Bron Effans

In April I bought a pair of Kato chassis off a friend in the 009 group. I took the opportunity that came with the lockdown to construct a new freelance diesel for the fleet. I wanted to use a pre-made cab and build the bodywork around that in order to build something that looked vaguely realistic. I found a Funkey bodykit from A1 models and began to deconstruct the kit to make the locomotive. I wanted a more central cab position to create something that was reminiscent of Castell Caernarfon. I  I drew up a rough sketch and set about creating the bodywork from 40 thou styrene.  I used the brass grills to add to the sides of the body. I added brassrod for the handrails and a few extra details from one of the Harlech Castle models.  I initially gave it a basecoat in Games Workshop paint which brought it to life as a something that could be realised in real life. There are several details that need to be added to the model but I am inte...

After the recent success with the construction of the interior of 2080, I decided that I would have a go at scratchbuilding a locomotive to fit on one of my spare Kato chassis. I had a browse of  a well known auction site and found an A1 models brass kit that represented a Funkey diesel. I bought it without even thinking and set about deciding how I was going to build it. I wanted to adapt the kit to move the cab further towards the front of the running plate so that it represented a smaller version of Castell Caernarfon.    The kit can with a styrene running board, which did not need any adaptation to fit on either of the chassis. I chose the one on the left as the basis for this new diesel and set to work. I cut a recess into the rear of the cab to allow for the motor to remain unobstructed.  The bonnet was constructed from 40 thou thick styrene to give the structure some substance and added the brass radiator grill from the kit. If it isn't b...