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Leith Centrl

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  1. Leith Centrl
    This month my focus modelling wise has been on the ground work completion at the bulk terminal end of the layout.
     
    Jobs Completed This Month.
    1, Fencing round the headshunt
    This is a wills product and really simple and effective. Small holes were drilled in the cork to take the posts and the sections of fence are then glued to each other and into the holes using PVA or equivalent. 
     
    2, All hard standing painted and put down 
    My approach to hard standing remains as in previous videos. 3mm corrugated card base with a 1mm painted plastic card top. The area between the sidings was completely filled with a crossing point at either end of the sidings for access around the loader
     
    3, Ballasted the bulk sidings
    For this Ballasting I used a mix of grades and colours to give a more weathered look. This mix is explained in the video. 
     
    I followed my usual ballast, soap water, 50/50 glue, watered down paint approach to ballasting but the added a fine scattering of dark earth and coal dust over the top to represent overspill from loading and aid with weathering.
     
    4, Earth areas started
    The small areas between the sidings and at the buffers were painted brown and then coated with dark earth and small amounts of other scatters as a base. Grass and other details will be added as part of the future weathering process of the area. 
     
    5, Back wall primed
    Not much to explain about spraying a piece of wood grey  
     
    6, Buffer stops painted and fitted to sidings 1-3
    1 is an off the shelf Accurascale product the other 2 are Peco kits built up and painted yellow with some of the primer allowed to show through to give a weathered look.
     
    New Arrivals,
    New to Leith Central since the last update have been the great little Hattons Andrew Barcley in NCB Black and some Accurascale TOPs numbered HUO hoppers. 
     
     
  2. Leith Centrl

    First Blog of 2020

    By Leith Centrl,


    Leith Central
    Been a while since I have done one of these but the new layout is coming along nicely now as I hope you have been following in the videos in the Leith Central Thread of the Forum.
     
    The change in layout has been spurred by the arrival in April of a new small passenger at Leith Central but the layout will still be updated as and when time allows,
     
    The latest update looks at the start of the scenic work but I won't bore you with another how to pour scatter onto a baseboard. Instead id like to talk this time about the service I got from olivias trains in providing me with 08720 in Provincial livery.
     
    I first enquired about this around a year ago and they slowly work through doing a prototype seeing if the livery could be applied and just before christmas i finalised the number sizes for the loco and took delivery just after christmas. 
     
    The fit and finish is up to factory standards and the attention to detail and correspondence to get it exactly how i wanted it was really good. I really recommend their repainting service. Take a look at the results in the video.
     
    Hopefully ill find time for a bigger blog soon.
     
     
  3. Leith Centrl

    Update 35

    By Leith Centrl,

    In this Leith Central Update we take a time lapse look through the start of scenic work on the industrial area. Backscene is from ID Backscenes self adhesive range simply stock down on the back board.
    ROAD AND HARD STANDING
    Road surfaces are sand paper sprayed dark grey then mounted onto 3mm card. The Hard Standing is the same 3mm card base but this time topped with 1mm plasticard scored every 6cm to represent panels and occasionally chipped with a knife before being dibbled with various stone grey and concrete paints. All are glued down with wood glue before being given a coat of black and sleeper grime wash. Road Markings are from Scale Model Scenery and Pavements from Metcalfe.
     
    GROUND COVER
    The ballasting is laid in the same way as i showed on one of my earlier station updates but once dried is weathered with a thin black/brown wash and occasional dibbled effect.
     
    PLATFORM
    Using the same side method as with the station the spacers are from 1mm plasticard cut to length. The completion of this will be done alongside the buildings for the area.
     
    The Crane is a Ratio Kit and the building being modified (will be a feature in a later update) is from the Wills Modern Range.
     
    Thanks for Watching. Please Like, Share and Subscribe for more.
     
     
  4. Leith Centrl
    Well its been a busy month at Leith Central as the rest of the baseboards finally arrived.
     
    BASEBOARDS
     
    Equipment:
    Tape Measure
    Drill and Bits
    Screwdriver
    Wood Glue
    Hammer
    Scissor Clamps
    Saw
     
    Well they finally arrived. My flat pack baseboards.
     
    These were from White Rose Model Works and included the Legs for the original board.
     
    1. (Not in video) First job was to fit legs to the original board. For this i supported it on 2 bookcases and after cutting the legs to size (so the board level fits under the room window) they were screwed into the corners of the board using 4 screws.
     
    The free standing board was then put into its final position with some swearing and moving things around the room.
     
    Next 2 holes were marked and drilled on the end where the new board will marry to and corresponding holes drilled in the correct end piece of the new board.
     
    2, Next i tackled the first new board that would fit against the original (135mm x 60mm). I followed the very well written White Rose instructions to put the board together. Spine first, then sides, then ends, then top is the simple order.
     
    I then cut down 2 more legs (for furthest from the original board) and screwed these in place. 
     
    The board was then married up to the original board and screwed and bolted in place. 
     
    3, Next i fitted one of the L shaped leg off cuts to the side of the new board to act as a shelf support to the cross/window board. I used the wood glue provided with the boards for this and when the 2 boards are joined a bolt will run through this support.
     
    4, I then followed the instructions through again for the smallest board.
     
    All that leaves to do is build the fiddle yard board up after a bit more changing round in the room but it feels really good to have the next board in place. 
     
