48660 prepares to depart Combwich Station with a mid afternoon service to Templecombe on the 10th of October 1965.
This afternoon I finally finished off the 8F with a good dose of dry-brushing using creams, leather, earth, pale grey and finally black (just to take the edges off) in front of the computer looking at Barking Bill's FLICKR website for inspiration. I will replace the pony wheels next time I get to a good show with such suppliers. I have to say that this loco runs and absolute dream.
Photographically I just used the natural window light with a long exposure, and this is just what the eye sees too including the backscene. The only trickery is the fake clag.
About Me
- Chris Nevard Model Railways & Photography
- Professional Photographer, Model Maker, Writer & Pretend Musician
31 October 2010
30 October 2010
Faded Elegance
Going through some of the famous Bath based photographer *Ivan Locksmith's old prints, I decided that this one was worth slapping under the scanner for today's load of old baloney and venture into a past parallel universe that never was.....
40564 was one of the very last elegant LMS 2P 4-4-0s left running on the Somerset & Dorset, and is captured here rolling into Combwich with the 10 am Templecombe service on the 21 August 1961. By this stage the Western Region has been in charge of the northern section of the former S&DJR network for sometime and its influence could be seen with the ex GWR Pannier tank No. 4691. Had the photo had been taken in colour you'd be able to spot the WR brown and cream paint on the old oil lamp mounted on an old piece of rail to the right, these colours replacing the previous green and cream.
Back to reality, the loco is Hornby with a repaint and a few extra bits and bobs, it will get a proper Comet chassis in due course once I've saved up some pennies to get it properly done by a pro (I'm a disaster with such wizardry). The signal on the right is a designed to upset the purists in the form of a Ratio LNER plastic kit with a few mods and some MSE finials to make it look sort of 'LSWR'.
*Ivan Locksmith of course is fiction like much of this post, he is a character based on the actual celebrated photographers Messrs Ivo Peters and Norman Lockett who between them recorded much of the SDJR.
40564 was one of the very last elegant LMS 2P 4-4-0s left running on the Somerset & Dorset, and is captured here rolling into Combwich with the 10 am Templecombe service on the 21 August 1961. By this stage the Western Region has been in charge of the northern section of the former S&DJR network for sometime and its influence could be seen with the ex GWR Pannier tank No. 4691. Had the photo had been taken in colour you'd be able to spot the WR brown and cream paint on the old oil lamp mounted on an old piece of rail to the right, these colours replacing the previous green and cream.
Back to reality, the loco is Hornby with a repaint and a few extra bits and bobs, it will get a proper Comet chassis in due course once I've saved up some pennies to get it properly done by a pro (I'm a disaster with such wizardry). The signal on the right is a designed to upset the purists in the form of a Ratio LNER plastic kit with a few mods and some MSE finials to make it look sort of 'LSWR'.
*Ivan Locksmith of course is fiction like much of this post, he is a character based on the actual celebrated photographers Messrs Ivo Peters and Norman Lockett who between them recorded much of the SDJR.
29 October 2010
The 4.30pm service to Templecombe
Ex GWR Collett 0-6-0 No. 3206 prepares to depart Combwich with the 4.30pm service to Templecombe on the 30th of September 1963. The narrow gauge trucks in the foreground are used on part of the narrow gauge quayside tramway.
The natural daylight reflecting off the LMS subs (repainted and detailed Airfix) highlights the minor failings of Flushglaze with the rounded edges. Yes, that is me riding the cushions.
The natural daylight reflecting off the LMS subs (repainted and detailed Airfix) highlights the minor failings of Flushglaze with the rounded edges. Yes, that is me riding the cushions.
- CLICK HERE for a 1280 x 800 pixel version which is ideal for widescreen wallpaper.
- See this layout for real at WYCRAIL on Saturday 6 November '10.
28 October 2010
Postman Penguin
Here's Postman Penguin snapped at Ankle Bend Crossing near Combwich Station!
