From time-to-time customers have been asking what is happening with the engine shed kits. Standard gauge modellers may have seen in the latest O gauge guild Gazette some details of the O gauge stone engine shed. This has been something of a stop-start project with pauses and re-thinks along the way. This is now to be available as individual modular scratch-aid parts under the product code BC29 (A, B, C, D & E). The idea behind it is that builders can choose the combination of parts to build a structure that best fits the requirements of their layout, whether that be a complete shed to house a loco as part of the operation or perhaps a low-relief form to suggest a larger shed stretching beyond the visible scene. The part packs have been arranged to give what is hopefully the most useful and flexible range of options. As these are scratch-aid parts the builder will have to do some fabrication work, primarily constructing a simple internal sub-structure onto which the castings are overlaid. This is best done with foam board or MDF / plywood. I had briefly considered making the castings full-wall thickness, but as a prototypical shed wall could be three-feet wide or more decided against it on the grounds of both increased weight and cost. As it has turned out, designing the parts as overlays has probably made them more versatile. The display model in the photos illustrates the smallest shed that can be constructed using each of the part packs. The centre wall panel is an extension piece that can be added in, enabling the length of the shed to be increased as desired. Originally, it was going to be a kit for a shed with three windows each side, using laser-cut internal sides for support. This idea unfortunately had to be abandoned, but I do have a few of the internal side wall MDF trial pieces remaining which are available for sale on a first come, first served basis.
The second engine shed to report on is the narrow gauge stone shed, BK18. This has been unavailable for some time owing to difficulties in sourcing the laser-cut MDF internal wall pieces at a reasonable price. As such, the kit is being reworked and will be available again shortly. The revised kit will have new cast resin internal walls that sandwich the window castings and glazing as before to create the internal window reveals and give the additional structural support previously provided by the MDF. The advantage to this is an improved kit with interior wall detail and windows on both sides (as often requested) at only a small extra cost. Having done a test build using the new parts, I hope customers will agree that it is now a better kit and I can see opportunities for possible future developments of this model.
For now, however, buildings work will have to go on the 'long-term' list as more pressing Port Wynnstay rolling stock matters need to be attended to. I am starting to build up a stock of castings for the first kits to be rereleased and continuing test building from the new moulds. Those that follow my eBay listings may have spotted a slightly reworked Quarryman’s coach body kit, in the style of the preserved coach No8, which made it out before Christmas. I am also currently tracking down suppliers for the non-resin parts that go into many of the PW kits. More on the Port Wynnstay range another time.
I hope everyone had a happy and restful Christmas and enjoys a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Best wishes
422 Modelmaking