    STATION
     
    Work has also continued on the station building with the first room built up and now almost fully clad ready for paint. A light has also been fitted into the roof and the aim is to fully light and detail the building over time around other projects on the layout. 
     
    Also this month i have built up a Cambrian Sturgeon which i will show off once it is all painted and finished.
     
     
  5. Leith Centrl
    Well with the baseboards ordered and a pile of plasticard to play with i decided to bite the bullet and start on the station building and rear support wall. 
     
    I will cover this over multiple videos as i slowly build it up. But this is simply a list of what i use within my builds
     
    0.5mm plasticard
    1mm plasticard
    Slaters Brick sheets
    Wills arch frames
    MM laser cut large industrial windows
    wills doors and window surrounds
    3.2mm plastic square rod
    2mm plastic square rod
    8mm Square tube
    Scale Model Scenary building inner wall detail sheets.
    Wills station shop fronts
     
    The painting i will cover when i get to it but so far the maroon used is humbrol 20 and the cream is 103.
     
    I always start with drawings of my buildings as i not only find the challenge enjoyable it means you can get the look of the building before you start marking and cutting. Also to take a full drawing and work out how to split it down into component parts and make it structurally sound is interesting. Then slowly building it back up again in 3D. 
     
    The back retaining wall will be fairly simple just some layering similar to that done at the bridge end of the board so should go together quick easy and maybe.... quickly but 1m by 14cm is alot of brown painting to do with my usual method plus weathering which will probably take the time.
     
    Since my last blog ive mostly been doing wagon kits and covered these in a video on the Leith Central thread, Since closing off that production line ive since turned out a modelmaster leyland national in Edinburgh transport livery and restocked the kit shelf which i may make a start on when i get to tough points with the station building to avoid frustration and mistakes. So there is a nice long sturgeon there and 3 more 24.5t MEOs plus 3 more buses. So plenty to be getting on with. My aim though is to hopefully have the boards next month so i can get the room rearranged, boards up and make a start on the track laying and wiring with the aim of have a christmas running session. So plenty to do but waiting on the postman for big progress.
     
    Ive also been adding alot of photos and making changes to the layouts facebook page which now includes 3 generations of our family as contributors hence a lot of photo work plus freeze frameing the video archive taking up some time too. Please go give the page a like and take a look at the photos
    https://www.facebook.com/ANWP-Leith-Central-Quayle-Models-Combined-Photo-and-Model-Page-221854315413338
     
     
  6. Leith Centrl
    Well the plan is in place for the rest of the baseboards for leith central so most work has been on kits on the workbench.
     
    This week i finished off the first 3 24.5t MEO coal hoppers in 1980 condition.
     
    For this project i used photos from Paul Bartletts great site. Plenty of interesting paint variation and levels of weathering.
     
    The video gives an order of coats but the colours used are:
    Railmatch:
    BR Crimson (mixed with brauxite to create red oxide primer)
    BR Brown
    BR Freight Wagon Grey (base coat)
    BR Early freight wagon grey (patch painting)
    Sleeper Grime
     
    Others:
    Matt Black
    Matt White
    Matt Varnish
     
    Transfers are fox data panels and lettering as well as some cut down from model master sheets.
     
    Always best to start with the lightest colour of weathering and build and build. I use acrylic paint as its easier to take off it you are not happy with it. 
     
    Usual weathering is around 9-10 coats using this method and the wait time is lengthy but its well worth it for the effect. Uniqueness is something i like to look for in my weathered models so having Pauls differing photos to work from is a great resource. There will eventually be a full rake of these wagon and having personalised weathered wagons where no 2 are the same is a big draw similar to my rake of 13t opens done at a similar time in their lives. 
     
    I will add wagons slowly around other work. I am currently filming ready to do a wagon kit guide of whats best for what. Cambrian vs Parkside vs Dapol vs Slaters. 
     
    Currently in the works at Leith Central:
    Cambrian Whale Ballast Hopper: Awaiting the paint shop
    Dapol BP 20t tanker: Paint.
    Parkside ALE wagon: For weathering.
    Lothian Olympian Number 3: Awaiting Transfers.
    ODA & VEAs: In the Weathering Queue.
     
     
    Benches, figures and Buffer stops are also in for paint
     
    Awaiting works space:
    Slater 20t NER Coal Hopper
    Dapol Interfreigo Van
    Peco Modelscene Olympian (to become an Eastern Scottish one)
     
    On Order:
    Cambrian Dropside Sturgeon
    3 Parkside 24.5t coal opens (next batch of MEOs)
     
    As well as all these to be getting on with im spending alot of time looking at the spares box and wagon drawings so another scratch build may be on the cards.
     
    Let me know if there is a wagon in the wait queue you would like to see next.
     
     
     
  7. Leith Centrl
    Something slightly different this month and another kit bash/scratch build ive been working on.
     
    This build involves using the peco modelscene Leyland Olympian bus kit to make a long bodied Lothian Regional Transport example which at the time i am modelling were one of the most common and new buses on Edinburgh and Leiths roads.
     
    The Base kit i use as a donor is the Blackpool transport example but any in the range should do the job.
     
