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Showing content with the highest reputation on 10/07/20 in all areas

  1. Northumberland again today, once again on the ECML at Buston Barns. Buston Barns is south of Alnmouth and is very convenient for photography as a quiet road runs along the east side of the line, there is space to park easily on the verge. The photos are from the 80s and 90s. Buston Barns Class 37 down ICI HCN tanks Aug 86 J8652.jpg Buston Barns 47297 up freightliner Oct 87 J9324.jpg Buston Barns 43109 down 23rd June 89 C12145.jpg Buston Barns 43060 up 4th May 91 C15796.jpg Buston Barns 47833 down Manchester Executive charter 26th Nov 94 C19875.jpg David
    26 points
  2. Quiet day down at the boot and shoe factory In fact, way to quiet, need to add some life and activity.
    22 points
  3. Gone back to weathering van roofs as I was just not happy with them. Using Lifecolor rood dirt washes been revamping a selection, getting better. Slow processes doing thin washes as you have to wait for each coat to dry so you don’t reactivate it You know me... I do not want one roof the same as another. Still work in progress....
    21 points
  4. A few from the Glasgow & South Western Near Neilston Lugton with the peaks of Arran in the distance Stewarton The same location from the other side South of Stewarton Hurlford Mossgiel Tunnel
    21 points
  5. We have occasional sunlight for the first time for days, so I've been able to run trains again, for the first time for several days. Elevenses now, then plenty of time for more. Back to one of my favourite views now, as Kimbolton Castle stands at Platform 6 having brought in a shuttle service from East. Stock is two more of the Kirk coaches I put together back in the 80s, and I still think Kirk kits don't look at all bad when seen from this angle.
    20 points
  6. Morning all...It's been a tough week as sadly we had to say goodbye to one of our dogs. Archie was the elder of the two at 16, which is the equivalent of 87 in human years and his systems just decided they had had enough. We had hoped to say goodbye in the garden at home, but Covid rules put a stop to that, so in the end we sat on the grass in the garden behind the vets house. My wife has taken it particularly hard as he was her mate for 16 years and they walked together every day for miles. I know they say time is a healer, but the early days are really hard... Thanks for your note Phil. It's an ongoing battle, but one I'm determined to win. The early morning forays are still happening, but thankfully fewer in number. I moved the water spray jet to attack anything that lands on the patio and the mesh netting has stopped access all down the open side. The planting and fishing wire protects the other side, so hopefully things will improve. Welcome to ET, Mogman. It's not all waffle, I assure you....Occasionally we talk about railways... The scenic side is ticking away in my head and will probably be a combination of earlier ET versions with urban scenes/retaining walls and general grot of the 60's. I still have several of Allan Downes buildings to plonk somewhere and I'm sure it will all come together eventually. I really don't want to go too far into the scenic side until I have the track running perfectly from an operational standpoint. For instance I have already realised an additional crossover would be a great help and I'd rather sort out the track issues first as it would be a pain to rip up scenic work to make later track track changes. Motivation has gone out the window right now with the loss of Archie, but it will return. I have the mimic mock up panel to complete and here I have had some ideas. I'm going to limit the main mimic panel to the four running lines and ET station itself. I will split the station into two and will set up routes in the ECoS which will be easy to use. The split will be vertically across the station right through the midway point and each side will have two incoming and two outgoing lines. In essence the main station area is simply four running lines and some platforms, so it shouldn't be difficult to set up the correct lines and allow trains to run. Each platform on each side of the split will have four route buttons corresponding to each of the main lines, so you will be able to select an incoming or outgoing route on the ECoS which will then be displayed on the mimic panel above the operator. Where more complex operation is required, such as the diesel shed, the main steam shed or the storage area, then that can be done under local control. These smaller panels can then be located centrally for one operator or locally when there are additional operators running each section. There I will have toggle switches and led's as there will be no need for route setting. 2020 is a certainly going to be a memorable year for all the wrong reasons.... Stay safe.
