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Swindelton SP- O gauge in a small space!


ChrisS
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Hello all,

 

I have been a reader of model rail since it was a free supplement in Rail. So when the latest copy appeared with this challenge, I thought I would give it ago, along with sharing any progress on rmweb.

 

I have played with 00 and N, but have always apprecited the size, weight and potential detail of O. A few years ago I completed an MMP 08 (Inspired by the building of this kit in Model Rail at the time), and it has sat in a display cabinet ever since. I have a longer term O gauge layout (ambition!), which has an 8ft scenic section, but due to modern house design, kids, work, no shed and a garage in a block, it has been difficult to find the motivation to bring it out and work on it.

 

This challenge has caught my attention, with the aim of producing something which I can ultimately display my 08 in, in a suitable setting, and possibly motivating me to finish my Tower models class 20. Here is my 08 on a rare trip out of the display cabinet. Photography is not my strong point and the Nikon Coolpix used, has not captured the whole 08 in focus- so hopefully having a back ground to photograph, will also improve my model photos.

 

post-12129-0-37510000-1306609707_thumb.jpg

 

Inspiration has come from seeing photos of Peterborough depot in Model rail (#93 July 2006) and a picture of Kings Lynn stabling point (seen in 'Modelling the British Rail era' p17; Santona publication by Fleming, Flint, Gibbons and Taylor). So, my intention is to recreate a scene loosly based on these, with only part of the shed on display, probably the 'back end', which would allow the display of my 08 and any future creations/ purchases.

 

Currently ideas in O seem limited, possibly for a reason?, so to get an idea of what I could actually fit into the space, I purchased a sheet of 6mm ply (1220X606mm), a length of timber (34x34mmx2.4m) and screws for less than £15. These were chopped up in a couple of sessions, with the off cuts potentially being used at a later date.

 

post-12129-0-12103600-1306610504_thumb.jpg

 

The board is constructed to the maximum dimensions and could be considered belt and braces, but hopefully it is built to last.

 

post-12129-0-11188000-1306610581_thumb.jpg

 

Hopefully, this will not be the last post !! I am determined to finish this, to give my 08 a proper home and allow experimentation, with modelling and photography!

 

I hope this is of interest.

 

Chris

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Thank you Kenton.

 

The 08 is light weight compared to the Tower models class 20 I have yet to complete.

 

Do people have an opinion if the front of the board should be framed and the top covered, to force people into looking at what you want them to see?

 

I don't want to make it too dark, as space for additional lighting would be limited.

 

Chris

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I think the question of framing is fairly open. This is a diorama and possibly lighting and framing the scene may see some innovations along with viewing angles depending very much on the scene being depicted. Though I guess from your 3 sides enclosed base some of the options are limited.

 

There seems to be nothing in the rules that there has to be any framing or lighting. In theory the whole thing could be a 360' viewer experience. after all there is no operator required as nothing has to actually operate.

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The weather was not too good today, but what else would we expect so close to summer????

 

Between bouts of rain I managed to prime the board. Unfortunately due to the rubbish weather, I've taken the photos indoors- which is why they are a bit darker and grainy in appearance.

 

post-12129-0-87744200-1306787813_thumb.jpg

 

I spent some time cutting a cardboard mock up of the end of the inspection shed, but as yet, I have not decided on the overall length that I want displayed. As seen below, there is a risk of it dominating the board. It will be based on the one at Kings Lynn, and was roughly measured based on photos, although I think it is slightly too high at the moment. The track end in front of the shed will be used to display future wagon projects, with an old Skytrex TTA currently sitting in. With a bit of weathering this could represent a diesel delivery. Hopefully it will be replaced by a JLTRT TTA in the future. What you see below is effectively all the space available.

 

post-12129-0-34551700-1306787856_thumb.jpg

 

For £4, I got a measured and cut piece of mirror from the local glass shop which fits on the right hand panel of the board. This hopefully gives the impression of a more substantial inspection shed, along with an additional TTA, as hinted in the next two photos. I am not too sure what to do in the background, but I experimented with a Gaugemaster product and I am impressed with the results, particularly in combination with the mirror, although it is not permanently fixed in place yet.