    Equipment:
    Craft knife
    Mini Files
    Nail File
    Plastic Weld
    Poly cement
    paint brush
     
    1mm Plastikard
    2mm plastrust rod
    1mm slaters strip plastic
    thinest plastikard available
    0,5mm clear plastikard
     
    Step 1 (Extending the floors)
    1.1 First thing to do for this double door bus is to remove the first 2 seats from behind the passenger side front wheel to create space for the second door opening, Cut and file flat these seats so a flat floor is created. this will create small holes in the floor,
    1.2 Next select a point on the floor where a straight cut can be made between seats and split the chassis into front and rear pieces,
    1.3 Cut a piece of 1mm plasticard 30mm by 51mm.
    1.4 Mark on the cut section an area 12mm long responding to where the gap will be by marrying up the underside of the frames.
    1.5 Cut a set of spare seats from another kit or a piece of 1mm plastikard 12mm x 30mm to fill the gap.
    1.6 Glue the chassis parts and insert to the 51mm piece with the long piece under the floor. Checking the overall side length is 132mm
    1.7 Repeat for the upper deck. (Split infront of stairs for later example)
     
    In the case of a 1985/86 example the stairs stay in the position as per the kit these steps only apply to the later examples (87-89)
    1,81 Cut and remove the first seat from behind the stairs.
    1.82 Shape platicard to match the stairs profile but 12mm further towards the rear of the bus
    1.83 Cut a in the from of the Stairs moulding 5mm up from the floor and 12mm in from the front.
     
    1.9 Add inertia detail as required (Drivers partition and top deck stairs wall as well as covering the holes in the floor with thin plasticard. Paint the floors and walls Grey and the seats in Humbrol 20 from Lothian Livery.
     
    Step 2 (Front end Prep)
    2.1 Fill the front destination recess with a piece of platsikard and securely glue inplace
    2.2 File the plasticard to match the front end profile.
    2.3 Apply White areas of paint work to front end around window areas.
    2.4 Fit front Glazing Provided with the kit.
     
    Step 3 (assembly part 1)
    3.1 Fit the completed from from step 2 and the rear moulding (painted white areas and glazing fitted as per the front) from the kit to the extended lower deck floor. 
    3.2 Fit the axles and wheels as supplied with the kit.
     
    Step 4 (Side assembly)
    4.1 Cut a piece of 2mm square section plastrut 132mm long to act as the top brace.
    4.2 Cut from sheet of 1mm plastrut the side profile with openings for downstairs windows and wheel arches. Using dimensions for the kit sides.
    4.2a Make doors from thin plastic. 1mm larger than the door opening and create openings as per your chosen door type. I use a 2mm drill to make the 4 window type as seen in the video then mount these on clear pastic and glue to the inside of the 1mm side sheet before fitting to the bus.
    4.3 Glue the side piece and roof brace in place ensuring they mate fully front and rear.
    4.4 from thin plastikard mark and cut out the side profile including all window supports, fuel and grill holes and draw on position of beading and indentations.
    4.5 Fit glazing over the inside of the windows using .5mm clear plastic (the kit box plastic does this job well enough) making the diemensions of the the clear plastic match the holes in the 1mm plastic side.
    4.6 attach side to the 1mm mock up and roof support.
    4.7 fit upper deck floor between ends and 1 side.
    4.8 repeat 4.1-.6 for the other side.
     
    Step 5 (Roof)
    5.1 cut 2 pieces of 1mm plastikard 30mm by 136mm and glue firmly together.
    5.2 bond to the top of the bus securely.
    5.3 File the roof edges and top to profile using the kit roof as a guide.
     
    Step 6 (Side details)
    6.1 use think slaters plastic rods (1mm flat) glued to the sides to represent beading using the kit sides for reference.
    6.2 score in engine cover and emergency door recesses into sides using a craft knife being careful not the push right through.
    6,3 fit a 2mm beading piece along the bottom of both doors to represent the step,
     
    Step 7 
    Prime and paint as per chosen livery and add transfers (Sunrise provide a great range of bus transfers especially for the lothian example) 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  8. Leith Centrl
    So i got the roads finished on Leith Central and the works outshopped 2 more wagons.
     
    First of all the road surfaces.
     
    Equipment:
    Fine Sandpaper, Wood Glue & Dark Grey Primer.
     
    I simply spray sandpaper dark grey and stick it down not much else to say than that. I then use Metcalfe paving for pavements. Details are slowly being added to the streets using scale model scenery bits and i can really recommend giving their 70s bus stops a go. Great kit that can be built to any size
     
    So the main focus this weekend has been on converting/updating the Parkside Tube wagon into an ODA open for the MOD train.
     
    For this i combined the Parkside Pipe kit with parts from a VEA chassis which is handily available as a separate kit.
     
    Build to body as normal but following is needed from a VEA
     
    > Springs and axle box mouldings.
    > Breaks
    > Underfloor details.
    > Breakhandles.
     
    1 First step with the underframe is to file off the spring and axle boxes till the bearing hole shows through.
    2 Fit Pieces listed above as you would to the VEA checking photos for position.
    3 Fit Larger of the buffers to the model.
     
    Do the rest of the build as per the instructions. Really happy with the results but be patient with the transfers would be my advice. 
     
    More detail of the parts and what to do in the video.
     
    The VEA van also featured is built as per the kit instructions
     
     Required:
    Parkside Tube, Parkside VEA Chassis, Fox Wagon data panels, Railfreight logo transfers.
     