    20 points
  7. Two more shots showing Silver Link's progress through the station this morning. Surely there should also be one which shows some of those opulent Pullman cars? I shall take up the suggestion from our friend down under, and so shortly we shall consider stations. First though, I think we are looking at one of the most disgraceful decisions ever made when it came to deciding which locomotives should be preserved. Surely Silver Link fitted all the criteria, and should not have been cut up? You may well think there were even worse instances though, so today let's look for the most glaring example of a locomotive, or a class, that should have been preserved for posterity.
    18 points
  8. From now on until the end of this project I’ll be updating on a Friday. Apart from anything else it gives me motivation to crack on. This week I’ve been working on 3 areas. Mostly one handed I might add as the circular saw kicked back last week and badly gashed my hand. Oops. A load of stitches and cursing later I’m back on it. However the Doctor in A&E follows this thread (as it turns out) so if he’s reading this cheers for patching me up. First up is the Dive Under. Situated on the final frame I’m working on this is the best part of 3 metres long and consists of two separate single tunnels (the construction of the portals of which I’ve covered earlier). Given the tunnels length I needed to construct a removable roof and make these tunnels completely ‘light proof’ - as I want to see the trains appearing out of the gloom. All this and the lining of the tunnels, ballasting for the first meter, and laying & super elevating the track even tho it’s out of sight has been a ton of work - especially since I’ve had to work from underneath the two tracks running above. One handed Plugging the gaps which let light in with foam board, clay and card is now complete and the roof now fits like a glove. Here’s some pics..Aluminium bar cut & hot glued in to support the floor.Heck of a lot of foam board, ply and card goes in before the tunnel lining is installed Foam board sides supported by ply. The only ply I had to hand was too thick to bend so this worked wellRoof cut from foam board to form a template. I’ll carry this over to the friendly circular saw which will cut the ply to the same shape.Out with the foam board and on with the ply. The edges have slices of card here and there to plug the light gaps.A gloomy interior beckons.. just what I’m after
    17 points
  9. Tea time picture again. Shabby 61073 in number 5 bay, and about to leave for Grantham.
    17 points
  10. End of another day of dismal weather. Surely it must improve soon? Along with my memory, hopefully. I still can't think of another poll or something else to amuse us. Featured train is the Tees Tyne Pullman, and the loco is Silver Link. We have views from opposite sides as she approaches Crescent Bridge.
    17 points
  11. I have now weathered down to match the other NSR wagons. I think it is better toned down rather than being ex-works.
    16 points
  12. Thank you for those kind comments. The lockdown hasn't been kind to my health and the recent weather here in the east has stopped me getting enough exercise. One of the things which is happening because of lock-down (I'm 73 and vulnerable so I'm on my 16th week now) is that stuff happens in fits and starts. We had nothing to review, then I receive Bachmann's DMU (direct to my home from Bachmann) and since T4U opened again, I've been able to get hold of a Hornby Prairie and a Dapol 29 to review, and support our local retailer, too. I know other members of the team have locos to review, too. I read recently that 1.5million people have listed model-making as one of the things that has got them through lock-down. At least some of those will be railway modellers, no doubt, so it should be seen as encouraging news for all our magazines. We are rivals but we'll all have been facing similar problems. (CJL)
    16 points
  13. You're getting some mixed answers on this question about minimum radius for EM but it is complicated. Minimum radius on Carlisle is 3'6" (although I was originally told it was 4') and I can get anything round that without much compromise but the most difficult locos are 4-6-2s with frames outside the trailing pony truck - i.e. all the ones you wanted. It's possible to get round this to some extent by using the DJH method of shoving the frames out a foot or so but we were prevented from doing this by having to make Carlisle's platforms the scale distance from the track (forced on us by a cock up in the design of the track at the south end of the station). Locos without this trailing truck arrangement mostly present no problems, in fact the vast majority of my production in EM (and most in P4) will happily go round my vicious 28" reverse curve test track - this includes Britannias and 9Fs incidentally, they have no trouble on curves. Like you I wish I had changed to EM many years ago but large layouts and lots of stock make this an unlikely prospect now. Changing the pointwork to 16.2mm (EM -2mm) has made a big difference in running and appearance though. This is 00 gauge (new Peco bullhead plain track) on Wentworth Junction with 16.2mm gauge through the crossings, the narrower flangeways make it look much better and the running is just about perfect. Photos looking directly along the track will still look narrow gauge but at this angle it's not easy to tell the difference.