My wife collects miniature penguins, with this one from Murano Glass being one of the cutest and smallest of all at a mere 20mm tall. This little fellow was found on Ebay and is one of around a 100 in her collection of these beaky, slippery, black & white creatures! I'm really tempted to do some more silly shots with a few more of these penguinesque fellas because they're far more fun than badly moulded and painted white metal figures that look like they've escaped from Quatermass or Doctor Who.
My wife collects miniature penguins, with this one from Murano Glass being one of the cutest and smallest of all at a mere 20mm tall. This little fellow was found on Ebay and is one of around a 100 in her collection of these beaky, slippery, black & white creatures! I'm really tempted to do some more silly shots with a few more of these penguinesque fellas because they're far more fun than badly moulded and painted white metal figures that look like they've escaped from Quatermass or Doctor Who.
Perspective Dilemma
Bath shed's Class 4 Ivatt 2-6-0 has just arrived at Combwich with the mid morning working from Templecombe formed of a brace of LMS subs and an LNER Pigeon Brake Van. Note the trucks on the narrow gauge 2ft 3inch gauge wharf tramway. For a bigger version of the above snap CLICK HERE .
It's all the rage these days to photograph model railways from a worm's eye view in an attempt to make them look more 'real', occasionally though, it's nice to get up a little higher to show off more of the layout. But, photographically if too elevated the backscene can start to take on an odd perspective spoiling any realism, so it's probably not the best approach if you're trying to pass off your pride and joy for the real thing. A similar problem occurs with low relief buildings if not perpendicular with the camera, with my pet hate being half low-relief houses which look very odd when the ends are not hidden by a tree or some other tall structure to hide that fact that the rear of the roof is missing.
The low relief end-on warehouses seen top right in the snap above very much highlight this problem, with them looking rather odd from most angles unless viewed head on. In hindsight I'd have been better off with a bank of trees, but it wouldn't have given that mildly industrial look I was after at the time and only having 1/2 an inch depth to play with.
It's all the rage these days to photograph model railways from a worm's eye view in an attempt to make them look more 'real', occasionally though, it's nice to get up a little higher to show off more of the layout. But, photographically if too elevated the backscene can start to take on an odd perspective spoiling any realism, so it's probably not the best approach if you're trying to pass off your pride and joy for the real thing. A similar problem occurs with low relief buildings if not perpendicular with the camera, with my pet hate being half low-relief houses which look very odd when the ends are not hidden by a tree or some other tall structure to hide that fact that the rear of the roof is missing.
The low relief end-on warehouses seen top right in the snap above very much highlight this problem, with them looking rather odd from most angles unless viewed head on. In hindsight I'd have been better off with a bank of trees, but it wouldn't have given that mildly industrial look I was after at the time and only having 1/2 an inch depth to play with.
- Find out more about Combwich
- Visit Chivers Finelines
- Just over a week to Wycrail
27 October 2010
Drunken Railway Cat and other things....
47276 arrives at Combwich with a Sunday engineering train. See a bigger version of this photo HERE!
I must apologise for maybe getting a bit tardy with all these Combwich snaps, it's just that I haven't had the layout set up in the house for years! Here's another grab under the available room lighting, this time of the little 'Bagnall' arriving at Combwich with a Sunday engineering train formed of a rake of repainted Heljan Dogfish and a LNER Dia 120 4W BY Pigeon Brake Van built from a Chivers Finelines kit. Whether they ever acted as a brake on such a train I have no idea, but it was on the layout at the time and I quickly snapped and processed this shot just before going to bed last night.
The cat on the ganger's hut was bought at Pendon many years ago and looks rather more like a fox that had a spell with the local chimney sweep, or at least inbibed in too much local cider judging by the angle. The SR concrete hut could be treated better now, I'm much better and doing concrete (you'll have to wait for my feature on the printed page) these days. This angle shows off the refresh with the Noch Gras Master, a fabulous tool that allows one to place hairy grass on almost any existing surface in a matter of seconds.
I must apologise for maybe getting a bit tardy with all these Combwich snaps, it's just that I haven't had the layout set up in the house for years! Here's another grab under the available room lighting, this time of the little 'Bagnall' arriving at Combwich with a Sunday engineering train formed of a rake of repainted Heljan Dogfish and a LNER Dia 120 4W BY Pigeon Brake Van built from a Chivers Finelines kit. Whether they ever acted as a brake on such a train I have no idea, but it was on the layout at the time and I quickly snapped and processed this shot just before going to bed last night.
