Over the last few months, little has happened on the layout. No money for stock or even a decoder for my 4CEP. However a new job (2nd new job this year) is going to spell the end of it. I have managed to get a bit of scatter done on the relief put in place, but another coating needs to be done (photos to follow). The thing is it looks a bit more like sandstone than the chalk relief I had planned. Any suggestions to get it looking a bit more chalky than sandy?
Pre-orders for various pieces of
Much has happened since I got made redundant a fortnight ago. Although searching for a new career is a priority, I have managed to get quite a bit done in the last fortnight.
Some relief has appeared on the terminus side of the station, and along the back scene, I have also managed to finish the inset rails. Awaiting to see how my finances go before the station buildings start to appear, but the space has been made ready for it. Photos of work so far below.
As usual any comments or criti
While not much has happened on the layout, due to sickness, and other commitments. A decision has been made that sound is not really viable for either me or my layout. With a list a mile long of locos wanted and other things needed for the layout, my 37 with sound is for sale.
The main reason though, and this my personal opinion, is that with such a short run, DCC sound cannot be used to it's maximum potential. I agree that shed layouts with loads of locomotives do gain a lot from the sound
As promised a photographic update of how the layout has bee progressing. Rather slowly, but hope to speed up a little over the next few weeks, as I've got a fortnight off soon to recuperate from an operation.
As usual any comment etc. all gratefully received.
One of the parts of Railway Modelling I find really fun is creating the fictional history, and locations for my layouts. So with the purchase of a 3rd Rail EMU, a scottish layout seems to be a bit too far fetched.
So here goes with Smallbridge. The name comes from one of my literary heroes Hornblower, who after his exploits against the French was made Baron Hornblower of Smallbridge, and a bit of a google has found no Smallbridge in Kent. I did try and find something with a Doctor Syn refer
Well if you haven't cottoned on by now, I have a new love in my life. I couldn't help myself.
This is the story anyway. I was helping out at Churchrail on Saturday, and after a really enjoyable stint operating Summat Colliery, and then relieving the gentleman of Highley Unlikely for a while, the guys at Castle Trains had bought with them a Shiny New Bachmann Blue Grey 4CEP. To say I was seduced is an understatement, before I knew I had whipped out the Debit Card, and purchased the unit. Aft
After that brief stall on the location of the layout. The decision has been made to stay in North West Scotland. The arrival of another Tractor to the locomotive stable, in the form of 37/0 with Split Headcode, thanks to Oldfield Park.
So a list of the Jobs to do:
1. Re-model the fiddle yard, with a curved point to allow a 3 coach train with locomotive to fit in the fiddle yard.
2. Complete the Ballasting and Track weathering.
3. Paint a Backscene, and time to add some relief to the la
As promised now that the server seems to be stable. All week when I have tried to update my blog, I have been unable to get on.
A couple of boxed of the Bachmann Scenescape Trees have been used to create an evergreen woodland. Along with Javis Flexible Drystone Walling.
Thank you to all those that have taken part in the poll, and if you haven't voted please feel free to, as the decision to move my layout situation from the far highlands of Scotland, to the South Kent Coast, is yet to be
A few more bits and pieces have been done to the layout, and I will update with photos later on tonight.
A huge curve ball was thrown at me, while on a quick visit to Tennents on Wednesday lunchtime, all I bought was some more trees, a decoder, and some Plastic Cement for me to crack on with the Kadees for my wagons. But there in the cabinet all shiny, new, and looking absolutely stunning, was a Blue Grey 4CEP, and all I have thought about is going three rail, how I can adjust the fiddle yar
Now I can get onto the computer at home. I can now update with what is happening with Tigh Charrann. I have started to weather the rails using Railmatch Aerosol Enamels, a little more ballasting, and also planted a field. The photographs are pretty self explanatory.
I managed to get a few more bits and pieces at Warley, to sort out the Kadee issues with british rolling stock. Also picked up a Mk1 BG blue grey and Mk1 BG in full blue to form the parcels train. A Large Logo 37
A couple of photos of the progress, as promised. Having major problems with Kadee Height at the moment, so any advice is gratefully received, as is any critism or advice. By the way the hoover needs to visit to tidy everything up.
Cheers for now.
Ballasting work and bushes are appearing on the layout, and I promise some more photos later today.
The only thing bothering me now is the capacity of the fiddle yard. I need to make room for a Deltic and 3 coaches, where at the moment I can only hold a deltic and 2 coaches. So a curved point, will be used to make on long siding along the back of the yard, and the 3 way point making up the other 3 sidings. I think that makes sense.
With pay day looming another shopping list is being fo
Well with RMWeb down, and EBay short on bargains, I have carried on with the scenic side of the Tigh Charrann. Ballast is appearing as are bushes in strategic places. Although a long way off from complete, I should be able to get the ballasting completed by the end of this weekend.
New building have also appeared in the form of the Bachmann Scenecraft Site Office, and Welded Tank from the Cement Works range. The Site Office will form the office unit for the fuel depot, and the Welded Tank w
I have tried to bring in some of the content from my layout thread on the old board, but it didn't work. So anyway a brief summary of the construction.
Baseboards:
Constructed by Grandad and I, using 5mm MDF, 2 x 1 for Legs and Strengthening, and Shelf Brackets for support.
Track:
Is all PECO Code 100, using concrete sleepers. All the points are insulfrog, and made live for dcc by using the Hornby DCC Electroclips. The hard standing area is constructed using card from used refill
Right then, firstly a huge thanks to Andy and the team for this superb new forum.
Secondly, a big thank you to those who proffered advice, and suggestions on my previous Layout post "Norton St. Georges".
Right then, down to brass tacks.
Tigh Charran.
The name Tigh Charrann comes from a house we stop at during Hogmanay in Lochcarron, and thought (and hope) this layout would be a fitting tribute to the hospitality we receive up there.
The History:
Tigh Charrann is a larg
