We've taken the decision to take Matford off the exhibition circuit for the time being and to 'do an Eridge' and rebuild it. It has been suffering from several problems in the baseboard department. Firstly we used the dreaded MDF which has swollen to at least +1mm and in some places more. This is due to our proximity to a salt water atmosphere. In hindsight, perhaps these problems could've been avoided with the MDF had we sealed it all, after cutting, with varnish at least.
When this proble
Today we had a reunion some of the team after our outing to this year's Scaleforum. It is the first time that it has been put up since the last outing. It has proved a valuable exercise, totally justifiying the decision to retire it from the circuit and rebuild. Every single board joint has moved, with all the associated alignment problems.
We have one outstanding show commitment that we will be fulfilling in August this year, but then that's it for this particular incarnation.
As noted on
The booking office. We have used the new Bachmann modern station bits (clock and ticket machine). The litter bin and seats are from Ten Commandments. The station signage is also from them. They provided a very efficient printing service (usual disclaimer) using the Regional Railways style. Must tidy up around the door area and fit some door handles!
Through the black hole.
New 'Cornish' Hornby 153. Performs very well.
The old factory has been 'sold for redevelopment'. Heaven knows wha
The Dawlish Donkey summer charter visits Matford. This was a public service that ran between Exeter and Newton Abbot during the summer months a few years ago.
The lovely little 14XX belongs to CK. This will run on the layout as a shunt and release move to bring some added and unusual interest!
An Arriva Trains class 150 and the (then) EWS Management Train (minus the TRUB ..not out yet!) arrive at Matford.
Regional Railways cl 150 rebranded Central Trains on hire to Wessex Trains.
New backscene will be needed. Much 'squaring up' and 'bedding-in' to do. It was all thrown back together in a hurry for the show. The photos were taken by David Brandreth of the Scalefour Society at the 2010 Exeter show a few weeks ago.
A couple of general views of layout from buffer stops, looking towards fiddle yard (aka Exeter City Basin Jct):
View of the station area, with Class 170 and 159 in evidence, clearly SWT are holding sway at the moment! The Class 170s were seen at St
With S4um looming rapidly, there's still a bit to do. The latest structure is the loco fueling point, replacing the old adapted Knightwing kits which have passed their best. The new one re-uses the original roof and a couple of the salvagable small cabinets. It's made from a sheet of PCB with fine angle brass H-section soldered on.
Still to be 'planted' and 'vegitated'
A couple of new arrivals. A Bachmann 150 in Regional Railways livery to be adapted with 'Wessex' decals over th RR ones. (As seen in Exeter in 2004) There will also be an 'Arriva Trains' blue 150 set shortly.
Cornish liveried Hornby 153 will compliment (when finished!) the Hurst 153 conversion in pretty pink.
...Both still to be P4ed.
New sand drag in the bay platform. Brambles need trimming! The little bit of vertical rail in the ballast is a stop in case a unit overruns..or an operator not paying attention! It will be incorporated in the framework for the double red stop lamp, based on the one at St Ives.
New replacement fencing made from brass square tube and fine dressmakers mesh fabric. The grass along the bottom of the fence was done with the 'Grassmaster' using the cone accessory.
Anti vermine netting fitted.
A few more images of Matford, taken at the Exeter show on 5/6 June 2010:
General view looking towards buffer stops, Class 158 is ready to depart towards Exeter St Davids and Cardiff, the Class 170 waits it's turn in the carriage siding before working a service to Waterloo:
Looking through the 'rat hole' under Mutton Lane towards the station area, some shunting is in progress, the Captain's favourite shunting area for playing with 3 links! Scrap, oil and bitumen traffic are handled in t
There was a RTP gathering of steamers today as a precursor to their sale! When I've done some more sorting some of these may come up on the 'classifieds' shortly.
