Weighbridge and Office - OO9/OO/HO based on Charlestown Weighbridge

Really Nice Small Weighbridge building based on the one at Charlestown.

The weighbridge is 86mm x 46mm and due to the nature of manufacture comes with a black card backing that is to be glued in place before painting, card glue works fine. 

We print and make our own models here in the UK using high detail resin. The sale is for the unpainted building, laser cut glazing, weighbridge and backing and seperate chimney pot.

Finishing: All items are cleaned and cured by hand. They are unassembled and ready for you to prime and paint. We do our very best to remove support marks but some fine sanding may be required. All pieces and parts come unprimed and unpainted with all supports removed. Please do bear in mind that resin can be quite delicate so try to avoid dropping your parts! Sadly, we can't be held responsible for breakages once your item has arrived. However, if the piece is broken in the post, please provide images and we will of course see what we can do to help. 

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Small Weighbridge Building (Charlestown / Minffordd Inspired)

What exactly is included with this weighbridge building kit?

The sale is for the unpainted weighbridge building, the separate weighbridge platform, the black card backing for the weighbridge, laser-cut glazing, and a separate chimney pot. All parts are supplied unassembled, unprimed, and unpainted, with supports removed.

What are the dimensions of the building and the weighbridge?

The building footprint is approximately 59mm x 35mm and 60mm tall, including the separate chimney. The weighbridge platform is approximately 86mm x 46mm. These dimensions make it well suited to a small station scene or as a standalone office or merchant building.

Is this model based on a real prototype?

Yes. The building takes its design influence from the weighbridge building at Charlestown and from the building on Minffordd station on the Ffestiniog Railway, giving it a very authentic small-station character.

What material is the model made from?

The model is printed in high-detail resin. All items are cleaned and cured by hand before packing, and supports are removed, though a little fine sanding may still be required in places.

Is the model supplied painted or ready-to-run?

No, the model is supplied unpainted and unassembled. It is ready for you to prime, paint, and finish yourself. The photos showing painted versions and the real building are for illustration only and are not included.

Where is this model produced and shipped from?

We print and make our own models here in the UK using high-detail resin. The model is shipped from stock and is ready for you to paint once it arrives.

The resin part arrived with a small mark or faint line – is this normal?

Because the models are 3D printed and supports are removed by hand, very fine marks or faint layer lines can sometimes be visible. We do our best to remove support marks, but a little gentle sanding with fine abrasive paper is perfectly normal and will disappear under primer and paint.

What should I do if my model arrives broken in the post?

If your model is damaged during delivery, please take clear photos of the damage and packaging and contact us. While we can’t cover breakages that occur after safe delivery, we will of course see what we can do to help with pieces broken in transit.

Can this building be used for anything other than a weighbridge?

Yes. Although it’s designed as a small weighbridge building, it also works very nicely as a station office, goods office, or small merchant’s building on its own, especially on compact layouts where space is tight.

Is the black card backing for the weighbridge essential?

Yes, the black card backing is part of the design. Due to the nature of manufacture, it should be glued in place behind the weighbridge before painting. It provides a neat, solid backing and helps give depth to the finished piece.

What kind of glue should I use for the black card backing?

A standard card glue works fine for fixing the black card backing to the weighbridge. Apply a thin, even layer, press gently into place, and allow it to dry fully before priming and painting.

My parts don’t seem to fit together perfectly – what can I do?

Dry fit all parts first. If something feels tight or slightly misaligned, lightly sand the mating surfaces with fine abrasive paper until the fit is snug but not forced. Resin can be delicate, so avoid twisting or bending parts to make them fit.

The resin feels delicate – how should I handle it?

Handle the parts by the thicker sections where possible, and avoid putting pressure on thin edges or corners. Try not to drop or knock the parts on hard surfaces, as resin can chip or snap if mishandled.

What if the black card backing warps or doesn’t sit flat?

If the card has a slight curve, gently flex it in the opposite direction to straighten it before gluing. Use a flat surface and a light weight (such as a book) while the glue dries to keep it flat. Avoid using very wet glues that can soak and distort the card.

How should I clean the model before painting?

Although the parts are cleaned and cured by hand, it’s always worth giving them a quick wash in warm (not hot) soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely. This helps remove any remaining residue and improves paint adhesion.

What primer should I use?

A normal automotive (car) primer works very well on this resin. Apply in several light coats rather than one heavy coat, allowing each layer to dry. This will help preserve the fine detail and give you a good base for acrylic paints.

Can I use acrylic paints on this model?

Yes, acrylic paints are ideal once the model is properly primed. They give good coverage, dry quickly, and are easy to work with for weathering and detail work on buildings.

When should I glue the black card backing – before or after painting?

Glue the black card backing in place before priming and painting. This way, the primer and paint will tie the resin and card together visually, and you won’t risk visible unpainted edges around the weighbridge opening.

How do I attach the separate chimney pot?

Once the main building is assembled and test-fitted, glue the chimney pot onto the top of the chimney stack using a suitable model glue for resin. It’s often easiest to attach it after priming but before final painting, so you can paint chimney and pot together.

Any tips for painting to match the prototype feel?

Start with a good primer coat, then block in your main wall and roof colours with acrylics. Add lighter and darker tones to pick out stone or brickwork, and finish with gentle weathering to suggest soot around the chimney and light grime around the weighbridge area. Working from reference photos of small UK station buildings can be very helpful for colour inspiration.