citadel12003

Sadly seem to have missed out on these BBA's this time around. Will you be doing a re-run at some time as I'm sure that they will be so popular, now that they have arrived to such acclaim? Cheers, Tom

Hi Colm, I love the "backstory" for this latest layout. Despite your mention of gradients it all looks pretty level so far... That's a wee surprise with all the "experience" the Northern Counties Group gained with Bleach Green. I spoke to Ken recently and he told me of the progress being made.. Certainly looks good so far. Can't wait to hear and see (!!!) more in the coming days. I'm glad to hear you are staying safe... Cheers for now, Tom

Hi, You have a PM... Tom

Hi Dave, Loved the video... The Mk 2's really do look well, very tastefully finished off. Very well done. The details in the "background" are very effective as well. I was particularly impressed by the mail bags with labels in the brute trollies on the platform. Did you make these up yourself or are they proprietary items? I don't recall seeing them before but I will need some of these for the brutes on Carlisle in due course Cheers for now, Tom

Hi Dave, I really enjoyed the video's. Very atmospheric as usual and the 47's really sound just as I remember them too. I noted your comment about the BOC tanker rake. That's disappointing for a wagon with that price tag.... I have a similar problem with shunting Hornby container flats and am thinking of replacing the usual individual couplings on each wagon for one of the straight bar versions used to couple the Bachmann 'twin" types. Love the layout!! Keep up the good work. Cheers for now, Tom

Hi Kieran, Great wee video and lovely pictures of the layout. It looks really well, with loads of typical Irish "charm". You should be really proud of what you have achieved so far and your "train set" does you much credit. That is a lot of work. My hat is well and truly doffed, sir..... Great to see you at the recent UMRC Show in Belfast - just sorry we didn't get longer to chat. Tom

Hi Kieran, I love the wee video of the Class 101. I would add a crew, if only to avoid the impression that you have a "runaway train" - mmm, sounds like a cue for a song.... Understandable only to those of a certain vintage I suspect. Layout is looking good as well. Happy modelling, Tom

Guys, Truly amazing look to this model with an incredible amount of detail. I can resist no longer - my order is in!!! Tom

Hi Dave, That is truly wonderful work on the coach interiors. I'm not surprised you have not dimmed the lights. Why hide all that lovely detail in the usual "gloom"? The pictures are great, as usual. Modelling budget used up....?? There's always the "lottery" or some of your earlier "projects" could always find new homes/owners... I did not see you at Warley this year - too busy? I have only a couple of projects to finish for the Club layout then I can get back on track with "Carlisle". Best regards, Tom

Top class work there Dave, you've raised the bar again... One small observation - the LED's in the signals on the video appear to flicker at times. I'm sure they don't flicker all the time on the layout - is that an issue with video recording generally, or just down to my computer settings? Looking forward to seeing more videos as well as your signature photography. Best regards, Tom

Hi Fran, I'd like to get another set of these gorgeous bubbles (set C or D) and am happy to pay now but would like to collect at Bangor Show - sadly that option does not seem to be available on the shop site... or am I just not looking in the right place? Hope you can help, Tom

Hi Dave, Yes, I'll be in Glasgow with some of my local Club members on the Saturday (one day only this year sadly!!) Let me know when you're there and, if Saturday, we might meet for a quick catch-up. Cheers, Tom

Hi Dave, All working fine for me here in darkest Northern Ireland.... The videos are great and so too are all the lovely pictures you post. It can be a challenge to faithfully capture the atmosphere of a real location but you have managed to do that supremely. I have to have a tissue in my hand when I follow the ongoing story of WW - to wipe the drool of my chin! I only hope I can reach that sort of standard with my own layout when I finally get all the track laid, wiring done, etc. Best regards, Tom PS - I look forward to meeting up again sometime for the next "adventure" with the Northern Counties Group.... I'm sure by now you will have heard from Colm that Bleach Green has been sold and will be moving to a new permanent home here in NI.

