TTA Tank Wagon Upgrade

TTA Tank Wagon Upgrade
Video V.66
In this video I take a look at the old style hornby TTA tank wagon where I have chosen to transform the unit from an old texico tanker to a upgraded crude oil tanker with just a few easy steps.
----------------------
( *TEA STICKER KIT / ** Chemical Signs)
EBAY seller:model_transport_graphics
*
Alternative wagon No. Decals for Bachmann BP Black oil tank TEA OO Gauge 38-220
**
Mixed Fuel oil Hazchem Labels for OO Scale Bachmann & Hornby Tank TEA TTA wagons
-------------------------
( Romford Wheels sets Ideally 12mm*** but I used 14mm**** from DCC Concepts )
***
Part:DCF-WS1212OO
Quality Wheelsets 16.5mm Track 12x 12mm
****
Part:DCF-WS1214OO
Quality Wheelsets 16.5mm Track 12x 14mm
These sell very fast in many places but are readily sold on many sites like Peco etc - Try a google search as listed below :-
“ Romford 12mm or 14mm wheelsets “
for wide option of availability..
Ladders are Ekon signal gantry ladders 3 in a pack as eBay list here
rover.ebay.com...

[@cheekytek]

TTA Tank Wagon Stickers and wheels can be found as below. ----------------- * TEA STICKER KIT used ** Chemical Sign used EBAY seller model_transport_graphics * Alternative wagon No. Decals for Bachmann BP Black oil tank TEA OO Gauge 38-220 ** Mixed Fuel oil Hazchem Labels for OO Scale Bachmann & Hornby Tank TEA TTA wagons ----------------- Romford Wheels sets Ideally 12mm*** but I used 14mm**** from DCC Concepts. *** Part:DCF-WS1212OO Quality Wheelsets 16.5mm Track 12x 12mm. **** Part:DCF-WS1214OO Quality Wheelsets 16.5mm Track 12x 14mm. These sell very fast in many places but are readily sold on many sites like Peco etc - do a google search on :- “ Romford 12mm or 14mm wheelsets “ for wide option of availability..

[@ManchesterOxfordGate]

Amazing that a nice and simple respray makes such a difference to those tanks. I suspect a lot of people will have some of the old Hornby train set stock knocking about that this process would transform from ‘toy’ to model. 👍

[@cheekytek]

Lol seems everyone has them and they’ll be a rush on black spray and wheel sets over the next month 😆 A total fun project with great results 😉 Cheers buddy 👍👍

[@AndyHudson-ModelRailwayBuilds]

Much better Garry, really brings them upto date, nice models now Andy

[@cheekytek]

Absolutely yeah simple things- I guess this shows why models get updated through manufacturing- always room for improvements Thanks again for last weekend certainly was real fun and great to be out and around all the guys Cheers buddy 👍

[@georgewyatt6712]

Hi Gary. Excellent job with the tank wagons what a difference it's made to the look of them. Well done. Regards George....

[@cheekytek]

Thanks George Definitely look eye catching than before 👍 Cheers again 😉 Garry

[@GalgormHall]

You’ve bucked the trend Garry and proved you can actually polish a turd! A superb transformation from a toy wagon to something a lot more prototypical. I’ll be adding this to my long to do list. Thanks for sharing mate. Paul

[@cheekytek]

Cheers Paul I love the term of polishing turds 🤣🤣 A great project and I’m keen to do some more now 😆😆 What am I like. Cheers again 😉👍

[@onnomulder9775]

Good idea to redecorate old wagons Gary!!! Cheers Onno.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Onno Certainly are buddy 👍

[@leilacentral1883]

They turned out well. I’ve looked at these old wagons a few times wondering about doing something similar like you have, now it’s settled. Looks like I’ll do it in the future. Awesome video with some great info, Clint at Leila Central.

