trainsandco

Seeing all these pictures is getting me a little jealous for mine in the next batch! Has there been any word on when the next batch are due? Or any confirmation on what the livery of set 2 will look like? (Hoping for this)

Not just into the 00’s, but present day! 278497 (which I believe is the same type) still finds use within Neville Hill depot! Very happy for these, added straight onto my preorder list!

My Cookham Manor turned up today, and the brief play I had is impressive, super smooth (no running in required), super powerful (yet to overload it), and so much detail (most of which is perfect). So happy with this, and contemplating a second (if I can get hold of one!) One surprise with this is the box size! It’s massive! I thought the Hornby 9f box was a lot 😂 needless to say it kept the model super safe in transit.

Evening all, With the prices of models going up (not wanting to get into a debate about that) I was wondering if people knew of different model shops that offer payment via instalments? (Like clearpay/klarna etc) I’m aware of Accurascale offering it, but haven’t seen many others (manufactures or shops) offering it, and it’d be super useful for some of the upcoming releases! Cheers in advance! Ben

Update! So it’s been a while, but I have been pooteling along, albeit not to the amount I would have liked. The reason for this slowness is partly down to the nice weather, I finally have a day off, our lass has nothing planned for me, but then the sun is shining and the loft is the approximate temperature of the firebox on the Cornish Riviera just reaching the peak of Wellington Bank, so the loft is a write off for that day. So the baseboards aren’t quite fully built yet, they’re about 92% done, as I’m without a suitable saw to get some of the cuts to get the boards around the beams, so whilst the boards are basically in place, they need final fitting. So while the loft is an oven, I need other things to do, and that I have done. Ive built all the sets of the points for the outer loop, so I can get something running as soon as. I’m struggling a bit to get track (at a reasonable price) because of the great 2020 code 75 track shortage - surely the worst thing to happen this year. I’ve also been cracking on with the timber frame viaduct - at least a first draft, it still needs some fettling, and it’s a little rough in places. But overall I’m quite happy with how it’s coming on, initially I was a bit worried that it might not be strong enough with it being made of balsa wood, however just from messing around it feels surprisingly strong, which is very confidence boosting. I’ll need to remake this for the actual layout, as it’s a bit rough, but it’s giving me a good indication and good practice. Lastly, I’ve come up with a name. Balsup. I’ll be making a few so I might as well name it after them.

Afternoon all, You’ve arrived at a thread for a layout which I’m going to admit now, is a touch ambitious, as it incorporate many ideas that I’ve never really ventured into. However, how are you supposed to learn, if you don’t challenge yourself? (And that’s the excuse that I’m working with at the moment.) The layout in question is situated in a medium loft space, with dimensions of about 5m x 3.5m with the layout itself being about a meter thick, with the ability to be a bit thicker around the curves. I’ve never properly planned anything like this, so scale is potentially what might cause issues (ie me thinking I can fit more in than I can). However despite my planning, I’m willing to take the risk and make changes wherever needed. So the prototype in question is deep seated GWR territory (I can already hear some people sighing!) with a number of GWR landmarks being thrown in for good measure. Now ignoring my lack of skill at a digital art, here is the track plan I’ve conceived. Double track mainline, with a station, large goods yard, hidden fiddle yard, a tunnel, and a viaduct. Perfect for fast paced expresses, and long slow freight alike. The things I’ve numbered are things that I’ve taken inspiration from. 1) Potentially the most ambitious thing here. A Brunel Timber framed viaduct. Loosely based on Collegewood Viaduct - if it was double track...and on a mainline. I chose Collegewood as a starting point, as I like the design, and it was still in existence in my era of choice (the early 30’s, it wasn’t replaced until 1934) 2) This junction is based on Cogload Junction, I haven’t quite drawn it correctly as the over bridge is supposed to cover both lines, however that’s the aim! (Apologies to the photographer, I forgot to take note of the name when I saved this picture) 3) This is still in the mix at the moment, as the amount of work to create a small single track to go under the mainline is putting me off slightly, but this little spur I’ve taken inspiration from where Huntley and Palmers Biscuit factory’s internal railway crossed under the GWML in Reading, a really small little tight bridge coming away from an array of sidings. (I couldn’t’t find a decent photo showing this) 4) Something else a little ambitious, and that’s Box Tunnels Western portal. I just like it. No idea how I’m gonna make it though! 5) Lastly, the goods yard itself is pretty much a direct copy (albeit a touch smaller) of the goods yard at Hoo Junction. This is purely because I was struggling to find any track plans of a goods yard of a similar size. So any other ambitious plans for this? I hear you cry. (I presuming here). Yes there are. I’ve only ever had, and made flat baseboards before, so creating a big valley for that viaduct will certainly be fun. Also, I intend to build all my points (well the ones that will be visible anyway), this is for 2 reasons; Firstly, I don’t like rtr points, they’re too short, even the express ones. Secondly, points are expensive, as I’m making a switch to code 75 from code 100 this time, I have nothing to work with, and with the track plan above I require 38 sets of points, which I’ve calculated comes in around the £500 mark. Making your own points, it seems is far cheaper, and it’ll give me a sense of pride (or at least a few more soldering iron burns). As you might be able to tell, I’ve done more planning that actual leg work at the moment - I’ve had some free time at work lately, but I’ve put in an order for some wood from wickes, that’ll be here next week and hopefully I’ll start to get somewhere and you may see updates, I might even think of a name. Thanks for looking. Ben

