What a Stunner!

My Ixion Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T Contractors loco arrived today and it is a stunner. It ran smoothly straight from the box and this may improve further after the recommended running in period. Only a couple of minor issues a small paint chip on the chimney and a loose rear spectacle glass - both were easily corrected in less time than it has taken to write this.

Let the layout planning and building commence!!!

The ??? Trading Estate Railway

Just unearthed a proposed O gauge micro-layout which I designed awhile ago to complement my O-16.5 layout 'The Basin'. Initial track plan is one for around 4ft - 5ft in length. This could be built as a BR goods warehouse that is suposed to be a small corner of a bigger goods facility or alternatively (and more likely) as part of a private line similar to the one that existed until the 1960's on the Slough Trading Estate.

The arrival of the Ixion Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T Contractors loco may kick start this project , there are also a number of other small industrial shunter kits available. Just hope the Ixion loco I have on the way is ok as it appers there have been some quality control problems.

Variations on a Theme

As a variation on a theme I have also converted an Hornby Bill / Ben body to run on one of the Electrotren chassis fitted with a Digitrax N gauge 6 pin decoder. This model will be completed using a Smallbrook Studios parts and other assorted bits and pieces from the scrap box.

Weather Or Not

The continued changable weather has enabled a little more loco development.

The loco on the left is a Chris Ward 'printed' body that has now been fitted with handrails and 'link & pin' couplings. It is mounted on a very sweet running Electrotren (Hornby) chassis that is also used in the Jouef Junior range and is far superior to anything Hornby currently offer in their UK trainset type ranges such as Smokey Joe or Thomas. The chassis is fitted with a Digitrax N gauge 6 pin decoder.

The loco on the right is a Bachmann Junior 0-6-ST which has been striped down. It has had the footplate widened and buffer beams modified. It has been fitted with a cab and backhead supplied as spare parts by Smallbrook Studios and is now awaiting the fitting of brake and sanding gear. Although not running as well as the Hornby chassis, it is begining to respond to running in and fine tuning of the Digitrax decoder.

The Basin

A couple of photos of my new 7mm scale, O-16.5 gauge project showing the views to the right and the left. I must get around to paining the wagons in the first view!


The loco shown in the second view is a Chris Ward '3D Printed' body which is awaiting detailing and painting. It is mounted on the smooth running Jouef / Electrotren 0-6-0T chassis which is fitted with a Digitrax 6 pin decoder.