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An introduction to my model projects

When I was a youngster I picked up model railroading. Before long I was fiddling with the few models I could afford. After re-entering the hobby in my late forties I decided I would persue the dream of my youth: building my own models. I suppose everybody who is serious about his hobby has dreams and ambitions. One rarely reads about this though. But why? Dreams and ambitions are not something to be ashamed about. Moreover, talking about your dreams helps to fulfil them, phrasing your ambition helps you to realise it. Research has shown that when people bring their dreams to words they are more likely to really make them happen. Once outspoken they are more committed to their dreams. That is why I write this page.

My ultimate dream in modelrailroading

My dream started in September 1974 when a Dutch modeling magazine published an article about the LTM, Limburg Tramway Company, mentioning the only ever Dutch Garratt locomotive, the LTM 51. Until then I hadn't heard of articulation whatsoever. But after having read this article my interest for articulated steam locomotives was born and I knew I wanted to model that particular loco. I had already been fiddling with brass and soldering. At the time I did some calculations on the LTM 51 but not much more came out of it. Yet the idea did not vanish, even when the interest in modeling dissipated, my working life started, got married, became a father, etc. etc. I kept reading about articulated locomotives, my interest only slumbered. When I picked up modeling again in 2002 I phrased my ultimate dream:

The LTM 51 in pristine condition probably a Henschel factory photo, © unknown, if I violate some ones rights, please contact me.

Since then I've been working to realise that dream. As there is no commercial kit on the market for this model I was certain I would have to scratch build the LTM 51. It may not seem so to the occassional onlooker, but there is a structure behind all my activities, all aimed towards acquiring the skills necessary to scratch build a complicated model.

1. Get your knowledge of model railroading up to date

2. Extend your knowledge of steam and articulated steam in particular

3. Obtain the skills to build your dream

4. Obtain the tools to build your dream

The first two goals are realised by reading. This includes buying books, browsing the internet, taking part in interest groups etc.. The third and fourth goal are realised by doing. It was to be a gradual process. I'm not the type of man that simply buys a lathe and starts scratch building right away. I'm more the type of a few small steps at a time. So I started out building a beginner's kit from DJH (NS 7000) and wanted to go from thereon in progressively challenging kits towards scratch building. It did not turn out quite that way for two major reasons (and many minor reasons).

First I bought and built kits that defied the strategy of "progressively challenging". My Shay (second model) and NGG16 (third model) where anything but progressively challenging. They were major steps in skill level. I later built kits that were far easier than those two.. In the meantime I was just enjoying myself building other models in the process of acquiring the necessary skills.

Second in 2019 I was offered etches of the LTM 51 that were rumoured to have been produced in the eighties. Moreover when I published about this fortunate event this sparked a group of modellers to develop the LTM 51 in O (1:43.5) and I was offered one of the ensuing set of parts. So I won't be scratch building after all. You can find a more detailed story about this wonderful string of events on the introductory pages of my LTM 51 in 1:43.5 project.

Achievements so far (as per 22 November 2020)

State of affairs LTM 51

  • In 2019 I as by a miracle I obtained a set of the mysterious Kaffa-etches of the LTM 51 and in 2020 I am actually building a model in HO (1:87)
  • The publication of that project sparked the private development of a model of the locomotive in O gauge (1:43.5). So far I have receiverd the etches. 3D parts are under development.

Articles in magazines

I would not say I am a prolific writer but I do enjoy the odd publication

Magazine Issue Title
Narrow Gauge Down Under (Australia) 2013-10 Tackling a Garratt in OO9
Narrow Gauge Down Under (Australia) 2014-01

Soldered all but solid!

Building valve gear in OO9

Railmagazine (Netherlands) 232 De kroon op het werk
(Putting copper on white metal by electrolysis)
Railmagazine (Netherlands) 243 Bestrijd het losse onderdelenduiveltje
(small repairs on locomotives )
Railmagazine (Netherlands) 246 Flits uit, spot aan.
(Model railroad photography)
Railmagazine (Netherlands) 256 Lange loks
(model railroad photography, increasing depth of field)
Railmagazine (Netherlands) 265 Koppie koppie
(making rivets)
Push and Pull (KWVR club magazine) 2018-08 The War Department 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 in the Netherlands
Railhobby (Netherlands) 2018 Special

Solderen een kunst?
(about soldering)

Railhobby (Netherlands) 403 (2018) Solderen maar niet muurvast
(soldering Walschaerts valve gear)
Railhobby (Netherlands) 414 (2019) Nieuwe hoeven SHM 26
(remotorising a tramway locomotive)
Railhobby (Netherlands) 415 (2019) Een zwart voetje halen
(blackening locomotive wheels)
Railhobby (Netherlands) submitted Mooi blauw is niet lelijk
(On the build of NBDS 118-119)
Rail Modeller Australia submitted Building DJH 60 class in HO
The story beyond the building manual

Completed locomotives

A single shot of a few of the locomotives I completed to date. There are more so I kindly invite to browse through my projects listed in the left hand menu.

NSWGR AD60

NS 5058

NGG16 no 87

NS 6228