So its been a while again, one day I might get a little better at updates (but thats not today!) so heres a little update, I've been whittling away behind the scenes and I've got a fair bit of scenery done lately. Most noteably is that the goods yard is basically complete. I've got odds and sods dotted about, and I've dirtied the surfaces a bit, which isnt exactly petfect, but itll do. Loads of grass is now in place in varying places, like the hills, and the bridge is closing in on completion, basically just needing weathering, then gluing in place and the road can be installed. The station is progressing well with the platform lamps going in (not wired up yet, but thats one of the upcoming jobs to do). The kit bashed station building is slowly coming on, the next steps being windows, doors, roof and painting the interior. Anyhow, hopefully these few pictures should suffice for now! Thanks for Looking! Ben

It's been a while, so it's probably about time I give a small update on here. Plenty has happened (ish) I've started surfacing the goods yard, hills are in the process of being made, and fields are being...seeded? I'm pretty happy with how things are coming, although a lot is still left to do, like the fiddle yard, so functionality is a little tough, however on what is in place, trains run fairly well throughout, so I'll take that for now! At the beginning of the year I had had a target of having something exhibitable for my model railway clubs January 2020 exhibition, however that's fallen through slightly, so I've put myself back again and am aiming for the 2021 alternative! Plenty is still to be done, such as the aforementioned fiddleyard, the back scene throughout, the station train shed, and station building all still to be completed. And of course the plethora of other little (and large) details. I will however hand over to the photos and let them do the talking! Thanks for looking!

Cheers guys, I have already tried Hattons and they suggested local modelling groups and peters spares (which don't actually stock any djm spares), but will definitely have a look into digitrains. Thanks for the head ups Trainsandco

So I recently decided to run my GWR autotank on DCC without a chip in it, as I got impatient waiting for a chip to arrive (dumb move, I'm aware - even more so now). Because of this, I think I've blown the motor - it starts to spin but then slowly dies out and shorts out the DCC system (it has a chip in now). So I was just wanting to ask is this definitely the motor blown? And where could I get a new one from? I know there's the option of the highline chassis, but I don't want to commit to that unless I've exhausted the new motor route. Cheers Ben

My first few arrived today, I don't often buy 'new' models, I've been trying to make do with what I've got as I can't always justify some of these newer prices, however I just couldn't let these pass. These are stunning models, and I believe with a little bit of weathering and some paint to the interior these models will be mind blowing. Very happy to say the least.

A couple of toys arrived in the post today, I splashed out in the last week - something I seldom do on 'new' RTR stuff in recent times. But alas, a Hornby 'Bristolian' train pack, Hornby Star, and 3 of the non-corridor bow end collett stock. This all cost me a lot less than the RTR so I can feel accomplished in my bargain hunting skills. Thus far I am very impressed with all of these models - albeit looking past the damage to the star which made it so affordable. The bow end stock is absolutely beautiful with the only issue noticed so far is the excess blue on the bogies (and the price, that was a hard pill to swallow). However, I won't make this into a review, so here's some pictures from a happy Hornby customer! Despite Kings being too big for the branch, I just couldn't resist one of the newly retooled locomotives! Star, Castle, and King! Some of the damage can be seen on the Star, but mostly superficial and can be easily fixed. Very pretty, not as pretty as a castle, but it's up there!

Just a few more shots that I couldn't fit in the last post. Grubby wartime pannier 4643 brings in a more unusual working into the yard. An unidentified Mogul prepares to leave with a semi fast Hmmm, these seem to be lost! A trio of Castles sit at the blocks awaiting their next turn or return to shed at Reading. Recently outshopped 190 looks rather resplendent in its new colours This is the extent of the layout, although usually not quite so messy! That's it for now! Thanks for looking! Ben

This has been quite a long time coming. HOWEVER. Here is an update. Q) so what has happened since last time? A) a lot. I've moved, and subsequently i have a dedicated railway room! And progress has been slow, but its been quicker than when i didnt have the luxury of a railway room. Pictures will no doubt tell a thousand words, but I'll explain a little as well, I've built the platforms, put some grass down, got a signal box, worked out where the signals and associated equipment are to go and installed a handful of them. I had been focused more on rolling stock, until recently I've sort of been challenged to have the layout in a presentable state for 2020, so its now all go on the layout details. I also started a web series called Steam with a Scooby, which I'm using as a front to encourage me into trying new projects, and also actually finish them! Feel free to check them out, theres a reasonable selection of projects to choose from, most of which are actually completed! Anyhow I digress, onto what you probably came for - some pictures! A trusty small prairie leads away with the goods yard with a short freight consist Pannier tank 8700 pulls away from its train so quietly that it didn't even disturb the porter having a quick shut eye and a bit of an earful from a passenger! A busy scene as a hall prepares to leave for Paddington with a short express. Castle class "Wellington" (with a disgustingly modern tender) makes a break for Paddington as a pannier tank eases in with a freight service of lumber. A couple of halls rest with the services they've just brought in. A very grubby 2761 makes for a stark contrast to the gleaming Hinderton Hall just arriving beneath the large water tower. Thanks for looking! Ben

Hi Castle, That had been my first port of call, clicking through each vehicle! I think about 3 had a comment about the Vintage train, and I figured that there might have been a couple more than that in the rake! If you could ask, that'd be grand, I'll give you a gentle reminder tomorrow evening! Cheers Ben