Semi-scale BR: The Modernisation Plan

[BertieB]

Buffers would be nice but unfortunately they cause problems on curves

This is a prototype for the fantasy 3’11” gauge BR and a product of the 2021 Modernisation Plan, which calls for the removal of rotting wood from the track (done), abandoning track power and replacing rubbish rolling stock.

At a little over 550mm, it’s rather longer than previous efforts (though still not as long as it ought to be, obviously) and is built around GRS ‘compartment modules’, with LGB bogies (temporarily, I hope), a planked foamboard roof and foamboard seating (to be added after painting). As you might expect, it’s going to be green.

Another cunning plan is to build longer wheelbase bogies, clad with more appropriate, resin-cast sides — to give a bit more width and to look a bit more Southern Region — but that’s not yet progressed beyond notebook scribbles. It might take a while.

And I’ve bought a large box of cheapo 1:25 passengers, which will probably take about five years to paint.

When the coach is done and OK though, the idea is to build a few more (and attempt to figure out where on earth I’m going to store them).

[Peter Butler]

That does look good and the GRS modules have gone together well. Most inventive!

[BertieB]

Thanks. The modules are a bit over scale (G3) for my purposes really and though it may not come over in the (peculiarly lit) picture, looking at it from across the room, the coach does look pretty substantial. Good fun.

[Jimmyb]

When the coach is done and OK though, the idea is to build a few more (and attempt to figure out where on earth I’m going to store them).

It is very nice so far, however you would to have a similar storage issue as Rik

[Andrew]

Very nice indeed, very characterful...

A little alarmed that The Modernisation Plan has reared its head though - large scale dieselisation, to be followed 8 years later by The Beeching Report?!! At least that'll solve your storage issues...

[Lonsdaler]

It looks 'the biz'! Regarding buffers, could yo make some 'low profile' ones? They needn't protrude further than the handles for the roof ladders (I think that's what I can see). Or bite the bullet and decide that a narrow 'standard gauge' British Railways decided a single central buffer was the way to go?
Either (any?) way, it looks excellent and will complement your locos nicely.

[BertieB]

Thank you.

I’ll put buffers only at the back of the last coach, I guess. The coaches will have to be in a numbered, permanently coupled ‘set’, of course, it being the 3’11” SR.

I think I might have to do some clever roof-mounted (internal!) storage in the shed.

And I’m afraid there will be more diesels!

[Andrew]

And I’m afraid there will be more diesels!

A "33" and a "Hymek" would look the business on your line...

[BertieB]

You’re right, of course, about a 33 being the obvious choice.

I’d have to come to terms though with the psychological scarring brought about by their unpleasant appearance and having had to travel behind (or in front of) them no more than several million times. I’ll probably have to cheat a little.

Some hours later
Well, not “several million times” but certainly quite a lot. I think they were the only engines we ever saw: always filthy and – as a young person, I thought – extremely boring and ugly, compared to say, Hymeks, 37s, 47s, etc… The phobia’s stayed with me for life.

[Sylvian Tennant]

Nice - unfortunately my other options for locos would be steam an O2 or Terrier. You could try a class 20. I remember someone building a 'G-or Something' scale one years ago on RMWeb. They were using Playmobile R/C stock and it looked the part. I'll see if I can dig anything up on it.

Edit - I've found a couple of links to the chaps work. Not sure how useful they'll be some of the links are quite old and used photo bucket for images - also there's no step guides for building his 20 but he's done some images of his class 25 construction.

https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/F ... 30&t=28201

http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic. ... =21&page=1

[invicta280]

You’re right, of course, about a 33 being the obvious choice.

I’d have to come to terms though with the psychological scarring brought about by their unpleasant appearance and having had to travel behind (or in front of) them no more than several million times.

Agreed! I think the week the 33 was designed the style committee had the week off. You made the right choice with the far more elegant 73.

[Andrew]

I'm amazed!

I always assumed the Class 33 was universally loved! Along with the 73, they were the only locos I saw with any regularity, and I've always had a huge soft spot for them. Rail blue didn't do much for any loco (especially 73s!), but in original green, with a small yellow warning panel, or in Railfreight "construction" livery they look great - small but purposeful, with a friendly round "face"...

I've sometimes wondered about tweaking one to 16mm size, but I doubt it will ever come to pass. Or the 2EPB that sometimes features in that particular daydream...

[philipy]

I'm amazed!

I always assumed the Class 33 was universally loved!

I wouldn't say I love them, any more or less than most other diesels. The only ones I saw working with any regularity were 47, 20's and 08's, but I must say I don't really understand the apparent distaste for 33's.

[Old Man Aaron]

Very tidy, that.

[BertieB]

Thank you, everyone.

The lift-off foamboard roof, presumably because of heat, direct sunlight and / or several sprayed coats of primer on one side only – I dunno – has gone a bit banana shaped. I’ll attempt to screw it down flat but I think I might have to come up with another way to make, or fit, them (roofs, I mean).

"I remember someone building a 'G-or Something' scale one years ago on RMWeb..."

That first link’s really interesting: there’s another confused-scale oddball out there! Thanks.

"...the week the 33 was designed the style committee had the week off"

Yeah. They didn’t even have to convene: it’s more-or-less the same as the manufacturer’s previous model. Thank you for your support!

"I've sometimes wondered about tweaking... the 2EPB that sometimes features in that particular daydream..."

Oh! Yes please. You should — that’s a great idea.

"...I must say I don't really understand the apparent distaste for 33s".

I didn’t really want to own up to this but — I remember them replacing Bulleid Pacifics (!) — I mean, come on — and hanging around being totally reliable but extraordinarily boring (and just about the only locomotives to be seen locally) for the next 20 years. I reserve the right to be disappointed.