Minories in TT:120 - Part 6

Adding variety to my trains

Anyone familiar with TT:120 will be aware that whilst the initial and ongoing range from Hornby is impressive for a new scale, still is nowhere near what's available in other scales. In looking for alternative options I decided to try out a couple of avenues; 3D prints and wooden kits.

3D Prints 

First up are no doubt the easier option. There are a number of suppliers now selling 3D printed rolling stock, including MDN Designs and Inoxion and perhaps others by the time I write this.

 

With only limited options available from Hornby and Peco (7 planks, GWR vents, 12t tankers and not a lot else) to suit a transition era setting, these additional offerings are welcome.

 

For my layout, I bought a mixture from both including the 3 plank wagon,  BR van, conflat and tanker from MDN Designs, and different varieties of vent/box vans from Inoxion.

 

These come ready to assemble and paint - you may need to only add suitable wheels and couplings. For the MDN designs, be prepared to buy Dapol NEM coupling pockets to fiddle with, whilst the Inoxion come with their own design to allow for articulation, which whilst a bit fiddly to assemble, works well in practice.

 

One particularly welcome offering is from SJL Models; a standard BR brake van. These are also available in finished painted form too.

Wooden Kits 

The next option is wooden laser cut kits from Osborns Models who offer a wider variety than is available 3D printed, but at a steeper entry point in terms of skill required to finish them to a sufficient standard.

 

I started with the 16 ton mineral wagons, then some LMS vents, an ex-LNER CCT and an ex-SECR Utility Van.

 

Whilst these are harder to complete, they do come with everything you need except consumables such as paint, sandpaper, glue, transfers etc. and building them is perhaps in itself, a worthwhile endeavour, even if it the output isn't perfect.

 

 

One particular failing was fitting a part on the 16 ton minerals the wrong way around, and then having to take it apart, refit, glue and repaint and reapply transfers. It's certainly a lesson in patience!