Flymo748

Elsewhere in the Newsletter it reports that there have been 44 new members since the last Newsletter. So that's a really positive move for the EMGS which can only be coming from the trackwork initiative. Cheers Flymo

John, Thanks for the kind words about the show. Our emphasis this year was to show, teach and experience skills, so with all of the layouts on show, and the demonstrators willing to share their knowledge, we hope that many people went away inspired. And with lighter wallets, as well. You mentioned other guest finescale layouts. This is actually something that we have had most of the last few recent years, going back to the time when the show was at Leatherhead. Looking back to the Retrospectives that are online (https://www.scalefour.org/scaleforum/retrospectives) : 2010 - S Scale Society 2011 - Scale Seven (Ellerton Road) 2012 - P87 (Quai:87) + 2mm Finescale Association 2013 - P87 (Obbeker) 2014 - P87 (Axalp) 2015 - Scale Seven (Fangfoss - Norwegian!) For the last couple of years we haven't, as 2016 represented a bumper show particular focus for the Society's Fortieth Anniversary, and we have been playing "catch-up" with P4 layouts. The vast majority of Scalefour Society members appreciate good modelling in any gauge or scale. We have an area to admire "inspiring modelling" in the Members' Area on our Forum. So I'd be almost certain that there will be some excellent modelling in "non-P4" in future years of Scaleforum. I just don't know what that will be yet! Cheers Paul Willis Deputy Chairman

That looks rather lovely :-) Of course you can bring it along for the test track. You'll be amazed at how much easier a locomotive runs when it has done multiple laps. I put my E22 0-6-0 on the loop for some sessions at last year's Scaleforum and was really pleased with how much smoother and quieter it was at the end. And of course there are plenty of demostrators there to help with any questions that you may have... One word of caution - make sure that your crank-pin nuts are really secure! The prolonged running in one direction can make them loosen, and fall off. Then you'll have a "rod off" and risk some damage. A little dab of nail polish (clear, that is, not pink and glitterly) works well for me. Yes, this is a DAMHIK ;-) Cheers Flymo

Hi Paul, You are most certainly in there! Have a look on page 11 of https://www.scalefour.org/downloads/2018/scaleforum2018guide.pdf "Paul has been modelling to P4 standards for many years and will be showing his approach to chassis construction; a pragmatic one which draws on the principles put forward many years ago by Mike Sharman. Paul will be showing how, using readilyavailable components, an absolute beginner in P4 can complete a running locomotive chassis in a reasonable time." Sounds perfect - Pragmatic P4... Cheers Flymo

Joihn, Posted here only because the thread (I've been following it since the outset) has ranged across the availability of C&L, Exactoscale, both and neither products! No offence or ill intent intended to any party involved... Cheers Paul

As this is of relevance to track-building, I'm also posting this here... The Scalefour Society is delighted to announce that Exactoscale will be a trader at this year's Scaleforum show on 22 & 23 September. Exactoscale Products is not a company but an informal cooperative group of modellers who will supply components to the modelling community. At Scaleforum, they have been given a small space to launch Exactoscale Products and explain their future plans. Exactoscale will make sales (cash only) of P4 carriage and wagon wheels together with a limited selection of items from the range of track products. Exactoscale do not envisage normally having an Exactoscale Products stand at exhibitions.so this represents a possible one-off opportunity to acquire material and have a conversation about the range. After Scaleforum, wheels will be available from early October from Scalefour and EMGS Stores only, Timescales for bearings and back-to-back gauges are not yet clear but these are an important part of the range and will be made available as soon as possible. 4mm scale products will be available from the Scalefour and EMGS stores and 7mm scale products will be available from the Scale 7 Group stores. Updates on the process of getting Exactoscale Products up and running will be posted on the Scalefour Society’s webforum and, in the next Scalefour News and EMGS Newsletter. Yet another reason to visit Scaleforum. We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.scalefour.org/scaleforum/2018/ Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

