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Hi, Following on from my recent railway MOCs, Simplex 20hp locomotive and P Class Ration Wagon, here's the latest addition to my WW1 WDLR (War Department Light Railway) collection... a small engineering train carrying some track. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It's based on this photo from 1916 I found online... a6b52cda3624337af82080b0ea3adf71 by g.nat, on Flickr As in the photo, the track is being hauled by a Simplex 20hp petrol tractor.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The load sits on what I think are pivoting wheelsets - the only reference I can find to them is this sketch (again found online) milb10 by g.nat, on Flickr Here you can see my LEGO version with the pivoting, load-carrying girder that allowed it to negotiate bends. (I'll probably add some chains/ropes to secure the load better!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The actual track used for the WDLR was transported and fitted in prefabricated sections (60cm gauge) so this narrow track from 4DBrix is pretty close to reality (although the sleepers are a bit wide) so I'll probably be ordering a bit more of it!!. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Final view... fortunately for my engineering troops, armoured locos are on the way!! (watch this space!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome!!

Thanks for the comments... hopefully there will be more to come including armoured locos and plenty of rolling stock (the reference book I have has info on at least 20 different types of official wagon for various roles!!) I eventually hope to recreate various scenes showing how the railway functioned; from the loading of the wagons (they were generally loaded directly from standard gauge rail wagons) to the delivery at the front (for the last few hundred metres, supplies were often moved by hand carts).

Hi Following on from my P Class Ration Wagon here's the next build for my planned WW1 British War Department Light Railway scene... In 1914, Mr Abbott of the Motor Rail Company (also known as Simplex) had approached the British War Office with a proposal for a small, narrow gauge petrol tractor which he believed could be very useful in moving troops and equipment near to front lines. He had based his ideas on the narrow railways being developed by the Germans and French but was turned down by Lord Kitchener himself who believed that the war wouldn't last long. However, by the end of 1915, things had changed. Trench warfare was requiring huge amounts of supplies so the British had begun to establish their own narrow gauge (60cm) rail network (the War Department Light Railway or WDLR). At first they used steam locos, but close to the front lines their smoke made them easy targets for enemy artillery and aircraft so the War Department began looking at internal combustion engines. Their chosen design was Mr Abbott's Simplex 20hp petrol tractor. image by g.nat, on Flickr Its design was simple but efficient. The petrol engine and gearbox were mounted transversely on a steel frame allowing the wheels to be driven by a simple chain drive. On one side of the engine was the radiator and exhaust and on the other was the driver's seat and controls. These locomotives (or tractors as they were known) proved a great success: not only did they produce far less smoke but their low centre of gravity and light weight (just over 2 tons) made them more stable than the previous steam engines on uneven or poorly laid track. It was also easier to train men to operate them and they required far less maintenance. I'm still trying to get my head around building trains but I've tried to include as much detail and accuracy as possible in my version. My recreation of the "bent frame" design and basic layout of the real life version. image by g.nat, on Flickr The radiator and exhaust image by g.nat, on Flickr Driver's seat and controls. The sideways position gave a good view in both directions and all the controls are in easy reach. Here we see a gear lever (the original had 2 levers - one selected direction, the other could be set to low, neutral or high), clutch pedal and brake wheel. image by g.nat, on Flickr The sandboxes (the cheese slopes - one for each wheel) which could be used to aid traction on slippery rails. You can also see a hand operated signal horn mounted on the brake column. image by g.nat, on Flickr Finally a couple more overall views... image by g.nat, on Flickr image by g.nat, on Flickr Most of the info I used in this build came from online searches and an excellent book of contemporary photos of British Light Railways in WW1 called the "WDLR Album". Once I get some more narrow track, I intend to put together a scene or two showing the Simplex "in the field". Of course, one drawback of the original's design was the lack of protection from the weather and enemy fire. This would lead to a larger, armoured 40hp version being produced - my MOC of that is coming soon!!

