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Howard Smith

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Blog Entries posted by Howard Smith

  1. Howard Smith
    It's almost a year since the last post, so it's high time I get a couple more posts going on this blog. Those of you who read BRM on a regular basis will be aware of the articles over the past 12 months or so - creating the fencing, building a signal kit, weathering the station building amongst others, but that's the layout - what about the rolling stock?
    North Wales trains of the '90s, usually had a Mk 1 coach lurking amongst the Mk 2 As. So, Penmaenmawr is in need of a couple - the trouble is, do you go down the lengthy kit route and build your own, or make something that is available 'off the shelf' better? Time is a big factor here, so for me the choice was obvious.
    In the November issue of BRM (on sale October 8 ) you'll see how I modified and re-sprayed these Heljan Mk 1 SOs and added new seating, tables, passengers and bogies.
     


    New seating ready to be installed.
  2. Howard Smith
    Finally I've managed to get back round to working on Penmaenmawr. The next update can be seen in the June issue of BRM (on sale May 8th).
     
    Work has commenced on the yard hut area, a small driver rest room and surrounding beds. I made use of some of Poppy's Woodtech LNWR fencing, but I won't spill the beans too much - you'll just have to pick up a copy of the magazine to read the full article.
     

    General view taken by Dave Sallery in 1996.
     
    Now to the model:
     

    Still much to do, the fine ballast will raise the height of the surrounding ground.
     

     

    The laser-cut wooden fencing is a great addition to any layout, a little more playing around with the positioning and it should be there! Not quite out of the woods yet, but at least it counts as progress!
  3. Howard Smith
    Well, RMweb Live was a good chance to work on the Road-Railer project and make some progress. It is now in the state as seen below:
     


     
    The show was one of the best I've experienced for engaging with the public on a more one-to-one basis, and the project certainly created some intrigue amongst many who passed.
     
    An explanation of the work carried out so far, along with details on the prototype machines and Phil Parker's Road-Rail trailers can be read in the November 2014 issue of BRM, on sale in shops from October 9.
  4. Howard Smith
    Bachmann Europe announced their 2014 product range from their headquarters in Barwell, Leicestershire yesterday. Members of the press, traders and model shop owners were invited to partake in what was to be a well organised event with plenty of atmosphere. Not only was it a chance for Bachmann to unveil their model plans, but it was a great opportunity for all those who visited to catch up and talk about all aspects of the hobby.
     
    Luckily, with the unstable weather that we've been witnessing this Summer, the rain held off and allowed an exterior visit of the premises, where a few interesting items could be found.
     

    This old Bristol VR was bright enough, parked by the gateway and marking the entrance to the site.
     
     

    Since Exclusive First Editions fell under the same brand ownership last year, this bus had a reason to be here. But it wasn't the only item to be found on the site.
     

    These ERF and Atkinson tractor units were also attracting the gaze of observers.
     

    One of the best 'toys' in the yard was this chevy LS7 powered Sagaris. It was certainly popular with visitors.
     

    This Baldwin locomotive, suitably weathered at the front by Steve Smith of Bachmann, stood under an awning with a bogie flat wagon, both of which should be attending this year's Midland Railex event at Butterley along with the newly restored Ashover coach. A cab ride beckons!
     

    The paint finish and general state of the locomotive looked superb. Somebody had spent quite some time cleaning the copper pipes!
     

    It wasn't too long before the crowds started gathering and the ever helpful Bachmann personnel were about to 'meet and greet' all those arriving on site.
     

    Having done the rounds outside, it was time to head to the outdoor tents and see what had been prepared for us. Believe it or not, this was one of the quiet moments before it really got going.
     

    Dennis Lovett (far right) in deep discussion adjacent to the display cabinets.
     


    A selection of continental products from the Lilliput range was for sale in the centre of the tent, although most people were distracted by other items on display.
     

    The current state of developments in the 'Farish' range was fairly evident, although I was surprised to see a few items such as the N2 class and Class 31 still in grey.
     

    A few nice samples of recent work in the Branch-Line range were also visible.
     

    This fantastic new model of the LMS inspection coach was on full display, a review sample of which we have received at BRM - look out for the review soon.
     

    This great new addition to the Bachmann range in the shape of the Midland 1F can only be complemented. The level of detail really is incredible and it has to be - an open cab layout leaves everything exposed! Look out for the full review of this model in the September issue of BRM on sale August 14.
     

    The most eye-catching of displays was this container crane - the latest addition to the Bachmann Scenecraft range. Of standard resin construction like other items in the range, it will be supplied in kit form, ready to assemble.
     


     
     
    Well done to all the Bachmann personnel involved with this successful event, their well organised hospitality was appreciated by all who attended.
     
    Howard
  5. Howard Smith
    Here is a BRM project that is a little more challenging than usual, primarily because it fits into the ‘it was never designed to do that’ category. So just what is this practical BRM project?
    To model a Road-railer, part of the Story Rail fleet.
     

     
    Using an NZG Liebherr A900C diecast model to the scale of 1/50, the aim is to illuminate and motorise this little model for O gauge…and why not?

