Teabag

This sailed past Taormina, Sicily yesterday before mooring off of Giardini Naxos just down the coast. I don't know much about ships, but it looked interesting. Teabag

The A340-600 is a very long plane. First time I flew on an A340-600 was with Virgin from LHR to PVG (Shanghai). I had a last row aisle seat. During take off all the dividing curtains between economy and premium economy / upper class were folded back so that you could look right up the aisle almost to the front of the plane. During rotation (after what seemed an age on the runway) I can honestly say that you could see the curvature in the fuselage as the nose wheel lifted - the floor in the aisle slightly sloped away until the main wheels lifted off. Never seen it before or since in a plane.

First time I've been to the DEMU showcase. I enjoyed it - a nice selecction of layouts, good trade stands and not too crowded. Must get round to signing up to the DEMU society. Thanks to all those who contributed to the show. Teabag.

Yes, code 75 streamline. A small amount of transition curve really helps the look with any curved points. Even settrack curved points can look slightly better on a small layout if an ST238 curve is inserted as a transition before the point.

Bredon was the inspiration for my layout - especially the formation leading into the tunnel. I imagine the two lines to be a main and branch and that the passing loop would have originally severed another platform.. Curved points definitely help the look and flow - though I have a bit more space to play with. Teabag

I painted mine in grey primer and then a cheap earth brown water based paint (can't remember where from). I varnished the undersides and edges. My boards are 9mm ply on braced softwood frames and sit in a garge that ranges from -5 to +30 C over the year. So far (> 10 years) no warping. Long after I had started adding track, wiring and point motors I saw a brilliant suggestion on here to paint the underside of the boards white so that you can better see what you are doing - I just wish I had though of that earlier! Teabag.

There is a small goods shed next to Wellingborough's platform 1 that has recently been restored allowing passengers to walk through it, which is rather handy as the platform is quite narrow at that point. Picture before restoration in the link. https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/alanbaxt2-363020/index.cfm

Excellent news - blue 31/4 for me - 31432 will do. Teabag

For me joining Peco code 75 to tinned copper droppers, 60:40 multicore solder (already has flux in it). Tin both the track and the wire and then bring the two together and use the iron to re-melt (per the advice above). Perfect joint everytime.

I have seen pictures of 33s and 24s paired in the early days of the 33s before the SR had electric heated coaching stock - the 24s providing steam heat. Also seen a picture of a 33 and 73 in Blue on a parcels turn - both running, judging by the exhausts. Teabag

I used 2mm which is OK but it might have been better with 3mm (ref. the steps on the MK1). Teabag

That looks really good - the whole atmosphere is great and my favourite era. The texture on the platforms and road surfaces looks especially good - how did you do this? Teabag

I have quite a few of them on my layout between scenic code 75 and fiddle yard code 100 streamline / setrack. No issues at all. There is a slight height difference which a shim of plastikard can be used for or just leave them suspended on the fishplates - they are short, so they only ever take the weight of one axle. Teabag

My pair turned up yesterday. They look great - very pleased. Might have to get some more - might need as serious discussion with finance authority.. Teabag.

Lucas, Prince of automotive darkness.