    Your choice of railfreight colours.
     
    Really enjoyed this one and will be doing another in the later livery once ive got through some of the wagon kit backlog. 
     
    Next wagon video will focus on the 24.5t opens at the end of their revenue earning life. So plenty of weathering.
     
    Hope you enjoy the video. Ill get some photos up soon aswell
     
     
  9. Leith Centrl
    Trying this a new way this time putting the steps in the video.
     
    Really happy at 2 weeks work taking this from a blank piece of paper and some measurements to a building almost ready to go on the layout permanently can strongly recommend giving this sort of thing a go.
     
    Sizes for drawings based of a standard wills door and Scale Model Scenery signal box windows and girders.
     
    Notes of Advice:
    1, Keep you pencil sharp
    2, look a photos to make sure the building looks right.
    3, don't be afraid to change as you go to better suit building materials you have available.
     
    Expected today to finish are the bulb for lighting and a ratio inner detail kit, Those to fit and signaller shirt to paint, roof to fit and paint and then just fixing to the layout which should be part of the next update.
     
     
  10. Leith Centrl
    So I spent the weekend doing the finishing work on the Jane Street Bridge scene for Leith Central.
     
    The Bridge is all hand painted and although time consuming and turning my eyes square the results have been really rewarding. 
     
    Process
    First order of business was to paint the main base colours of brickwork and cream on the the bridge. The brickwork painting follows the same method as the platform edging and retaining walls with a desert sand base followed by washes of weathered stone and sleeper grime to varied levels over the top of a dark grey primer to darken down the initial coats.
     
    The next coat applied was the overall cream to the cross pieces of the bridge to give the main base colour to add the details too. This was done in 3 thin coats with some areas left deliberately thin on paint to give a faded worn effect.
     
    Detail Painting:
    I started with the Maroon as it was the bulk of the precision painting on the bridge sides. Using a mixture of small new brushes, fine hardened brushes and a cocktail stick for varied degrees of fine or straightness required as detailed in the video. I then followed the same process with the Green.
     
    Once both sets of detailed paint were dry i touched in any over spill of the red and green with cream paint and a cocktail stick.
     
    The final detail coat to go on was the grey parapet stone work taking care to paint the underside and tops of each piece. 
     
    The road surface was painted in matt black to mask any potential gaps in the road surface.
     
    Road Surface:
    For the road surface i have decided to use the painted sandpaper method on Leith Central after not being pleased with the small scatter test areas i did. 
     
    I spray the sand paper with Expo Dark Grey Acrylic primer as i find this gives the right colour I am looking for. Once dried this is cut into strips wide enough to overlap with planned paving areas and glued in place with wood glue.
     
    Paving is then applied using metcalfe self adhesive paving stones. 
     
    Platform 1 side ramp:
    The ramp was put together as per the retaining walls so i will not repeat the process here. The base for the road surface being 1mm Plastikard. The same road surface and paving was then applied as well as some slabs to represent to wall capping stones. 
     
    Detail was added in the form of road markings using coloured pencil although i may replace these with paint of self adhesive ones over time.
     
    Details.
    To complete to scene street lights and people etc are needing done and to make a start on this i made a bus stop out of bits from the scrap box.
     
    Rear Corner bedding in:
    I added clump foliage, scatter, trees and bushes as per the lower area around the bridge in the previous updates and made sure to hide any joins.
     
    While work on the bridge was drying i managed to get 3 wagon kits that have been on the workbench a while finished off and ready for weather aswell as replacing the scatter area of road surface mentioned earlier. 
     
     
     
    So Whats Next?
    At the end of the video you will see i have quite a stock pile of things to be getting on with so please comment on the video or below to let me know what you would like to see next on Leith Central updates,
     
    The Options are:
    1, Start the shunt puzzle and get it to the point of running trains
    2, Leith Central Roof Support Walls
    3, Scrap Train Wagons, (3 Kits to build and 4 wagons to Weather)
    4, MOD Stores train wagons (VEA van to build and a pipe wagon to modify into an ODA)
    5, 4 Wagon Kits Parkside vs Dapol (Conflat coal, Ale Wagon, Interfeigo Van and 20T Tanker)
    6, Metcalfe Brewery Kits
    7, Leith Central Mock Up Station Building.
    8, Road Vehicle Diorama mini boards.
    9, Kit bashing Peco bus kit.
     
     
  11. Leith Centrl
    So I spent the weekend putting together the second KS Laser Design Bridge Kit and getting the bridge fully joined together and ready for paint.
     
    KS Laser Designs Oxford Street Bridge Verdict:
    Great simple kit that comes well packed and with some well done fine detail on the spans and the underside is a work of art structurally. Goes together really easily in a common sense way with a good little guide included in the kit. I used Javis Rapid set Wood glue to stick it together. Well worth the £33 especially when something of similar size prebuilt would set you back closer to £70
     
    For the Detailing i used my usual stone cladding from Slaters, Wills Edging Stones and Plastrut 3mm strip section to add some extra relief and help the brickwork blend with the rest of the layout. Simply glued inplace as with the retaining walls.
     
