From Hiatus to Isolation - the work recommences.

The World has changed

Its been over 3 months since I did any work on the layout or any modelling activities. Family overseas holidays, the start of school and family commitments as well as kids activities halted any time spent on doing any modelling. However, the last 2 weeks we have seen a shift in the world we live in and now live under a "New Norm". The Coronavirus pandemic which has spread throughout the world has meant alot of changes in our daily lives. 

• Working from Home is now the norm
• The government is encouraging everyone to stay at home except where it is essential:Exercise, work, getting supplies such as food and medical supplies or going to the doctor
• All events and activities are cancelled -Gatherings of more than 2 people is prohibited. 
• Zoom "get together" are becoming the norm. 

Time to spend on simpler things

This has given myself a chance to do things around the home such doing a big clean out and doing a stocktake of my kits and models that I have collected over the years. To start with I thought I 'll start with building some model kits. 

The kit chosen

I chose to build the two Trident resin Canadian Pattern Trucks, I had purchased whilst living in Switzerland and are now out of  production are over 10 years old. One kit is a machinery truck and the other is a general purpose vehicle. The kits are made of resin and have brass etched parts. 

Above: Kits before build

Kit Build

The kits are made of resin and have brass etched parts. It took a number of days to complete the build after letting the paint dry between stages. The resin parts especially around the cabin were very fragile whilst trying to remove the flash. I didn't have an Humbrol Olive Drab Number 66 as recommended by the instructions for Army Green instead I had some brown and green generic art paint and mix this up . 

I built the kits as described by the instructions and photo on the box I was going to convert one into a rural fire brigade truck which were used during the 1950s . I then  cut out the fine etch-brass detailed parts and glued them into places after painting them.

Above: Completed models

Prototype and use on layout

The CWT military trucks were called Chevy or Ford Blitz and found many uses after the military did not use them. To accompany the TE Wagon with Centurion tank produced by SDS,  I decided to also include the pair of Chevy Blitzs as a wagon load. My inspiration was the photo.

Above: 

 Moving Military vehicles Ryde 1942 Source: Gallery's record NSW

Above is completed Blitz load  with detailing of rope to secure the loads.

 Conclusion

Depending on how long the government restricts movement I have plenty of model kits and work to do on the layout that will keep me busy if I have to Stay at home and Stay Safe.