Following completion of recovery work on numerous lengths of track, I started testing the Clackwick layout on Dec 24th. It was clear the following morning that Santa had brought more than the usual range of presents, but nothing whatever appropriate to my layout. However, one large package contained a build-your-own wooden HMS Bounty. The parts schedule includes no less than 135 product lines ("Deadeyes" for example numbering 52), so I can't even guess at the total number of parts. I do know tha
Removed the remaining panels this afternoon, and checked out the supply connections to the related track lengths and points:
Final tally; five or 6 rail lengths and two sets of points to be individually wired, but some lengths of track (virtually out of reach with the side panels fitted) need to be cleaned and polished. Recovery work starts tomorrow.
Following a busy period on the domestic front, I was finally able to make a start today on what I percieved earlier as significant problems with the track supply on Clackwick. Having constructed the framework and side panels in 2005 I didn't quite know what to expect, but once I got going it was a relief to find that I had built the supporting timberwork with some degree of foresight. Twenty or so screws removed, two panels lifted out, one mains plug disconnected and all was revealed:
Clouds on the horizon? No, not a new scenic feature for the Clackwick layout, but a slightly alarming discovery made yesterday whist prepping the layout for a visit by a fellow enthusiast from UK later this week. Whilst spring cleaning the track prior to test runs I noted a white deposit on some of the rail joiners. Having been directly involved in aircraft avionics for all of my working life, my immediate reaction was "galvanic action". This is a chemical reaction that occurs between disimilar
An old schoolfriend is visiting next weekend - a fellow layout enthusiast, albeit on a slight smaller scale. I'm tied up getting the layout ready for him to have a "sit and play" session, but I have to wonder whether I am in the minority with my layout being constantly "out of action - in development".
First to be completed in the latest upate (all courtesy of Langley Models) is the Eastern National Depot on Church Road:
The Grey-Green terminal has seen the addition of one of those open top sea-front route buses, so popular in the summer months at Clacton. I need to change the livery to reflect Eastern National ownership, and occupy with some passengers:
A visiting family of holiday makers are offered carriage of their luggage "in me barrer mister" in front of Clackwick Station. A t
Been a busy week, following the arrival of a delivery from Langley Models (pics to follow). However, I wasn't happy with scenery at the Nissen Hut bunker so have replaced it with something more green:
The Eastern National Depot on Church Road Clacton now renamed to reflect 1950s ownership, and distressed and weathered to reflect condition. Awaiting oil drums, tool boxes, engine parts and the "depot cat" - all on order from Langley.
First stage of the next diaorama; The Eastern National Bus/Coach Depot on Church Road Clacton c1955. A long way to go, but the idea begins to take shape.
My first attempt at video - chopped from 5 mins to about half by Flickr. Nothing like professional, but better to come I hope.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/165741652@N02/30751560867/in/datetaken/
Mr Syrett, one of our Elm Grove neighbours in Gt Clacton during the mid '50s raised two pigs for Christmas slaughter every year. Those who had passed on their kitchen scraps throughout the year were rewarded with a fine joint of pork every December. With Elm Grove not being represented on the Clackwick layout, I have relocated the pigsty to Jaywick, adjacent to the Nissen huts. Mr Syrett can be seen in conversation with "young Bramwell" who is on his way home from school. Looking on is Mr Syrett
Adjacent to the Nissen huts at the west end of Clackwick stands an old wartime bunker. This was used in the early '50s by local lads and lasses for liasons that warranted discretion - the scene below being fairly typical of the time. The young lad who lived at number 15 is being entertained by the twin daughters of "old man Belcher" (OMB), who lived at number 21:
What is not appreciated by any of those present is that OMB has had his suspicions for some time, and is making his way from numb
Latest update features "Charlie Wheeler's" corner. I've scruffied the area up a bit, which is much more in keeping with the man. Note: Picture replaced 8 Oct 2018 - more detailed image.