    15 points
  14. Hi. I've taken the opportunity during the lockdown to build the station buildings for my ex-NER branch terminus set on the south bank of the Tweed estuary. The architectural style is that of the Alnwick and Cornhill branch, built in the 1880s by William Bell; my hypothetical branch was built at the same time. Buildings are now ready to place on the layout, which is 25 miles away in our workshop....but at least I'm now allowed to go there so they'll be planted this weekend. The buildings are completely scratchbuilt in 4mm scale.
    14 points
  15. Getting better, getting more like I can see in my minds eye! Really, Really, Really must leave now as though it was over an hour between coats I could see the latest wash was starting to re-activate the previous one...
    13 points
  16. I've just had one of those Colas 70's in for repair at Landore this week. First time I've seen one up close. Pretty impressive piece of kit.
    13 points
  17. Whatever happens any freight along the north wales coast will be good to see! not bothered with pics the last couple of days really, trafford park and another landor st to toton, this time with wagons Class 70 passing landor st 66770 in toton IM tonight around the Mersey
    13 points
  18. From Moorthorpe at the end of 2019, a tale of photographers' woe... As the loco takes on water, the crowds gather, picking the best spot for a photo: The points change, there's a whistle, and a cloud of steam: Some people realise their photo is in doubt, and start to run down the platform, glancing back anxiously: But the excess steam lasts the entire length of the platform: Atmospheric, at least.
    13 points
  19. A typical Yorkshireman van! A thirty Bob unpainted Dapol body, Lanarkshire buffers/roof vents/vac pipes/vac cylinder/coupling hook, Gibson wheels and the rest of the undergubbins from the spares box (Lurpak tub) after building the myriad other Parkside kits during lockdown. Weathering to be completed at home. Voila, a half decent van for less than a tenner, luxury! Mike.
    13 points
  20. Just found this excellent video through someone linking it on Facebook. It goes through the pour of the river and a few other bits.
    12 points
  21. Ahhhh, so that's how you get the body off to fit a decoder and speaker!
    12 points
  22. Tonight we have a J50 taking another trip working from South yard to New England, using the bi directional Up main.
    11 points
  23. Finally for this week the rail ‘over bridge’. This had slipped my mind until I realised the sewerage works had no access then checked the photos. Worst thing about creating an unplanned bridge is the amount of ply cutting needed. Thank goodness for multitools. I’ve used Peco OO gauge girders with added rivet and steel sections. Measuring them they seem a good size for small prototype bow girder bridges. After priming the girders with the usual Halfords rattle cans I’ve sprayed them a dark rust colour with an airbrush. One coat of AK interactive ‘heavy chipping’ fluid later and then on with an acrylic rail grey. The satisfying bit comes next with using some cotton buds dipped in water to rub away the acrylic grey to reveal the rust. Easy to overdo it though so careful. But the result is a chipped and worn girder. The interior walls are plywood with ‘stone’ sheets from Slaters. I also wanted to light this tunnel so used a pair of OO modern image streetlights extended with brass tube. A sod to fit from underneath I hot glued them into place after weathering them (not that you can see it). Since they had bright white LED’s I dabbed a spot of yellow paint on the lenses which results in a nice yellowy 1980’s glow. These will work off a separate 6v supply. The huge coping stones are plywood cut into sections then sanded to form the ends. Most of these will be covered over when painted anyway. Nearby roads await grates, manhole covers and detailing. I’m doing all the boring civil engineering work on these remaining frames before detailing the whole lot in one go..
    11 points
  24. It seems that Network Rail are upgrading the sea wall again at Dawlish. A new concrete promenade. The sea looks cleaner too.
    11 points
  25. I have been busy track planning. Cake is not on offer!
    11 points
  26. Hi Folks, More wagons, here is a suitably modified FGA, FFA's are also available; Better yet and just for Clive a cut and shut set of prototype container flats: Who needs fancy kits when you can hack old Triang stuff about. Gibbo.
