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NeilHB

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  1. NeilHB

    In The Beginning...

    By NeilHB,

    ...there was 00 gauge, and a succession of layouts. Then in 2006 I purchased a Slater's 7mm Midland Railway 8T van kit off ebay, and was hooked! Needless to say, I've not looked back since then, though as of yet I've not actually managed to build myself a layout, combination of not enough space and too many ideas to get started I think. Over the last couple of years I've built up a fair sized collection of stock, its not particularly region specific, more of a case of, ooh I like the look of that, I'll have one of those! Most of my stock comes from the pre-grouping era, though is more intended to represent light railway stock, as I'm rather partial to them B)
     
    The layout at the moment is three 4'x2' boards in an L shape, 8'x6', with another 2'x1' board to tag onto the end of the 6' length and form approx 2/3 of the length of the fiddle yard. In terms of trackplan, I'm struggling to find something that I like and that works, so any help would be much appreciated. I think in order to make the plan work I need to use curved points as the track just doesn't flow otherwise, and leaves me very limited in terms of what I can and can't do. I want the layout to be a representation of a light railway terminus somewhere in the country, and it has to include a station, even if it is only a small one, capable of say holding a couple of four wheel coaches and a loco, ideally I'd like to have a couple of sidings, perhaps 2 or 3, and if I can, a small engine shed as I do like them. I have a few points at the moment, 1 of each Marcway 48" left and right hand points, 2 x Peco left hand points, 1 x Peco right hand, and 1x Peco Y point. In terms of curved points I'm looking at using Marcway, as they offer a greater range, and will probably end up using their 72"/48" Radius left hand curved point. I've included a couple of overall views of the layout as it stands now, and would greatly appreciate any input in terms of suggesting a suitable trackplan to use, or if what I am trying to do is feasible.
     

     
    In the photo, the long side 8' length is on the left, whilst the 6' side is the one furthest away. The 2' fiddle yard extention will fit on to the end of this 6' length just off the edge of the photo.
     
    I'll post some details of my stock in a bit.
  2. NeilHB

    Progress Report

    By NeilHB,

    Well it's been quite a while since I last posted an entry in my blog...so most definitely time for an update!
     
    There hasn't really been any work done on the layout itself, other than a move to the other side of the room so that I had more space for it, it's now grown to 12ft x 2ft, but I'm still finding that I don't quite have enough space to do what I want to do.
     
    There's been a few new additions to the loco roster, mainly through a few ebay purchases, I've gone from having 1 1/2 engines (Connoisseur Models Nellie and the remains of a Springside Manning Wardle 0-4-0) to now having eight locomotives, though not all of them are actually finished yet or even built in the case of a couple of them!
     
    Nellie the Connoisseur Models starter loco has had a full repaint into Furness Railway Indian Red livery, all it needs now is some lining and the cab interior needs painting and it will finally be finished.
     

     
     
     
    The remains of the Springside Manning Wardle 0-4-0ST have taken on a new role as a model of 'Gervase' that was the first loco owned by the Kent & East Sussex Railway preservation society, he originally started out as a Manning Wardle H class loco that was rebuilt rather thoroughly by Sentinel of Shrewsbury to an approximation of one of their designs: http://jedwards.fotopic.net/p59928520.html - this shows Gervase as running at Tenterden in the 1960's. The rest of the photographs in that gallery chart the progress of the restoration of this loco - quite a fascinating collection. So far all I've done is to collect the necessary parts for the project, but nothing has been started yet- watch this space as they say!
     
    Finally the new loco's,
     
    Oakville Models Ruston 48DS - I bought this kit from fellow RMWebber Fen End Pit back in December of last year when I was planning my challenge layout, though that has since fallen by the wayside. I made a start on the kit when I received it, but with everything that's gone on over the last 9 months I hadn't really found the enthusiasm to do much more with it. That however all changed earlier this week when I picked it up again...and somehow managed to build most of the bodywork over a period of 3 evenings, all thats left now is to find a suitable motor and gearbox thats small enough, and finish off the bonnet and cab roof/interior detail. Livery wise will probably be some sort of green livery with lots of much - lovely!
     

