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grahame

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Blog Entries posted by grahame

  1. grahame
    Apologies for the seeming mania about N gauge busses on my blog but it's just that I reckon I'm going to need a
    lot for my London Bridge project in the same way that I've already put together a lot of phone boxes and skips.
    This time it's the Cars Workshop KMB Plaxton Pointer 2 of which I managed to purchase two. I've cut back one to
    a 'short' single door version and today I've started adding some paint/decal detail.
     
    Unfortunately this is hampered by the lack of suitable N gauge/2mm logo decals for London bus operators. For the
    PP2 I need some Go-ahead London Central galleon logos. It'd be nice if someone did some suitable transfers for
    companies like London Central, Selkent, Metrobus, Arriva and Travel London - does anyone know if any are available
    in 2mm scale? Anyway I've got to do the side window inserts and finish it before tackling the 'long' PP2 that has
    dual doors;
     
     

     

     
    PS - now added the windows and roughly finished off. Please bear in mind the tiny size - it's less than two and a half inches long.
     
     

     
    G.
  2. grahame
    It's been a long time since I added anything to my blog so here is a spring WOMW update; a container crane.
     
    I picked up a Vollmer container crane kit for a fiver at the Redhill N gauge show recently .....
     

     
    ..... and decided to bash it in to something more British looking like this Freighliner crane at Millbrook rather than build it as shown on the box cover artwork;
     

     
    It's taken quite a bit of bashing around and building new parts that incorporate bits of the kit. I had to move over the main single central cross beam and add a second one, and design and scratch build the machinery that travels along between the beams and raises the container grab. I've also built a new grab section and so far it looks like this;
     

     
    However, there's still loads to do and the model in picture above is temporarilly held together with bit of blu-tac just for the photo. Obviously it's not an exact replica and is essentially a freelance design but I've tried to incorporate the essence and style of the Millbrook one.
     
    September 2011
     
    I've finished off the crane now and detals of it should appear in N'spirations6.
     
     
    GRAHAME
  3. grahame
    For my London Bridge project I’m obviously wanting to use the best looking N gauge track possible. And now I think I’ve finally decided on the way to go. For the plain track I’ll be using the 2mmSA Easitrack which is easy and quick to put together and has the benefits of;
     
    * Being able to run my N gauge stock on it without any re-wheeling.
    * Concrete and wooden sleeper and flat-bottom and bull-head rail options available.
    * Has finer low profile height code 40 rail.
    * Has more accurate sleeper sizes and sleeper spacing (compared with Peco).
    * Has a low overall sleeper/base height so minimising ballasting effort (deep filling with Peco is not required).
     
    I’m currently experimenting with it on the photo-diorama I’m building (see earlier in my blog for details and pictures). For the points I’m also hoping to use Easitrack but built to N gauge standards. This gives me the following benefits;
     
    * All the benefits of the plain track regarding look and scale (sleeper size/spacing/height and rail height).
    * Pre-milled point bases available in most sizes from the 2mmSA.
    * Finer flange-ways (than the Peco points) that accept the current N gauge RP25 wheel standards.
     
    I’ve attended a workshop run in conjunction with my club, Easitrack and the 2mmSA and have effectively built a point to those standards. Special crossing jigs are available for the N gauge flange-way size and all the other jigs are as per the 2mmFS versions (apart, obviously from 9mm gauge rollers). There is minimal soldering - just a bit to hold the crossing vee and wing rails in place as one assembly - and everything else is glued on with plastic chairs holding the rails.
     

     
    The overall benefits of this for me are that;
     
    * I’ll end up with better finer scale looking track that accepts N gauge stock.
    * There is no need (saved time and cost) to replace all wheel-sets with 2mmFS ones.
    * I can still use N gauge Peco track and points in the fiddle yard and any hidden tracks.
     