    I also had a new wagon arrive in the form of the Dapol ECC Silver Bullet in Weathered form. Nice model with only slight niggles being the large coupling hook that to me looks too big and a slight tweak required to the Weathering on top of the tank to make the white areas match up from the body on the top walkway. Overall a great model though, the data panels are worth getting the magnifying glass out for, its a fine piece of printed detail and the weathered effect on the tank body is spot on. 
     
     
     
  12. Leith Centrl
    So with all the lockdown hubbub im getting alot of modelling done.
     
    Really am enjoying seeing the progress on this little corner. The ground cover is now in place and some green added to the concrete jungle. 
     
    Take a look at the video for the retaining wall build and the ground cover going down.
     
    Equipment Used:
    Woodland Scenic Clump Foliage
    TP Wild Flower Bushes
    Gaugemaster small trees
    Peco Static Grass self adhesive Clumps
    Javis Brown Earth Scatter
    Humbrol light Brown
    Slaters embossed brick sheets
    Plastrut 2mm square rod
    Metcalfe curb stones
    Polycement
    Javis fast acting wood glue
     
    Paints for the retaining wall are the same as for the platform edges. 
     
    Building out and following logical steps from the backscene here. Using the card template method for the retaining walls is something i intend to carry on for other areas of wall i need to build as it made the build up of them alot simpler and also adds an extra 2mm thickness to a wall where needed. 
     
    Next its on with building and facing up Jane Street Bridge and getting it ready for priming and painting up as well as building the mock ups for the Platform 1 ramp, this will probably form the weekends entertainment for me and next weeks update. Im going to take my time over the bridge painting and i am aiming to go with similar colours to Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh (Maroon, Green and Cream metal work) so the focus of updates will shift towards other things soon but there will be a dedicated final fitting and bridge opening video eventually.
     
    Work have sourced me a laptop in the end so will be off to brave the virus on a trip to the office next week to collect it so updates will go back to about once a fortnight as i will have work to do in between working on Leith Central. 
     
    In other areas i now have a basic track plan for the shunting puzzle and will be looking to make a start on this once ive got a few things ordered with the aim of getting this up and running quickly so i can do some running of some of the stock collection. Look out for that in the coming months on the channel.
     
     
     
  13. Leith Centrl
    Over the past week i have been working on the back corner of board one getting the backscene prep done between the end of the board and the start of the station roof.
     
    Jobs Done/Process:
    1, Fit blue sky background: Printed on ink jet and glued to Backscene board with PVA using a card off cut to smooth out any air bubbles and ridges.
    2, Mounted ID Backscenes BM110 parts on 2mm card to give some relief off the backscene. These are self adhesive and go on really well if you take a bit of care. Great product both in look and timesaving.
    3, Fitted troughing route and Location boxes along edge of the cork using wood glue
    4, Ballasted the end of platform 3, 4 and 5 
    5, Fitted and painted edgings to the bridge footing. (Please see the previous blog entry for how I do this) THIS AREA IS GIVEN AN ADDED LAYER OF DARK GREY PRIMER TO DARKEN THE COATS DOWN SLIGHTLY
    6, Cut the Card base mock up for the retaining wall section from 2mm card to test fit.
     
    The Bridge is from KS Laser Designs. A really nice kit that i will cover in full in the next update from building, through detailing and painting
    Link to The Bridge: https://kslaserdesigns.com/OO-scale/OO-scale-bridges/oo-scale-iron-bridge
     
    Away from the main video ive also been slowly chipping away at the station building scale drawings and paving in between other jobs. The Blank Paper to Building will feature in a future update at some point.
     
    Most of all at the moment I hope you are all keeping safe indoors and enjoying some modelling.
     
     
  14. Leith Centrl
    The past few weeks have seen work to finish off platforms 2 and 3 as far as possible completed as well as the finishing of an Alvis Stolwart and fitting of the last Point motor into place on board 1.
     
    The latest video is basically a complete run through of how i build my platforms. 
     
    Equipment:
    Dremmel with disc
    file
    knife
    PVA
    Rular
    Plastic Weld
    Any form of weight
    Paint (water based). Desert Sand, Weathered Stone, Grey, white and Sleeper Grime
     
    Parts:
    3mm Corigated Card
    1mm Plastic Sheet
    PECO Platform Edges
    Embossed stone plastic sheets
    Metcalfe paving slabs
    track pins
     
     
    Steps
     
    1: Cut Polystyrene (12mm thickness used) to size.
    2: Glue to cork bed with PVA, Weight Down and let dry.
    3: Repeat above for 3mm Corigated Card top to bring platform up to 15mm above board level.
    4: Remove bottom lugs from PECO platform edges
    5: Glue together full length of PECO edges required
    6: Cut 14mm strips of embossed brick sheets to match length of edges
    7: Plastic weld or Airfix glue sheets to edges
    8: Prime edges
    9: Build up paint finish: My order is Desert Sand base coat then weathered stone wash, next paint edge stones white and finally apply a varied sleeper grime, grey and weathered stone wash.
    10: PVA and track pin edges to platform. The eyes on the top of the edges should overlap the platform top and take normal grade 00 track pins. I test fit with just track pins and run stock through to double check clearances at this point.
    11: Cut 1mm Plastic sheet to correct width and length to fit platform
    12: Prime tops with one coat of grey
    13: Glue plastic tops to PECO edges using the eyes mentioned earlier.
    14: Stick on Metcalfe paving stones behind white edge stones (Scale model scenery do a range of more modern edges you may prefer for your era)
    Steps still required
    15: Drill Holes for lights, roof supports and the like and fit in place
    16: Fill gap between paving slabs with grey scatter and use the pippet method to glue in place (as per my ballasting video). I use a plastic card to flatten this surface before hand.
    17: Fit platform furniture, figures and other details and enjoy the handy work.
     