The Scalefour Society is delighted to announce that Exactoscale will be a trader at this year's Scaleforum show on 22 & 23 September. Exactoscale Products is not a company but an informal cooperative group of modellers who will supply components to the modelling community. At Scaleforum, they have been given a small space to launch Exactoscale Products and explain their future plans. Exactoscale will make sales (cash only) of P4 carriage and wagon wheels together with a limited selection of items from the range of track products. Exactoscale do not envisage normally having an Exactoscale Products stand at exhibitions.so this represents a possible one-off opportunity to acquire material and have a conversation about the range. After Scaleforum, wheels will be available from early October from Scalefour and EMGS Stores only, Timescales for bearings and back-to-back gauges are not yet clear but these are an important part of the range and will be made available as soon as possible. 4mm scale products will be available from the Scalefour and EMGS stores and 7mm scale products will be available from the Scale 7 Group stores. Updates on the process of getting Exactoscale Products up and running will be posted on the Scalefour Society’s webforum and, in the next Scalefour News and EMGS Newsletter. Yet another reason to visit Scaleforum. We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.scalefour.org/scaleforum/2018/ Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

The Scalefour Society is delighted to announce that Exactoscale will be a trader at this year's Scaleforum show on 22 & 23 September. Exactoscale Products is not a company but an informal cooperative group of modellers who will supply components to the modelling community. At Scaleforum, they have been given a small space to launch Exactoscale Products and explain their future plans. Exactoscale will make sales (cash only) of P4 carriage and wagon wheels together with a limited selection of items from the range of track products. Exactoscale do not envisage normally having an Exactoscale Products stand at exhibitions.so this represents a possible one-off opportunity to acquire material and have a conversation about the range. After Scaleforum, wheels will be available from early October from Scalefour and EMGS Stores only, Timescales for bearings and back-to-back gauges are not yet clear but these are an important part of the range and will be made available as soon as possible. 4mm scale products will be available from the Scalefour and EMGS stores and 7mm scale products will be available from the Scale 7 Group stores. Updates on the process of getting Exactoscale Products up and running will be posted on the Scalefour Society’s webforum and, in the next Scalefour News and EMGS Newsletter. Yet another reason to visit Scaleforum. We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.scalefour.org/scaleforum/2018/ Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

A couple of bottles of water and some throat lozenges... When I've demoed previously at Scaleforum or Scalefour, I scarcely touched a tool, and spent my whole time talking. Of course, the one tool that someone specifically asks about will be the one that you decidied to leave on the workbench at home... Enjoy the weekend, and I'm sure that I'll see you there :-) Cheers Flymo

A quick bump, as it's just over a week away from this event :-) Roger Sawyer's Soldering demonstrations are always hands-on and extremely popular: I'm hoping to be there. I'll be easy to spot, as having flown in from a business trip I'll be the shambling one with the red eyes! Do come and say hello. Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

To give this event a bit of a bump, here is the man himself, showing some aspects of the professional presentation of St.Merryn. I'm sure that the event will be an entertaining one. Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

That is a very neat solutions, to install runners to mount the chip in. It reminds me of assembling IKEA furniture ;-) It would certainly, with proper planning, be a way of keeping the chip away from handrail knobs and other internal protrusions. I'll share with you my way of doing it: Heatshrink around the chips, and across any joints in the wiring. I bought a bag of assorted sizes from Maplin - so get there quickly before the stores close, but if you can find some it will be at a decent price - and find it very useful. I do the shrinking bit by waving a soldering iron gently at it. You can use the iron really close to it as long as you don't catch the wiring, as the heatshrink is surprisingly robust. I don't know if you've used it before but it was a real revelation to me. I do exactly the same as you in hacking out the underneath of the body with a Dremel. The thing with wrapping the chip up so that there is no accidental electrical contact possible is that I can then shove (roughly, from behind) the chip, motor and gearbox up inside the boiler and they will settle into their own places. The long wires are then useful to allow the chip to find its own location, and flex around to suit, IYSWIM. The ones on your chip do look a *bit* excessive though, but if there is room, it's easier than cutting them and re-soldering. HTH Flymo

