Manildra Group - MQRF container wagon

The MQRF container wagon operated and owned by Manildra has always been a wagon I have always wanted to model. I remember visiting Sydney for a week of train spotting roughly around 2003 and seeing these wagons (back then were coded AQRF as they were owned by ARG before being on sold to Manildra) running behind a couple of CLP/CLF and L/31 classes.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

So where did I start with these wagons? I managed to source kits off eBay by CDH Models that was a good base to start with. The kits comes with some cast brake detail but I used Steam Era Models brake components kits (C1) as I was after grade controls, hand brake wheel and other small bits and pieces. I added new side and end sills to the wagons that were made out of styrene strips (from memory 1mm thick, 3.2mm high and cut to required length). The hand brake wheel stand I scratch built out of some styrene strips I had lying around. The deck is a chequered plate design that I did  not incorporate into the model as I was trying to keep costs as low as possible for the customer. End sill detail I would recommend air hoses and shunter steps, Model Etch made amazing brass etch steps that I had packs still of. Bogies can be used from any manufacturer, I just used Orient Express Reproductions version. As for decals I ended up getting custom made ones.

SCT Logistics "PQMY" loads

SCT Logistics have always had some interesting loads compared to the common vans they use on their services such as the ABSY, PBGY, etc. I had come across some interesting loads the PQMY wagons had carried that I thought was worth modelling.

Photo courtesy of Flick.

PQMY with a pipe load. What I had done to the Auscision Models RMX was fitted stanchions made out of styrene to the container pins as like the prototype. I then air brushed the wagon in a dirty brown colour to give it that faded well worn look. For the pipe load I used large drinking straws I purchased off eBay for a pack of 50 roughly costing $4 delivered to your door. Each straw was cut to the correct length then glued together finished off with a matt black coat of paint. The straps was easy as I used my previous method (see other blog post) of masking tape lines as straps.

Photo courtesy of "Wagonfreak" blogspot.

 PQMY with a 40ft trailer supported by a pile of Chep pallets. This was my all time favourite load as it was so simple load to do. Pallets I used were by Ratio Plastic Models with the trailer I found in my spare parts box.

A few other loads I have captured off MP9/PM9 services out at Pimba back in 2013/2014 that I thought would be worth modelling one day..

Genesee and Wyoming Australia - AZWY wheel set wagon

Genesee and Wyoming Australia converted some AQCY wagons to AZWY wheel set wagons for use of transporting wheel sets from Progress Rail workshop at Pt Augusta down to Adelaide. Usually these transfers happen on AD1/DA2 service GWA operate that 2 wagons were seen on last Sunday.

AZWY 30380W has locomotive wheel sets loaded.

AZWY 30355V loaded with rollingstock wheel sets.

An ideal kit that could be used to build this wagon would be Westrail Models - WQCX container wagon kit (see link below). Styrene strips can be used as the  "holder" that the wheel sets sit in. This would be nice addition of modelling GWA Darwin service that breaks up the usual container loads commonly seen.

https://www.westrailmodels.com.au/collections/ho-scale/products/westrail-wqcx-wagon-laser-cut-kit-ho-scale

Straps for wagon loads

I found these masking strips at Junction Models here in Adelaide by Mr Hobby (for $6.20 you cant go wrong) which I thought would be ideal for using as straps for wagon loads. In the past I have seen people use electrical tape and they cut them into strips. But I am lazy, not going to lie and cutting strips while being consistent with the width isn't easy. So what I have done is sprayed these masking strips with a can of Tamiya blue and peel of each strip individually and use them as a strap. What I have found great is they stick well to what ever surface you are applying them to.

K&S 40ft flat rack with a pipe load. Note the blue straps. Photo courtesy of "wagonfreak" blogspot. 

How it all began

Modelling trains started in the early 2000's for me when I first purchased my own Austrains C class from Toms Hobbies for a reasonable price of $100 that I had saved up (bear in mind I was only 14 years old at the time). This would be the start of a project that I eventually detail with new air hoses, Ian Lindsay Models C class air con, antenna disc, rear fan unit and brass air hoses.

Over the years I learnt a lot on modelling varying from air brushing, decaling, kit building and now scratch building.  At the time I had no experience at all, so everything was self taught by trial and error, as well as asking fellow modellers on Railpage forums (yes that's right we all were on Railpage before FaceBook popped up).

So why have I created this blogspot? I could of used Facebook and made my own page and added projects I am currently tackling or given ideas or tips I have come across. How ever Facebook has become place where there are too many "keyboard warriors" or much more trolls that think they know it all. I personally want to pass on what I have learnt and small tricks I have picked up that hopefully other modellers. If you can learn one new thing, I mean one thing out of this blog that helps you out. I have achieved what I have set out then. 

I will also be showing prototype photos and some ideas that other modellers may want to give a go on building one off models that are not readily available and will fit the era or train your particularly modelling. Also stayed tuned as will be doing free give away to people that have been reading this blog!