Hi Thanks for the comments... The "hook" is two bits of cut flex tube and a Brickarms "u-clip" Link Hope that helps.

Years ago, I made a MOC of a narrow gauge engine from WW1 Tin Turtle and then promptly took it apart and forgot all about it!! Now I'm back in a WW1 mood and have decided to rebuild the model and create a small scene around it. This has involved a bit of research into the War Department Light Railway (WDLR) which was set up to deliver munitions and other supplies/evacuate casualties. I'm still awaiting parts for the engine(s!) but here's my first bit of rolling stock... the War Department P Class Ration Wagon. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As it's name suggests, it was intended to carry food and other supplies to the trenches. The sides were hinged to aid loading/unloading. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr All loaded up!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr After dropping off supplies the wagon could then be used to evacuate casualties. The tall frame at each end was designed to allow the wagon to carry 2 stretchers. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I've not much experience of building train related stuff and despite being a small build, it turned out to be a bit trickier than I'd expected to make the size/proportions look right - it's not perfect but I think it looks ok!! I ended up using a Brickarms clip for the coupling as the technic piece I wanted to use just looked too big!! I also had a play around in creating a little trench scene around it (unfortunately that's all the narrow gauge rail I have at the min!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking.... comments are always welcome (hopefully it won't be long before I can add some more wagons/engines/track to it!!)

Thanks for all the replies and advice (building railways seems a bit more complicated than I had expected!! ) Fortunately I'm aiming for something pretty simple (a scene depicting a small stretch of a WW1 trench railway) Anyway, I'll order some of the track and see how it goes!!

Hi I'm currently working on a small scene involving a narrow gauge train and was wondering if anyone has any advice on suitable track. I've got a few of the straight rails but would like to add a curve. I don't really want to use the roller coaster track and a bit of googling has brought up some nice looking 3rd party tracks namely 4Dbrix and Trixbrix.eu so I was wondering if anyone has experience of either (or any other suggestions) I'm not really a "train person" (yet!!) so any help is very much welcome. Cheers

Yep you're spot on... it's an acoustic/sound mirror designed to detect enemy aircraft (originally Zeppelins). Built during WW1 they supposedly gave around 20 min warning and were used right up to WW2 before being replaced by radar. I just need to add the sound collection apparatus (a kind of large cone mounted on the plinth in front of the dish and connected to stethoscope type earpieces!!) Thanks for the comments... the angled wall was a bit of a challenge!! As for the dish it really needs to be concave - I might just remove the boat stud piece altogether.

Thanks for the comments... that real life archway is one of my favourite spots to go walking. Anyway, speaking of historic buildings, here's my latest build; a recently renovated structure that can be found in a field near to a main footpath not far from Ballabreek. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It's stood there for over 100 years and once served a vital purpose... now it just attracts curious walkers... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This build is actually based on photos of structures that can be found dotted around the North East of England. It's still a bit of a WIP (the centre bit is bugging me as the curved part should be completely smooth but I can't figure out how to do it!!) I also aim to show it as it would have been while in use. But what was it for? Any ideas? Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!!

That is just perfect!! The building itself is spot on with all the details and textures you've added (love the telegraph poles too!) and of course the car looks beautiful (wish LEGO would do these sort of vehicles in the Speed Champions range as they have much more character than the modern supercars!!) Anyway, thanks to you, now I can build my own!! Excellent work!!

Nice work and the train is easily recognisable despite the small scale although the smoke (which is a great use of parts!!) could do with coming out nearer the front. The scenery is really nice too (especially those mountains!!)

Nice little build!! It captures the ramshackle look of the Burrow really well. I especially like the details such as the fence/gate and the clever use of "brick" bricks as the paving on the path.

Nice little scene!! Thanks for sharing.

These are great!! I love the small details, the lighting effects and the rain drops on the window in the Ron pic. Also the photography is spot on!! Looking forward to seeing more!!

Hmm... I'm sure Lego would be ok with it... First Order Stormtrooper Executioner anyone?