[@cheekytek]

Gee thanks Clint - funny these were staring at me and I put them on a box to flogg on a couple times until it got the better of me and now I’m so pleased as I’ve got a more tankers, certainly give it a go as I found the conversion very rewarding 👍 Let me know how you get on if you dive in and I’m here if you need any info Take care Garry

[@LaytonJunction]

as usual Gary a very nice video really well put together and very enjoyable to watch will be blasting very soon so will be using your technique with the weathering powders have watched that video a few times now will let you know how we get on may even try with the wagons all the best al 👍👍👍😎

[@cheekytek]

Sounds like some great projects you’ve got going on there Thanks again 😉👍 Garry

[@markosolowey5887]

Great work Gary i myself did some old Hornby tanks which i had lying about for ages and they do turn out a million dollars better anyway cheers for now Marko.

[@cheekytek]

Great stuff buddy 😉👍 My kind of project indeed

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Funny enough ive just done rake of these using halfords satin black spray and added decals,now come across your video. Top work Garry👌👍

[@cheekytek]

Lol - it’s always the way There are many videos like this currently out there and all have brilliant and different outcomes so it’s quite interesting how we do these projects I’m eager to do some more now tho lol 😂 Cheers again Garry

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Yes theres so many different ways of modelling and projects,ive just finished my latest dutch transrail 37201 which was great👌👍

[@GrahamFoulston]

That was brilliant Gary, like most other people I guess, I’ve got quite a few of these that I have picked up at exhibitions for pennies and I will be copying what you have done - what a great little project to do !! 👍🏻. Well done buddy for showing what can be done with a cheap plastic ‘toy’ and make it into something that we can put into use on our layouts. Cheers for now mate. ......... Graham

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks Graham With super high prices I feel everyone should consider these simple modifications which helps the environment by recycling old wagons. I’m Really pleased on the outcome and a lot of stress free fun doing them - which helps for a change lol Thanks again Buddy Garry

[@GrahamFoulston]

cheekytek Couldn’t agree with you more mate. 👍🏻👍🏻. Cheers for now. ............. Graham

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Really good work Garry. I am part the way through a rake of about 12 of these and the difference it makes to them is incredible! Great video and those HSTs look superb on the layout!

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Richard Certainly need more HST’s on the layout - just love them 😉 I’m wanting a few more tankers now lol I’m only at 9 so you’ve beat me 👍 Cheers

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

Brilliant work. The coats of black made the thin red plastic look much fuller and more realistic, even before the stickers and subtle painting.

[@cheekytek]

The stickers was a happy accident but an easy alternative than decals as not everyone manages well with wet slide transfers so great to actually feature these Thanks again and the black really brings the model out. Simple Little things lol Cheers

[@adamkerr4600]

Keep ur chin up ur a good guy the hobby is sometimes the only thing keeps me sane this past couple of months 😋😋😋😋🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@cheekytek]

Thanks buddy I know what you mean bud 👍

[@kevinhickson8099]

hi Gary finally Finn the 10 tanker wagons i started the same time you finn yours. ,well chuffed with the results.as now they look like tanker wagons and not toys, thanks for inspiring me. COLE PARK

[@cheekytek]

Hi Kev, Thanks for the update on this.. 👍 Wow you did it then, makes such a difference than they where before I bet, Trouble is all the old stock stuff you may have hidden in a box will now end up back on the layout as I now have done lol.. Save seeing them in the bin etc... Great stuff buddy.. Garry.

[@normanrowe2831]

Easy, breezy! Good job. Great results. Thanks.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Norman 👍

[@greghale9972]

Well Garry, what a transformation and so easy to do. From a toy like wagon to a wagon that looks like the real thing. Very impressive which is not surprising because everything you do is always first class. Love your layout. Cheers Greg

[@cheekytek]

Lol many thanks buddy they certainly look so much better. Thanks again Oh I loved your comment on the video of our Warley diorama - referring to a certain person / just run some trains, it’s not always about being in the limelight 😆 Totally brilliant 🤣 Take care buddy 👍😉

[@geoffwalker315]

Beautiful job Gary. Geoff. W.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Geoff really appreciate your comment 😉

[@C-MAG-Music]

How to turn a plastic toy into a model. Well done!!