The cat on the ganger's hut was bought at Pendon many years ago and looks rather more like a fox that had a spell with the local chimney sweep, or at least inbibed in too much local cider judging by the angle. The SR concrete hut could be treated better now, I'm much better and doing concrete (you'll have to wait for my feature on the printed page) these days. This angle shows off the refresh with the Noch Gras Master, a fabulous tool that allows one to place hairy grass on almost any existing surface in a matter of seconds.
- Combwich
- Visit Chivers Finelines
- Just over a week to Wycrail
25 October 2010
A Balmy Day in '62
Bath Green Park's 48660 is captured shunting the sidings at Combwich in September 1962. Black 5 No. 45440 can also been seen on shed - quite what it was doing here is uknown, but it's though to have hauled a 'special' working to do with the nuclear power programme at nearby Hinkley Point. See a bigger version of the photo here!
Of course the above is just aload of old rubbish - all just a bit of fun.
Like with previous shots of Combwich being tidied up for Wycrail on the 6th Nov (and also Railex in May '11) this one was taken under the single 60w domestic bulb in the ceiling with a long exposure. 5 identical images focussed on key spots were combined using software to increase the depth of field. The sky; the lower section is the the actual rather badly painted backscene, the area above a little wash with Photoshop to hide the walls and windows the layout is currently residing in.
Of course the above is just aload of old rubbish - all just a bit of fun.
Like with previous shots of Combwich being tidied up for Wycrail on the 6th Nov (and also Railex in May '11) this one was taken under the single 60w domestic bulb in the ceiling with a long exposure. 5 identical images focussed on key spots were combined using software to increase the depth of field. The sky; the lower section is the the actual rather badly painted backscene, the area above a little wash with Photoshop to hide the walls and windows the layout is currently residing in.
24 October 2010
Photo of the Day
Bull: Gently simmering away, Radstock's '*Bagnall' No. 47276 is captured resting between shunting moves at Combwich on 2 October 1965.
Reality: simply taken with daylight coming through the window, the only messing about is the bit of fake clag. Combwich is currently set up in preparation for Wycrail on Sat 6 November. Work on the layout today involved a few tweaks to point blades and a little refresh of the scenery using a Noch Grasmaster.
*A 'Bagnall' (what S&D men called a Jinty) is just a renumbered and weathered Bachmann.
Reality: simply taken with daylight coming through the window, the only messing about is the bit of fake clag. Combwich is currently set up in preparation for Wycrail on Sat 6 November. Work on the layout today involved a few tweaks to point blades and a little refresh of the scenery using a Noch Grasmaster.
*A 'Bagnall' (what S&D men called a Jinty) is just a renumbered and weathered Bachmann.
22 October 2010
Countdown to Wycrail (aka pulling my thumb out)
nevard_101022_combwich_4f_IMG_8152_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.
Baloney caption: Under a stunning clear blue summer sky, a nicely buffed up 44417 poses next to the photographer's Morris Traveller at Combwich Station in July 1962.
I woke up at 04:00 this morning in a restless state realising that Wycrail is only 2 weeks away; "so what", you say "you finished this layout years ago so there's nothing to worry about". All quite true, but the problem is that Combwich hasn't been run since 2004 at the Farnham Model Railway Exhibition. Model railways, like old cars don't like to be forgotten and ignored because they break down or at least refuse to work properly. What's more, Combwich is 30 this year, so whilst not a classic is at least an old heap with all the associated problems apart from rust.
With permission from the domestic authorities I've taken over the extension and set the layout up in there. The cats are rather amused by the goings on especially seeing it's where they normally hang out at bed time.
One of the first jobs was to set up the layout on Cement Quay's trestles, these are a little higher than Combwich's old ones which are now firewood. That bit worked out OK, but does mean I'll need to sort out a longer drape to mask the trestles (I'll pinch Cement Quay's and add another section). Next job was to power it all up, this bit took me by surprise in that everything works - amazing really since it has spent 5 of the last 6 years in a slightly damp garage. The last 9 months however has been in a warm house.
