View allAll Photos Tagged classix
I have been thinking about squeezing a period newpaper stall in outside the Underground station, on the portable tram layout. It then occurred to me that it might be possible to convert the 1/76 scale Classix FL1 hire car model into a van of the type used by the Evening Standard. Photos of such beasts are quite rare but I managed to pull together a number that would make the job possible.
The FX3 taxi from which the van was derived was produced from 1948 - 58. A couple of views I found suggested that the vans had only appeared after the London trams finished in 1952, until I found a rear view of one in one of my tram books. I also noted that a black/silver livery was used in later years (too late for the tram era). I assembled a thin card shell around the rear of the cab. Once painted with Humbrol Midnight Blue, I put together some self adhesive overlays with the lettering, matching the blue as best I could. A little crude but just about passable for me. I will soon set about producing the diagonal advert roof board to finish it off and then just need to do the newstand.
The van is seen with an FX3 cab for comparison.
When I built my first tram layout about fifteen years ago, I spent much time hunting for, and repainting old Lesney models; such was the dearth of suitable 1/76 scale cars.
Quite soon the situation changed drastically with offerings from Classix and to a greater extent , Oxford Diecast.
One of the first Classix models that I bought was the blue Standard Vanguard series 1. Recently I've bought the Oxford equivalent. This black model is rather superior in almost every regard with much crisper detail. I immediately saw that it carries what seems to be a re-registration plate. It's likely that the subject of the model had it's original number sold and was then issued with this 'age related' plate from an unused "Scottish" series. No problem to change the number for a genuine period one though.
But alas for me, the model appears to be a Series 1A version with updated grille which didn't appear until 1952. With my tram layout set supposedly around 1950-1, it's just out of the time scale! Fortunately the range of period vehicles is now much greater so there are others to choose from!
A class 121 Diesel Railcar purrs alongside the shed. A private delivery has arrived in a Volkswagen Transporter Van in bright orange contrasting with the yellow British Rail van.
1:76. OO Gauge. The Railcar is by Hornby (Using the old Lima body), The BR Vauxhall van is by Classix and the VW by Oxford Diecast.
Some while ago I went to the effort of converting a Classix Austin FL1 to a van as used to deliver Evening Standard newspapers in the fifties. I recently came across a 3D printed figure set comprising a news vendor with his stand and a 'business man' customer.
Whilst painting these I also remembered that the van needed a name board over the cab, which has now been added. The figures certainly loo the part outside the Charles Holden Underground station, although they appear to be nearer HO than OO. Fortunately I use many Preiser figures to this scale. The business man especially looks to be very slightly built. I will need to keep the more robust OO Bachmann tram (train) spotters away from him , in case they turn nasty!
Ahead of the van is a standard Austin FX3 , the taxi of the time from which the van was adapted.
Following a diversion round the back streets.
1:76 Scale. OO Gauge.
Bus is by Corgi OOC released August 2006.
Cars are by Classix.
All vehicles are Diecast.
A week or so ago I made the mistake of leaving the door to my room ajar. Blueberry, our youngest and most inquisitive cat was found on the landing with a guilty look on her face. I quickly checked the room (that contains the tramway layout) and couldn't find any damage.
Today I found the chewed up remains of two 'Keep Left' pillars.....
It seems that Blueberry had deftly walked along City Road avoiding the various vehicles and the static population, and then ripped both pillars up and chewed them. She probably beat a hasty retreat when she heard someone outside the room.
The pillars are simply constructed from card folded into shape with a top lid and a Keep Left sign added, so I looked out the file and printed some replacements.
Here a couple of workmen are busy installing the new pillars whilst one of the pair that Blueberry uprooted lies in the foreground.
Free to download Keep Left bollards at www.kingswaymodels.com
Ex Western SMT GUY Arab Park Royal bus VS4357 works a service to North Fields past Sirus Lodge.
The bus was a quick spot hire to maintain service hence it is not at its best.
1:76 Scale. OO Gauge. Bus is by Corgi OOC released November 2001. It has been altered, detailed and weathered.
Cars by Classix and Oxford Diecast.
Diorama home made.
Working around the loop at Thornbury in a line of traffic.
1:76 Scale. OO gauge. Diecast Weyman Trolleybus of Bradford City Transport made by OOC and released in August 1997.
Diorama scratchbuilt.
Cars by Classix and Oxford Diecast.