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks buddy 😉👍

[@jerryallen34]

Brilliant Garry and thank you. I have been playing around with these just recently and have a red and yellow one which given what you have done is just the ticket. Once again a great upgrade and inspirational. Wish I could weather as well as you. Guess practice make perfect! Cheers, Jerry

[@cheekytek]

Cheers Jerry lol I’m no master by far - I just find light dry brushing is the best to practice and sometimes less is more But I really do like trying different techniques with weathering As to the wagons it’s certainly a great upgrade from poor quality tanker to a premium look and very easy to do. Thanks as always buddy Garry

[@markcrocker934]

Nice little project - makes a big difference. Mark

[@cheekytek]

Hi buddy - cheers yeah a complete difference from before.. and saves them penny from buying new 😁 Take it easy 👍

[@paddycoleman1472]

The tanks look great. Really impressed that the paint covered the original transfers etc.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Paddy Halfords car sprays are brilliant for modeling as the have a fine fast dry spray with a out the can finish that’s perfect for our plastics The gloss varnish or gloss black dry brushed from the top downwards helps hide the under stain of the old print so again little preparation is needed if blasted over with black primer spray 👍 Thanks buddy Garry

[@7APT7]

Hi Gary, what a great blog, using the old stock and to revive them from the past and bring them up to date. Great Step-By-Step to from the old Red to Black. Nice Blog and the correct tools to use along with Decal, oil staining etc,. 👍Thumbs Up👍

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks Jamie very appreciated Cheers 😉👍

[@Pixie586]

Absolutely brilliant Garry. Love them!

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Susannah - I really enjoyed making these 😉

[@Kirbybellars]

Another inspirational video thanks for sharing really great transformation of those toy like TTA 👍

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Buddy 😉👍

[@TONYNORTHEASTERN]

Nice transformation Gary. well worth the effort...…….best wishes Tony

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks Tony oh yeah certainly a great transformation as you too well know, want to do some more now lol 😂 What am I like Take care and we’ll catch up soon I promise 😉👍

[@michaelbenton4117]

Thet look very good, I have the same three wagons, Will give it a go later. thanks, Mick

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Mick - yeah neat cheep makeover but I’m sure they will become as treasured as the other stock once done 👍 Take care buddy Garry

[@danielbonham9336]

Great video Garry, I started a load a few years ago, watching your video has made me go and finish them off, thanks

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks great stuff - revive them and give them life 😉👍 Cheers Garry

[@adamkerr4600]

Great how to using ur old wagons hope ur keeping well Gary 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks buddy - struggling a little TBH (just feeling down) but trying to keep busy. 🤪 Take it easy too and keep well Garry 😉👍

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Great work Gary, will refer back to this when I get to have a go at weathering my little N gauge wagons. Very realistic, great job. Cheers, Chris

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Chris I recall running the Vale Of Oxbury a fantastic layout and Carl had absolutely loads of tankers over a meter in length and they just looked stunning in N gauge so I’m a wee bit jealous but sounds like they’ll be totally awesome once done 😉👍 Cheers Garry

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

cheekytek hey Gary, I could always send them to you to do the job. Admire you’re work a lot and would be honoured. Never done any before and am dubious. Is that something you would be interested in? Obviously for a fee of course!!

