HO Jouef 0-6-0 Tank Engine

Managed to pick up a Jouef "Junior" range locomotive the other day, and first impressions are generally quite good. I do like the size of the locomotive, which turned out to be smaller than the Dapol/Hornby terrier. Model features NEM couplings and blackened metal components, giving it a modern feel. Need to sort out the livery though, not keen on keeping it French forever.

More pictures:

Jack

Skarloey Coaches - 1st Attempt

This project has been somewhat interesting for me, as it's how I am going to do Duck. Working with a friend, who fixed errors and such, I've been able to make myself custom bodies for coaches. So far, I've had one test sample done and delivered.

It's not much. Just a coach body and a roof for the vehicle. What makes it special is that it has been designed on a computer, using Google's brilliant sketchup. For a first trial with the software, it's worked well and is certainly a method I will be using again. If you are wondering how it compares to a normal Talyllyn coach, look closely at this picture and you'll see it's a good match, despite not aiming for a accurate model of the prototype.

I designed the coach to have a flat base, hidden by sideplates. Whilst this may seem lazy, it's just so I can use N gauge wagon chassis in order to improve running qualities when the coaches will be in fixed rakes. I've stuck to using Graham Farish chassis, simply for the metal wheelsets and the fact they are common over here.

Going by the rate I've been working at today, it should be complete bar couplings and buffers by tommorow. Hopefully that'll be the case, leading onto a rake of 5 or so.

Jack

Duck The Great Western Engine - Donor Chassis

After being asked, I've got a picture of the donor chassis I am using. It's only fitting that it came from a 57XX, and suprisingly lines up well for making Duck. The body has been designed to fit this chassis, and as such is now being worked on by a friend so I can make the master to work from.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!

Jack

Duck The Great Western Engine - Working from the prototype

So if you were bothered to use Google to translate it, you'd find it was simply "Duck" in Dutch. If you're wondering why it was Dutch, I will reveal that at a later date.

Onto Duck's body, this has been aided with re-watching the classic episodes, and screen capturing several key shots of him to produce the body from. It's good that there is enough reference material to work from, but it would have been nicer had he been produced by Bachmann.

Working from these, I already have a rough model designed to suit the donor chassis, it's just a case of getting it completed, and then making the casting masters to work from.

Jack