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Page last updated 8 January 2008

Page produced in conjunction with the Welsh Patentless Cardboard Chimney Company  Featured kits are from the soon to be launched WPCCC range of card locomotive kits in 4mm covering Welsh Narrow Gauge prototype's.  (WPCCC web site URL = http://cardmodellocos.wordpress.com/home)

This section of the web-site relates to making card models for rest and relaxation, at times it can even be for fun and sheer escapism. The examples shown in this section are all from the WPCCC range and grateful thanks are given to Keith Hunt of WPCCC for the information supplied. For details of my most recent modelling see the Sand Hutton coach project (Gn18) page and the Layout challenge (as completed) page.  The latter is a small shoe-box diaorama - Pebbles End in O9 (7mm 15inch gauge)

As further models are developed in the WPCC range, and the kits near release, additional photographs relating to the WPCCC range of kits and models under construction will be added to Keith's fotopics album section at http://keithhunt336.fotopic.net/.  When the kit for Russell is launched an option to motorise it will be available by using a ready to run ROCO chassis.  Details of how this has been done with a brass kit version of Russell are available on the web site describing the inspiring County Gate layout of John and Jenny de Frayssinet which is losely based on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

Why model in card?

It is cost effective relative to other hobby materials, it is easy to work with, versatile, and needs little specialist equipment.  Card is a strong and much underrated, wonder material when used in conjunction with modern glues and tools. With these it can be swaged, dished, moulded, burnished, bent and reinforced in ways that are impossible with plastics and metals.  It can also be easily and cheaply repaired - and the WPCCCo's models require no painting. All come fully lined and liveried - and a quick rub with an ordinary HB pencil soon masks all those tell-tale white edges.

Model making needs to be enjoyable and at the same time be satisfying. In the early days of railway modeling card was a staple part of the hobby. In recent times the established trend has been for greater and greater accuracy with the consequence that kits have become ever more complicated, ever more expensive, and a therefore a deterrent to many modellers.   Card offers the opportunity for changing that.  Have a go, take up card model making, you won't regret it.

Keith's kits are designed in a way that includes many small fittings that an experienced card modeller can add to the models but if a beginner makes the kits and chooses to leave them off the first time that doesn't negate the pleasure in making the model.   Two chassis options will also be offered too on several models in the range - an easi-build and fully detailed version even featuring inside valve gear.  I have said the first time deliberately; with a card kit a second or third go at a model is cost effective unlike, for example, an etched brass kit, costing over a £100.00 a time.

Card modeling offers you the opportunity to build small models. use simple inexpensive tools and all without breaking the bank.  In card you can buy several models and go back for another try as your skills improve.  See also my fotopics collection of railway photographs.

If any reader has any doubt about the quality that can be achieved with card as a modeling medium the buildings on the Pendon museum layout will put those doubts fully to rest.

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