[@cheekytek]

Hi Chris. Sorry for the delayed response- Lol 😁 as much as I’d love to take on your wagon stock and not something I would submit to as juggling a family & work life whilst absorbing into my hobby to combat my tinnitus for a relaxed state of mind sometimes leaves very little time for modelling I will keep it to mind for now and see how things go as I’ve got a real load on at the moment. As a question- How many wagons was you thinking ? And what wagon styles ? Garry

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Hiya Gary, it was a bit tongue in cheek as I realise you are, like most of others very busy with family, modelling and generally life itself. I have got time to do stuff but sometimes doubt myself. Watching you’re video made it look easy but I would hate to mess it up. Thanks for even considering it and if you wanted to do it then as I said, I would be honoured to have had them done by you. I bought a rake of ten Peco tank wagons for a steam loco for the layout. I will be introducing them in a future video. Cheers for now Gary and again thanks for even considering it....Chris

[@Anthony.1967]

They look really good mate better then before I will see you tomorrow at warley open day

[@cheekytek]

Oh cool will be fab seeing you Yes definitely more detailed that the bland red and green which I’ve never been a fan of if I’m honest Cheers again and catch you tomorrow 😉👍

[@coalbridgejunction7674]

Hi Garry great to see what you have done with the tankers brilliant .Are you going to early this year in November if so which day would be great to meet you and thank you for all your help Kind Regards Martin Coalbridge Junction

[@alanbroadbent8624]

I've just started a project doing 6 of the old Hornby TTAs that I bought for £28. They have all been painted black, all the walkways have been painted silver just got to sort out the wheels, aplie the transfer and detail the ends up. Anyway great project, and thanks for sharing.

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks and great to hear the TTA revival lives on 😉 Certainly a great wagon project All the best Garry

[@BrianSeaman]

Very nicely done Gary - just the right amount of information to help the rest of us. Cheers, Brian

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks Brian- very appreciated cheers 😉👍 Garry

[@davestrains]

fabulous job Garry! amazing transformation..love it cheers,dave

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Dave Think we’ve all done vids on these now lol but certainly a great project as you well know with your weathering tankers Great job too buddy 👍 Take it easy buddy and look after yourself 😉 Garry

[@heaptoncollierymodelrailwa6011]

Hey Gary Great little video I’m sure I’ve got a few of these somewhere (haven’t we all?) & they may receive similar treatment Maybe sneak some NCB decals on... Cheers Oliver

[@cheekytek]

Lol yeah there’s many floating around and even to buy from amazon for £22 that’s still cheaper than half of one wagon these days As to the decals if you oil it slights it’s just minor details that only you will know Let us know how you get on if you find them 😉👍 All the best Garry

[@heaptoncollierymodelrailwa6011]

@@cheekytek Indeed and as you've shown they crumb up (or is it down because they are weathered?) very well Noted! I will Thanks Oliver

[@DungeWoodRailway]

Hi Garry Super video and what a transformation. Cheers Paul

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Paul Really enjoyed this one 😁 Cheers

[@PhilPage227]

Excellent video Garry.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Philip Very appreciated 👍

[@kevinhickson8099]

hi gary thanks for the info ive ordered the gear ready to transform those cheap looking hornby tankers,thanks

[@cheekytek]

Great stuff Enjoy it’s very rewarding after you’ve done them. All the best Garry

[@RailwayModellerBen]

Awesome work Gary, I’ve done 13 already :) Nice one - Ben

[@cheekytek]

Oh wow - lol I started this a good few weeks ago and I noted how many vids the same were on the go 😂 So thought I’d ease in later Great stuff and great to here modellers like your embracing old stock 👍 All the best Garry

[@RailwayModellerBen]

@@cheekytek Yes Gary I done mine late last year when hattons were selling them for 4 quid a wagon! I bought them all out for a steal! Then after I completed all 13 I made them into my own ballast wagons which I made a tutorial on my channel.. let's say the make an awesome scratch build fun!

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Really keen to have a go at my old “toy-like” tankers. Super inspirational! Can you post a link to the stickers please. Many thanks for your efforts. Mal.

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks Mal I’ll dig out the eBay listing I used these were for TEA which are the longer large tankers but a slight cover up as I did will trick the eye I’ll post in the bottom of this comment one found and your get the notification 👍 Cheers

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

I hope you realise you have got me addicted to doing these! The results are fantastic, great tutorial. Spending too much time and money on a certain Internet auction site buying sufficient to make myself a 15 long train. The Eckon brass ladders are perfect for replacing the ladders and I use the Dapol wheelsets which work well. Once again thanks for the inspiration!

