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DavidMcKenzie

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DavidMcKenzie last won the day on September 28 2018

DavidMcKenzie had the most liked content!

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    WCML during the 90s and AC electrics are my main passion.

    Swiss railways, are a bit of a sideline interest.

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  1. The first train has run on the layout extension. The track is down and a big thanks to Rich and Laurie for the tips and motivation with the super elevation. I think it looks much better than I achieved with Maid's Morton. The old farish 90s really are showing their age now that we have the new models to compare them to, but they are very robust and make perfect work horses for track testing 🙂. All the best, Dave
  2. I hope it is not an optical illusion and something that's mistaken me😆, but I like the locos warm exhaust in the top picture. You've got that spot on in my opinion. Nicely discreet, it adds a lot to the picture without taking the eye away from the loco 👏
  3. I'm no good with electronics so sorry I can't help you there, but that's a lovely model and the weathering looks just superb 👏.
  4. Tackling Caledonian gave a sanity break from track painting. Not entirely finished yet, but well on the way. Many thanks to Steve @railtec-models (no affiliation, just a happy customer) All the best, Dave @railtec-models
  5. Hi Andy, I really like Nick's idea and I think the trees are a good edition. Please feel free to ignore this comment and it is your layout so ultimately however you want to model is all that matters 🙂 . But have you considered either a simple sky behind the trees? Or at least only the very tops of the photos of trees in the backscene popping out above the model trees? I've noticed some layouts where the photo realistic backscene has too much detail and is too 'perfect' for want of a better word. It has then highlighted small imperfections that every layout (naturally) has. Some of the best layouts I've seen are the ones where the detail reduces the further away you get from the trains and the background slowly becomes almost a blur and doesn't distract from the main focus (trains, station etc.). I've attached an entirely random picture below, the use of a little modelers license and a small embankment might help the blend the bridge in? And notice how the detail in the trees behind the loco (above and moving left from the driver) are almost slightly blurry, rather than highly detailed. I am sure whichever way you choose to model it you will do a cracking job. All the best, Dave
  6. Managed to sneak a few moments for modelling. A handful of previously (not so nicely, by myself) weathered class 86s had a little touching up and then a running session. There are a few small details I'd like to add (and one 86 is still missing it's number), but they are progressing and not so far from finished now. There was such variation in liveries, pantographs, buffers, overhead warning flashes etc. that I am pretty sure I've made the odd mistake. But they give the feel I remember in the second half of the 90s with the grey 86 double headers hauling the containers. Out on the layout Photos on the workbench after weathering Buffers and additional detailing before weathering. All the best, Dave
  7. Hi Rich @MarshLane, Thanks for pointing me in the direction of this layout, some brilliant modelling and echoing the comments above, those curves look absolutely superb Laurie 👏. All the best, Dave
  8. Hi Jeremy, I will try my best. In the past I've managed to get the look of the cant mid corner half way ok, but the blend into flat straight track was a bit too sudden, so hopefully I can improve on that this time around. Hallo PC, I am glad to have given a positive twist on the word "Kopfkino" and hopefully more nice memories will be evoked as the layout progress. I must admit I actually don't know this part of the WCML well at all, my only personal memory is a day trip from Windermere one holiday to watch the trains. We stopped the car to look at a few locations and did a bit of a walk in the beckfoot/lambrigg/docker area, so a great day out. It all struck a lasting impression with viaducts, some lovely countryside and a variety of stock leaning into the curves. All is well with the little one and the rest of the family, he is growing everyday and well past being premature now. Thanks Ben, I am very lucky to have an understanding wife. Space for a railway room was on the wishlist for the house and I am so grateful for the space. We spent a few years between houses and in a small flat which meant the scenic section of North End Road was on a shelf above the bed with fold up legs (and no fiddle yard space). The stock was under the bed or the sofa.....in comparison to those few years I feel exceptionally spoilt. I'm looking forward to getting far enough with the layout that some of your lovely models can stretch their legs on the layout.......I am especially looking forward to getting the 92 out with a rake of KFAs leaning on the curves. All the best, Dave
  9. A little progress between nappies and feeds 🙂. On the drawings it looked like I might not have had enough of a curve......in real life the curves need softening slightly to get the look I am going for. The general shape is coming together though and the backscene is up. All the best, Dave
  10. That's taking shape nicely, it's already starting to capture the atmosphere of a station perfectly. All the best.
  11. Hi Phil, I hope you are well. It looks like a lovely model, a great addition to the layout. Have you had any practical issues due to the lighter weight? I guess it will never be at the head of a long rake. I was surprised by the weight of the recent Class 90 from farish. In this case it seems to be an issue, it can't haul or push a long (~2/3s of prototype length) rake up the spiral without wheel slip. It took the help of a comment on the forum for me to realise what the issue was, I had never come across this before. I don't know if it's cheaper to produce locos out of lighter weight metal or if there is another reason, but it is a slightly worrying trend and something I've never noticed being an issue until recently, but luckily in this case it shouldn't have such drastic practical consequences should it? All the best, Dave
  12. That's come together nicely. It looks really good doesn't it. Thanks for sharing the video. All the best, Dave
  13. It's been slow and steady on the modelling front here, mainly because the family has expanded which has been another wonderful experience. When I have managed the odd 20mins in the modelling room it has mainly been on the fiddle yards, wiring, or general 'off scene' stuff. The lower (slow lines) fiddle yard will be ripped up and re layed over the winter. I did it in too much of a rush and I've made too many mistakes like not enough space between lines for fingers, 'S' curves through back to back points etc. It all takes away from the joy of operating, so I will try to relay it with reliability and usability as the main goal, rather than the current approach of trying to cram as much as possible into the space. All a bit messy, but hopefully the photos below are worth a look for anyone interested in the development of the 'off scene' section of the layout. All the best, Dave
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