     
     
     
    Bachmann Brassworks 03 diesel shunter - this I have to say is simply one of the most stunning locomotives that I've ever owned. This has been painted in BR green with wasp stripes - though I'm still summoning up the courage to tackle the wasp stripes, I bought a set of Fox Transfers to do the job but couldn't get on with them but I'm not deterred, I'm going to try again at some point as that is all that stands between the model and completion.
     

     
     
    Midland Railway 1F 0-6-0T - I'm not quite sure of the origins of this loco, I suspect that it's either Slater's or Mercian, but its hard to tell. This is finished in BR black with the early emblem, number wise I'm not quite sure yet as its one of the original Johnson boiler fitted examples and I'm not 100% sure if any survived in this condition into the BR era.
     

     
     
     
    Connoisseur Models GER Y6 tram engine - this one is just a running chassis with side skirts at the moment, I'm not quite sure what livery it will end up in, at the moment I'm torn between BR livery as either 68082 or 68083, or it could even end up as Toby the tram engine - we shall have to wait and see!
     
    GER Y6 - I seem to have a bit of a thing for ex-Great Eastern tram engines - I'm not sure about the origins of this one, although it does have a plastic body running on a Lima motor bogie - Westdale or something like that, hopefully someone can enlighten me as to its origins. At the moment this is in GER blue and brown, though I feel that a repaint into LNER/BR brown and black might be on the cards for it.
     

     
     
    Lastly, but by no means least, is my newest acquisition, a Roxey Mouldings LBSCR A1/A1X terrier 0-6-0T. At the moment I've got the chassis 70% finished, just need to add the other set of side rods and brake gear plus pickups. The body hasn't been started really other than to place it on the chassis to make sure everything fits - it does!
    I have a feeling that this one will end up as Stepney the Bluebell engine - a perfect companion for Toby the tram engine I think.
     
     

     
     
     
    I've also found the time to give the Furness Railway brake van a repaint into a more appropriate shade of grey - I think it looks much better now and is only awaiting lettering and a bit of weathering.
     

     
     
     
    I have another project which I'm hoping to start soon - this is going to be a scratchbuilt model of a Furness Railway K2 Large Seagull 4-4-0 locomotive - but with a few modifications to resemble a little known member of the class - I have a set of drawings courtesy of the Cumbrian Railways association, and I think I've worked out all the parts I need - just need to buy them now.
  3. NeilHB
    Just thought I would post a little bit about the rolling stock of the FLR, the Fenland Light Railway (when set in Norfolk), haven't quite decided where else the layout could be set, perhaps Cumbria? The Frizington Light Railway could work. Alternatively I may change the name of the railway completely, and go for the Slugwash Light Railway, as a homage to my old 00 gauge layout which was one of the earliest layouts featured on the original RMWeb, nothing like a bit of nostalgia!
     
    Anyhows, I digress, locos currently number 1 at the moment, a Connoissseur Models Starter loco kit (http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Loco%20Kit%20Pages/Starter%20Loco.html), this is FLR Number 1, 'Nellie'. She took me about 3 days to build, not bad considering she was my first loco kit, but has taken me about a year to get around to painting her! There's still a few bits to paint such as the steps and the valance, and the wheels could do with another coat of red paint. I originally intended to line her out, using some old Methfix 4mm coach lining from PC Models (I think), its the yellow/black/yellow version. She is lined out on one side, and plain on the other, I'm not too sure about the lining, and may just remove it.
     

    FLR No.1, Nellie. Still a few things to add paint and detail wise, like vacuum pipes etc.
     
    Ideally for the next loco I'm thinking of either getting one of Jim McGeown's GER Y6 kits (http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Loco%20Kit%20Pages/Y6%20Tram%20Loco.html), as I have a wee bit of a soft spot for tram engines, not surprising given that Toby was my favourite character in the Thomas books! It'll either be that or something Manning Wardle in design, as also have a soft spot for those! Not too sure where I'll get one from, I've looked at Slater's and I like their 0-6-0st version, but having to buy the motor and gearbox separately (and their own version is very expensive!) is a bit of a turn off, does anyone know if the motor and gearbox combination sold by Connoisseur Models would fit? (http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Motors%20and%20Castings.html), I have of these spare so would rather use this.
     
