Tanker

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve, 99-01-98.

Length: 300mm LGB: 45400

Billy Body - Stage 2

Once painted the floor was fitted to the chassis. To do this the rear edge had to be flush with the rear buffer beam and the hole in the frame spacer had to be visible through the hole above the etched ROUNDHOUSE logo.

The additional two boiler bands were loosely fitted on either side of the sandbox until the boiler was refitted and the cab positioned.

The boiler was refitted and the temporary floor spacer, fitted earlier, was removed. 

The gas tank and burner were replaced and the pipes reconnected.  

The reversing lever was fitted to enable manual operation until the radio control is fitted. 

The lubricator was refitted and positioned centrally above the cab step, with the drain screw slightly overhanging the cab floor.

Next stage, the preparation and painting of the cab.

The First Day of Autumn

As Autumn begins the garden railway season draws to an end for another year. So to keep the memories alive, I've put together this little video of my coal train that I featured here on my blog earlier this year.

The Last Post

The last post service of the day prepares to depart Buddleia Pond Station.

Meandering through the undergrowth requires a vigilant driver.

With the post delivered, it was time to return home.

Approaching Buddleia Pond signal box.

Almost there, Loco 3 approaching home.

The shires in the valley seem to be oblivious of the passing train on Buddleia Pond bridge.

Talyllyn Railway

For nearly 150 years steam trains have run along the Talyllyn Railway, but 60 years ago it became the world's first preserved railway. Originally built to serve the Bryn Eglwys quarry and local farmers along the route between Tywyn Wharf and the quarry.

Late summer and all's quiet at Dolgoch Station prior to an afternoon arrival. 

Sir Haydn slowly pulls into Dolgoch Station.

Edward Thomas approaching Dolgoch Viaduct en-route to Tywyn Wharf.

Edward Thomas pulls into Abergynolwyn Station.

Tywyn Wharf Station with Edward Thomas patiently waiting for departure.

All aboard - but who's that on Sir Haydn's footplate?

Billy Body - Stage 1

With the chassis and boiler put to one side, I made a start on the body using the Roundhouse Body Kit (HBK5).

I started with the cab floor, folding the brass into shape according to the instructions. As eventually I intend to fit radio control to this model, a bracket was bent and fitted to the cab floor via two tags, slotted through the floor and then soft soldered.

The brass cab floor was then rubbed down and cleaned with Isopropanol before being primed with etch primer, grey primer and then four coats of Halfords black gloss enamel paint.

Next stage, the fitting of additional boiler bands and the cab floor.

Shifting sand

Nearly there now.

Just after leaving Homestyal Halt, a lonely Kof passes through the undergrowth.

Long and winding journey.

Kof leaving Homestyal Halt before the last passenger train of the day arrives.

Shifting sand to Buddleia Pond whilst the sun shines.

Billy goes for a run

 

After several hours on the test bed, it was time to let her go!

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

This has to be perhaps one of my favourite weekends of the year with both the WLLR Gala and the Llanfair Garden Railway Show taking place over the two days. The star of the show this year was the recently restored 'Joan' after an absence of almost twenty years.

Joan pulling out of Cyfronydd on her way to Llanfair Caereinion

Countess arriving at Castle Caereinion

Earl slowly arriving at Sylfaen

A short blast of her whistle and Countess departs for Welshpool