     
    So, if you would like to follow progress on this project, keep coming back to this BRM blog where I shall try and update it!
    The completed project will appear in BRM very soon.
     
    Any comments are welcome!
     
    Howard
  6. Howard Smith
    It seems ages ago since the last post, so to keep things ticking over, I thought that I might share with you a few photos of the pale fencing for the yard hut for Penmawenmawr, as can be seen in this photo taken by Dave Sallery:
     

     
    Made from wood (most probably chestnut), this type of fencing is more commonly known as "Cleft fencing". It simply involves driving the wooden stakes into the ground which are usually held together by twisted galvanised wire. More common around beaches, it can easily be removed for re-use:
     

     
    This was acheived on the model by cutting thin strips of plastic card to form the stakes, which were then slotted and glued into drilled holes in a base which shall be hidden once ballasted around. One single strand of wire was then stripped from a cable and twisted/woven in and out and around the posts, both top and bottom. The real fence was a little irregular with repairs to the wire and the odd stake broken, meaning that the model had to be as well.
     

     
    Hope you all like it!
  7. Howard Smith
    Well I know they aren't much to look at, even in 7mm, but the yard hut and container for the layout are now more or less complete. As with the others, painting will take place at a later stage. As usual here follow the real / model photos.
     
    The yard hut in 1995. Photographed by Dave Sallery. In use by the looks of it as the window shutters are open. Does anybody know what the pipes entering it behind the sign are for? Water, electric?

     
    The same hut now drab looking , all locked up...I wonder why? If anyone can "shed" some light as to what this is (or was) used for please let me know.

     
    And now the model. The outside light has yet to be glued in place after painting:

     
    Constructed in plasticard (laminated 40 thou) with brass wire for pipes. Paper superglued to roof then scored to represent the layers of felt.

     
    The equipment container as can be seen in the background of the photo. I'm presuming this is used for relays or signalling equipment?


     
    Note the eyes at the top to allow it to be lifted by a crane:

     
    Hope you like them!
     
    Whilst here, have a look at a talented fellow railway modeller and graphic designer Michel Subrenat. Although being French, he lives in Portugal and his website http://www.msa-modelisme.eu/ shows his skills. One of which is creating his own etched kits.
  8. Howard Smith

    Dogfish wagons

    By Howard Smith,

    It's not much use having a layout if there is nothing to run on it, and since progress has slowed I thought some of you may like to see some 7mm kit built M&M models dogfish ballast wagons which I have built. These have been modified as each one is based on a prototype working from period photographs. They have been super-detailed (I am in the process of adding detail to certain ones) and weathered, transfers being a mix of left-overs and home-made where no equivalent exists. The vacuum pipes connect up for extra authenticity.
     
    DB 983122

     
    DB 983088



     
    DB983006 (balsa wood footsteps being added)


     
    More are in the works.
  9. Howard Smith
    A few spare minutes at the end of todays session allowed me to take some snaps so that you can see what's going on (and what's not!). Some photographs of the signal box were available on Fotopic before it went under, so I'm posting a few pics here in case anybody may be interested.
    View towards the station showing the North Wales Coast mainline disappear into the distant clutter. Just off to the right is the entrance to the ballast sidings.

     
    The box has yet to be fitted with fire buckets, door handles and other things. Lets get a bit closer...below are the doors giving access to where the point rodding mechanisms would once have been.

     
    The entrance looking through the door...

     
    Inside can be found the kitchen and leading off is the small bathroom.

     
    Just behind us is the old frame with instruments.

     
    The bathroom window is open...something must have died! Note the extractor fan.

     
     
     
    The ballasting is almost finished, yet to be sprayed the correct colour when the track gets the same treatment. Here are a couple of views looking from the platform, I don't think the scale of the stuff looks too bad:

     

     

     
    Things will start to look better soon(ish). Hope you all like it.
  10. Howard Smith

    The finished mk1's

    By Howard Smith,

    Completed a few month's back but not uploaded here is the completed rake of 5 coaches sprayed and lined for somebody. Painted as follows: 2 primer + 2 maroon + varnish + transfers (fox) + varnish. I don't think they look too bad. As he didn't want the interiors doing they have been left untouched.
     

     

     

     

     

  11. Howard Smith
    Making the most of the last of the hot weather here in France before autumn sets in, I am spraying and lining a few mk1's for somebody. These are from the brass range distributed by Tower models and are made by San Cheng. Although no interiors are fitted, from the outside they look very nice models. As it only takes 5 minutes to take a photo, I'll take a few to show progress.
     

     
    After unpacking from the sturdy well packaged boxes this is what you get :
     



     
    Among them are an FK and SO as well as a BG recognisable by it's shorter length. Screw construction means that by unscrewing several small machine screws the chassis can be taken off to be painted separately.
     

     
     
    I have also removed the bogies to paint them. The wheels will be sprayed separately so as to avoid paint on the tyres.
     


     
     
    The paints I shall be using are from halfords. The ford burgundy is as close a match to BR Maroon you will find.
     

     
    First of all comes the red primer. I have applied two coats sparingly. The coaches were checked and cleaned prior to spraying.
     


