The Fablewood Railway, as you know, is known for its Welsh setting. However, the motive power department is about to get its first ever overseas addition to the fleet....
Picked up from the 009 Society's 'sales' stand at the recent Narrow Gauge North 2025 event, the latest arrival to the railway is an ARU Models kit of a Japanese narrow gauge DL 'Mori Buta' diesel shunter. At first I thought I was just picking up a Kato 103 chassis, only to look on the rear of the packet it came in, and find the kit. But, no harm in setting myself a challenge. And considering this is my first ever brass kit I've assembled, it's been pretty much good going so far!
Here's how it looked, before assembly commenced (including the fore mentioned Kato 103 chassis):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54384702326_02f8b469ac_c.jpg)
After getting around the Japanese instruction sheet, I found that the components looked relatively straight forward. Some being able to slot together, and others requiring some careful bending. A combination of superglue and soldering soon had the loco taking shape:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54384932108_6a6081df5a_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54384893294_f9a42d9d1e_c.jpg)
As yet, there are still a few parts to be added (headlights and roof namely, and a small matter of testing and painting. It has not been decided yet what colour the loco will be turned out in (ideas welcome, as to the closest match to the real thing). The loco (unofficially nicknamed Kenji) will gradually join the diesel fleet, likely to act as an unofficial shunter for Porth Chwedl. For now, the work goes on...
Comments welcome as always.
Ooh, that's nice!