    Likewise I've also looked at S&D Models website at the Manning Wardle kits they produce, I like the look of the K Class Manning Wardle they produce, but it says you need to source wheels for these, and they ones they recommend are solid castings that have to be machined, not my cup of tea unfortunately. Does anyone know if it is possible to use wheels from Slaters with these kits instead?
    If push comes to shove I may try my hand at scratchbuilding a loco, perhaps one of the charming Hudswell Clarke inside cylinder 0-6-0st so favoured by industrial and light railways.
     
    Anyway, coaching stock at the moment is a pair of Slater's Midland Railway 6-wheel Clayton arc roof coaches, a Brake Third which is 95% complete and an All Third which is part finished, I may however sell off the All Third and buy one of Slater's GWR 4-wheel coach kits, perhaps the Brake Third? The Midland coach is being painted in a livery of blue and cream, but I don't know what livery the other coach will emerge from the workbench in.
     

    Ex Midland Railway 6-wheel Clayton arc roof Brake Third.
     
    Goods stock is a bit of a mish-mash to be honest. A mixture of kits from Slaters, Parkside Dundas, Peco, and a few scratchbuilt items. My most recent project has been a Furness Railway diagram 52a Brake Van, this is completely scratchbuilt from plasticard, the only bought items being the wheels and buffers, the axleboxes came from a cooper craft wagon that generously decided to donate itself to the project. Took me about a week or so to build it all, just needs a couple of handrails adding and then a coat of paint. Must say though I'm quite pleased at how it has turned out. Livery will probably be a dark grey colour to match up with the rest of the stock that the railway company owns when I eventually get around to repainting it all.
     

    Furness Railway Diagram 52a Brake Van. Scratchbuilt from plasticard. The Furness Railway brakevans were quite unusual in that they only had one opening on each side, at the right hand end. Still needs a few more details adding such as handrails on the other side, and then a coat of paint.
     
    I've found that the Peco 9' wb chassis is a useful basis for building wagons onto, ok so it might not be 100% accurate but I think it serves a useful purpose, I have about 5 of them in use so far, most of them under Furness Railway stock, Diag 19 10T box van, 3 plank and 2 plank opens, with another one intended to become a Furness 5 plank, and the last one I'm undecided about at the moment.
     

    From left to right, Furness 3 Plank open, Furness 2 plank open, both of these have scratchbuilt bodies on Peco underframes. The underframes have been modified to represent wooden underframes. Next wagon is a Furness 4 plank, this one has an odd history, being a kitbash of an old Websters (now Peco) GWR 4 plank open. At the end of the rake is a Parkside Dundas North British 4 plank open.
     

    North Western Railway 4 wheel slatted side milk van. Scratchbuilt around a Tri-ang Big Big mineral wagon underframe. Body is from plasticard, with roof from thin card. Plenty of added weight inside from lots of Skytrex whitemetal milk churns, its blooming heavy!
     
     
    Anyway, enough of my inane ramblings for the time being, I'm off to do some more work on the layout!
     
    TTFN.
  4. NeilHB

    Making Tracks...

    By NeilHB,

    Evening all, thought I better post an update on here! I've done a fair bit of work on the layout over the last couple of weeks in between job interviews (fingers crossed!), firstly I've removed the board that forms the short part of the L shaped baseboard, realised that in the end it just didn't look right, and removing it meant I could buy another bookcase to keep all my railway books and magazines on! So now the layout is just an 8'x2' rectangle, but its made life much easier in terms of layout planning.
     
    Secondly I've managed to get a few more wagons finished off in terms of paint finish, most of them are now awaiting suitable transfers (or hand painting if I can't find suitable ones) and a dose of the weathering powders to make them look suitably grotty and light railway-esque.
     