 

post-12129-0-52713800-1306787899_thumb.jpg

 

post-12129-0-63051600-1306786664_thumb.jpg

 

Hope this is of interest, but any comments welcome.

 

Back to reality tomorrow- real work!!

 

Chris

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If you were to force the viewpoint by putting a lid on the display unit you will need to think of some lighting.

 

It's an interesting idea putting a shed right in the middle.

 

- Edit I hadn't realised that you had already put in the mirror hence the comment about the shed in the middle. The mirror obviously works or my eyes have failed even more!

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Thanks for the positive comment Chris 66522.

 

The only problem with the mirror is that due to its depth, even if you butt something up to it, you can notice a 'join' between the object and the mirror. I will have to figure out a way of disguising this.

 

I would like to force the view, but I agree with you Kris that additional lighting may be required. Although a dusk effect could be created, it would look strange with a bright blue sky and fluffy clouds on the backscene I used as an experiment. Will have to think carefully about this.

 

Not too sure I understand the comment about putting the shed right in the middle though?

 

Below is a link to a site for depot and service point inspirations, with the second link an example of Kings Lynn SP, which gave me the inspiration for my entry.

 

http://www.abrail.co...nk_magazine.htm scroll down to see the photos of closed depots.

 

http://www.abrail.co...ip%20Stuart.jpg

 

Hope this is useful

 

Chris

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Hi Chris

 

Marc Smith has used mirrors very successfully on his recent 4mm layouts - Hendre Lane and his steel works (see http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/21148-my-new-project-south-wales-steelworks/page__p__207668__hl__hendre__fromsearch__1&do=findComment&comment=207668). I think he too had 'problems' with the depth of a glass mirror and has used an acrylic mirror instead which is much thinner. The mirror is well worth the effort in getting right as it makes the layout look considerably larger.

 

Marc's box style layouts are also along the lines of yours here. The steel works layout is designed to run 'in the dark'. I saw it at the recent Taunton RMweb members day - really looked the biz!

 

I really like your diarama - it reminds me a bit of the Kings Lynn fuel point.

 

Good luck!

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Thanks for the link and the comments TimC.

 

I will look into a plastic mirror, excuse the pun!

 

I am hoping to get a bit of detail into this space and Marc Smith's Hendre Lane, although in OO, shows what can be achieved with a bit of thought.

 

I am glad you think it reminds you of the Kings lynn fuel point from the little bit that I have created, as this was part of the inspiration, as seen in this link previously posted.

 

http://www.abrail.co...ip%20Stuart.jpg

 

This won't be a strict copy partly due to size constraints, but an interpretation of.

 

Not too sure if I will get much work done this weekend, I think the weather may be too good to miss a BBQ opportunity!

 

Chris

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John Dorman found ways round that mirror problem for his Swindon shed model it was written up in MRJ can't remember which one though. Like the approach though the backscene and the mirror could makes this work.

Don

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Thanks for the comments Donw & Hugh.

 

As predicted, did not get anything done today due to BBQ weather.

 

Hopefully tomorrow might be more productive!

 

Chris

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Hi Chris,

 

Looks interesting.

 

I have the Bachmann 08 and was initially thinking of doing something in 7mm to dip my toe...but I thought I had best stick with 2mmFS for the challenge.

 

So....I am watching this with more than a great interest :D

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Thanks bcnPete. I hope it continues to be of interest.

 

Plan falling apart for work on it today, a trip to Sainsbury's looms!

 

Where does all the time go?

 

Chris

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How does the saying go- 'I live to work' or 'I work to live'?

 

Either way, I enjoy my job- I audit pest control systems and companies and get to see some interesting architecture (including remains of many internal railway systems on the older food factory sites) but it does take up a lot of time travelling around London and the South East!

 

However, I am progressing at a leisurely pace. I painted the external surfaces of the display satin black. I have decided that a frame around the front of the display will focus the viewers attention. It works best at eye level.

 

I am not sure how dark the photos appear on your computer screens, but they appear quite dark on mine- even though there still appeared to be quite a bit of light when I took them!