     
     
     
    Whilst this is drying, I attacked the bogies and under-frames. Here the same again applies, two coats sparingly at 15 minute intervals.
     

     
     
    Next on the agenda after spraying two coats of maroon are the roofs. I masked the surrounding area using Tamiya 6mm tape followed by two layers of newspaper and cello-tape (to be on the safe side).
     


     
     
    Will update the post as painting progresses.
  12. Howard Smith
    When scouting around for a colour light signal for my layout, I came to the conclusion that the only way to achieve this was going to be via a scratch-build, such is the lack of kits and RTR versions in O gauge. That was, until I saw a couple of posts on a topic here and realised that Pete Harvey was producing etches - but no mention of them on his website. I'd heard that C&L models were planning to stock them, but given their recent flood damage and other commitments, this was looking unlikely in the immediate future.
    A quick phone call cleared up the matter and the good news is that the kind folks at C&L will be stocking the range of signals by the time our next issue hits the press.
    I also got the opportunity to test build one, the verdict of which will be in the August issue of BRM, on sale July 10.
     
    Here is a little step-by-step to whet your appetites!
     
     

    The upper part of the signal - the design of which is intricate, but correct. Pete used ex-BR plans to produce the kit and when compared with photographs of the three aspect signal sited at Penmaenmawr, there is little to fault.
     

    The bolts are made by inserting wire through the holes in the etches, soldering into place and then cutting to length. I didn't really want to use superglue when building the kit! A little more cleaning here is still to do.
     

    The rear of the unit with hinges soldered into place. I'll place some 5mm LEDs in each of the holes, using the structure as the common return.
     
     

    These are fabulous and I can't recommend them enough - pro sanding files from Albion Alloys. With 100 grit on one side and 180 on the other, they make short but precise work of removing excess solder without leaving marks behind as some files do. They don't clog with solder either! The end result is a nice 'brushed' and clean surface - perfect for taking paint.
     

    The ladder is made by soldering wire though the holes in the two side etches. So long as the distances all the way up it are kept equidistant, the finished look will complement the rest of the signal. You can see in this shot that the rungs have yet to be cut to the required length and cleaned up.
     
     
    Without doubt it is an enjoyable build and as for the verdict...well, you'll just have to wait until next month's issue (August) to find out!
  13. Howard Smith
    The printed edition of BRM has now been going since 1993. Over the years it has evolved and continues to do so, in-keeping with the times and the readership's demands, needs and wants. What it can't offer you though is movement. Plain text and static images often leave the layout to be 'imagined' as a whole by the reader and in today's world where an increasing number of layouts are being operated by DCC with sound and lights, it just seems a shame to neglect these aspects.
    This is where video comes in. Our digital edition of BRM features (whenever possible) layout videos that I have shot when 'out and about' on my travels.
     
    Last year in September at the Accrington show organised by Blackburn & East Lancs MRC, I filmed Mick Bryan and Peter Taylor's 'New Bryford'. Something that I liked and wanted in the magazine. The quality of the layout reflected the talents of both modellers and it was a pleasure to spend time filming and interviewing them.
     
    New Bryford is in the June '14 issue of BRM on sale now.
     

     
     
    Another of my favourites was Monks Bay that I shot in April of this year on the coast at Mablethorpe. If you have children that are interested in railways or the beach, why not combine the two for a great afternoon out?
     

     
    If you'd like to see more of these videos, simply subscribe to our youtube channel or take out a digital subscription to BRM. Let us know what you think!
  14. Howard Smith
    So, you need to motorise a turntable effectively. Well what we witnessed at our premises today as Alastair Milne from ADM Turntables paid us a special visit certainly made an impression. With his three 'table setup, we filmed a display of DCC locomotives easily negociating from one track to another without a single break in their sound.
     

     
    The system is equally compatible with DC setups. If you'd like to see them in action or are wondering how they work, then stay tuned for a forthcoming digital issue of BRM when they are given the 'full works'!
     

     

     
    A very nice system indeed.
  15. Howard Smith
    Just a quick post to show the hut painted as it now stands. Transfers were created using GIMP with BR typeface working from photos of the original, then printed onto transfer paper. You will notice the signage is in English as well as Welsh. Paints are a mixture of Halfords, Revell and Humbrol (both old and new).
     

     

     
    There are still a few details to be added to the doors on the container as I noticed they were omitted while uploading...

     
    I shall try and post something on the yard soon so stay tuned.
  16. Howard Smith
    Some time ago I built a model of Penmaenmawr station building. I thought that it was time to man the paintbrushes and decorate it as per the prototype, ready to be fixed to the layout.
     

     
    In the January 2015 issue of BRM, I'll be showing how it was transformed from an unpainted and plastic-looking building to a weatherbeaten building that has endured years of the North Wales coast weather.
     

     
    If you'd like to find out how it's done and the full summary of what products I'm using, get yourself a copy of the January 2015 issue of BRM (on-sale from December 11). It comes with a free DVD, so you'll get to see some handy tips too.
     
    Howard Smith
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