    Below is a pic of the jigs and gauges; left to right; vee creation jig, N gauge crossing jig, N roller gauges. And below that is another crossing that I built at the workshop showing the minimal soldering required. The crossing is held down in place on the point base by plastic chairs that slide on to the rails and are glued to the sleepers;
     

     

     
    See the 7th added comment for infor about the pic below;
     

     
     
     
    G.
  4. grahame
    Having got N'spirations3 off to the printers I can now get back to some modelling projects.
     
    Yesterday I started to convert a three axle Hong Kong KMB Wright Eclipse bus in to a British style 2 axle LT/Arriva version. It seems to be going okay so far;
     
     

     
     
    I've also selected one of my Q1 locos to have a bash a weathering with weathering powders. I need to find some decent colour pics of them to work from. I seem to remember Missy having produced a very effective really work stained version and hope to get somewhere near as good.
     
    G.
  5. grahame
    Modelling effort has been taking a back seat as I've been attending hospital three times a weeks for a course of UVB treatment and as I prepare for my annual jaunt to Australia for the month October.
     
    Nonetheless, I've undertaken a little work on some projects such as a planned Gatwick Express set where I've now got sufficient mk2 coaches and have painted the seating inserts and started cutting the end recess for the waist level jumper cables. And I've been working on N'spirations3 which is hoped to go for printing when I return from Aus.
     
    I've also taken delivery of a set of Maruka 1:150 construction vehicles whch are rather nice. Included are two container reach stackers, 3 bulldozers, 3 concrete mixer lorries, 2 road/rail crawler boom cranes and 2 container artics. They include separate handrails and wing mirrors that need to be fitted. I don't need the all of them so will probably sell the ones not required but the reach stackers are needed for a container depot project that has been bubbling along with a few people for some time now.
     
    Here's some pics of some of them;
     
     

     

     

     
    G.
  6. grahame
    One of my many long term ongoing outstanding projects is an un-motorised 4-VEP in blue/grey to run with another powered unit. Today I've been working a little on it almost completing the underframes with Ultima etched truss rods and BHE cast details. However, I'm short of a couple of underslung fuses and, more importantly, one mk1 Farish coach roof. Does anyone have a spare or know how/where I can get one cheaply and easily?
     
     

     
    G.
  7. grahame
    Despite being quiet on updating this blog I have been fiddling with a few modelling projects, including making a 2001: moon bus plastic kit, and have a few railway things on the go......
     
    The coaling tower is complete and I now need to decide what to do with it. Keep it, sell it...... umm, err,
     
    I've acquired some etched bits from Shawplan for the class 50 upgrade so a little work has been done on that. But I now realise that I need a new chassis as I can't find the original and have been trying to bid for a suitable one on ebay. If I can't get one there at an acceptable price then perhaps I can pick up a bargain at TINGS.
     
    I've been doing some research for the London Bridge project and have found some superb aeriel photos. However, this has been taking up quite a bit of time.
     
    I've also been considering putting together a blue mixed van 1970s/80s type parcels/newspaper train rake and have repainted a Dapol CCT I had in to BR blue. The collection is looking pretty motley but I've read almost any van-thing goes;
     

     
    G.
  8. grahame
    ..... is a lot of junk and many half started and half finished projects including some not exactly railway related modelling. However, one is the scratch building of an N gauge coaling tower based on the OO Hornby one that is curently featured in all the commercial magazine reviews and question threads here. As I actually posed a question on the question thread about it, I thought I'd post up a picture showing progress so far; there's still plenty to do including adding steps and railings, making the ramp, coal truck lift platforn and hoist mechanism.
     
     

     
    G.
  9. grahame
    I pleased to report that the second issue of my exclusive magazine has come back from the printers. I'm impressed and pleased with the quality and finish, although there is one little problem - some reversed out text on two small coloured panels didn't come out. Fortunately they're small and don't detract from the content; one was about ordering the first issue (on page 2) and the other is a photo caption (on page 19). I've reported it to the printers but to be quite honest there's little they can do now and it is only a very minor and almost insignificant issue. Probably no worse than my spelling mistakes still in it and besides most publications seem to have some errors in them.
     