Rich, I bet that you didn't know that you already had one of those in your toolkit. If it's not on your workbench, it's probably in the office... Here you are: Pinch a very small amount off and smear it across the top of the screw. It works for either cross-head or slotted screws: You can then have it held securely in the screwdriver, place it precisely, and twist it into place: Normally there is a chassis between the screw and the loco body, but this was easier to show the principle ;-) I use this for lots and lots of body fastening screws, etc, etc. If nothing else, when you're removing the screw, it usually avoids kneeling on the floor and worshiping the Great Carpet God! HTH, Flymo

Certainly at 12 midnight on Saturday there was one who had decided to roost in the middle of the road in the high street (is that Northgate?). She was having a really restful lie-down. Fortunately she seemed to have two cars with flashing lights and men in bright jackets at either side who seemed to be keeping her safe from the milling of the rest of the flock... I decided to give up on the idea of a taxi and walk the 2.9 miles back to the hotel. It was nice exercise after excellent beer and curry! Cheers Flymo

Horse will clearly be disappointed that Leighton Buzzard will be at Scaleforum in September. Not only EM, but *very* old as well! It must be rubbish ;-) Cheers Flymo

Are you coming back tomorrow? I have an MRJ binder for you... Dave Furmage may have mentioned it today, but I didn't catch you. Cheers Flymo

Last night the hall was filling up nicely... There are some lovely layouts being displayed. I'm not going to say which is my personal favourite so far! Hope to see many RMWebbers here in Wakefield during the day... Cheers Paul Willis Deputy Chairman

Pictures to tempt you of some of the layouts that will be exhibited at Scalefour North... Clutton: Kettlewell: Pulborough: We look forward to seeing you there. Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

And here is that list of traders... ALAN GIBSON (WORKSHOP) Wheels, etched kits and components AMBIS ENGINEERING Etched kits and components BILL HUDSON TRANSPORT BOOKS New and second-hand books BRASSMASTERS SCALE MODELS Locomotive & EasiChas kits, detailing components C&L FINESCALE (including CARRS and EXACTOSCALE) Trackwork and soldering supplies COASTAL DCC DCC control systems and decoders DART CASTINGS (incl. MONTY’S MODELS and MJT) Detailing components and scenic supplies DAVE BRADWELL Etched locomotive and rolling stock kits DAVID GEEN KITS (including MALCOLM MITCHELL) Locomotive and rolling stock kits EILEEN’S EMPORIUM Tools, painting and scratchbuilding supplies HIGH LEVEL MODELS Locomotive kits and drivetrain solutions HOBBY HOLIDAYS Tools, paint, scratchbuilding supplies and modelling courses JUDITH EDGE KITS Etched locomotive kits LANARKSHIRE MODELS & SUPPLIES Etched and cast detailing components LONDON ROAD MODELS Etched locomotive and rolling stock kits MOUSA MODELS Rolling stock kits and components PENBITS MODEL RAILWAYS Etched locomotive bogie kits ROGER CARPENTER Extensive collection of railway photographs RUMNEY MODELS Etched rolling stock and chassis kits SCALEFOUR STORES Supplies for the discerning modeller SHAWPLAN Etched detailing components, Laserglaze, paint & transfers STEVENSONS CARRIAGES & MILLHOLME MODELS Locomotive and rolling stock kits TIM HORN BASEBOARDS Laser cut baseboards WIZARD MODELS (including MSE/51L and COMET) Rolling stock and signalling kits, components and supplies Please note two changes to the provisional list that was published in the Guide: - Coopercraft did not return the confirmation of their attendance - Model Railway Developments suffered a diary malfunction Consequently neither of these traders will be at the exhibition. Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

