brammie

Following completion of recovery work on numerous lengths of track, I started testing the Clackwick layout on Dec 24th. It was clear the following morning that Santa had brought more than the usual range of presents, but nothing whatever appropriate to my layout. However, one large package contained a build-your-own wooden HMS Bounty. The parts schedule includes no less than 135 product lines ("Deadeyes" for example numbering 52), so I can't even guess at the total number of parts. I do know that after four days of graft I am probably halfway to having the hull completed. Meanwhile Clackwick waits patiently for its' former attendant to return to the railway room.

Removed the remaining panels this afternoon, and checked out the supply connections to the related track lengths and points: Final tally; five or 6 rail lengths and two sets of points to be individually wired, but some lengths of track (virtually out of reach with the side panels fitted) need to be cleaned and polished. Recovery work starts tomorrow.

Following a busy period on the domestic front, I was finally able to make a start today on what I percieved earlier as significant problems with the track supply on Clackwick. Having constructed the framework and side panels in 2005 I didn't quite know what to expect, but once I got going it was a relief to find that I had built the supporting timberwork with some degree of foresight. Twenty or so screws removed, two panels lifted out, one mains plug disconnected and all was revealed: It was also pleasing to discover that I appear to have incorporated track/point supply pickups to the majority of individual sections. I identified those found on the first area investigated by attaching a short length of masking tape to the track - topside: Two or three track lengths/points within this area were found to lacking individual supplies and these will be added to the "worksheet", for corrective action later in the week. Tomorrow will see a further area inspected, but for the moment I am much relieved.

Thanks for that advice RH. It occurs to me that the running problems associated with corrosion at the joiners happens mainly at the remote areas of the layout, so my guess is that when wiring up I found it easy to put in a large number of droppers adjacent to the operating "pit" and made do with fewer elsewhere. However, I now see that I can access the remote areas quite easily from underneath if I remove the upright screen boards that form a double layer to the backdrops (wood/trees). Re points; I need to dig out a spare from the box and have a look at the wiring arrangement - pretty sure they are code 75 insulfrog. Once I've got one in my hand it should become clear what it needs for a permanent fix. Visitors from UK at the moment, so no further progress for a few days.

Thanks RH. That was my plan, but from the sparking (albeit slight) at the points it would be prudent of me to include all thirteen sets of points. I never figured that I would be doing "upside down" soldering at 75 though!

Clouds on the horizon? No, not a new scenic feature for the Clackwick layout, but a slightly alarming discovery made yesterday whist prepping the layout for a visit by a fellow enthusiast from UK later this week. Whilst spring cleaning the track prior to test runs I noted a white deposit on some of the rail joiners. Having been directly involved in aircraft avionics for all of my working life, my immediate reaction was "galvanic action". This is a chemical reaction that occurs between disimilar materials when in contact with each other, significantly increased when an electrical current is passed between the materials. The obvious conclusion is that I don't have enough droppers from my power source to ensure that all parts of the track (including points) are individually supplied. I also noted slight sparking when my two Class 20 locos in consist passed over certain of the points (not previously seen). The obvious, though unwelcome, conclusion would be that each individual stretch of track (including every point) would have to be separately supplied through a "ring dropper". Whilst I shall start to install new droppers as soon as time permits, I reflect that my layout is some thirteen years old and may simply be worn out. I wonder if this is inevitable, and whether other members have similar had experience. Top

As part of the (likely) finishing touches, I've added a small wood to the East of Clackwick Station:

An old schoolfriend is visiting next weekend - a fellow layout enthusiast, albeit on a slight smaller scale. I'm tied up getting the layout ready for him to have a "sit and play" session, but I have to wonder whether I am in the minority with my layout being constantly "out of action - in development".

First to be completed in the latest upate (all courtesy of Langley Models) is the Eastern National Depot on Church Road: The Grey-Green terminal has seen the addition of one of those open top sea-front route buses, so popular in the summer months at Clacton. I need to change the livery to reflect Eastern National ownership, and occupy with some passengers: A visiting family of holiday makers are offered carriage of their luggage "in me barrer mister" in front of Clackwick Station. A tidy some of money was to be earned by local lads in this manner at weekends in the summer months. A paper seller has joined the general melee in front of the station: Charlie Wheeler's - with better lighting (I think). A small shooting party from "The Big House" with their dogs, unaware that just over the hill are the Nisen Hut boys poaching rabbits. OMB has erected a scarecrow on his veg patch in the hope of saving some of his greens from maurauding crows:

Been a busy week, following the arrival of a delivery from Langley Models (pics to follow). However, I wasn't happy with scenery at the Nissen Hut bunker so have replaced it with something more green:

The Eastern National Depot on Church Road Clacton now renamed to reflect 1950s ownership, and distressed and weathered to reflect condition. Awaiting oil drums, tool boxes, engine parts and the "depot cat" - all on order from Langley.

Nice work Mick. I might well try that technique.

First stage of the next diaorama; The Eastern National Bus/Coach Depot on Church Road Clacton c1955. A long way to go, but the idea begins to take shape.

My first attempt at video - chopped from 5 mins to about half by Flickr. Nothing like professional, but better to come I hope. https://www.flickr.com/photos/165741652@N02/30751560867/in/datetaken/

Tried a different lighting technique for the pigsty scene. Looks better to me, so have replaced the two pictures on the previous post.