    In all i really enjoyed this part of the build and im really happy with the results. Once the platforms are ballasted in and any cork to edge gaps covered they will look exactly like i wanted them too.
     
    Next area of work on Leith Central will be the execalent bridges that have just arrived form KS Laser and building the back scene to meet the start of the roof support wall. This corner should give me the opertunity to add a splash of green to the urban jungle of board 1 one. Looking forward to getting started. Taking the one area at a time approach at the moment is making my modelling enjoyable as you see a finished product no matter how small an area your working on,
     
    Hope you enjoy the video and i look forward to any comments and feedback and new subscribers to the channel are always welcome.
     
    Thanks for Reading and Watching my musings 
     
    Tom
    Leith Central
    Near Were It Should Be
    Spareroom
    Modelland
    LE17HC
     
     
  15. Leith Centrl
    February proved to be a busy month a Leith Central as I got the retaining wall foot finished along the rear of platform 5. To build this i layered 4 pieces of card encased is plasticard and fitted brick sheet faces as can be seen in the video. I painted this with the safe effect ive been using on the platform side. Mixing Xtracrylix Desert Sand and Railmatch weathered stone to give a good base, the washing over with more weather stone before apply a patchy weathered effect with a mix of sleeper grime, grey and black. Im really happy with the way this layering works and plan to use it on the whole station building. Yes it takes time with 3 or 4 paint layers but you can do a good sized area with acrylic in a short time and the drying time does mean it is quicker and less high as a kite than enamel.
     
    Also this month i got the platform base cut for platform 4 and 5 and these now need to be primed, painted and edgings fitting before i mark and drill for the platform lamps which i am currently researching. This will eventually have a tarmac effect with a thin layer of scatter indicating it was recently resurfaced as part of the phased improvements to the station that i am modelling. 
     
    Elsewhere more of the card and plastic coating for the platforms has been fitted and the edge for platform 1 glued to full length and i have started facing this with the same plastic sheets as the wall foot. The point motor for the platform 1 side of the cross over is also now in its permanent position 
     
    The next stages over the coming month will be:
    Paint and fit Platform 1 Edging.
    Ballast the hydroponic buffer (1 & 2) area and platform 5, the aim being to have the area under the roof ballasted by the summer so work can shift to the platform detail and hopefully the roof. 
    Test tarmacing on the road surface
    Fit other 2 side mounted point motors to 4/5 approach and platform 2
    Adjust hole for platform 3 point motor
    Fix down styrine of platform 2/3
     
    So there is plenty to be getting on with on Leith Central.
     
    This month i also visited Model Rail Scotland Exhibiting with the ELMRC with Talybont which as fun to operate. There were some fantastic layout with Hills of the North being a favourite. Managed to pick up a new addition to the fleet in the form of 20172 with its Thornaby embellishments and a nice short rake of blue/grey mk2s. Also bumped into Dave from Dean Park at the Scale Model Scenery stand and had a good chat about making monstrous roofs and detailing them
     
  16. Leith Centrl
    I recently took a visit to the Innocent Railway in Edinburgh.
     
     
    Opened in the 1800s it was known as the innocent railway because it was originally horse worked through out. The information board near to Duddingston explains the history better than i could but in all its a nice way to spend a few hours doing something less well known in the Edinburgh area.
     
    Here is the details of the walk
     
    Location:
    Edinburgh, Duddingston Old Station to Commonwealth Pool
     
    Access:
    Via number 30 bus from Edinburgh Waverley North Bridge stop
     
    Length:
    1.6 miles
     
    Railway Highlights:
    1890s vintage steel bridge
    Long abandoned tunnel
     
    Undefoot:
    Suitable for all, tarmac through out
     
    Wildlife Seen:
    Blue, Great & Long Tailed Tits
    Jackdaw
    Magpie
    Carrion Crow
    Buzzard
    Wood Pigeon
    Woodpeckers
    Grey Squirrel
     
    Good Local Pub/Food:
    Auld Hoose (see map)
     
    All in all a nice little walk and ill look to doing more like this in the future, information above supports the video and there is also a nice article in the Scotsman if you google it.
     
    Next will either be Penicuik-Dalkeith Route or Longniddry to Haddington with more modern railway artefacts to be found 
     

  17. Leith Centrl
    Its been one of those months at Leith Central. Work and Family commitments all over the place and not a lot of time for modelling.
     
    Got round to ordering the parts I need to get the board ready for starting ballasting. Point motors to fit, dummy point motors to go on, piano wire surface mounted motors and accurascale buffers for platforms 3 and 4 are on their way as are some more peco platform edging. Currently finalising the design for the Roof support wall footing and aim to start building this on Monday evening and have it painted and in place ready for the platform 5 ballasting to start during February. I am currently in discussion with KS Laser Designs for the main part of the support walls and hope to have these on order or delivered along with the bridges for the outgoing end of the board sometime in March. Before the bridge can go in the base layer for platform 1 will need finishing, About a metre of Card top to finish once ive got the platform edge run the full length. The peco parts are clipped together currently and will face these up as I do the faces for the Support Wall footing as it uses a similar process. More platform sides will be needed for platform 2 and 3 but the short 4 and 5 is now ready for its top to be started and will chip away at this as time allows. Researching what type of lights ill be using on this currently and once ive got the position of these finalised ill get the lift off top section started.
     