 

post-12129-0-22911400-1308515049_thumb.jpg

 

The internal corners of the frame were all supposed to be rounded, but three of them looked terible, so I made them square. However, I think the one curve in the bottom right draws the attention to the mirrored end of the display! I have found some mounting card which I will use to support the backscene.

 

post-12129-0-53080100-1308515077_thumb.jpg

 

Here are a few additional pictures.

 

post-12129-0-07393400-1308515124_thumb.jpg

 

post-12129-0-85661800-1308515152_thumb.jpg

 

post-12129-0-62560100-1308515199_thumb.jpg

 

Hope to get more work done in the near future, but a trip to Croydon, Kings Cross, East London and Southampton awaits!

 

Chris

post-12129-0-62136100-1308515003_thumb.jpg

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Time is passing me by. Did not realise how long it has been since the last up-date.

 

Not done too much due to holidays and the usual enermy- WORK, but found some time the other day to spend an evening on this project.

 

I wanted a building in the near left hand corner to be a view blocker, as I intend to manage what the viewer sees.

 

So, as I can't afford too much time scratch building bits, I managed to get a yard office kit from Skytrex, which loosely resembles that found at Kings Lynn, which this whole project is loosely based on.

 

http://www.abrail.co...ip%20Stuart.jpg

 

It needs a little work to get the bits to fit, but here is the work in progress.

 

post-12129-0-82524700-1312824770_thumb.jpg

 

post-12129-0-97287500-1312824788_thumb.jpg

 

It has taken me a while to realise that less is more- I've been experimenting with the painting of the brickwork and the result was achieved by practically dry brushing the humbrol enamel on.

Too much paint and the variation in brick colour and motor joints are lost, and would have to be added afterwards.

 

I've also painted the wooden floor within and weathered it.

 

I might decide to scratch build a roof to be in a more delaptidated condition, or possibly in a state following a fire, but at this rate, I might just stick the kit roof on!

 

Hope this is of interest, and hopefully a little more will now be achieved!

 

Chris

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A litte up-date.

 

The yard office is nearly finished, just got to add some ridge tiles and drain pipes. As mentioned before, the brick work finish was achieved by dry brushing, with 4 different enamels. Might still weather it more with a very diluted black wash, but not too sure. At the moment the kit roof has been installed, but if I have time I may alter it with a creation of my own.

 

post-12129-0-12904200-1313343629_thumb.jpg

 

This is where the office will sit. Its main aim is to frame the 08 and act as a view blocker. Further detailing will take place in the form of foliage and other bits and bobs.

 

post-12129-0-13938900-1313343658_thumb.jpg

 

Slowly getting on with other jobs. I've painted and weathered the section of track at the front, before I fix it in place. The mesh fence is a section of weld mesh used for car repairs from Halfords. It was bought many years ago, so I dont know if it's still available, but it will extend a bit further along to the left. Just got to create some suitable fence posts.

 

Hopefully the weathered 08, yard office, fence and car all help to create a mood and set a period in time....................

 

This is the view from the other end.

 

post-12129-0-13973600-1313343684_thumb.jpg

 

Having second thoughts about the fitting of the backscene experimented with earlier in the thread- any ideas what else could be achieved??

 

Any further comments or ideas welcomed.

 

Chris

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Finally taken the plunge and have started the construction of the shed from scratch. Got paid the other day so bought some evergreen strip- did not realise how expensive this stuff was. I have been dreading this, but I think it will be worth the effort.

 

The dimensions of the shed were roughly calculated based on photos of Kings Lynn and Peterborough stabling points, the former had an 08 next to it, so I used this to calculate heights etc.

 

My shed will probably end up being a cross between the two, but ultimately based on what I feel looks right. This was one of the design principles behind the Spitfire!

 

I made the perimeter walls first using off cuts from the 6mm ply used to make the display. The outer walls were covered in embosed plastic brick. I am inclined to leave the inner walls plain, as after painting them white, they resemble the rough finish of block work. I made the capping sets using evergreen channel section, which was scored using a saw.

 

post-12129-0-13591000-1314463371_thumb.jpg

 

The main steels have been cut and glued together, but are not currently attached to the brick base- but are temporarily held in place with blue tack. A new warehouse is being built at our local retail centre so I took a few photos of how it is constructed. I will be adding cladding support beams and roof support beams, though these probably will not be visable once the cladding is in place.

