18th September

Its been a while since there was any update from me on Johnson Street IEMD, so I thought I'd write a blog update about the plans and whats happening in general with this.

Layout

Tomorrow (Thursday), I am hoping to have a snagging session where I will actually get to see the layout with my own eyes as I am having a viewing with the builders. This is going to give me a chance to iron out any small cosmetic issues - sometimes things can get lost in translation which means you get lkess than what you had been hoping for and when you are spending a decent amount of money, you want it perfect. There have already been some aspects of the layout which when the scenic work was done, i indicated i was than happy with how they had approached certain scenic aspects and this is a chance for me to get it back on track - in general the team have done a really good job with most of this. Here and now, most of the trackwork scenics are done, the recent snagging issues I have highlighted are:

1 the holding siding just opposite the electric shed is being extended to go as far as the bridge to accomodate more than just an 08, it should be big enough for a 60/66 or a 90 and will be electrified.

2 the diesel/long term maintenance shed hard standing needs to have a section of this fully concreted over for vechicular movements - i like the oily/diesel spillage look about it but it needs to be practical also.

3 bays for parking around the main office building on site

Locos

Deep in a loco repainting booth in the heart of England lies two Bachmann DB 90s awaiting final touches and a 66 to drag them back to Johnson Street IEMD, 90's xxx and yyy will be accompanied back to leafy staffordshire by a DB Class 66 zzz. One of the 90s will be DCC sound fitted and the 66 also will be mated to DCC Sound, the second 90 will be DCC fitted for the time being.

Catenary

I have agreed with an expert catenary maker to create some great OHLE gantries for the layout but here and now they are on hold till other financial commitments are taken care of - and one or two locos are sold on ebay.

Signage/Branding

I have got all the signage needed for the layout from Sankey Signs most recently, Allan is well worth getting in touch with if you need a comprehensive depot pack doing and he will tailor this to your needs.

I will post some further pictures on here once I have seen the layout in its current state in the next few days