As someone who lives in a place that's never had a Toys R Us - or a Lego store, Entertainer, Smyths, or Argos, I'm used to never having easy access to Bricktober packs but I've always thought it a bit ridiculous that Lego make a set for retail that they don't sell on their own website. After all, they make the product!! (it's like they don't want my money!!)

Well with the police still investigating the incident at the mine, (in other words I haven't got round to finishing the comic yet!) today we're off into the countryside surrounding the village for a bit of a history lesson... Back in the 1700s, an enterprising local landowner saw a chance to make some money from the farmers and traders who passed through the village on their way to the nearest market town. In those days, most roads were simply muddy tracks and journeys took days so he decided to invest in a well maintained road that ran directly through his land. This new road cut journey times in half but travellers would have to pay for the privilege! To collect the tolls, a toll gate was built at the start of the route - a structure that still stands today. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr To the right of the gateway, is the tower where the toll collector lived. To the left is a smaller structure which was a strongroom where money and goods were stored (people lacking cash could pay the toll in goods). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr During the mid 1800s, more modern (and free to use!) roads were constructed (the routes the modern roads through Ballabreek follow) and the toll road eventually fell into disuse. For a while it became a popular walking path (the current gates date back to the late 1800s and were designed to allow people through on foot). The route is now very heavily overgrown but parts of the original cobbled surface can still be seen. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Since then, the building has seen a variety of uses but is now abandoned. However, in recent years, Ballabreek has seen an increase in the numbers of people using the surrounding countryside for leisure activities resulting in renewed interest in the historic structure which the locals refer to it as "the Wizard's House"!! Here we can see a variety of outdoor activities going on; hiking, camping, bird watching, rafting, biking etc... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can tell, I've recently bought the Whomping Willow set, the Outdoor Adventures set (and a couple of the plants GWP sets) and decided to add them to Ballabreek! The idea of the toll gate came from a local version which still stands today and is a popular spot for running, cycling, walking and observing nature. (although the gate keeper's house has been demolished and turned into a viewing area) Then Postc204f by g.nat, on Flickr Now 4669320545_e22c784e13 by g.nat, on Flickr Finally a few more pics of the scene... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I've not quite decided what's to become of it... perhaps it will get a new owner and lease of life but as what? Maybe a real wizard will move in!! In the meantime it's going to go on a nearby shelf. Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome.

That looks great!! The front grill is especially clever (love the use of ice skates!!) Nice work!

Nice build - I especially like the way you've done the lane markings!! I also like the modular design and look forward to seeing how it develops... Thanks for sharing

Thanks for the comment... as for stability, it took a few attempts to have everything stay together while still having the different colours for the camouflage (building it in just one colour would have been a lot easier and caused no issues). However the end result is pretty sturdy and definitely "playable" - the tracks spin easily and the rear doors open and close no problem. Now I'm looking to MOD some more Brickmania kits!! Watch this space!!

The recent Brickmania magazine featured instructions for a Type 97 Ke-Te Tankette from WW2. I did a bit of research into this obscure vehicle and discovered it spawned a couple of variants which I decided to try and recreate using the chassis of the original vehicle. The Original Brinckmania Type 97 Tankette (the real life version performed reasonably well against the Chinese but was no match for US and Soviet forces) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/Ammo carrier The first variant was a troop and ammunition carrier. The turret was removed and the engine relocated to beside the driver freeing up the rear to carry troops/cargo. Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr It was also fitted with a frame to add a canvas roof and opening rear doors. It also had a towing hook and could pull artillery pieces. Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr The original could carry up to 10 troops!! My LEGO version... not quite as many!! Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 98 So-Da Troop/ammo carrier by g.nat, on Flickr Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotting Vehicle Almost identical to the Type 98, this variant was intended for use by artillery spotters to direct long range fire. The troop/cargo section was equipped with radios and a rangefinder could be mounted on the engine deck. Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr Close up of the radio (a printed tile from a Brickmania accessory pack) Type 100 Te-Re Artillery Spotter Vehicle by g.nat, on Flickr Figures are Lego minifigs with Brickmania torso stickers on. Accessories are mainly Brickarms and Brick Warriors. Thanks for looking - comments always welcome.