    11 points
  27. Back to ballasting today. First, I made the infills for the Porthmellyn Road Spurs and the Up and Down Mains through the platforms. I trimmed back the chamfer on the foam underlay to make a square(ish) edge, then cut some strips of 3mm cork to fill the gap. It doesn't matter if they're not a perfect fit, as the PVA will fill quite big gaps when you come to lay the ballast. I finished No 1 Spur and about half of No 2 Spur. I'll fill the gaps between the tracks with sand or ash - or possibly a mixture. Also today, my late birthday present to myself arrived from Kernow - the new Hornby Big Prairie and ex-LSWR brake van. I'll get the loco out after dinner and try it out on the rolling road under DC. Tomorrow I'll see if my local model shop has a decoder in stock. The parcel took just three weeks door-to-door, which isn't bad at all in the present circumstances.
    11 points
  28. More time on our hands? Yes. But you can't do a lot with time if you can't pop out and buy the stuff you need, if you don't know whether review samples are stuck somewhere in the system because your post room is closed etc, if everything takes several times longer to do because you're working under unprecedented conditions. I find that comment deeply insulting, actually - a case of someone who has nothing to do with his time except snipe. This was the first - and only - issue produced totally under lockdown conditions. In all that spare time that I had I built a Scottish castle from scratch (had to wait a week for materials because even Amazon couldn't cope any quicker) and produced about 10 pages of content and my colleagues did similarly, from lock-down locations spread between Newcastle and Guildford. I also produced a 4pp review but due to having to post the model off for photography I couldn't turn that around in time. If you didn't enjoy the issue, fair enough, say so by all means but don't make smart remarks about people who did a difficult job under very exceptional circumstances. (CJL)
    11 points
  29. Which is how I'm portraying mine.
    10 points
  30. Never mind that, did you get the number of the Pacer?
    10 points
  31. Some longitudinal beams have been added in between the trusses which has strengthened everything nicely. First I started with I beams along the ridge. Then micro-strip.
    10 points
  32. Yesterday I managed to get a picture of the Grid, 56047 in Railfreight Livery coming into the Yard under the Mills Lane Bridge.
    10 points
  33. I am still getting to grips with the airbrush. I can definitely say that I know how to take it apart and reassemble it I had a few problems this evening but I eventually got it working well enough to put a sleeper grime weathering coat down on the remainder of the tracks. I have run it down the outside edge of the rails and over the ends of the sleepers. I will do in between the rails with Roof Dirt, as per the first section I did. I have managed to avoid 'colouring in' the 6-foot, which I did a bit on my first attempt on the 'fuel point ' board. I am quite pleased with how it has gone this evening, although I wasted quite a bit of paint through silly spillages. I am still waiting for my airbrush holding/cleaning station. The things I have learned are that it needs quite a bit of thinner to get a workable mix, and you need more airbrush cleaner than paint.
    10 points
  34. As I've mentioned before, when I went to University I couldn't afford to smoke, drink, drive a car and go out with women, so I gave up smoking...
    10 points
  35. Those rats have eaten a great chunk out of the side of the layout, so the only thing I can do is put a quarry in there... Al.
    9 points
  36. A little bit of progress going on in the background: all the wiring is complete including a natty little control panel, made from a backing of 3mm stained mdf, the drawing (done in Autocad of course!) stuck on and aged with cold coffee. I went for good old DPDT toggles as you can see. The whole concept of getting the Tortoises to work with DCC is beyond me. The backscene is still ‘floating’ in these photos but now that it is operational it can all be fitted together permanently and the fascia completed - much like ‘Bristol’. Just tussling with a traverser at the moment as well, getting it to motorise and index. More hair-pulling!
    9 points
  37. This looks like recycled flyover to me!!
    9 points
  38. Another wagon but this time it's not in for scrapping. It doesn't seem sensible to put scrap in wooden-bodied wagons but I have seen a photo of some what appear to be Diagram 1/044 13-ton high wagons carrying scrap, so I've built one as a bit of a change from 16-ton minerals. I need to change the middle links for Instanters and to get some TOPS numbering for it to be properly finished.
