sparky

Thanks Andrew, the trouble is, with RMweb being so busy as soon as you post something it disappears off the radar, which makes you wonder if its worth posting new stuff at times. Anyway here's a few more to be going on with.......... Geoff

Cheers Alan,

Thanks for your interest in the layout chaps, with it being so small its difficult to keep the photos coming without showing the same old scenes. Nevertheless here are a few more views of the layout, pending the addition of some signal wire pulleys. 4678 is detailed Bachmann model, which has been converted to EM with Ultrascale wheels The allotment huts are the work of my dear friend Iain Robinson, and feature full interior detail, even down to a pin up. Llangunllo is set in the late 1950's, and well off the beaten track. The long grass around the goods yard area, and between the track is slowly being built up with Mininatur static grass fibres. Finally 4678 departs light engine in the direction of Titley Junction

This selection of photos is of the new Llangunllo, and brings things more or less up to date, so I will disappear for now until I've got something new to share. Cheers, Geoff

Just a quick thank you for all your comments, and likes etc, etc. I'm afraid that I don't spend a lot of time posting on forums, so it might be a while before anything new appears. In the meantime here's a few photos of the old version of Llangunllo, that were taken for my article in MRJ last year, but missed the cut. Geoff

You can find a little more about Llangunllo here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/25359-penhyddthe-final-chapter/page-3&do=findComment&comment=2846912 Geoff

Hi, Its been an awful long time since I posted here, but due to having my arm twisted I've agreed to post an update on the Penhydd story. I always felt a little guilty when I shut my Llangunllo blog down, leaving those of you who have followed my modelling in limbo. Alas the idiots out there left me with little choice, sorry about that, but if you could have seen what I had to deal with, then you would have done the same. Llangunllo was an experiment, could less really can mean more, well for me I can honestly say that has been the case. Of course short trains, and small layouts aren't everyone's cup of tea, they didn't appeal to me at one time either. But with the passing of the years my attitude has changed, and now I'm content to model a slice of countryside through which a railway happens to pass, Its been an enjoyable journey, and I hope you enjoy this brief trip along the line. Geoff The River Lugg, and a scene inspired by on St. Mary's crossing signal box Looking towards Knighton, which is somewhere in the distant hills. The goods shed is based on the one that once stood at Llanbister Road. My version of original Limekilns station building, more commonly known as Dolyhir on the New Radnor Branch. Track is to EM standards, and uses ply sleepers and C & L GWR two bolt chairs. The coach is a Comet A44 Driving trailer, and makes a refreshing change from the usual auto train. The fiddle yard is fully scenic to give the impression of the line continuing into the distance towards Titley Junction Road to nowhere, the building on the right is an offstage dairy. Its not modelled in full, the rest being left to your, and my imagination.

Thanks for your interest in Penhydd, and Llangunllo guys, as Richard pointed out my Dad is currently on holiday and rarely visits the forum these days. So rather than hear things from the horses mouth I'll do my best to fill you in. I'm afraid the blog has gone for good, things started to go wrong a while back, people couldn't comment, and at one time my Dad couldn't even reply to the comments that had got through. Then posts began to disappear, along with the blog list another bits and pieces, then the abusive comments started to arrive. From then on things continued to get worse, and eventually my Dad decided to delete all three of his blogs. However all is not lost for you can still read about Penhydd and Llangunllo here on the forum at http://www.westernthunder.co.uk/index.php?threads/llangunllo-the-next-chapter.456/. And here at at http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/25359-penhyddthe-final-chapter/?hl=penhydd, there might still be something on the old RMweb site as well, failing that all 109 Llangunllo posts can be found here at http://llangunllo1.rssing.com/chan-51234596/latest.php Its a shame that the decent guys such as yourself can no longer view the blogs, but he just couldn't continue with them the way things were. As far as I'm aware my father has no future plans as regards blogging, but I believe a series of articles are planned for one of the modelling magazines. Best Regards, Simon

Penhydd never did get finished and last March it was dismantled, the old blog can still be viewed by clicking the above link. I had intended bringing the story to a close here but due to one thing or another I never got around to doing so, the following photos are the last to be taken before the axe fell and feature the branch stalwarts 1455 and 2538 being towed away to pastures new............. Penhydd's replacement follows the same theme and has been slowly taking shape in the form of a remote might have been country through station between Titley Junction and Llanbister Road. . The full story to date can be found here........................ http://radnorailways.blogspot.co.uk/

Since Mickey asked this question, "Talking of creameries, Does Geoff / Sparky not post here any more? " on the November RM thread I have received a few emails asking the same thing. The truth is I had announced on my blog here earlier this year that I felt I had taken Penhydd as far as I could, so rather than just repeat the same old stuff I decided to pull the plug on things whilst I was ahead. The content hasn't been lost because it can all be viewed on my external Chronicles of Penhydd blog should you wish. Another factor in my decision was the software problems that the forum was experiencing around that time which made it much easier to post updates on my own blog.rather than here. Lastly I feel a little awkward posting here now it's a commercial site seeing as I write for a competitors magazine, however I must point out that no pressure has been put on me by any editor and the decision and view is mine alone. Hopefully this has set the record straight and before the rumours start circulating I have not fallen out with anyone here, well not as far as I know ? At the moment Penhydd has been dismantled and it's replacement planned so I will leave you with these last images and my thanks for your interest shown in the model over the past years. Best Wishes, Geoff

Hi Andrew, Have you seen this ? http://www.clag.org.uk/Hornby-wc-conversion1.html Good luck with the project, Geoff