I saw this on the news today and couldn't resist making a LEGO version - The Kalashnikov Battlefield Manned Robot known unofficially as Igorek (little Igor!) A 13 ft tall, 4.5 ton manned robot designed for carrying out engineering and combat tasks. At the moment it's just a static prototype. A more advanced version is due to be revealed in 2020 (probably when everyone has stopped laughing at it!!) The MOC Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The inspiration Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, my version is far from perfect but I was limited by the amount of dark parts I had (the legs especially aren't right - I did make a version where they looked more accurate but it made the whole robot too big!!) Anyway, time to put him through his paces... like all good modern military vehicles it combines... Stealth.... Shhhh! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr With offensive capability.... Grrrrr! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And.... a love of nature!? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I think it needs a rest!! Mmmmmm... wine..... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So there we go.... the future of warfare!! Thanks for looking... comments always welcome.

According to the book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", the Nundu is arguably the most dangerous magical creature in the world. Native to East Africa and with the appearance of a giant leopard, the beast can move silently and destroy entire villages with just its deadly disease ridden breath. These rare photographs show one such creature attacking a Ugandan village... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This began as just a simple vignette based on an illustration in the book but while putting it together, I came up with a bit of a story... a few more photos and here we are (it's not much but I hope you enjoy it!!) It was just after dawn in a small fishing village in rural Uganda when the creature was spotted. Despite its incredible size, it seemed to appear from nowhere and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as it stared at the small peaceful community before moving towards the outer fence. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Seeing it smash its way through, the terrified villagers; men, women and children ran for their lives towards the nearby river in the hope of escape. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr However, it seemed that there would be no escape as the creature lunged at its first victim but then... hope. A ball of flames slammed into side of the Nundu's head halting its attack. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Stunned for a moment, the beast searched for this new threat, quickly spotting it. A young girl, her arms raised as she conjured fireball after fireball in the air and hurled them at the beast, slowly driving it back. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This was Kwehangana Mfinyanzi. As a baby she'd been found abandoned near the village and has been raised by the locals. On her 11th birthday, a travelling medicine man had told her that she had a special destiny and offered her a place at Uagado, the region's greatest school of witchcraft and wizardry. Now after a year at the school, she'd returned home for a brief visit not expecting to find herself using her meagre magical skills to defend her home. Unfortunately, it's not enough... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Recovering from the shock of the attack, the beast lets out a terrifying roar but Kwehangana stands firm. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Then the creature unleashed its most devastating weapon... clouds of disease ridden breath, deadly to all living things. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As the vile miasma surrounds her, Kwehangana stands no chance. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr With her skin beginning to blister and her organs failing, she sank to her knees but through bleeding eyes and a gap in the noxious fumes, she could see the surviving villagers had made it to the boats and were heading into the fast moving current... they were safe for now. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr With that, Kwehangana smiled... it would be the last thing she ever did. (When news of her actions reached Uagado, she was awarded the school's highest honour and the great hall was renamed after her in recognition of her sacrifice) Hope you enjoyed my little tale... I'm definitely no JK Rowling but it was certainly fun to put together (although I ended up regretting using 1x1 plates as people... quite hard to pose!!) Finally a couple of bonus pics "behind the scenes" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking - comments are always welcome.

That is brilliant!! The carrot seems to fit the role perfectly (maybe it's just me but I'm not sure about the choice of grey for the wings/tail though... maybe another colour would stand out more (green maybe?) Despite that I love the extra details such as the steps and carrot jetpack. The modified Classic space logo just finishes it off nicely. Excellent work!

This is an excellent build!! I love all the textures and details (especially at the front) and the little patches of other colours give it a sense of age and make it look even more realistic. (I like the bike too!) Looking forward to seeing more... thanks for sharing.