    Anyway, overall it looks good and is a fitting (well at least I think so) follow up to the first issue. I wouldn't mind some feedback though. For further info and details about how to order see the magazine section;
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/17693-nspirations2/page__pid__169231__st__0entry169231
     
    The contents list is;
     

     
     
    I'm hoping to be on the DEMU stand at the 2mm Anniversary Expo in Oxford on Saturday so will be taking copies along for the traders who sell it for me. However, I understand that DEMU are still looking for member volunteers to help man the stand on Sunday so if you're up for that then do get in contact with them.
     
    G.
  10. grahame
    I've made a start on the little modern signal control box at the west end of the through lines. I'm not totally happy at the way it's turning out - dut to my lack if modelling ability - but I'll see what the finished item looks like as there is still a lot to do;
     
     

     
     
    I've also managed to get hold of one of those 1:150 scale KMB Daimler Fleetline buses (the old London Transport DMS) as recommended by Bernie Taylor and I'm very happy with it. It dismantles in to the consitituent parts (body, glazing and inners) simply by unclipping, so it should be easy to re-paint in to LT red. Consequently I've ordered another four, dispite the relatively high price due to the poor pound exchange rate and air postal charges from Hong Kong. I've striped the paint back to the plain plastic and given that a coat of primer. The pic shows it without the glazing, engine compartment and innards, and roughly perched on the wheels/chassis;
     
     

     
     
    The DMSs lasted in LT service from 1970 to 1993 although withdrawls started in the late 70s so I should be able to justify them on my LB layout's mid 70s to mid 00s period. Certainly at least until someone brings out a decent more suitable modern 1:148 bus.
     
    G.
  11. grahame
    Yesterday I quickly knocked up a warehouse facade and assembled a Knightwing portacabin for my little photo diorama. They’re both rush jobs as I wanted to get the diorama nearer completion and neither have been fixed down, finished, detailed or weathered. I’d also recently managed to get some ‘grass’ laid on it.
     
    However, I doubt I’ll be able to get it finished in time for the NGS AGm due to a lack of time and other commitments (including the looking after of Aussie relative visitors, the Ely exhibition and a Spring break to France). Still, I have started looking for a house so I can move and start the ‘Last Big Project’, and have been putting together the second issue of N’spirations, but other than that modelling has been on a back burner recently.
     

     
     
    G.
  12. grahame
    I attended the Crawley Club's exhibition at Horsham over the weekend with my layout and have to report that I had a super
    time. It was a very good exhibition, the club were friendly and helpful and my layout won the Bill Avery/Plus Daughters
    award for 'best in show'. Plus I was able to pick up a few second-hand goodies including a Lima Enparts Siphon G which now
    that I've changed the bogies/wheels for those from a Dapol Siphon and given it a dusting of matt varnish looks pretty acceptable
    to my untrained eye;
     
     

     
     
    And I was fortunate enough to purchase a hand-built Croydon tram by Bill Avery. It's cleverly articulated and the body is
    fully scratch built from plasticard. We had it running on SLD over the weekend. It probably needs a little renovation but
    really looks the part;
     
     

     
     
    I also picked up a rake of built Seacow NGS kits. Again some work is required to lift them but they were excellent value
    and aren't exactly badly put together;
     
     

     
     
     
     
    G.
  13. grahame
    I went to the BGS Berks Area Group open day this morning and picked up a Greenmax kit for £3 of what is claimed on the side of
    the box to be "Japanese Buses & cars for N gauge" dispite the picture showing council refuse/cleaning vehicles. The kit
    contained two each of a dust cart and a strange, presumably sludge gulper, tank thing with hoses. Both have Mitubishi cabs with
    the dust cart a more British/International looking body. The other vehicle is very much Japanese so they hae been consigned to
    my 'to be sold as secondhand box'.
     
