A busy moment at Ropley.

Hi all.

I really hate making posts like this, but there hasn't been an awful lot of progress on the layout of late and so there isn't much to show in the way of changes. Its quite frustrating really, as there are a lot of jobs I want to get stuck into, but once started they need a few days to see through to completion. Hopefully over the festive season I should be able to make a significant move in the right direction though thanks to a week off work.

One new addition to the rolling stock fleet is the new N Gauge Society LMS Inspection Saloon. The Mid Hants is home to 45045 which is in regular use on the line so this is an essential model for the layout. I have to say that the N Gauge soceity and Farish have done a fantastic job with this model. The detail is excellent and the fully detailed interior a nice touch.

The new Farish Inspection Saloon.

There are a few changes I need to make to the model, including the removal of the folding side steps and handrail, 'de-frosting' of the two compartment windows and of course re-numbering and the addition of the LMS lettering found on the real thing. These are a curious addition to the real coach as the coach is painted in BR marroon with BR lining, so I'm not sure why they found their way onto each side!

The first of three signals required for Ropley.

Soldering this together was quite nerve racking, as me and the soldering Iron have a hate-hate relationship, but I think I just about got away with it although I have noticed from the photo it seems I managed to fill once of the lattice gaps with solder. The intention is the signals will operate and be illuminated, but how exactly this will be accomplished is still being doodled on the back of an envelope!

So, apologies for the lack of significant update this time around. I hope to have more to show over Christmas/New Year. I do need to make a big push towards having the layout in some sort of operable state for 2013 as a deadline is hovering on the distant horizon.....

A Black 5 stands at the entrance to the yard after a footplate experience turn.

Cheers all!

Tom.