The backscene and fascia was a little scuffed, so a slap of paint has sorted out that, matching the blue sky was a little tricky but feathering the new paint hopefully has worked to blend it in. Then the lighting rig was erected and the big nameboard displaying 'Combwich' in finest Gill Sans fixed with the aid of a hot glue gun.
That's pretty well it, so the above snap was taken at tea time under a single 60 watt bulb in the ceiling which gives a good representation of midday sun with it being to overhead. In case anyone thinks we have nice blue walls then of course that it not the case, that bit is just a bit of cgi....
19 October 2010
Return of The Titfield Thunderbolt!
It's a little known fact that 1451 and its GWR autocoach made a trip along the old S&D between Highbridge and Evercreech one Tuesday in 1964. Here the little ensemble is captured by Hungarian photographer Draven Rehpotsirhc after a chase from Evercreech Junction. Some say it was run to shoot footage for the failed cinema release 'Return of The Titfield Thunderbolt'.
Of course, this is just a load of old tosh and a chance to wind up the purists;-)
Of course, this is just a load of old tosh and a chance to wind up the purists;-)
- More info on this little station can be found here.
- Find out about the original Titfield Thunderbolt.
15 October 2010
"Chim chiminey Chim chiminey Chim chim cher-oo!"
With the near completion of the long-winded cornish pump for Mendip Colliery, last night a chimney was built up from plastic sheet and earlier today a little paint splashed onto it. Read more about it in Model Rail Magazine in due course.
12 October 2010
Cornish Pump Engine: Update 11 Oct 2010
Cornish Pump Engine: Update 11 Oct 2010.
Today's work included making up the beam from plastic sheet, wooden shutters and additional paintwork. Ignore the gap around the base, that will be filled when the structure is set into the ground. There is still quite a bit of detail to be added to the area below the beam. I'll post a snap in due course.
07 October 2010
Voie Libre No. 62
Talented editor-in-chief François Fontana has the uncanny knack of tracking down, photographing and reporting on some of the finest narrow gauge modelling from around the globe and then presenting it in a most wonderfully stylish package.
The inpirational content makes me realise just how far behind many of us Brits are with this all encompassing hobby when it comes to scenics, presentation, imagination, ingenuity and above all having fun.
And now the contents of No.62.......
Layout Features
The marvellous island of Thomas Schmid
The sawmill of Michel Lecoursonais
Show Reports
RailExpo 2010
Layout Idea
Beet network in Picardy (00e)
Rolling Stock
The engines Resisted (0 16,5)
30 T the Meuse Victor' S Scale Models
Report
Weekend in Ardèche Miniatures
Project
To build a network for your trams, continuation (H09)
History
Trams of Jorat (continuation)
What is nine?
Book Review
Van Decauville Tarn and the Garonne (1/43,5)
Rolling stock of the TW of Jorat (1/87, 1/43,5)
- Visit VOIE LIBRE online and to download your ENGLISH translation!
06 October 2010
Disheveled Looking Cornish Pump
Mendip Colliery - Cornish Pump: after the result of basic painting, windows, beam etc still to add along with local colouring. This will form part of Mendip Collery 3 (working title) in Model Rail Mag in due course....
05 October 2010
Model Rail 149
- News: First pictures of the first engineering prototype of the MR/Dapol Sentinel. Still lots of small detail and rivets to add.
- CAD outline of Olivia's Class 76
- Reviews: Hornby 28xx and Hawksworth coaches, Bachmann Class 03, Farish Mk1 coaches, Scenecraft depot structures, Bachmann Blue Class 105, Hornby watercart 'Arthur'
- East Dean - Hillingdon O gauge layout
- Static grass
- Run it like a real railway - Goods yards
- Diesel detailing
- Hellingly Hospital Railway - OO layout by Phil Parker
- Supertest - weathering products
- 5 ways to weather without an airbrush
- George Dent tweaks a Class 14
- Hendre Lane.