    This afternoon I made them (all four vehicles) up - the first time for a while that I've put together an Airfix type plastic kit
    and I did also by a Revell kit of a 1:144 SA 330 Puma. Below is a pic of the box with contents and another of the state I reached
    before givng up for the night. The main outstanding things to do are add reg plates, matt varnish amd weather. Some local council
    transfers would also be nice.
     

     

     
    G.
  14. grahame
    I've glued the cab handrails back on (well, the three sets I took off as I overlooked one set and they remained on during the paint
    and transfer process - ooops) and basically I think all the painting is complete and sealed with matt varnish. Just remains to take
    a deep breath and risk tackling some weathering, or should I, err, ummm......
     
     

     
    G.
  15. grahame
    Yesterday I received a really nice email from someone about my N'spirations booklet that I'd like to share on my blog;
     
    "Just to let you know I think your magazine is an excellent contribution to the hobby and I hope it is to be the first of many. I particularly admire the way you suggest that we all, including beginners, should aim for high standards, without being pedantic about it. The publication presents the information and tips in a refreshingly positive style without specifically advocating the counting of rivets, giving hope and inspiration to those of us with less confidence than those with years of experience. And all this complemented with interesting photographs of a consistently good quality. Keep up the good work!"
     
    I've also had a number of other complimentary testimonials which has greatly pleased me. Anyway, today will be a break from modelling to enable me to undertake some cooking - another enjoyable past-time - and a visit to the local.
     
    G.
  16. grahame
    Some slow progress on the painting of this loco. White upper bodyside stripe, orange cant rail line, logos, number, lettering, etc., still to be done;
     

     
    Nothing much on the class 50, although that will be done in large loco livery - a lot easier than NSE
    And a bit more done this afternoon (but still the orange cant line to do, paint the door handles, front grips and hi-intensitry light lens, replace the cab handrails, re-assemble and weather........)
     

     
    G.
  17. grahame
    While waiting for some transfers for the class 47 (the wrong ones were sent and I've had to return them) I've been playing around with
    class 50 body I had to try and improve it. One aspect that I considered 'wrong' with the Farish moulding was that the front end was too
    flat (like it had been slapped in the face) and lacked the slight protruding nose under the front cab windows of a real class 50. So as well
    as opening out the exhaust outlets and body side windows and cutting out the circular roof grille (hoping to replace it with a better
    etched one) I also filed off the front end details and added a layer of plasticard to produce the nose bump. I've also started to add some
    details (such as drilling holes for the light) to see if the nose extensions look any better;
     
     

     

     

     
    G
  18. grahame
    I'm going to be brave and attempt a first for me; to re-paint a new Bachmann class 47 (one of the blue ones) in to NSE livery. I started by stripping it down of all the glazing and bits and pieces and then attacked the paintwork with Phoenix stripper. I've also plated over the boiler exhaust and added Ratio hi-intensity headlights and then given it a coating of Halfords grey primer. Currently I'm going through my books and the internet to decide on exactly which number to represent. I nearly settled on 47521 as pictured in the 'NSE years' book but then noticed in a pic on a website that it was different at each end; one end had a recessed headcode panel while the other was filled and smooth.
     

     
    G.
  19. grahame
    One of the projects I’ve been working on for a while now has been a new independent magazine called N’spirations. It‘s a 4O page A5 sized all colour publication exclusively about British 1:148 N gauge. I am pleased and proud to be able to announce it’s launch here on my blog on RMweb.
     

     
    The aim was to produce a one off publication that would help answer the questions people asked about N gauge while viewing my layout at exhibitions. It is also intended to inspire people who expressed interest and encourage them make a start in N gauge railway modelling. The booklet is specifically suitable for those who know little about N gauge or who are beginners in the scale and is a handy reference guide answering commonly posed questions. It includes inspirational photos of quality layouts with supporting articles and advise.
     