 

post-12129-0-11082400-1314464470_thumb.jpg

 

As I mentioned earlier, the structure has been roughly calculated, but is ultimately based on what I think looks right. To get an idea of scale, here is my 08 sitting in its partially built new home.

 

post-12129-0-61258200-1314464485_thumb.jpg

 

Still hope this is of interest- especially since this challenge seems to be dominated by some very impressive 2mm models!!

 

Might still get a bit more done today- hopefully the kids will be going to bed early!!

 

Chris

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I was not going to bother modelling an inspection pit in the shed, as I thought that not too much if any will be on show for the work involved, but it kept on playing on my mind- I would know it's not there.

 

So retrospectively I'va added one! It was a bit of a job cutting the hole in the baseboard, but luckily the display sides are still removable, making the job a little easier. The walls, base and steps in the pit are all made from off cuts of the ply wood previously used. The walls are covered in embossed brick work.

 

post-12129-0-74421200-1314642997_thumb.jpg

 

I spent a nice afternnon weathering the inside of the pit, although more detail may be added- possibly a large pool of oil!

 

post-12129-0-11684800-1314643016_thumb.jpg

 

Part of the reason why I was not originally going to model the inspection pit was that it would effectively have a wall in its middle (due to the baseboard frame). So to disguise this, I've cut some removeable chequer plate panels, which make some sort of sense, as they would prevent members of staff from falling in the pit when not in use! If you were to look in the shed, there would be a reflection in the mirroe making the pit look longer.

 

The panels still need to be weathered, but here is the idea.........

 

post-12129-0-73251000-1314643027_thumb.jpg

 

With this major bit of surgery completed and with all the other bits and bobs aquired, hopefully things will move along a bit quicker in the next week or two.

 

The track is now glued in place, so the next job will be creating the hardstanding in the shed. I have some modeling clay which should do the job.

 

Hope everyone else had a good bank holiday!

 

Chris

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Really interesting idea and looks great!

 

I was tempted by the photo of King's Lynn depot myself but managed to resist temptation! :lol:

 

It did inspire me to construct some depot style buildings so maybe I didn't totally resist!

 

Looking forawrd to further progress.

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Thanks for the recent comments. Between work, kids and sleep I've been busy............................

 

I created the hard standing for the shed using DAS modelling clay. Never used it before, but I am pleased with the result. However, I found its not easy to lay it smooth, as the white colour makes it difficult to spot the ripples and bumps. It required a bit of sanding down after I left it for three days to dry out. Its been painted with several different colours and washes to weather it.

 

post-12129-0-80260200-1315135880_thumb.jpg

 

I had already created the main steel work, so now the roof panel beams have been installed. The illusion with the mirror makes the shed look a reasonable length, along with the inspection pit. Even I got confussed by the mirror when sticking on the roof beams! Currently the whole structure is removable and is surprisingly sturdy.

 

post-12129-0-92517800-1315135892_thumb.jpg

 

You will also see that I've made the fence posts and painted them, for the fence in front of the shed.

 

post-12129-0-14561300-1315135906_thumb.jpg

 

I sill have to add the side support beams for the wall panels and glazing. But I am experimenting with colours for the corrugated roof panels.

 

post-12129-0-36326500-1315135915_thumb.jpg

 

I've really enjoyed the challenge so far in building the shed. Part of me would like to have been an architect or structural engineer! For less than £20, building this shed seems quite reasonable in comparrison to the yard office kit from Skytrex!

 

It's properly chucking it down with rain at the moment, so more modelling to be done this afternnon!

 

Chris

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I've been doing little bits this week, such as the concrete path from the yard office to the shed, painting the steels of the shed, creating the glazing and ballasting the track.

 

post-12129-0-09186400-1315671117_thumb.jpg

 

I'm no where near finished for the competition, but I could not help experimenting with using the model to improve my photography! Here is an example- significant room for improvement!! However, the various bits allow for the subject to be framed.

 

post-12129-0-46399300-1315671130.jpg

 

I have a few targets to meet by the end of next week, otherwise it could be a bit hectic towards the 1st October!

 

Chris

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