hi james, i like this, in fact i think this should be your 2010 challange instead?

Neil - cheers!

2 projects worthy of a challenge entry - you reckon? Thanks! I'm not sure how quickly this one will progress. I intend to get some stuff order this week (the point, a bit more track and the Sentinel kit I think.

This is a really nice idea for a layout. I like the building in the background would this be a shed for the Sentinel or whatever shunter you had on the layout. Almost preserved feel to it like its not actually in use but somehow work is still going on.

What era are we looking at?

Lukasz

well why not do both, you got just under a year to do it, whats the this project size wise?? if im totally honest i like this one more than rose hill, and i think its more worthy of your detailing and weathering skills, i think rose hill will be too clean ( dont take that in a bad way )?

It's probably 1996ish - 2000. Ellesmere Port MSC ended in 1996 (or there abouts) but continued at Trafford Park. The 230hp 4 wheel chain driven Sentinel is really a Trafford Park loco - Ellesmere Port used the larger 320hp 3 axle outside framed versions - but in the interests of sensible progression I'll start with something a little more straightforward to build my confidence in working in brass. Thanks for interest.

I expect some fuel tankers (Bachmann TTAs) scrap wagons (Bachmann SSAs) and a on odd old van for a stores van - plus possibly some sort of brake van are all I'll convert to P4 due to cost constraints initially. The point kit I'm going to try is ??25 for a start!

well why not do both, you got just under a year to do it, whats the this project size wise?? if im totally honest i like this one more than rose hill, and i think its more worthy of your detailing and weathering skills, i think rose hill will be too clean ( dont take that in a bad way )?

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If it's not going to be a second RMWeb 2010 Challenge layout, what about entering it in the Scalefour Society's Armchair Modeller's Challenge?

"The diorama must not exceed 600mm long x 400mm wide x 600mm tall but may be smaller. It must include at least one length of track made to P4 standards and at least one item of stock or a locomotive that must have P4 wheels fitted. The item of stock does not have to be capable of movement. At least two figures must be modelled."

It sounds ideal in subject - you don't have to enter the fiddle yard as part of the diorama and the rest may fit nicely.

Flymo

Cheers Flymo - is there a link somewhere? Hmmmmmm possibly It sounds nicely bounded apart from the '2 figures'. I hate model people!

Also struggling with chassis options for the Sentinel. Tenshodo now seems the quickest/easiest option - Black Beetle have a 2 month lead time and have recently been subject to import duty pushing them beyond what I'm willing to spend. Therefore can someone shed some light as to how easy it is to re-wheel a Tenshodo?

Thanks Michael. I've sent him an email.

Can anyone shed any light on the P4'ing of a Tenshodo and how easy it is, what is costs and what you need? I can't search the old RMweb at the moment whilst the forum is down so a bit of advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

I like the look of that shed in the background. Will an 08 appear and if so a new model or an existing gronk?

Lukasz

I've been wondering about going for broke with a 6 axles Sentinel... The only thing I'm worried about is springing or compensation - it all seems a little daunting.

I've spoken with David at Ultrascale and they can do me the wheels. I've looked at the Exactoscale springing units and they look complicated but achievable, the only thing I've not found is a suitable motor gearbox unit.

http://j-eyres.fotopic.net/p48038273.html

Lukasz you can see the shed in these photos:

http://j-eyres.fotopic.net/p48038272.html

http://j-eyres.fotopic.net/p48060667.html

http://j-eyres.fotopic.net/p48060668.html

Update: Charlie at DC kits is sorting a P4 black beetle for a 230hp Sentinel so decision made.

Ordered a 'Hold and Fold' this morning from Finney and Smith and going to place my Expo tools order soon too! Then just need a point from Exactoscale and I've got all the materials I need... where is this going to end up!

Update: 230hp Sentinel ordered from Charlie at DC Kits with buffers and bogie included...

Hi James,

One thing I always like about your projects is your sketches! They are brilliant and help to create that visual picture of how everything is going to look when built. That shunter will be a nice project in its own right. Looking forward to seeing it!

Mark

Cheers Mark! I like doing the sketches for that very reason. An idea floats around my head until it's sketched up and then it's somehow formulated and committed as a final proposal. I've a few others but due to their complexity or cost have never seen the light of day (Birkenhead Minory Lane and Cwmawr).