    9 points
  39. A poor day and a great morning has been had. The new pool sprang two leaks as we started to fill it, Only 6cms of depth but water was running out from two places. So this afternoon I am off to the dealership to talk about warranty claims. However this morning was great. Emily aged 6 and her sister Tilly, 7, appeared with their grandparents and spent two hours playing trains on Green Ayre. They both wanted to come again tomorrow. Cake was supplied by the boss. Trains, cake and happy people, I can hear a Hippo thundering over to France as I type. Isn't this what the hobby should be about. Jamie
    9 points
  40. Aerial view of the West Hyde, South Portal construction site, on the east side of the M25. View looking towards the SE, with the M25 in the foreground (southbound direction to the right of the photo).
    9 points
  41. I cannot unsee the missing wheels now.
    9 points
  42. Know the one you mean. Can't see that it's available online, so I offer instead .....
    9 points
  43. Thanks Mike, Roy Jackson got over the problem of getting big locos with Cartazzi rear trucks round tighter curves by making them effectively 2-6-0s or 4-6-0s. He didn't bother with any trailing wheels! Clearly GAY CRUSADER (no tittering at the name, please) is running as a 4-6-0 in this shot. Actually, the main reason for no trailing trucks was to accommodate the wires for the tender pick-ups. As can be seen, one has become detached here and is flapping about OUTSIDE the Cartazzi frame. Since its detachment didn't affect its good running one bit, it made me wonder about the necessity of tender pick-ups. I've never found them to be necessary. Regards, Tony.
    9 points
  44. ...and a view taken from ON the Aire & Calder - Class 56 trundling by (c.1985):
    9 points
  45. I want to get to a point where I can take down Upbech and reconfigure it to join to the new board. In order to do so the new fiddle yard needs to be up and running so time has been spent this week building cassettes. These are loco cassettes, pretty standard stuff although the side panels are card painted with PVA to stiffen them up. I don't have wood to make sides and don't feel inclined to go out and get any at the moment. Once treated the card seems surprisingly strong. A small hole is drilled at each end and a brass peg put in to stop locos overrunning or simply falling out.
    9 points
  46. The servos............... The servo mounts: There are six servos to mount for this signal, one for each arm. I always prepare a bespoke mount for my signal. They are made from plywood and designed to locate accurately with the signal operating wires. A piece of plywood is cut on the bandsaw and drilled for the servo fixing screws. Once the servos are in place, the sub-assembly is mounted on another piece of plywood which will eventually secure the whole to the underside of the baseboard. This second piece has a hole to match that in the baseboard and the signal's foundation tube. The relationship of the plywood parts is determined by " rack of the eye" to ensure the operating wires can be linked to the servo "horns". The joints are reinforced with beading, the whole being glued together. Off cuts of ply and MDF are glued together to create the Transport & Test Frame. This represents the layout's baseboard for thickness, and facilitates the assembly process and testing of the signal. It also allows the signals to be transported safely, tested for operation and easily transferred to the layout. The signal is located by its brass foundation tube, and secured by friction only. The relationship of the operating wires and servos can be seen here. The operating wires are 0.4mm dia Nickel Silver. The lower portion, from ground level downwards, is fixed into 1.32in dia brass tube. This helps to prevent buckling, and is a good running fit inside the "guide tubes" which are built into the signal base (seen previously). More brass tube, of 1/16in dia is used to link the operating wires to their servos. This slides over the operating wire, and is soldered to it once the relationship is adjusted. Each one is made to fit, and is a simple push fit into the servo horn. One of the links between operating wire and servo horn. The servo horn has been shortened and the fixing holes opened up to 1/16in dia to fit. The intention is to use the maximum amount of angular motion to move the signal. This giving the best control. Using the "safe" feature of the GF Controller, the servo is locked in its mid-position. With the connecting tube still free to slide on the operating wire, the signal arm is adjusted to a corresponding mid position - neither clear nor danger. You can just see a small nick in the tube to facilitate soldering. Liquid flux, a hot iron with a little solder and its all over very quickly. Each signal arm and servo are dealt with similarly. The GF Controller for each arm will be adjusted and the whole signal given a good testing...................... Steve.
    9 points
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