What I should have been buying...

I've mentioned before (an early post about research and inspiration - Model Railroader ) that shunting and splitting/spotting/organising trains was an early concept behind patio rails and that still remains a major operational reason.   In the article there were blue/red/black etc wagons - which in HO/OO guage were mostly small two axle wagons that wouldn't be that big.  Of course, G scale makes everything somewhat larger, and whilst I've been buying 300 mm long stuff (alot of G scale stuff on bogies is 415mm or even longer), even that at 4-5 wagons takes up alot of space.

Recently I discovered that I could Hartland Locomotive Works mini series from Back to Bay 6.  These are coming out at approx 175mm including couplings.  The cheapest way to get them is the "take and make" kits", that involve a bit of assembly and screwing (I think I assembled mine in under ten minutes).   The goods wagon has under 20 parts (including screws).  OK, so these are never going to win prizes for detail - for example there's no buffers but the moulded detail is there on bolts etc and they are certainly going to be durable.

I got a basic wagon (as above) and an ore wagon (which is in the video with the Red Diesel).  Colours can vary and are apparently a random choice although I suspect a telephone call will give you a choice from what he has in stock.   At £12.50 each plus postage I shall be back for more of these (stake wagons and tank wagons too).   

This shows them alongside comparable LGB wagons.