DavidMcKenzie

The one I've used is '0.2mm' thick. If I was to do it again I would consider using the '0.5mm' for the lower wire. It seems to get thinner as it stretches and the lower wire is (I think) thicker in reality. I am also not sure the thickness quoted by EZ line is exact. I will try to take some pictures as I go doing the next 3 lines. Like most things in life I found it easier after a bit of practice. What worked for me was to make the lower wire tight and the upper wire with just the slightest tension. Then I would glue the dropper wires to the upper first and then pull on the dropper wire to set the tension and the sag in the upper wire and then glue it to the lower whilst waiting for the glue to hold (usually around 30secs). It will probably be clearer with pictures and no need to do it the same way as me in the future. But it might be useful info if you are going to attempt something similar. Looking again at some reference pictures I agree about the light green, I am now just worried it would all be hidden by the green background and not be vizable. If I am feeling brave I might attempt a light painting/washing. Looking forward to seeing you ECML layout and the class 91 take shape

Thanks for the kind comments :). I used EZ line. I am a fan of Swiss railways and layouts and although they often model the wires I didn't like the thick look of how it's often done with summerfield type wires, they just standout too much in my opinion. I like that the EZ line is there but it doesn't stand out. It is also more obvious from 'below' than 'above' which is think is probably typical of the real thing. The elastic is also very handy. I've already caught it a few time's and done no damage at all. It just pings back into place. One downside to it is that a panatograph probably couldn't ever touch the wires when a train's running. It's just sitting below the wire's. There are a number of colours. I've gone for white, but have no experience of the other colours available, just read online to avoid the black because it disappears into the background. All the best Dave

After finishing the track weathering the first wiries went up. By no means perfect if you look too closely and wouldn't stand up to a rivet counter. But it has made the WCML 'feel' and I'm looking forward to tackling the other three line's.

I didn't realize putting up fences would be so time consuming . But at least the far side of the track is now finished. It's the kind of thing that'll probably go un-noticed when it's finished, but should all add to making something half realistic in the end.

Thanks for posting this. Really useful info. The VGAs out now look good and a mk2 intercity rake for xmas is on my wish list. All the best Dave

After a long time off due to house renovations, a small amount of progress was made. The fence is taking shape. Although very long winded to do .

I like the class 60 Simon. Great to see you've gone for a light weathering. I know personally I sometimes find it hard to stop when I've started weathering . But not every frieght loco needs a heavy weathering to look realistic. The cargon wagons also look brilliant. keep up the great work. It's inspirational as always. All the best Dave

Thanks for the kind comment Graham. I've been really enjoying the modelling this winter and I think the enjoyment I've had is also slowly showing on the layout. I'm very impressed with the work Farish have done on the new 47s. Even newbies like me can turn one into a satisfying and pretty realistic model with just a bit of weathering. All the best Dave

I'm looking forward to seeing your efforts on 47210. Your modelling is always top notch. Will that be a new addition for BOT? All the best Dave

Great to see the 86 getting a run . Another cracking set of photo's. All the best Dave

A few extra photo's of the 47.

A small update on progress. Some further trees have been added. But not even half way along the backboard yet so plenty still to do there. The OHLE gantrys are all down at the moment (I kept knocking them) and every time I take them down the WCML feel totally disappears. Away from the layout this 47 had a weathering session. It's a lovely model. The difference is impressive when it's standing it next to an older farish 47. The first stage of a chalky white wash to give a slightly sun weathered effect always makes me a bit nervous. I always feel like I've just ruined a beautiful new model. It's worth doing in the end though

Doesn't sound so good if they are still at the discussion stage with the factory . I thought the model was confirmed and going forwards. I don't envy revolution at all and I'm very greatful that they've stuck there necks out to try and bring us thing's other's aren't willing to. Must not forget that we also see big delays from the other manufacturers (I've had a class 86 from Dapol with a mk2f rake from farish on the wish list for literally year's now and still neither model's released). But here's to hoping there is some progress in the near future. All the best Dave

I've spent an evening playing with static grass and having a go at layering. Of course plenty to do still and it's by no means finished. I've found it amazing stuff to use and as a complete beginner I'm pretty impressed with how easy it is to pick up. All the best Dave

Does anyone know exactly when or where the announcement will be made? Regards Dave

Yeah I am very lucky to have some good space in the cellar that's not being used for anything else. You look like you are making great use of the space you have there though. Have I understood the pictures correctly that the layout is going to be L shaped and run along one wall and under the window running on the window sill?

That 47 looks brilliant on Simon. That's a livery I didn't even know existed and looking at a few pictures online it looks like there were two variations at least. All the best Dave

I've found myself living in Germany for now, so I will be following this one with interest. You've picked a nice area to model. I'm guessing n gauge? All the best Dave

Just a quick update to show progress is slowly being made. Of course nothing is finished yet and the to do list keeps growing rather than shrinking , but that's all part of the fun isn't it. A base layer of green is down over a large part of the country side section of the layout. It should give a basis for further landscaping, more trees and then detailing. All the best Dave

I know it has already been said, but even just a realistic update on a release date for some of the exciting previous announcements like the class 319, intercity mk2s and class 31 would be great. looking to the future………re-tool the class 90 and 87 please (it's nice to dream isn't it).

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with being fussy, it's not a race . Have I understood correctly that the layout will be based in the 90s with the AC electrics? But that you will also run some pre war stock as well? Sounds perfect. All the best Dave

Hi Pete, Just stumbled upon this. I hope it doesn’t remain under sheets forever . The start you’ve made there is amazing. Cracking idea for a layout. The brickwork on the retaining walls is especially impressive. All the best. Dave

Hi Bob, This thread and the pictures have been extreamly useful for me, I wish I had taken more myself now. I am doing a late 90s wcml layout and there is nothing like photo's for insperation or help. Sometimes I have even found something in the background of a shot that is just as useful as the loco being photographed. Anyway great shots of the class 90s and thanks a lot for sharing. All the best Dave

Hi Graham, Sounds like a hard day yesterday. I hope it's not got you too down, because despite the bad day, that rake of IZAs looks superb behind the 66. Was the IZA rake the only one that struggled? I hope this comment doesn't make thing's worse and is helpful, but I am pretty sure the inside tighter radius on a gradient is the 'worst case'. Have you checked this as well? I hope today's a better day than yesterday. All the best Dave