    The station building has had little progress with the first section of wall started, ill do bits on this as other things get dull to keep things interesting.
     
    Shopping list for model rail Scotland is forming. Will be there Saturday with the clubs Tal-Y-Bont (0:16.5) layout and hopefully with shots of the cracking layout line up at Model rail Scotland and work on the layout February should see a lot more updates to talk about and film than January did.
     
     
  18. Leith Centrl
    Having given it some thought as to how I would like to progress the layout over 2020 I have come up with a list of 10 things I intend to get done on the layout this year. Also a list of projects id like to start and hopefully finish this year.
     
    So Leith Central Plans
    1, Order, install and track work down for the second scenic board and assess the best route forward for the fiddleyard board and maybe even get this ordered as well,
    2, Build the main station building and roof supports ready to start on the overall roof centre piece of the layout.
    3, Motorise all points on board 1
    4, Start on Ballasting.
    5, Source and get in situ the Board 1 bridge at the start of the station curve.
    6, Finish the station forecourt and start on the bus station side properly
    7, Run the first train into the station
    8, Do at least 1 update video per month
    9, Design timetable once all scenic track laid.
    10, Install buffer end furniture to platform 3 and 4 and install platform 1 and 2 OLE (Ballast and wiring permitting)
     
    Other projects and video ideas.
    1, Visit other peoples railways to vary the interest on the channel (Visiting my dad and brothers work in progress layouts later in the month and club layouts to start with)
    2, Crane centre piece mini-layout/diorama for under £225
    3, Get to track laying stage on N Gauge mini-layout
    4, Start on operation Speedlink & Enterprise (RTR Weathering, Kitbashing and scratch building wagons for Leith Central).
    5, Build my first fully scratch build item of stock. (Suggestions welcome but aiming for something simple and Scottish)
     
    This as well as Train and bus updates on the Youtube channel should keep me nice and busy through the year and I am excited to get started. There is plenty to get on with time permitting and this quick entry will give me something to look back at in a years time to see how far I actually got. Hope you enjoy following the model and I always appreciate feedback, help and suggestions. Equally if you have a layout your proud of id like to see more. I have taken great inspiration form Dean Park and Everard Junction among other great layouts online and also found Club membership fun and hope to meet more modellers and see more great videos over the coming year.
     
    Thanks for reading.
    Tom
  19. Leith Centrl
    Bachmann 38-803
    Crane RS1097
    BR Breakdown Red
     
    RRP: £249.95
    Paid: £224,95
    Length: 33cm
    Box: Card/Blister Plastic
    Scale: 00
     
    So I finally braved getting one of these and first reaction is WOW!!!
     
    Getting it out of the box and just placing it on the bench was impressive. At over 30cm long and around 15cm with the jib up it does have a great sense of size to it. Moving in closer you realise the level of detail we have come to expect is in evidence in every corner of this immense model. Every rivet, piece of chequer plate and even the control leavers in the cab all look spot on compared to the real thing. The tops of the small runners are a joy with fine rod linkage to the turning handles and intricate see through construction. The same is true of the tool boxes on the runner wagon, Although looking like a box from a distance there are hinges, rivets and even the eyelets where locks would be fitted. But on a detail front the crane itself is the true main event as you would expect. Machine gunned with rivet detailing is just the start. The lattice of the Jib is a joy to behold as are the printed details on the data panels which are also supplied in etched brass form even up to the full red plate on one side, all clear and legible and not a hint of paint blur anywhere including on the wasp stripe sections. The cab internals are also beautifully done with levers, boiler detail and colour all spot on 
     
    What really wins this model my stamp of possibly my favourite in the fleet now is the  functionality of the model. When you move the jib and hook using the very cleverly disguised workings every external part that should move does, right down to the angle indicator reading on the side of the superstructure, i can see why this model took time to hit the stores but it was well worth the wait for this as the real thing functionality. Pose-able outriggers, Cab roof, Cab step and chimney only add to the brilliance of the model and over time i will surely find time to photograph and pose it in every possible mix. The moving parts also feel sturdy and durable if properly cared for and the magnet system used to get into the working parts is a great idea.
     
    Separate detail as well as the plates already mentioned include the cab ladder and the usual end details. 
     
    The guide book is clear and has simple effective drawings to guide you (even these show the rivet detail)
     
    All in all this model has absolutely blown me away and in my view yes its worth the price tag. My advice is if it fits your model and you have the money. Go for it. Someone at Bachmann deserves a promotion for the workings of this crane its one of the best pieces of mass produced model engineering Ive personally seen. Looks the part and works the part what more could you ask for. 
  20. Leith Centrl
    So with christmas upon us let me first wish everyone well with the festivities.
     
    Its been a fun and changeable first year with Leith Central. Going from some drawings and photos to having the first board progressing nicely and also an expansion of the fleet in both Steam era and for Leith Central. 
     