Reflecting on earlier thoughts that much of my layout was underpopulated, I am gradually recruiting more staff and attracting new people to the area.
The Golden Fleece landlord has seen an upturn in business, and taken on an additional staff member to cope with new customers:
The Area Inspector chats to the Grey Green driver, whilst the conductor arranges with his mate to meet in the bar later:
The local market now enjoys music from a small band:
A replacement footbridge has b
Passengers await the arrival of the 10.07am to Liverpool Street, stopping at Colchester and Shenfield only. Immediately in front of the weather shelter stands B/E Bramwell; his summer leave now over, the 10.07 will take him part way to his RAF station in south wales. On the nearside line a local train to Wivenhoe waits for signal clearance.
In "Clackwick Diaoramas 1" I made reference to a split backdrop that needed attention. The backdrop in question was a cutting from Townscene Sheet 6 and
In earlier pictures the warehouse had all the signs that it had been abandoned, so more detailing was urgently needed here. The first of the new scenes concentrates on the Goods In/Goods Out area where a new (Langley) crane has been installed and supporting staff added. Collett Goods 2260 waits to shunt back to the loading bay to offload its cargo.
In an attempt to break up some of the wide open spaces on my layout, I have included several small dioramas. Most are based on my experiences growing up on the edge of the Jaywick marshes and in later years on a council estate in Gt Clacton. Having considered my first round of pictures showing various aspects of the layout, it became clear that many areas were simply too short on detail. As part of an ongoing review, the first three are now just about there:
To the right can be seen the loca
Several locos go to make up my static display, these being:
Class 03 Shunter D2280 has been part of both my layouts since the start of the first build in 1999 - although little used on either layout. Notwithstanding, in common with many of my Bachmann locos that incorporate conductive wheel bearings, it has adopted a "fully disabled lump" when running. Ergo, D2280 had been relegated to being a member of the "static display team". However, it occurred to me in the last few days that a diesel
In the mid 'fifties Ivatt Class 2 number 46464 operated regularly between Clacton and Wivenhoe, with occasional trips to Colchester. This odd loolking little loco became a firm favourite with "spotters", and invariably attracted a small crowd when in steam. I am reminded that I need to do something about the five minute weathering job I carried out on this loco!
Collett Goods number 2260. An excellent slow runner. Certainly "out of region". Can't remember how it came to be part of my layout
Following a day trip to Ipswich docks as a thirteen year old trainspotter, it was inevitable that if I took up modelling a layout it was bound to include at least one Class 20 Diesel loco. The subsequent model layout evolved to its' present form and, although not noted on the Clacton line in earlier times, a "previously owned" Lima in 1950s livery joined my layout - D8041. It ran reasonably well on DC, but when fitted with a Lenz Silver decoder improved significantly. The fly in the ointment was
Britannias were regular visitors at Clacton. Three models grace my layout and, whilst I cannot be sure whether all or any ever operated out of Clacton, they represent those that did. I can recall now, sitting in class at the high school a couple of hundred yards from the main line and hearing that siren whistle. I prayed for the end of the school day, and then raced to the tracks hoping that the "Brit" had not departed.
"Britannia" 70000 with carriages. This model is fitted with Loksound dec
I have to say that my choice of locos for The Clackwick layout has been significantly influenced by my experiences as a 13 year old trainspotter. Certain locos stuck in my mind from that time and I begin to think that it is no coincidence that several of them have returned to steam or smoke again. By the same token, a well meaning wife has been behind a certain element of "authenticity corruption" in her choice of birthday/christmas presents, who's origins cannot be attributed to any part of Ess
A few more images showing other buildings on the layout. The first being the local garage:
The local pub; The Golden Fleece:
Boleyn Way Nissen Huts, Jaywick. We lived at No 15 (with my Mum and my dog outside) on the edge of the Jaywick marshes for several years up to 1955:
"The Big House", at the opposite end of the layout. The RH is about to leave for the railway station - his chaffeur, having changed from his labouring clothes, also makes his way to the Armstrong SS.