Hi Andrew, Good to see your ideas have worked a treat, I do like that little culvert set into the embankment and the way the slurry loading plant blends in as if it's always been there. But what of the platform and new bridge to the left of the scene, have you any photos to share showing the current state of play ? Geoff

This is absolutely fantastic Frank ! The slate and scree with those tufts of grass poking through is so typical of many scenes in Wales. Brilliant observation,modelling and completely convincing. Geoff

Very nice, everything is coming together really well and it looks like you are putting your retirement to good use Frank. When will we see something crossing the bridge with a couple of Crimson and Cream coaches in tow ? Geoff

Hi Nick, I wouldn't worry too much about the steel rusting as I know several modellers who swear by it and not at it like I did ! As I said at the time I think it was some sort of reaction between the steel and DAS modelling clay. Being a native of nearby Mells but now living in Cheshire I will be keeping my eye on this interesting project and especially your use of Spaceboard . As for the siphon I think they were covered in MRJ No.6 and 7, if you don't have those issues but would like to see the articles then let me know and I will scan them for you. Cheers, Geoff

That works out really well Andrew, I like the way the new bridge blends in with the old. As for the change of levels I find that a really interesting feature. I'm not sure if you need anythng between the two because it has a nice open feeling as it is ? You were quick off the mark posting a photo of the bubble in situ. as it was only yesterday that I asked, must say she really looks at home emerging from under the bridge in the first photo. The other changes you have in mind should work out well and I look forward to seeing it all come together. Geoff

It might have taken a while Andrew but it was worth the wait, the glazing and finish looks really good and better than on the current Hornby model. I do think these units look rather attractive with speed whiskers and a white cab roof. All we need now is a photo of the bubble on the new Wheal Elizabeth extension. Cheers, Geoff

That is looking good Frank, are you glad you used finescale bullhead track ? The trestle looks superb from here and will provide an ideal setting for trying your new camera out ! Geoff

Wonderful work Mikkel, my favourites would have to be the 2-4-0 in the first picture and the autotrailer. Are you trying to tempt me into back dating Penhydd with all this talk of the Presteign branch ? Nick, I haven't been able to identify the reason for the toad used in the Presteign branch train. There are two photos in the Judge book, one dated 1906 and the other 1910, with different loco classes and 4-wheeler diagrams, but both showing this arrangement. I understand that the set was shared with the Eardisely branch, so maybe there was some sort of arrangement in connection to this which called for a goods brake? This book which has become my bible is a very good history of the railways around Kington and includes many old photos as well as timetables, which might explain the above working ? When I have a moment I will have a look to see if there is any mention of the workings that you mention. Geoff T

Yet another excellent model Frank, built to the same high standard as the trestle and you talk of others raising the bar ! You really have the knack of painting wood to look like.... err wood I have a feeling that your new layout is going to rather special and look forward to seeing more. Best Wishes, Geoff

Cheers Richard, Sorry that I haven't replied earlier but I rarely visit these parts. I didn't actually resurface the whole road but just added a patch made from Das modelling clay which was stippled with a stiff brush until it's texture matched the other surface. Washes of Paynes grey and white acrylic paint were then appled until the colour matched, finally a dusting with baby powder blended all together. A couple of photos showing the completed lane, a new lighting rig will take care of the shadows thrown by the tree.....I hope ! I might as well post a couple of photos of 1455 whilst I am here for those who might not have seen it on my blog. This is a modified Airfix body with much added detail and runs on a Comet chassis built with the floating sub chassis option.

I would say that was four hours well spent Frank, it's an absolute cracking model ! Geoff

A lovely bit of work there Frank, I like your idea of modelling the scene at low tide with plenty of channels and pools. Have you ever tried the card peeling technique for building up sand and mudbanks, it really works a treat ? It would be nice if this new layout could one day become an extension of Pen-y-Bont ? Cheers Mate

Many thanks to old friends and new for all your kind comments. steve fay, on 14 October 2011 - 21:46 , said: This is an excellent representation of a GW BLT. The modelling is superb. I know some people say these themes are done to death but just looking at this it's re invented it all over. Brilliant. Cheers Steve, The idea behind Penhydd was to get away from the usual chocolate box GWR and model it as I knew it in the 1950's. The WR being just as rundown and dirty as the rest of the BR system. I also set the location of the model on the Welsh Borders rather than the usual Devon and Cornish locations. So instead of green engines with shining brass and copper you see them in weathered black livery, in fact everything has been toned down to reflect a less colourful age and a place well off the beaten track, rather than a bright, busy seaside terminus and I feel it makes a huge difference . Hi Matt, The attached plan will give you an idea of size, note that the siding with the goods shed on it has now been extended onto the cassette deck which has been widened ready for a new creamery. The new goods yard arrangement I feel a curved baseboard and backscene with a big sky and low horizon add to the feeling of space. With a straight plank you normally see everything at once but with a curve if planned carefully that is not possible. As this last photo taken from near the control panel demonstrates I don't normally update this thread as I have a blog here on the forum " The Penhydd Diary " and my own blogspot " The Chronicles of Penhydd" you can see more about the layout on those sites and you should find links somewhere on this thread to take you there. Cheers, Geoff

Cheers Simon, How long did it take you to dig this one out, my last post here was dated 18th December 2010 and I had forgot all about it ! You will find more recent post here........http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/69/entry-7259-progressupdated/ The Pannier has changed a lot since then and now looks something like this. Cheers, Geoff