James Hilton Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 In RMWeb's absence there has been some serious research and aquiring of parts/details for what started out as a scribbled pencil sketch and within 8 weeks has turned into me talking myself into seriously considering entering it for the 2010 Challenge! Until I've made that decision I though I'd share it with those that haven't spotted my ramblings on my blog (on RMWeb) or on Blogger (or even Twitter). Meadow Lane is a ficticious location, inspired by the Manchester Ship Canal during it's decline in the 1980s. It takes ideas from Mode Wheel, Weaste and Ellesmere Port / Stanlow and combines them to create a mundane, run down, desolate back water set on the shores of the River Mersey. It's a simple scenic diarama (of sorts) with some operational potential and with future expansion considered in the way I've designed the off stage areas. So without further ado some rambling (direct from my blog...) Inspiration? Now picture this, a warm balmy summer day. The air is warm but not sticky, comfortable t-shirt weather. Bright blue skies, windows down and the low burble of the exhaust of your brand new Escort XR3i. A light breeze is blowing across the meadow and a short horn blast sharpens your senses as a small 0-4-0 Sentinel shunter ambles across in front of you with a short train of work worn fuel tanks, reminding you that these days this is oil country. As you rumble over the tracks into the yard you crane your head to catch a glimpse down the overgrown tracks towards the exchange sidings, desperate for a glimpse of something more exotic then the usual Rat. Parking up in the shade of the building, the quiet calmness of the weekday afternoon reminds you of those long summer afternoons of your childhood. The gentle melody of Morrisey creeps into your consciousness as the workshop radio plays This Charming Man through an open door. A quick look around and the place is deserted so you grab a few photos, soak up the atmosphere before jumping back in the car and heading home, quite oblivious to the significance of recording the Indian Summer of these mundane industrial workings. [/size][/font] So check out my new blog and give me some encouragement! Let me know if you think this would make a better entry to the RMWeb 2010 Challenge, or whether I should continue with Rose Hill (which isn't being entirely discarded, just shuffled on the priority list). Oh and a small competition... What year is the layout set based on my inspiration above? I'll be adding some further posts tonight and this week on my blog with details of the track plan - some un-scene sketches and progress so far! Previous blogs relating to the concept: Meadow Lane, another distraction? Industrial musings If you go down to the docks today Still Scribbling Further drawings from the note book Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodnok Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Oh and a small competition...What year is the layout set based on my inspiration above? Okay, I know nothing of the Manchester Ship Canal or it's railway, but there's plenty of other clues in there... Let's start with the XR3i. The reference states 'brand new'. This could be used in two ways - as in 'car was brand new from the dealer' or 'model was brand new in range'. Now, The Escort XR3i was sold in many versions. I associate this with the late 80s, on the Mk4 escort shell. This was introduced in 1986. However, the Mk4 escort wasn't the only escort to have an XR3i model. The Mk3 based XR3 had a mid-life upgrade which introduced fuel injection in 1983, and the XR3i model was also re-introduced with the Mk5b model in 1992, and also appeared in the Mk6 range, lasting until the arrival of the Focus in 1998. The song reference ties in with either the Mk3 escort or the Mk5 one - while the best chart position was in 1992, that was a re-release - it was originally released in 1983, when it didn't fare so well. At this point, 1983 and 1992 are both possibles The kicker though is the Rat, as this rather rules out 1992, given they didn't last that long. I'll go with 1983 please... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 I'll go with 1983 please... Excellent detective work - absolutely spot on! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 Next post up in the saga... a really short potted history and photographic reference material for people to have a glance through before I get into the model concept and progress http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-2846-a-potted-history/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I like the concept and the sketches are excellent.Hope to hear more of this soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted February 25, 2010 Author Share Posted February 25, 2010 Thanks Rob - I'll have some more to share tonight or over the weekend Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
60maniac Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Sounds great will follow this with interest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted February 27, 2010 Author Share Posted February 27, 2010 Well I promised an update didn't I!? so here it is... you can read all about the concept on my blog here.... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-2866-the-concept/ and here is another teaser sketch Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted March 8, 2010 Author Share Posted March 8, 2010 I've updated my blog with quite a lengthy post as an exciting box arrived today from Charlie at DC Kits! http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-2973-exciting-parcels-and-burnt-fingers/ Yup - the Sentinel's arrived. Check out my blog to see how far I've progressed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted March 13, 2010 Author Share Posted March 13, 2010 I've been butchering a Beetle and tinkering with an Escort... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-3013-escorts-and-beetles/ take a look and let me know what you think! Do people think this is worth entering as a second 2010 Challenge entry? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldlugger Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Hello James! Much as I like your Maple Hill layout, I think the MSC project would be preferable and should be your only entry purely because I think it will attract more attention. The latter is very interesting and a great way of persuading modellers, from other 4mm gauges, to have a go at P4. What you are doing is achievable and has loads of scope for nice run down track and urban scenery. The little Sentinel shunter is a nice straight forward P4 project as well. When you get round to building the point this would make a nice sub-article in itself to show how a standard turnout is constructed in P4. I presume you've seen this excellent web page? http://j-eyres.fotopic.net/c1374075.html Cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted April 20, 2010 Author Share Posted April 20, 2010 Progress has been made on my Sentinel - I'm really pleased with how it's coming together (slowly)... I've posted a full description in my blog: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-3408-can-you-tell-what-it-is-yet-progress-with-the-sentinel/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Portchullin Tatty Posted April 21, 2010 Share Posted April 21, 2010 Black window surrounds and the spoiler; now that is an XR3. They nearly all "aquired" go faster stripes me lad - got to get them on to be authentic! Mind you the bike is authentic, someone has nicked the saddle/seat post/tyres already and it is so clean it has got to be almost new. I like the concept of the diorama - I look forward to seeing it in September. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted April 22, 2010 Author Share Posted April 22, 2010 September could be a little optimistic! We'll see how I get on... Once the Sentinel is 'finished' I've a TTA tank to convert to P4 (and improve with a few etched details)... Then I need to start on the base-board, structures and the point. I tend to take things slowly - but we'll get there. I've currently got all the materials I need for the base-board construction and the structures (plus some detailing parts). I need to source transfers and wheels for the TTA, and transfers for the shunter. I also need to buy the point kit... but with mountain biking and a 106 Rallye on the go these will have to wait until later in the year until I can afford them! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpster Posted April 22, 2010 Share Posted April 22, 2010 If your modelling skills are anything like as good as your evocative sketches then you're onto a winner here. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress. Arp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted April 22, 2010 Author Share Posted April 22, 2010 Cheers I think I'm going to start tinkering with some of my detail kits too - the drill, lathe etc for the workshop! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahardy Posted April 24, 2010 Share Posted April 24, 2010 Looking nice. I really like the Sentinel. You may be interested in the MSC gala I a organising this year a Middleton. (see preservation section) Hopefully a large photo display, including loads of the Sentinels. Give me a PM if your interested. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted May 25, 2010 Author Share Posted May 25, 2010 Hi guys - for those that missed my blog entries recently the first locomotive for the project is nearing completion... and so far I'm really pleased with her! I'm hoping to be able to finish her off in the next fortnight or so and then order some more track materials to make a start on the layout proper! My next rolling stock project for this layout will be the conversion of a Bachmann TTA tank to include either the Bill Bedford sprung W-irons, or compensation... along with some brass detailing parts and a respray At least then the Sentinel will have something to pull and push about! The blog entry can be found here and some teaser snaps below: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-3682-is-that-some-made-up-diesel/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted June 21, 2010 Author Share Posted June 21, 2010 Well... progress abounds! First coat of primer on the Sentinel this evening in between decorating the hall, stairs and landing in my home Latest blog entry here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-3943-finishing-details-on-the-sentinel/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted July 2, 2010 Author Share Posted July 2, 2010 Painting has progressed and I couldn't help but 'finish' one side with stripes (hand masked and sprayed), cast plates, transfers and window frames I can't wait to finish off the painting and then add a little weathering. Full update on my blog: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-4024-yellow-black-and-blue-all-over/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Portchullin Tatty Posted July 3, 2010 Share Posted July 3, 2010 As mentioned on S4web, that is some very fine work coming on there. I look forward to its progression. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold griffgriff Posted July 3, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 3, 2010 Painting has progressed and I couldn't help but 'finish' one side with stripes (hand masked and sprayed), cast plates, transfers and window frames I can't wait to finish off the painting and then add a little weathering. Full update on my blog: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-4024-yellow-black-and-blue-all-over/ It looks very well James... well done Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mason Posted July 3, 2010 Share Posted July 3, 2010 great work james, look forward to seeing the weathering and details added, any movement on the layout yet??? neil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SouthernRegionSteam Posted July 3, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 3, 2010 What a great looking machine - you've certainly built something to be proud of! Can't wait to see it with weathering - think it will really finish it off nicely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Hilton Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 Thanks guys - and progress to report... (full details in my blog: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/482/entry-4452-tan-lines/) I've finished the masking and fitted a lot of the details - a few left to do before weathering Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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