TomCrewe

I hope your points are dcc ready? or you may have to take them all up again to mod them!

Tommy Boy - Snoop Dogg

Five Years - David Bowie

I do some plastic kits from time ti time but like to put a spin on them sometimes.

Don't Pay The Ferryman by Chris de Burgh

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lysignal-Magnifier-Magnifying-Headset-Jewelry/dp/B07476SNNX/ref=sr_1_50_sspa?crid=OAJ83E0LRT7U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BCYQkgSivvXYx-y_QBem1CGAPD8eDoN_3fFweOxJjKZSKPjXRa7P-ISaX2D8RCjpa6a39vaUEL8bWhA4hZHw_IiQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.YYPUmsfQWT_Fbcd8hEShsXhLbJl7LAEzzx9cfjUrG8I&dib_tag=se&keywords=headband+magnifier&qid=1708759062&sprefix=headband+magnifier%2Caps%2C594&sr=8-50-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dA&psc=1

Thanks all for advice. I went for a headband magnifier, I have not used it in anger yet but have tried it out and its quite comfortable and even more so as I get used to it. It has a selection of lenses and a light.

The thing with me I am a tinkerer on a budget. I also don't want to swap all 75 wagons to varying Kadee American style couplings. (Unless all other options fail). Also having to put visible magnets between tracks is not a solution either I may as well fit Peco mechanical uncouplers between rails (Which is an option if all other options fail). But electro-magnets interesting! if a electro-magnet was 60mm long, would it attract the staple for the full 60mm both ways or act the same as the 60mm permanent magnet?

I have been trying to find the right combination of magnets for the Kirby type coupling. On a test track I have replace sleepers with small magnets and using staples attached to coupling. Also larger magnets under the base board. Another thing I tried was a magnet on the coupling repelled by the same magnets on and below the track. To make things a little easier I plan to remove one hook from each wagon and the other end a staple or magnet. I have added a chart of results. adding more magnets or longer ones increases the distance the hook is open while trailing but this is when the tension lock keeps the hook from lifting which is correct. My problem is I would like to extend the distance the hook is open while pushing the wagon in front (Hook Leading) giving more time to stop and pull away while hook is up. Can anyone help with how to extend the activation area of the magnets??

In the past I have used non- prescription reading glasses from the chemists for close up work, later prescription reading glasses with and in conjunction with non-prescription ones. Now I have had a cataract removal operation in one eye and find the combination of glasses I used to use don't work so well, I have also seen the magnifiers in the picture being advertised (£18). Has anyone tried this type? Are they 'Good' or 'Too Good to be True'??

It’s a Long Way to the Top - AC/DC

Tried the two magnets end to end under base board but not perfect action. I one direction with stapled at front, the first magnet pulls it down hook up but with not much forward motion returns and then passing second magnet does the same again but on return journey lifts for the whole length of both magnets!! I did a little experiment bending the bottom of the vertical part of coupler attaching under the bend a 3mm disc magnet, rolling it over the track magnets (if you have poles right) pushes the small disc magnet up and hook with it of course but this action works over the whole length of the under track magnets and in both directions. I have sent for a longer 50mm magnet for under track and some 2mm disc magnets to try that out.

My base boards are also 6mm and I have ordered some 25 x 10 x 3mm N52 magnets. - Thanks for info

It's a few years on for this thread but I have a question. I have cut out a sleeper and replaced it with a 8x3x1mm magnet and added the staple to the coupling and it works (no surprise). But the coupling has to be accurately stopped over magnet, to lengthen the activation area I added a second magnet (making sure polarity was the same as the first) but now the coupling only lifts as it reaches the second magnet but when reversing back is open over both magnets ????? I also am using only one coupler as seen in this video Any tips how to extend the activation area?

The Conflat P's I made 3D printed. 4 prototype's in picture.

A bit more done. New crane Weathering to do, Lighting and I want to put a fence at front of yard and edge of layout. Lighting and fence must be early 60's so I will have to have a look around for right type.

Progressing - and I have a Corgi Trackside DG226001 Coles Argus Crane 6 Ton British Railways Maroon on the way.

It's a shunting layout meant to be operated not to show anything off. I am not sure what you mean by ' shame about valve gear' there are no valve on the shed or hardstanding area? The picture you posted isn't my layout, did you post wrong picture?

I asked a question on signalling, I got my answers and acted on them. However it came up in conservation that a yard the size of my layout would not have an Engine Shed, idea's were suggested and mulled over. As I have said before my layout is 1959 - 1966 and I like to keep to things I would have seen around Crewe area (for the most part) and I have been leaning towards demolishing the shed and Keeping the Coaling and Fuelling stages, with some alteration to the hardstanding area and shortening the track a little this would make a yard for unloading Conflat's of which I have a few. I believe that Conflat's were being used at the period I want, But I can't find any pictures of an real life operating depot! I was talking to an older railwayman who said in Crewe Conflat operations were at Basford Junction but I can't confirm that! Any thoughts, idea's or pictures?

Now fitted to backboard and lighting fitted ( the picture is deceiving as the camera makes to light a lot brighter than it really is ).

Now you explain I can see what you are getting at. There are doors to fit (I am still making them)

It's a 'Model railway' not real. It's paper and card. It's a nod to the real Goddard Street entrance to Crewe works, (It does not exist now). I was trying to capture the essence of the gateway. I can't add any depth it's a low relief building and at the back is a wardrobe!!

Bus gone, replaced with Market Street junction, Crewe. One more job to fit working light above the arch (Sent for parts)

Further on but may axe the Crosville bus for something else.

I have been planning, measuring, drawing and printing some 3d parts. Time to start cutting card.