Perhaps the most distinctive of the new wagons is the Unit Models 1-plank painted in green and lettered for the 'Estates Dept'. Green might not be the most obvious wagon colour but I think this works well and is a good contrast to the similar grey wagon in the 'Shifting Sands' fleet. The estates department obviously have had issues in the past with their wagon being "borrowed" for other uses so have neatly lettered it up. In reality this uses Modelmaster decals, the word 'ESTATES' being made up largely from letter groups in the words 'WEST' and 'EASTERN', the 'Dept.' is a pre-made word on the sheet.
The load is based around an whitemetal kit for a lawnmower that I picked up from an exhibition junk box, I think it was of US-origin. There is a little irony here as the last model of a lawn mower that I owned was a 4mm scale one from... Unit Models! The tools are S&D castings and the oil can Duncan Models. All were carefully painted an weathered before fixing in place. I really need to add some more muck and odd bits of grass cuttings next time the scenic materials are out.
Underneath the modified Peco 10ft N gauge chassis can be seen, all brake gear is removed and the axlebox and spring detail pared back. The axleboxes are overlaid with Black Dog -style ones fixed to the Peco chassis, these had previously been fixed to the resin chassis frame but were refined during painting as I was not happy with their original appearance. Bachmann spoked wheelsets are fitted, which were a little tight at first but after a little fettling now roll smoothly. Greenwich couplers are again fitted with two tiny screws.
That's all for this one, the next wagon will be along soon!
Colin
