Peter Hodge's 4mm scale modelling

24/10/2024

Hopefully we should be able to continue work on the layout in a fortnight, in the meantime I have renumbered some of the steam fleet to locos allocated to Taunton and which worked the line. Transfers from Railtec. The 3MTs need a little repair work and are missing their detailing packs, the Mogul has had a new smokebox door handle fitted.

17/10/2024

Dulverton work continues, prepared the point to the horse box siding and glued down cork underlay through one of the platforms. The need to let that dry means we couldn’t really do anymore today. Our host isn’t available for a few weeks so it will be a while before we can continue. In the meantime I’ve locos and rolling stock to weather, renumber, populate etc.

01/10/2024

Ever since Cavalex released the Class 56 Farewell Tour set I’ve always fancied recreating the tour as I was on it way back in January 2023. I was always tentative at how well top and tailing the train would go, fortunately it ran well without issues! This is as accurate a train I can make, now the theory is proved I can tart it up!

28/09/2024

Combining my two hobbies!

05/09/2024

Just completed this Slater’s NER V1 Brake Van. A nice little kit to build.

06/08/2024

As soon as I saw the kit of Watford tunnel come up I had to get it seeing as the prototype is just about visible at the right time of the year from the back garden. A PJM Models/Key Model World kit, it went together fairly well. Painting and finishing next!

24/07/2024

I’ve been a bit quiet recently having taken a bit of a break from working on the layout (nothing new there!) I have been doing a little bit of work on a CDC Designs Metropolitan Milk Brake Van, improving teak effect, detailing and transfers. It can be seen running behind the newly arrived Rapido Met.1. A truly fantastic model.

Rapido Metropolitan E Class No.1 (DCC Sound Fitted), running in on the SWHMRS 00 Gauge Test Track.

Rapido’s new Metropolitan E Class, No.1 running in on the South West Herts MRS 00 Gauge Test Track on the 23rd July 2024. An absolutely exquisite model which...

30/12/2023

Used some of my fat bottomed ladies out to help with the relaying of the track through the platform. Hopefully they’ll all be in gauge now!

08/11/2023

After a few months working at it on and off we are very nearly complete with The Crooked House. Just lead flashing to complete it, and a small print job for the blackboard at the front. Eventually I’ll add an interior, the roof is only attached with tacky glue so I can removed it later down the line.

19/10/2023

Had some fun running the newly arrived Rapido ‘Titfield Thunderbolt’ today at home and up the railway club. Very well made indeed.

17/10/2023

In an effort to try to improve running I’ve taken up the main running line. I couldn’t run outside frame GWR locos as they’d whack the platform and there was a dip where the point was. I’m going to relay it using a City or Dukedog for gauging and hopefully sort out the dipping point issue.

16/10/2023

You think you’re making progress but after 2 hours I’ve not completed a single circuit of the layout in either direction without a derailment. Why do I bother?

11/10/2023

I’ve decided to take the plunge and commit to DCC for the layout, with crocodile clips currently enabling me to run a permanent bus wire will need installing. Shouldn’t be too difficult as I had the foresight to fit dropper wires throughout. Aim is to get both running lines done and finish the goods loop by Christmas and to have it presentable for people to see!

07/10/2023

On the real steam trains today!

05/10/2023

Welcome to the website of the South West Herts Model Railway Society. We are a group of around 30 modellers who meet in Bushey, near Watford. Our club nights are twice weekly and we also open up on Wednesday mornings. We have a test track in OO gauge and can run N gauge models on our permanent layou...

29/09/2023

Do you have a large marquee or would like to sponsor one?

Chiltern Open Air Museum needs your support for our Festive Weekend this December.

We have so many local artisan craftspeople interested in attending our event on 2nd & 3rd December, we've ran out of room in our barns! If you have a large marquee or would like to sponsor the hire of a marquee then please get in touch on [email protected]

07/09/2023

The Crooked House is coming along nicely, time for a beer though now as I’ve been at this all day!

25/08/2023

I’m a sucker for pre-grouping things. These LSWR coaches no exception!