Worsley Works

[Colin R]

Hi All

 

I have contacted Allen today about doing one or two of the West Clare Railway Steam Locomotives in 4mm scale or 00n3. While there were seven classes of locos for the line, I think the two most Iconic types were:-

 

1 the Dub 0-6-2T

or 

2 the Green 2-6-2T

 

The others, for completeness, were:-

 

1 Bagnall                  0-6-0T

2 Kerr Stuart             4-6-0T 

3 Bagnall                  4-6-0T

4 Hunslet                  4-6-0T

5 ex T&D Hunslets   2-6-0T

 

Allen said he could do either the first or the second one. Should there be enough demand, then he might consider doing the second one

 

I would like one of each, but I'm working on how many Allen would need to make it viable. I think he would need at least six confirmed orders for both types.

 

Regards

 

Colin Rainsbury 

 

[Galteemore]

News is now official. My final 2 orders from Allen have just arrived - sad to see this go! Who knows, someone may take it on….

[Colin R]

I have a feeling that there are a number of possibilities. The 3mm Society is in discussion for the 3mm scale masters as well as the oon3 masters. I am not sure about any of the 009 etches, but I think it is a case of wait and see right now

[David Holman]

The scratch builders amongst us must hope that Societies and/or individuals can take on what Allen has created. Worsley is a vast portfolio of drawings for etching and it would be sad to lose it.

 I would think that some sort of archive, to preserve the drawings, is the minimum. The 3D print community seems to be building up a range of files that anyone, either for a fee, or even free, can download and then either print themselves, or send to one of the commercial printers to have done for them. So it could be with Worsley files, because there are firms who will do one off etches if you provide the artwork.

 The plethora of high quality, ready to run models, is one thing (albeit it at significant cost), but it worries me that the hobby is in danger of becoming de-skilled if we continue to lose providers of detail parts, kits and so on.

 3D prints should be seen as just another tool, to expand our creativity, likewise the computer keyboard/mouse. It would be sad to see the use of physical modelling skills like marking, cutting, turning, etc decline in the face of ever more tech - however welcome the latter may seem.

Edited 7 hours ago by David Holman