- 28xxs at work
- Not a'N'other DCC feature!
- Masterplan: Craven Arms
- Darren builds a JLTRT Class 20
- Plus all the regulars including Model Mail, Q&A and Backscene.
Links
30 September 2010
See Combwich at Wycrail Saturday 6 Nov 2010
 |
| Templecombe's Midland 4F No. 44417 is captured running around the 1.15pm service from Evercreech Junction at Combwich. Notice the disused narrow gauge tramway embedded into the quay. |
nevard_100307_combwich_IMG_6437_web, originally uploaded by nevardmedia.
*Updated, Sat 2 Oct*
All aboard the 2.15pm Service from Bleakhouse Road to Combwich! A unique Somerset and Dorset train service will operate at this years Wycrail exhibition on Saturday 6th November.
The 37th annual model railway exhibition organised by the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society, on Saturday 6th November is being held at:
John Hampden Grammar School
Marlow Hill
High Wycombe
Bucks HP11 1SZ
Open 10am till 5pm
This year will see two well known Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway layouts come together under the same roof for the very first time! After several years of eager anticipation and discussion, the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society have created a rare opportunity for this overdue pairing of layouts to at last become reality - but only for one day! On the day, the highlight will be the anticipated passing of passenger and goods trains between Bleakhouse Road - Tim Maddocks' (CK) fine portrayal of the Somerset Levels and Combwich - Chris Nevard's exhibition shy, but web famous, layout based on the banks of the River Parrett.
Over 20 high quality and inspirational model railway layouts will be attending, of both British and continental outline and in a wide range of scales and gauges including N, 3mm, 00, H0, EM, P4, 0 and narrow gauges.
As well as the aforementioned, layouts exhibiting are: :
Oxendale Junction,
Stony Lane Depot,
Ashcombe,
Purbeck ,
East Street Wharf,
Neham Goods,
Hayesden,
Flockburgh,
Nugatory Basin,
Wiggenhall Road Depot,
Mytchett Green Tramway,
Egypt Brewery,
Gas Lane,
Keyhaven Quay (some of you may know that one),
Schloss Adler,
Smrzovka,
Gamle Carlsberg,
Mason's Bridge yard,
Pine Bluff's & Ceda Falls,
Prospect Valley.
Full trade support will be present ranging from tools, kits, electronic components, R-T-R models to books and also includes the Hornby Hobbies roadshow, the RMweb & the Hornby Magazine stands.
A free vintage bus service is once again being operated from the Railway Station and Town Centre to John Hampden Grammar School. The bus service will depart from Wycombe Railway Station on the hour between 10:00 and 16:00. Return journeys will depart John Hampden Grammar School every hour between 10:30 and 15:30 with the final two journeys departing at 16:25 and 17:05 immediately after the show closes.
Some useful links!
11 September 2010
Brentford Waste Terminal
An aerial view of Brentford Waste Terminal looking towards the centre of London. The waste after processing gets shipped off in the yellow containers by rail to a landfill site at Appleford, Oxfordshire. The photograph here is a montage of 6 frames.
- Follow this link for a bigger view
10 September 2010
Rull Britannia
 |
| MJ Bladet, Summer 2010 www.mj-bladet.no/ |
Rather than the Norwegian content you'd expect, this issue is mainly dedicated to foreign climes, in this case us Brits. Inside there are many iconic layouts that will be familiar to regular readers of the UK press and exhibition circuit.
I'm delighted of course that my Catcott Burtle is on the cover of this issue, complete with a feature on the little trainset too - all in Norwegian of course!
I queried 'RULL BRITANNIA' thinking that heaven forbid maybe it was a spelling mistake, it is however Norwegian humour and a play on words, 'RULL' being Norwegian for 'ROLL'.....
09 September 2010
Another day out with the lads
Maybe it should be called Last of the Summer Wine instead? Anyway, for once the sun shone for most of the day, and we even got some heritage power too...
http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/c1882359.html
http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/c1882359.html
02 September 2010
Reflection
So, the address the railway modelling aspect of this BLOG, here's a chance to see some of the best UK model making around from various clubs and highly talented individuals captured for the printed page over the last year or two. If you've seen this collection before, it's just had a major update with older images removed and new ones added.