    Thirdly I've decided to have a go at making track from scratch, as Peco's code 124 bullhead track and points just doesn't really look like suitable light railway track. So I've taken a leaf out of Jim Read's blog ( http://www.rmweb.co....-light-railway/ ) and built my track from code 100 rail and cardboard sleepers, I think it looks quite good but it's going to take some time to make enough track for the layout...good job I find it quite therapeutic B)
     
    To test my trackbuilding skills out I'm building a small diorama that depicts a station on a light railway with a couple of sidings, so far the track is down on this and the basis of the station platform has taken shape. I'm not too happy with the rear siding behind the platform and may remove this...we shall have to see. I also figured it would be a useful place to test out my scenery skills for making overgrown trackwork that was often a feature of light railways in their declining years.
     
    Next, I've made a start on making my first point from scratch, using one of Jim Read's point plans that he very kindly sent me. I need to cut the rest of the sleepers out but so far I've stuck a couple of the normal length ones down (sorry but I have no clue as to point terminology!) and bent the curved rails roughly to shape, I've managed to file down one of the point blades and I just need to file down the corresponding section on the rail that it abuts to, never thought I'd be doing this let alone enjoying it! It's just been a case of oh why not, I'll give it a go and see how it turns out
     
    And lastly, I've had a go at making some narrow gauge track using the offcuts from making the sleepers and Peco N gauge rails...another distraction but I do like narrow gauge railways as well Plus it gives me somewhere to display some of my 0-16.5 models (or will do when I get around to finishing them )
     
    Here's be the pictures
     

    Trackwork...from left to right. Peco 0 gauge code 124 Bullhead rail. Handbuilt light railway track with card sleepers and code 100 rail. Handbuilt narrow gauge (0-16.5) track with Peco N gauge rails and card sleepers. The sleepers are cut from mounting card sold at most good arts and crafts shops.
     

    Another view of the trackwork, in the background can be seen one of the recently completed wagons, a Slater's Midland Railway 8T 5 plank open, finished in Midland Railway livery. The narrow gauge wagon is one of the Smallbrook studio kits, this one being the Pentewan Railway open wagon, there's another one of these lurking in a drawer somewhere - I'll probably finish it in some sort of a grotty grey/brown livery one day.
     

    Point construction! Basically what I've done so far, still a fair way to go but I'll get there...only another five or six to go after this one...eek
     

    The diorama. I think I'm going to remove the siding behind the platform...thought it looked ok when I layed the track but now I'm not so sure, will probably replace it with a grassy bank and some shrubs...we want...a shrubbery! (Sorry been watching Monty Python!) The platform base is a bit of packing that I can't remember what it came with...possibly something from Ikea, but useful nonetheless. Just need to build the superstructure from mounting card now and then a station building...possibly something Colonel Stephens-esque...not so keen on the waiting shelter, maybe I should paint it and see how it looks.
     

    Lastly another view of the diorama, with added train! Quite like this shot, with the recently completed Furness Railway brakevan at the end of the train, it just needs lettering adding now. There will be a raised milk loading section on the platform at this end...don't think the porter would be too happy trying to get the milkchurns into the milk van from this low down somehow!
     
    Anyhows, thats be all for this evening.
     
    TTFN!
  5. NeilHB

    Wagons Roll!

    By NeilHB,

    Morning all, just a quick update before I disappear off into the Peak District for the day
     
    Spent yesterday finishing off a couple of wagons, both Parkside Dundas kits, namely the LNER (ex NBR) 4 plank open and the LNER 12ton goods van. Both have been painted and finished, and just await weathering now.
     
    In the case of the 12t goods van, I have finished each side in a different livery, one side carries pre 1937 NE lettering, and the other is finished in BR livery-two wagons for the price of one!

    LNER side.
     
     

    BR side.
     
    The 4 plank has been finished with two different running numbers as well:
     

     

     
    And finally the Furness Railway diagram 52a brake van met the paintbrush for the first time last night. I'm not so sure about the colour, think it might be a bit too dark, but not to worry, I have a lighter grey to use if needs be. I've only painted one end and one side so far, makes a big difference to it though.
     

     
     
     
    TTFN!
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