The original inspiration for this came from a photo of a very similar coach body lurking in the background of a photo in Midland Record No 30 of St Philip’s Goods Station in Bristol. This model now resides lurking in the background of ‘Midland in Bristol’.

The main body of the coach was an experiment. The construction of which started with a solid lump of timber which was sanded to the profile of the coach body. I then laminated a thin layer of plasticard to the side and end, onto which was added a further layer which was cut away to represent the paneling of the prototype. By the time all the panels are cut out of it, just a fragile web of plasticard remains. This was then carefully glued down to the base layer. Roof details were then added and the whole lot primed with red primer.

The paintwork finish - representing a very dilapidated crimson lake - came about by pure fluke. Once the primer had dried, I went over the body with the top coat, in this case Halford’s Rover Damask Red. However, in my impatience to build up sufficient depth of colour, I dwelt a little too long and ended up with terrible paint runs! In my annoyance I grabbed the nearest towelling rag and wiped it off. Hey-presto, a delightful rendition of old, faded, peeling paint appeared before my eyes! Just a thin wash of dirty paint and dry-brushing once the spray was dry and there it was!

The boarded-up window and old wagon sheet draped over the body complete the scene. There is no under-frame at all represented and instead it has been left chocked-up on wooden bearers.

December 2017

Having spent many years buying and avidly digesting the Model Railway Journal - to many the spiritual ‘home’ of the finer end of finescale modelling - I was approached by Barry Norman to write an article for the magazine about how I made the Goods Office on Monk’s Gate with particular emphasis on the brickwork. It was an honour and real pleasure to write for the magazine, and also re-awakened a love of descriptive writing that I had convinced myself I wasn’t any good at since school days back in the 70s/80s! The icing on the cake, however, was Ned and his dray appearing proudly on the front cover. Bless.

July 2018

My second article to be written for MRJ appeared in issue No264. This article describes in some detail how I developed and made the tea chests, packing cases, wicker baskets, crates and other items once so common goods on the railways. The description and photos will be of great use if you fancy having a go yourself, using the products available here in my shop.

October 2018

My third MRJ acticle appeared in Issue No 266, describing the construction of the Midland barge (or Lighter to give them their proper term). Very pleased with Jerry Clifford’s editing and arrangement of photos. Further constructional notes can be found here.

February 2019

My fourth article in the Model Railway Journal is in issue No 269. It's another 'how to' article describing in some detail how I went about representing the hard landscaping elements of 'Midland in Bristol'. Again, very pleased with Barry Norman's editing and page layouts.

October 2019

Issue No 274 contains a fairly in-depth look at Midland in Bristol, with some great photography by Jerry Clifford (also the editor of this edition) and Adrian Colenutt. I’ve approached the write-up a bit differently to the usual ‘nuts and bolts’ style. Instead I’ve majored on the motivations and inspirations behind how and why Bristol came about. If you get the chance to obtain a copy and read my article I hope it strikes a chord and inspires you to achieve something you maybe didn’t think possible. Without giving too much of the game away, it all started with my break down in the spring of 2017; indeed Jerry’s editorial and at least one other article talk of the many health benefits to engaging in a creative hobby. I hope in future articles to dwell more on the methods and techniques employed - which I have to say are still being developed and honed as I go along my modeling journey. It has been - and always will be - a great source of ongoing inspiration and satisfaction to me to know I can in some way encourage you in your own modeling journey.

Just finished (as of November 2018) this model of an LNWR Signal Cabin, to a scale of 1:24 or half inch to the foot. The overall base measures about 500mm x 250mm and is about 320mm high. As you can see it's a cut-away model showing the fully-detailed interior. It's my entry for the LNWR Society Modelling Competition and inspired by the isometric drawing of a similar cabin in Jack Nelson's iconic 'LNWR Portrayed' book.

It's constructed mainly from wood and mount-board, with details from styrene sheet, brass, perspex, real glass, brass and nickel-silver.

I gained a 'Highly Commended' which I'm quite pleased with - the certificate is now hanging proudly in the workshop! Well done to the Society for a great competition - will I be back next year I wonder...?!

Meanwhile, I am proud to report that the model was donated to the LNWR Society for educational and exhibition use. I am very pleased that it ahs gone to a good home and maybe I will get to see it again at a future exhibition!