Aberbrothock

I've had quite a good reception to these pics of the station on my own thread, and thought I'd share them more widely. A fine, sunny evening.........

Interesting to hear from one of the local occupiers - your building features in low relief behind my model of the station. I'll have a look at an old large scale map pf the area to see what description is noted. The library beside Kirk Square used to have copies of the valuation rolls from past years which would show the occupiers' names which could be interesting, although quite a of of old records have moved up to the Angus Archive at Restenneth outside Forfar. The B&W Minstrels were a great institution for many years and are sadly missed - but no longer PC.

I am quite gratified with the positive response to my musings and photos, but won't rest on any perceived laurels. Much remains to be done/tidied up, and my wife already thinks I'm a bit obsessed, but I otherwise stay out of mischief.

Took some photos with my phone last night - the phone takes up much less space around the layout and you can get into some "tight corners." (The "real" thing for comparison). Peeking through across the island platform towards John Menzies bookstall. Arbroath North Box - looking North........ The Angus Bar. (I did have an A35 - but not in that colour!). A useful exercise, I think.

I've used the lockdown and rainy weather yesterday to replace a point on the southbound line from Arbroath station. First photo shows the replacement point in situ with its predecessor leaning, temporarily, on the retaining wall. Some of the sleepers used wood strip with office staples inserted to allow the rail to be soldered in place, but was becoming quite unreliable - it was made about 1969/70 (!), and was due to be replaced. I'd forgotten that I'd already replaced some of the sleepers with copperclad strip some time in the intervening years...... Second pic shows my Heljan 05 testing the running of the newly installed replacement. In contrast to the dreadful weather outside, the sun regularly shines on my world of Arbroath.......... A NEW POST ADDED - I've been cleaning the track all aver the layout - quite a chore! - but as part of the job, I removed the platform canopies to get easier access to the track, and took these shots in passing. It's always a nice reminder of what lies almost unseen beneath the canopies.

I've used the lockdown and rainy weather yesterday to replace a point on the southbound line from Arbroath station. First photo shows the replacement point in situ with its predecessor leaning, temporarily, on the retaining wall. Some of the sleepers used wood strip with office staples inserted to allow the rail to be soldered in place, but was becoming quite unreliable - it was made about 1969/70 (!), and was due to be replaced. I'd forgotten that I'd already replaced some of the sleepers with copperclad strip some time in the intervening years...... Second pic shows my Heljan 05 testing the running of the newly installed replacement. In contrast to the dreadful weather outside, the sun regularly shines on my world of Arbroath..........

Using "lockdown" time to complete some more Parkside wagon kits, I've made up four cattle wagons, two LMS and two LNER, which make up quite a nice unfitted freight, seen posing in the NBR yard at the north end of the layout.

Been working on the "spine" part of the layout which takes the southbound loop line round to the "Dundee" loops - some pics - A2 crossing an Up goods. And passing Hospitalfield Junction 'box. Quite green and summery........

Hi Les Good to hear from you again, and that you're still making progress on the layout - and health-wise........... Your junction looks great, especially with the single NBR line to Montrose. Your 08 will need to be energetic to leap over the gaps in the rails, but the scene reminds me of early days in the late 'seventies when I laid my first tracks around the junction. All the best to you and yours for 2021.

Up in the loft today and did a few posed shots of goods trains passing hauled by one of Arbroath's pet Ivatt class 2's, 46463. And the principal of the "show" simmering in Arbroath main yard.

Took a "drone" trip over St Vigeans junction yesterday which shows the track layout from North and South. It was a fascinating project to do and does excellent service, as long as you remember to throw the correct switches to get all the settings and polarity correct....... A visit is due from the autoballasters to tidy up, by the looks of it. Another absorbing job to do - just a bit like watching paint dry!

Despite today's dreadful weather, I managed to do some gardening today - in the loft, of course...... Some greenery added to the garden area behind the Angus Bar, now looking a bit more finished.

Lighting up time - some more lights added at the Guthrie Port bridge, and elsewhere.......... North Box. Keptie Street. Yes, the nights are drawing in.

Hi 26 Power I used to copy pics into a lower quality format which saved a lot of space - I may do so again, or follow your suggestion. I don't recall seeing many brake van trips depicted.

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