Lifting the Vale

I have several diesel locomotives in my collection but there has always been one that I have wanted to build above all else. That was my very own version of 'The Vale of Ffestiniog'. This rebuilt Funkey diesel has appealed to me since the day I set eyes on the Ffestiniog as it was a glorious looking machine and it has stood out in my memory of the railway.

I wanted to build one from the Worsley works kit, but was put off by the serious lack of suitable chassis for it. I found mine that had been put on sale by a friend of mine, who I have shared advice and held many in depth discussions about the railway. I made him an offer and I waited by my front door. When it arrived I realised just how much of a scratch aid kit it was. There were literally only enough parts to produce a bodyshell. I was going to have to learn and employ some serious thinking outside the box to complete this model and do it justice. 

Some of the handmade detail

The kit was assembled and I used brass wire to complete the handrail detail  on the doors and the front ends of the locomotive. I used the heads of rail tacs to create handles for the engine compartment. I know several modelling purists will think I am committing some kind of heresy here, but I have recently learned to apply Rule Number 1 to my layout. 

The completed outer bodyshell

Therefore I have decided that my Vale locomotive is going to be painted in a dark BR Blue colour scheme with Yellow warning panels. BR Blue has been a favourite shade of mine and I have been teasing for a few months about using it on one of my diesels.

At present it has no name and only one coat of paint on it. The Dapol chassis is impeccable. I have a feeling that this is going to be another incredibly reliable locomotive.

Stay tuned for more when I try and finish this model before I go on holiday.

The completed bodyshell with additional detail

First coat of paint.