[@turnout999]

Excellent as always.. Regards from Maryville Junction 😎

[@cheekytek]

Many thanks Geoff- just keeping myself busy 😉👍

[@danielbonham9336]

Great video Garry

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks 👍

Another great video, like always.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks my friend 😉👍

[@trainsontuesday]

That was great Gary, I have been collecting a few of these wagons over the past couple of years and what you have shown here really improves them. Can you please let me know the transfer manufacturer and catalogue number please. Cheers, David.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks David Many Thanks I have added all details to help in the video description and pinned a comment of the same on the top of this feed This should all help. Garry

[@trainsontuesday]

@@cheekytek Thank you Garry.

[@kevinhickson8099]

hi gary .another great vid ,long awaited got a few of those old tanker wagons ,was thinking of doing what you have done .now ive seen the result im defo going to go ahead. can i ask were you got the decals from. thanks again .cole park

[@cheekytek]

Hi Kevin Certainly worth doing - all details of the eBay seller is in the description and in my pinned comment on this video Cheers 😉👍

[@timcruse9054]

Great work thanks for the video

[@cheekytek]

many thanks for your comment.. very appreciated..

[@principautezindelstein8177]

Trop bien !!!

[@tubs1725]

In the mid-2000s the TTA tankers were perfect, with a lot more paint details and decals, however it unfortunately seems that once they were part of the RailRoad range Hornby used it as an excuse to dial back on the quality

[@cheekytek]

Hi buddy yeah thats true - but i guess for Hornby its a cost thing aiming at the younger modeller. 👍 Many thanks Garry

[@holybrookejunction4758]

Fantastic job they look amazing. Have you got a link were to buy the wheel sets i need a few myself.

[@cheekytek]

Hi buddy and thanks for the comment I have pasted information in the description of the video/ I’ve not added a link as you may need to dig around as I’ve seen them out of stock in many places- 12mm would be best but I’ve used 14mm which work just fine Cheers Garry

[@ВалерийФилиппов-д8о]

Super.

[@cheekytek]

Thanks 😉👍

[@jkjunction]

These look awesome and have some myself, so may do the same thing. Just a quick one though, in your video you mention you have ordered some ladders. Where did you order them from? How do they look?

[@cheekytek]

Yeah certainly a neat little project- the brass ladders are from the beko range - signal gantry ladders you get a pack of three which each ladder will bend in a u shape to fit these look neat as they are fine scale Cheers Garry

[@johnkennetharkwright699]

Hi Gary I missed what you said about the ladders, where did you buy those. Yours look great I have a few 200t tankers and will have ago at those. your how to videos are great, keep up the good work. John

[@cheekytek]

Hi John Many thanks for your comment These are the Ekon signal gantry ladders 3in a pack as eBay link here 👍😉 rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F121917895366

[@alexhill9169]

They look great, I am part way through a similar respray myself, I am doing them in grey though thats the only difference. I think a back to back gauge would be helpfull for me too, very good advice you got about getting one of those, where did you get it from?

[@cheekytek]

Hi Alex Definitely recommended the gauge tool eBay will find one as where I got mine “OO Gauge back to back tool” Cheers Garry

[@kevinhickson8099]

hi gary, im in the process of bringing upto date those hornby Texaco tanker wagons .can i ask how you did the weathering process.its something ive never tried.got all the gear .but not sure how to go about it.cheers, cole park

[@cheekytek]

Dry brush is the best way on weathering without airbrushing - acrylic would be best to start on a old wagon looking at pictures of weathering patterns for inspiration Again weathering powders will dry brush with great effects- also weathering powders in a pot with a tip of water makes great washes for line details etc. Have a play and practice and your crack it 😉👍

[@sundancjim]

Look great! Where u get the decals from Gary?