PORTFOLIO
25 August 2010
Evening Panorama
If you're a frequent listener to traffic reports, this stretch over motorway between Highbridge and Weston super Mare is often at a standstill or a sea of Hungarian trucks and caravans. Given the choice, I imagine for most supping a beer with such view would win over being stuck in the car with screaming kids or moaning backseat drivers as yet another articulated lorry slows the whole motorway down as its selfish driver tries to overtake another lorry at a 0.00000000001 MPH advantage.
What's this go to do with trains? Nothing really other than it uses the technique I'll be writing about in due course for producing a photographic back drop for a model railway, and oh yes, the Highbridge branch of the beloved S&DJR used to run from left to right just beyond the hill in the distance.
14 August 2010
Cockney Rubble
Until I took this snap earlier in the week it had never dawned on me that with the construction of the 2012 Olympic Village at Bow in East London that there might not be enough room for all the waste mud and rubble generated during the building process.
So now not only has the Cockney accent moved to most parts of the southeast and beyond, but now also some Cockney East End rubble - this London overspill in the wagons above being destined for the very well-spoken middle class Oxfordshire!
If you like wagon loads for some odd reason, I've posted a few more here.
So now not only has the Cockney accent moved to most parts of the southeast and beyond, but now also some Cockney East End rubble - this London overspill in the wagons above being destined for the very well-spoken middle class Oxfordshire!
If you like wagon loads for some odd reason, I've posted a few more here.
11 August 2010
Getting Soaked on a Railway Bridge
A week of two back a date was chosen to catch up with some old pals for a nerdy day out snapping trains in the Thames Valley. Of course in this 'nanny state day and age' such innocent activity is often mistakingly seen akin to terrorism, so going on mass makes one less susceptible to attracting the wrong kind of attention from over zealous public and jobsworths. Above is the dangerous looking motley crew, I hasten to say before we all got a good soaking!
With hindsight we would have chosen a better day, for we all gave up just after lunchtimes due ot the rubbish wet weather. Still, the joys of digital capture allow one to record scenes in the most inclement weather!
Here are the snaps;
Mine...
http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/c1882359_1.html
Tony's...
http://www.tony4170.fotopic.net/c1882701.html
Chris'
Coming soon....
With hindsight we would have chosen a better day, for we all gave up just after lunchtimes due ot the rubbish wet weather. Still, the joys of digital capture allow one to record scenes in the most inclement weather!
Here are the snaps;
Mine...
http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/c1882359_1.html
Tony's...
http://www.tony4170.fotopic.net/c1882701.html
Chris'
Coming soon....
04 August 2010
Stone by Stone
Rather than clad the Cornish Engine currently on the workbench as part of my Mendip Colliery project (posed with a bit of CGI in the form of Priddy in Somerset very near to the caver's Mecca of Swildon's Hole in fact) in embossed stone effect sheets, I wanted a more rustic random effect. There's only one way to do this, and that is to carve each stone individually using a sharp object into a surface that will take such abuse - which in this case is Humbrol Air Clay.
Obviously the colour is way off, it being the native red colour of the clay - this will be addressed in due course with paints and weathering. Some of the clay crumbled a little - something that I'm quite pleased because it's part of the effect I'm after, and something that could not be done with embossed plastic. The random cracking is also a useful 'feature' of Air Clay, to further the rustic effect.
To date I've only done this one wall leaving the rest of the structure to be done another day - infact something which is ideal for passing time by when supposedly doing something else like watching dull TV...
Obviously the colour is way off, it being the native red colour of the clay - this will be addressed in due course with paints and weathering. Some of the clay crumbled a little - something that I'm quite pleased because it's part of the effect I'm after, and something that could not be done with embossed plastic. The random cracking is also a useful 'feature' of Air Clay, to further the rustic effect.
To date I've only done this one wall leaving the rest of the structure to be done another day - infact something which is ideal for passing time by when supposedly doing something else like watching dull TV...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)