    I was able to secure some sponsorship from the N Gauge Society (although the publication remains completely independent and mostly self funded) and have now got the magazine completed and printed. Obviously I still need to sell it to help cover the cost of producing and printing it and hopefully recoup some of the money I‘ve invested in the project. As well as selling it at exhibitions I also plan to make it available by mail order and hopefully arrange for some specialist traders to take a small supply that they could sell from their stands/shops
     
    Although it was originally intended as a one-off publication, the initial and early reaction from those in the know has been positive, and there is the possibility that if it is a success it may be developed with further issues that will cover a broader range of N gauge modelling subjects and projects. If sales are acceptable and a second issue is forthcoming I’ll update this blog to let people know news about it.
     
    However, as this is the first issue and it is not known what the level of sales is likely to be a limited print run has been produced. When they are sold out you will be unlikely to obtain a copy. Therefore, if you would like a copy, it is recommended to place your order as quick as possible. I’ll put details of how to order in the classified ‘for sale’ section of the forum to save falling foul of the moderators or any selling rules.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/11614-nspirations-n-gauge-publication/
     
    G.
  20. grahame
    There's been a little progress on the diorama I'm trying to put together for photographing locos/stock models on (and to try out the Easitrack option). The horrid reddish brown colour is just some acrylic burnt sienna paint that I had spare and added to the water and PVA mix that I painted over the plaster to seal it. Next I need to re-address the ballast and finish it off properly with a neat shoulder, and then consider some ground cover and weathering/painting the trackwork. A fairly rural scene is almost a first for me - any suggestions as to a suitable grass to use bearing in mind the small scale?
     
     

     

     

     

     

     
    G.
  21. grahame
    My Easitrack order turned up today - plain concrete sleepers with flatbottom rail and wooden sleepers with bullhead rail, it's just a shame that, at the moment, there are no wooden seepers available for the flatbottom rail, but I understand it is planned to be developed. Anyway, I've already tried out assembling both types and have laid some on the little photography diorama board I'm building.
     
     

     
     

     
     
    G.
  22. grahame
    Just a quick note to update my blog; modelling is still continuing but on a number of fronts including completing a Fireball XL5 Comet Miniatures vac formed kit and more background research and development for my big London Bridge project. For that I've started putting together a fleet of London Transport busses;
     
     

     
     
    And I've been looking at track options for the project. I've just about decided that I'm going to run with the 2mm Easitrack option using the plain track as it is, but building the points to the latest finer NMRA 'N' gauge standards. That is so I can run N gauge stock without having to expensively change the wheels to 2mmFS (and, of course the latest N gauge stuff is very fine and not exactly noticeable or obvious on modern D&E stock) while getting better running over points and having the points look better with narrower flangeways than Peco commercial track. Plus, of couse, I can still use Peco N gauge track for the fiddleyard and in tunnels which will cut down the building effort and time required. The benefits of the Easitrack on the sceneic section will be;
     
    - closer scale sleeper size
    - closer scale sleeper spacing
    - closer scale rail height
    - better looking finer scale points
    - and improved running (wheels not droping/bumping down in to large flangeways, etc)
     
    I've already ordered a range of Easitrack to test it out and have signed up for an Easitrack point making seminar (being held at my club). Also I've started making a small diorama for photographing locos and stock (for another publishing project I'm working on) and will use Easitrack on that (as soon as it turns up). I've built the base support structure for it from foam-board;
     
     

     
     
    G.
  23. grahame
    As an early Christmas present to myself, and to enable me to take better model snaps, I've purchased a couple of photo lights complete with flourescent daylight bulbs (technically they're 5400K Ra >90 which apparently means they're better than many others although I'm not sure I understand). Here's the portable set up;
     
     

     
     
    Hopefully, I'll be able to take improved studio type snaps although I probably also need a decent new camera and a bit of tuition. I'll need to do a little bit of experimentation to get the best lighting set up (probably need that white foam board as a reflector) but here's one of the first off the cuff;
     
     

     
    G.
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