[@cheekytek]

Hi Jim, All info on transfers I used is In the video description. Cheers Garry

[@NGaugeVideo]

Excellent video and a good tutorial. Do you have a link for the ladders please? Thank You

[@cheekytek]

Hi Dave Many thanks for your support All wheel / decal and ladder info is in this video description. Your see blue ebay Link at the bottom of Description - Click and will take to ebay stock 👍 Cheers Garry

[@craigymac5386]

Great work mate. I have a few of these old tta's that I want to paint BP green. Do you know who does this paint and who does the decals? I have a few bachmanns but I think they're asking a bit much for them now. So painting the old ones is the way forward.

[@cheekytek]

Hi Craig Been touring around to see what I could find RMweb throws some interesting facts and pictures that may be of some use www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/119881-photos-of-green-bp-ttas/ But I can’t find any spray etc to match for easy of repaint If you search in google for BP TTA tankers green colour it will give you Pantone numbers and other varieties of colour charts I guess it’s one of those things that you’ll have to look for a colour that’s pretty close 🤔 As to decals there are a few chaps on eBay that home print decals / sticker -signs plates etc.. the Chemical signs I used are for the green tankers initially Hope this give some guidance but sorry not much help. Garry

[@craigymac5386]

@@cheekytek Thanks for the reply Garry, very much appreciated. That's the decals ordered now.👍

[@coalbridgejunction7674]

Hi Garry very good will give it try please tel me what diameter of wheels have you fitted to the wagons as i have models similar to the ones you ave upgraded but have no wheels for them Kind regards Martin

[@cheekytek]

Thanks Martin all the info is the description on the video I used 14mm which was because I’ve about 40 of them but 12mm would be more suited on my opinion as it levels the wagon by 1mm But not really noticeable The wheel sets as in vid description are mostly out of stock as they get bought often so if you see some I’d be inclined to snap them up 😉👍 Cheers Garry

[@coalbridgejunction7674]

Thanks for the info Martin

[@davehenshaw4657]

Hi Gary. May I ask where you got you're metal wheels from?. I have an old Lima brake van and the plastic wheels quite honestly are horrible!!. Would I need to replace the axles as well. Cheers Gary.

[@cheekytek]

Many Thanks ironically I bought a couple bags from my friend that’s was clearing old stuff out - these are Romford wheel sets and are still available on the Internet - I’ll measure the circumstance and search on the web and I’ll leave a link in the back of this comment so it will update you Hope this helps - I’ll get back tomorrow as I’m out with warley club tomorrow. Cheers Garry

[@davehenshaw4657]

@@cheekytek Thanks for you're help Gary. Have a good day at Warley.

[@cheekytek]

Dave Thanks warley was a great day as tiring as it was.. I’ve posted in the the description of this video of places these are sold - a google search will throw many up I believe these are in sets “wheel and axle complete” I used 14mm but 12mm is more accurate to scale but it’s what is available that makes the decision I feel as there like rocking horse poop to get in stock.. Cheers

[@davehenshaw4657]

@@cheekytek Thanks Gary. Will have a search. Nice to see you guys enjoying yourself at Warley. Hope they kept the tea and sandwiches flowing. Always good hospitality here in the black country!!.

[@danielwalker2613]

The photo at 9:50 is a Bitumen tank and slightly different in appearance with the conical ends, so you could not replicate this weathering on a standard TTA wagon, and the wheel bearing covers would be yellow on your models - not red as seen in the photo

[@cheekytek]

Ooh Think you best check RMweb out 😁 - as this was where I based my research with the actual pictures on there with TTA wagons with red axle-boxes - (That actually existed) - and an option i wanted in line with the hornby 2008 release TTA wagon with red axles - i know they are normally yellow but the forum suggests -green - red - black boxes too. 👍 as for the pic at 9.50 as also featured on RMweb information for modellers - this wagon shows weathering aspects that as you say and I do agree, very usual. This too as i mentioned a weathering look i liked. - this video is aimed to inspire modellers with cheap naff models to making them look better. I appreciate you comment 👌 Thanks as always. All the best Garry 😁👍