    Highlights of the year have been having my first exhibitor experience with the Edinburgh Miniture Railway Club at Model Rail Scotland, which i especially enjoyed the engagement with fellow modellers and seeing behind the scenes of the show. Personal modelling wise i am very proud of the platform end area i kit bashed for Leith Central platforms 1 and 2, this took time and developed slowly over a few months around other work and was always fun to come back to and currently forms the centre of the expanding work on the layout. Model wise my favourite projects have been the renumbering and weathering of 92019 and the V3 fleet project i did. Iam really happy with the way these models turned out as my first renumbering projects and look forward to moving forward with further projects like these.
     
    As for what has joined the fleet i was blown away by the Accurascale Silver Queen Cement Tanks, i intend to add to the 6 i have to complement my rake of Presflo wagons which has now grown to 15. The presflo is really underrated model from Bachmann in my book and one of the most interesting short wheel base wagons on the market and produced to a really high standard. I only hope the forthcoming prestwin will match these 2 wagon models.
     
    Loco wise the Duchess i reviewed in November is one of the nicest models ive seen in a while and i do like the appeal of the more utilitarian modification to the rear pony truck. Hopefully ill get to further enhancing this model with weathering, crew and lamps in 2020. I will always be a class 37 fan and the fleet is now at 6 with a good few more on the wish list for the new year. Adding scottish classics 37403 & 427 in scotland specific liveries has been nice as has the addition of the Maroon RTC class 47 early in the year. Looking forward to adding more to the fleet and hopefully starting on operation 08 in 2020, which i intend to have one of repaints done of all the Haymarket one off livery 08s, more on that as i get to it.
     
    My Winners of 2019 are:
    Manufacturer: Accurascale
    Steam Loco: Hornby final design Duchess
    Diesel Loco: Bachmann Class 37
    Wagon: Accurascale Silver Queen
    Coach: Bachmann MK2 DBSO
     
    So what for 2020
     
    With the experience gained on Leith Central and as a means to have something for running sessions i intend to start on 2 mini-layouts, one in 00 and one in N after coming across a supply of new N gauge track for free locally. These models are also going to be used to explore the light weight baseboard theory and see if i can produce a model for under £100 using available track and bits from around the house. So a Reuse, recycle, recover approach. Maybe one should represent a recycling centre  
     
    The 00 layout will be built around displaying the New Bachmann breakdown crane with the idea being the layout must cost less than the Cranes RRP when complete. So a complete model railway reading to operate for £245.
     
    Things im looking to get, have preordered or excited about in the new year is a long list but heres the top 10:
    1, Accurascale class 92
    2, Bachmann Breakdown Crane
    3. Dapol Class 21/29
    4, Bachmann VEA van
    5, Bachmann Scotrail MK2s
    6, Bachmann Prestwin
    7, Accurascale ore hoppers
    8, Bachmann Blue class 47s (435, 711)
    9, Accurascale Deltics
    10, Bachmann Narrow Gauge Quarry Hunslets
     
    Now that all important wish list
    1, More Provincial liveried stock mk1 & 2
    2, Class 82 in intercity rerelease
    3, Class 308
    4, Class 320/321/322
    5, MK3 sleepers in intercity
     
    Anyway have a happy christmas and i hope to get some modelling done over 2020 once the hand is back in business fully.
  21. Leith Centrl
    Hello and welcome to my first blog around Leith Central and my modelling projects.
     
    The Background.
    In a parallel universe somewhere the Waverley Route is still open in 1991 and Leith Central Station is located 90 degrees round from its current position on the other side of Leith Walk and retained to relieve traffic pressures on Edinburgh Waverley and handle the East side of Scotlands parcels traffic. Forming the point of a triangle from Abbeyhill and Powderhall (curve closed and in the process of track recovery) the 5 platform station handles mostly Scottish Internal passenger traffic as well as all terminating services from the Waverley Route which are worked from the Trans-Pennine pool at Crewe Diesel.
     
    Daily passenger services see loco haulage from class 37s and 47s with occasional rare appearances from classes 26, 31 and even 45s. Supported by 1st and 2nd generation DMUs
     
    Freight wise helicopter parts, cement traffic, speedlink and MOD traffic work as required into the nearby yard as well as engineers trains from the work lifting the Powderhall Curve and redeveloping the site for Binliner traffic.
     
    The fleet also contains a good stud of steam locos to support the ELMRC layouts and steam running sessions with the stud of 4 V3s forming the core of this side of the fleet. 3 have been renumbered to Scottish examples including Berwick Pet 67690. Pride and joy of the steam fleet is a renumbered and weather Bachmann 9F as Carlisle 92019 which is one of few 9Fs known to have worked to the Edinburgh area.
     
    Anyway the current areas of work vary from the tedious to the intricate.
     
    The process of building up the 1st board area to platform height continues with only 1 piece of styrene then 5mm card then 1mm plasticard top as a base. This construction can be seen over my past few uploads. As this develops im slowly getting base road paint and Metcalf paving slabs in place to divide up this long slow job.
     
    On the work bench currently are a set of ticket gates for platform 1 that require painting and some wills platform edging to complete the buffer ends and edge of platform 1.
     
    This is just a quick overview ill post some more in depth blogs as I make progress.
     
    Thanks for reading and feel free to check out the videos
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