Ffestiniog Railway Bolster Wagons.
In the scale of 16mm/ft (SM32), Ffestiniog Railway Bolster Wagons are available in kit form, cut from MDF or plywood. They are reasonably priced and easy to assemble, however, they are very basic and look as though the wagons have just come from the manufacturers and never done a day's work.
For my own garden line, I wanted something a little more authentic looking so set about making a pair for myself. My preferred model making material is HIP (Plasticard) as I find it easy to cut and can be fitted together quickly using solvent, thus reducing time waiting for PVA or other wood adhesives to set. It also allows me to create a wood-grain effect, more convincing than real wood in my opinion, and can be painted using acrylic colours to give a weathered effect.
Firstly, I found an illustration in a magazine article which showed a pair in exactly the worn condition I wished to replicate....
I'm not one for accurate dimensions, just a 'if it looks right.....' kind of person, nor can I read or understand technical drawings, so I just wing-it!
The axle-boxes are available from 'Binnie Engineering' in moulded nylon, so cheap. I also used spoked wheels from the same supplier, also very reasonably priced. They are not the best for running, but my intention was to make static models sitting in a siding.
The deck of the wagons was built up from sections, just as the real thing, with individual planks scored by drawing a Razor Saw sideways along the grain, also by deep scratches with a Stanley blade to show wear. The ends of each plank have been heavily hacked too, showing years of heavy work....
Plastic bolt heads are available from Cambrian Models and are stuck on individually. A coat of Plastic Primer, followed by brush painting with acrylic colour gives a good ground to build up a weathered finish ......
I have to say I am pleased with them as they do look quite convincing as well used vehicles.