Interesting to learn how others have worked out their 4 digit numbering system for locos and dmu's etc. I started out with the TOPS 5 digit number and used the first two numbers followed by the last two numbers. I soon found a clash (37506 & 37906) and could see the possibility of more in my fleet, if I ever get around to chipping them all. So I decided to drop the 2nd digit of the 5 digit TOPS number, and 2nd & 3rd for any 6 digit number on the basis that the missing numbers were much less "important" for identification. Then I remembered about the several class 08 shunters I had. For them I simply dropped the leading zero - simples. Has now worked so far for me. Happy modelling, Tom

Hi Colm, Great to see that the "Directors" have been for a tour of inspection. The layout is developing very quickly and already looking like the "mutts nuts". Ken has a great eye for detail and is bringing his plan to life in a most convincing way. I'm only sorry that this layout won't be going "on tour"..... Looks like we are going to have to rely on YouTube.... Tom

Hi Leslie, While I would expect that there would be interest in a kit or kits (one version only or one of each variant?) the construction method could be a significant factor as you have not indicated what methodology or materials you plan to use. For example are you thinking of an etched brass or plastic moulded under frame, with an etched brass, moulded plastic or resin bodywork? An idea of possible price would also help although I acknowledge that may also depend on the level of demand. Tom

Hi Kieran, You clearly have the perseverance of a saint - as you say a great way to spend winter evenings. Great work there!! I presume the domestic authorities approved the use of the kitchen table and best tablecloth... Nearly time for our excursion with Bleach Green See you soon, Tom

Great to see pictures of this layout under construction. I have been talking to Ken about what he's up to and have been mightily impressed with what I've heard so far. Kieran, I too am looking forward to seeing, and hearing, more of the fascinating "history" of this little known railway line. Sounds like Colm has been overdoing those mushrooms again Looking forward to meeting up with you guys when Bleach Green goes overseas again in November. Tom

Hi Andy, Very nice simple design, quality workmanship, has the potential to be stunning when you get the scenery done. I presume it will be a roundy-roundy... What sort of era are you contemplating? I went back to 4mm a few years ago (got a bigger shed in the garden and was fed up waiting for N Gauge to make progress under "Bachfar"). If ever i was to think about returning to 2mm, it would have to be 2mmFS.

Hi Peter, Hmmm... I might just bite that particular bullet... In the meantime, do keep us up to date as the building work progresses. cheers, Tom

Hi Peter, How much am I modelling and how far have I got???? The "scenic" bit of my model will stretch from the over bridge beyond Victoria Viaduct in the north to the over bridge over the WCML just before Upperby, and will include the diverging Eastern lines (Newcastle and S&C) and the Maryport line. This will be housed in a shed in the garden which is now complete with an internal space of 25ft by 8ft. While this seemed generous I had several goes at "distilling" the essence of Carlisle into a plan which was drawn out full size on lining paper and that needed several reworkings in order to get it to fit. I have had to accept a ruling radius of 30' minimum on all lines except the Maryport one where I am down to 27" but I can live with this. I have a scan of the plan somewhere which I can post on here if that would be of interest (without hijacking your thread!). All baseboards have been completed (ply beam Barry Norman style) with an open top arrangement on the station side. Trackwork - Peco Code 75 - has been purchased and track laying is about to start. I could try to find some photos of the baseboards... I plan to operate using DCC which will be a first for me. My previous layouts have all been analogue, but I am so impressed with the capabilities of the digital stuff that I have decided to go that way. I will have to sell off some of my loco fleet in due course to pay for enough "chips" to get me started down that route but that's another story. I retired a few years ago so I theoretically have more time (when not babysitting grandchildren and decorating!!) but it's slow progress when you are working away on a project of this size. I was tempted to start an OMWB thread but I think folk may be quickly bored as there may not be much other than track laying and basic scenery to report for a while. What size is the layout for which you are doing the buildings? Is there a plan of it on here? Regards for now, Tom

I am not often on this Forum although I joined up several years ago.... Today I stumbled upon this thread and am in awe of the work done in the pictures above. I am even more impressed because I am working on my own depiction of Carlisle (from 1985ish up to date!) and realise only too well what a challenge there is in producing such stunning models. My baseboards are built partly open-top to help me create some of the varied levels in and around the station. I think the Victoria Viaduct has been beautifully captured along with Ballantynes building. My skill level is such that I have to make some compromises here and there but this work clearly sets an inspirational example as well as a challenge. Will fuller details of the layout as well as the rest of your building work for Carlisle emerge in due course? Tom