And the layouts... At the heart of any exhibition are the layouts, and a superb variety of new and established ones have been selected for Scalefour North 2018. Boston Frodsham This is an embryonic P4 layout set in 1975-1985 and inspired by the swing bridge at Boston Docks and the wharf at Frodsham in Cheshire. The layout is under construction, showing all the track (C&L rail and chairs on ply sleepers) laid and wired with Lenz DCC system and points are activated by Tortoise slow motion motors controlled from a lever frame which has been built from a Scalefour Society kit. Trains approach the docks via a branch from the main line (off scene) and enter one of three reception/departure sidings, where 03 and 08 shunters then move the wagons, a few at a time, over the swing bridge and into the dockside area, returning with other wagons for dispatch. Clackmannan Goods This is is very much an evolution of the previous Longcarse West. The scene is set in the twilight months of wagonload traffic in a small yard during the mid 1970s. The sort of place that could be seen all around the country at that time as rail freight continued its downward spiral. The yard is fictional, but is imaginedto be on the site of the Caledonian Railway goods yard in Alloa. The main traffic flows are domestic coal, grain for the local breweries and sundries, but just about anything can turn up. It is not unusual for wagons to be sent to the yard for storage, and parcels stock can also sometimes be sent from Stirling if siding space is at a premium there. Wagon building is David’s main area of interest so there are a lot of variations in the fleet. Clutton This personal project by TimVenton, depicting a passing station on the Great Western branch between Bristol and Frome was inspired by Barry Norman’s Petherick and by Pendon, where the train is a part of the landscape. The project started in 1989 by building the lever frame, and all signals, including the ground signals and the running line points, are worked by the interlocked frame, which represents the actual frame in Clutton Signal Box. The single main lines are controlled by representations of the electric key token instruments and the signalman sits in front in full. Representative trains pass through the station to a sequence. A lot of tank engines and B-sets is exactly what would have been seen in the 1950s. Freight was also important, with coal from the Somerset collieries that were connected to the line passing through. Faringdon A scale model of the former GWR branch station in Oxfordshire has been entirely hand built by Stephen Williams, depicting the station as it might have appeared during the transition from GWR to BR ownership in the period 1947-55. Some artistic licence has been used in extending both the time frame for the model and in showing a more varied range of typical branch line trains than would actually have been seen. The buildings are made from card and painted with water colours, following Pendon practice, with the scenery showing influence of Pendon as well as Barry Norman’s work. Kettlewell This is a ‘might have been’ layout, had the Parliamentary powers granted in the 1880 Skipton and Kettlewell Railway Act been exercised. Work started on the layout in January 2011 and the layout was shown for the first time at Model Rail Scotland 2013. The layout has a number of features such as a unique fiddleyard design that allows a five-road traverser to be turned around. The layout operates to a timetable that provides constant activity for the viewing public, through the use of ground frames in both station area and goods yard to provide concurrent operation. It is operated in two different eras - as a 1922 Midland Railway branch line and as late 1950s scene using an eclectic mix of stock. Picton Is a station which lies on the former Leeds & Newcastle line from Northallerton to Eaglescliffe, opened in 1846. The period chosen for the model is 1947-1960 and encompasses the late LNER and early BR periods, allowing a wide range of NER, LNER & BR steam engines, railcars, and early DMUs and diesels. Passenger traffic was withdrawn from Picton to Battersby on 14th June 1954. Picton to Trenholme Bar was retained for wagon storage until the early 70s but he final nail in the coffin of the branch proper came with the closure of the Stokesley to Battersby Junction section to freight on 2nd August 1965. Construction of the layout has adopted a pseudo-modular approach with the view of attaching a fiddle yard board to any of the scenic boards. This has enabled us to test the layout as it develops and has helped stave off the onset of depression and insanity whilst allowing the layout to be exhibited throughout its construction. Lee-on-the-Solent This was one of the earliest layouts built to P4 standards to appear on the exhibition circuit. The layout was originally built as a result of taking a school party on a visit to the area and was first shown in October 1981. The layout today is presented around the time of Grouping (1923) allowing both LSWR and SR stock to be run. Motive power includes an ex-LBSCR D1 class tank and Terriers. All are fully compensated. Rolling stock includes ‘gate stock’ sets and various coal wagons from local merchants Pulborough This model represents the station situated in rural West Sussex on the LBSCR double-track main line at its peak in the years around 1910. At that time the station was provided with extensive facilities – up and down side goods yards, cattle pens and coal staithes, loop platform for the nearby Midhurst branch, and loco turning and coaling facilities. The model is a full scale replica of nearly 1/2 mile of track, intended in part to demonstrate the space required for a large station and the enormous size of some of the engineering features. Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman

There's couple of weeks to go to Scalefour North 2018, and we'd like to share the details with you. This year’s Scalefour North exhibition will be taking place on Saturday 14th April and Sunday 15th April, from 10 am on each day. The show is at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, 154 Northgate, Wakefield, WF1 3QX. The show enjoys plenty of space and an open atmosphere for visitors to move around in and enjoy the exhibits. The School is within easy walking distance of Wakefield city centre, and is only a few minutes away from the main bus depot although on-site car-parking is available for visitors that choose to drive. Full catering will be available at the venue. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Queen+Elizabeth+Grammar+School/@53.6884792,-1.5013045,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x52020ed3a8943cb9!8m2!3d53.6884792!4d-1.5013045 Admission prices have been held unchanged at £7.00, and a discounted rate of £6.00 is available for Scalefour Society members. Tickets are valid for both days, enabling visitors to make the very most of their visit. Accompanying partners and children under 16 years of age are admitted free. Scalefour North provides a unique opportunity for like-minded model railway enthusiasts to meet, talk, exchange ideas or information, and generate new friendships or revive old ones. To encourage dialogue between visitors and exhibitors, we don’t place barriers in front of the layouts. Asking advice from the exhibitors is what the show is all about. Over the years, many new and innovative ideas which have advanced the art of finescale modelling have emanated from the members of the Scalefour Society. Scalefour North provides the ideal showcase to present these developments. New at Scalefour North should be an update the Society’s own design of lever frame. Used by modellers in all scales and gauges, the new version is specifically designed to interface with a mechanical locking system for points and signals. Full details are on the Society’s website at www.scalefour.org/scalefournorth. You can download the Show Guide for free from https://www.scalefour.org/downloads/2018/scalefournorthguide2018.pdf We look forward to welcoming you to the show... Cheers Paul Willis Scalefour Society Deputy Chairman scalefournorthguide2018.pdf

Ian, You did extremely well. And you came away having built things, and having learned things. I will bet that your modelling will be more enjoyable in the future because of it. I always go to Missenden with the ojective of finishing an entire kit. And always monumentally fail. But I have a lot of fun doing it... The social aspects of Missenden are fantastic, wandering around and seeing what other people are doing. It almost convinced me to try something in 7mm scale (thanks to Kevin Bloody Wilson). Perhaps I'll see you again in the Autumn? Cheers Paul

Rich, I suspect as straightforward as cost. A single lost wax brass casting is a multiple of the same in white metal - possibly several times over. When I was first looking at reviving the 5522 Models range of coaches, I spoke with the previous supplier (no names) of lost wax castings. I was quoted £2.40 *each* for a lost wax LMS axlebox and spring. As I would need eight of those for each kit for a pair of LMS bogies, I'd have been looking at a resale price of around £25 at least for each kit. No one is going to pay that sort of prices. So I went out, bought my own casting machine, and can now do them nicely in whitemetal :-) That would be my hypothesis... Cheers Flymo

Rich, In short, no. The only thing that you will achieve if you get the components nice and hot are burned fingers. You don't say exactly which element is correct when compared to the scale plans/diagram. Is it the castings or the etched side. If it is the former, then I'm afraid it is time for the files/solder to adjust the profile until it is correct. Or you may even find it easier to replace the casting with a fabricated part from a bit of brass or nickel sheet. I think that you're basically talking about a box shape, so it should not be too tricky with a bit of care. If it is the etched side which is incorrect, then again it is a matter for files and careful comparison. Or you may find it easier to remove the etching and again replace it with one of your own making from brass sheet. As is usal with kit-building, there are many ways to skin the proverbial cat. Cheers Flymo

Thanks - that's something I;ve learned. I wasn't aware that there were pictures online, and I think you're right. That would be a useful addition to the armoury., particularly where the brake standard would be vulnerable. I'm in no urgent rush for one, but I'll have a look next time I see the Roxey stand at a show :-) Cheers Flymo