BoCo - Strip Down

I'm sorry for the lack of updates recently, but I'm afraid that I've been busy away from the modelling side of things. Work are posting me abroad within a few months (not badly paid either!) so I've been sorting that out as it keeps me going finacially. While I've still been doing things here and there, it's generally been delayed to a point where I need to restart it all.

Looking into the collection of models I've bought and made so far, it's obvious I needed to concentrate on one thing rather than several. Therefore, I've decided to make almost every character from seasons one to four, along with a few later additions. Those seasons in particular are the ones I remember the most, so it makes sense to replicate them exactly as I remember them.

First off, I've managed to start work on BoCo. I know it won't be 100% accurate to the TV series model due to the fact the sides are different, but it'll be a decent match for me and what I need it for. Luckily, I managed to snag a Hornby Dublo model for a decent sum, so I could do a model of a true fan favourite. Had I not been able to get this Dublo model, the Heljan one was tempting me but I feel it's far too detailed to use as a TV series model.*

* - Heljan do however make D5702 in RWS Livery, I have one and will supply pictures if anyone is interested. I'd say you could just give it a face and it'd be a great representation.

Using a mix of paint stripper and sandpaper, I got the majority of the paint off the body leaving it ready for respraying. I shall get newer pictures, but I've managed to get it in primer and a light green base coat.

In the meantime, I'll get around to taking newer photographs to show off the progress. Will post more soon!

Bachmann Devious Diesel - Rework begins

So whilst it's one of the better models Bachmann have made, I'm still not too keen on their model of Diesel. Don't get me wrong, everything appears to be accurate on it, the problem lies with the glossy finish on the loco itself. Whilst a coat of matt or satin varnish could solve such a problem, I'm going down a different route to do mine.

I've yet to decide what paint to put him into. Part of me is thinking a matt charcoal black, so I can retain a dark look whilst keeping the paintwork dull. I guess I'll decide upon it over a few days.

Jack

Bachmann Devious Diesel - Chassis Pictures & Dimensions

Took these pictures, and measured the dimensions for the folks over on NGRM-Online and RMweb. If you're going to show these on other forums, please link back to this blog when doing so.

Total Length: 98mm (137 including couplings)
Total Width: 34mm (39mm including cranks and rods)
Total Height: 44mm
End of wheel to end of wheel: 58mm
Axle to axle: 44mm

Please note that they are approximate, although as accurate as I can get them.

Pictures of the chassis:

Jack

Bachmann 58802 Devious Diesel - Review

I've decided to take a fully fledged look at the latest offering in Bachmann Train's Thomas range, namely "58802 Devious Diesel." Whilst some may look at this review and argue with some points, I feel that all points given are valid and address issues that are apparent on the model. I must also apologise in advance for the quality of the photographs included, I'm afraid my camera is not a fan of the dark nights we are now experiencing.

With both Hornby (OO/HO) and Lionel (O) making models of the character, let's see how well Bachmann compares to both, and if it beats them as a model of a character.

Diesel comes fresh from Bachmann in the commonplace blister packaging, which is clearly designed to show off as much as the model without having to open it up. Whilst this is good for selling the model, storing it in said packaging can be a pain, but cutting it open carefully will leave you with the plastic inserts which the model will fit straight back in to.

Out of the box, the first thing many fans will notice about Diesel is his face. Rather than the classic model-based face, he comes with a modern CGI face which represents him as seen on the show in more recent years. Some may say this detracts from the model, yet I feel it's something that can be looked over. As with the rest of the range, the eyes do move left to right and back again.

Upon running the model, you'll realise how the weight of model, much more than earlier Bachmann models, helps with both haulage and adhesion. Given how much room is available in the body, it makes sense to pack as much weight as possible in. The chassis also features proper outside frames, which Hornby opted out of and Lionel moulded on, in order to be as accurate as possible to the prototype.

Separately molded parts on Diesel include the coupling hooks, buffers, ladders and face. All of the parts on my review example appear to be crisp and clear, with no sign of flash or damage. A rather nice feature is that Bachmann seem to be shrinking the size of the hook, seen on the bufferbeam, down to a more prototypical size when compared to the earlier items in the range. Not quite scale size, but better than before.

Overall, it's a nice model of either Diesel or a generic class 08/09 shunter. Featuring outside frames, moving eyes and detailed parts, it's clear to see that this model puts both Hornby and Lionel models to shame, which was to be expected. With the arrival of Diesel however, it's quite well thought out to guess that two of Sodor's twins, namely Ironworks shunters "'Arry" & "Bert", could be arriving soon.

So, do you buy Diesel? My advice is yes. It's a good all-around model and the flaws on said model can easily be overlooked.

Jack