David's Workbench

[Mol_PMB]

Wonderful! Superb workmanship and finishing. No need to be scared of the airbrush when you can achieve that.

[Tullygrainey]

What a great opportunity David! Gordon Gravett is up there with Iain Rice and Mike Sharman in my list of railway modelling heroes. Though I never managed to see Pempoul in the flesh, for me it took modelling to a new level the first time I saw photos of it in BRM. And later, Arun Quay was equally impressive. Sounds like Ashford was a great show.

The Swilly tank is brilliant. Perfect weathering job. You've definitely achieved the look you were aiming for. Totally convincing. The rods and wheels are just right for a well used loco. I know what you mean about airbrushes. It takes a deal of courage to spray a weathering mix all over a pristine model. Something I haven't yet had the guts to do! 

[Galteemore]

Have to say that you have brought more than a touch of Gravett magic to the Irish scene David! The locos look fabulous. 

[Rob]

Amazingly realistic-  well done!

[David Holman]

Thanks folks. The air brushing took all of two minutes, though I did practice on bits of card beforehand to try and get the spray pattern right. Truth be known, it looks ok with the two foot rule, but close up, it could be better. Must make sure I request barriers when the layout goes out again!

 Going back to Gordon's masterful work, have come to realise that time is never a factor in what he does. Apart from the obvious skill and experience, he simply works on stuff until it is right - and if it takes more than one go, so be it. Indeed, he will often practice extensively before making the actual model or component.

 One example he told me last weekend was about Pempoul's track. The Reseau Breton was metre gauge, while the layout uses EM (18mm) track. Not quite correct, because the scale used is 1:50, but a reasonable compromise. The track itself utilised S scale components: code 98 bullhead rail and cast whitemetal chairs. Gordon assembled everything using aradite. Not the 5 minute stuff, but the full on 24 hour setting version. Immensely strong, but requiring numerous half track panels to be assembled one at a time, over many evenings!

 I guess we all have certain things we are happy to spend more time on than others, but the very best modellers do it on everything - and there, I think, lies the difference. Add in skill, experience, knowledge, vision etc and you get the very best of the best.

[Galteemore]

32 minutes ago, David Holman said:

Thanks folks. The air brushing took all of two minutes, though I did practice on bits of card beforehand to try and get the spray pattern right. Truth be known, it looks ok with the two foot rule, but close up, it could be better. Must make sure I request barriers when the layout goes out again!

 Going back to Gordon's masterful work, have come to realise that time is never a factor in what he does. Apart from the obvious skill and experience, he simply works on stuff until it is right - and if it takes more than one go, so be it. Indeed, he will often practice extensively before making the actual model or component.

 One example he told me last weekend was about Pempoul's track. The Reseau Breton was metre gauge, while the layout uses EM (18mm) track. Not quite correct, because the scale used is 1:50, but a reasonable compromise. The track itself utilised S scale components: code 98 bullhead rail and cast whitemetal chairs. Gordon assembled everything using aradite. Not the 5 minute stuff, but the full on 24 hour setting version. Immensely strong, but requiring numerous half track panels to be assembled one at a time, over many evenings!

 I guess we all have certain things we are happy to spend more time on than others, but the very best modellers do it on everything - and there, I think, lies the difference. Add in skill, experience, knowledge, vision etc and you get the very best of the best.

That’s most interesting David. One assumes that Gordon just imagines something and it appears perfectly formed in front of him! I know I’ve been guilty of the ‘it’ll do’ approach too often..

[David Holman]

Me too!

[Tullygrainey]

And me!