Flat Wagon

Aa mention previously, a few weeks back was the annual shut down week at work. Having no plans for travel I'd decided to sit down and have a solid week at the model railway, mainly finishing off several smaller unfinished projects and also having a try at a few new ones.

First up was a part scratch-built flat wagon.

Inspiration from Mr Ford again, making a bespoke plasticard body to run on a Dundas Models 'Bro Madog' coach chassis. As always, making a slight twist on the original, I decided to cut and shut the chassis down to 85mm. Thanks to the moulded reinforcing strips on the underside, it was much easier to get a nice square join.

Body construction was very simple, essentially making an upturned tray with the deck scribed to represent planking. A little extra time was taken to roughen up the top by dragging a sharp knife lightly back and forth across the width to give a wood grain effect. It's not too noticeable after painting, but when the light catches it just right it's a good effect.

I'm certainly getting more confidence with painting a passable wood effect at this point. I should really learn how to paint some other texture. Bricks or stone are probably the next great challenge!

Even in it's reduced length, the wagon is still the longest item of rolling stock to date. It does however fit in much better size wise with the other items currently running.

Another one to log on the stock list!