Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted November 22, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 22, 2020 Not much modelling this week for a change. What I did do is adding detail to the Huddersfield double tracks on the upper level. However I did run Heljans new 56 for a full 8 hours last week on an Eastbound MGR train - I’d been wanting to do this for a while. Totting it up I’m pretty sure it covered around 7 miles (which is, ironically about 5 times the length of the real Heaton Lodge Junction) by the time it was shut down at 6pm. The trusty old kit built Romanian 56009 is also seen here heading west a minute or two later. The sound file on this is so much better, hopefully it’ll soon appear on the Heljan 56 56064 is booked in for an oil and wheel clean tomorrow 26 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandhole Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 17 hours ago, HeatonLodge40 said: Not much modelling this week for a change. What I did do is adding detail to the Huddersfield double tracks on the upper level. However I did run Heljans new 56 for a full 8 hours last week on an Eastbound MGR train - I’d been wanting to do this for a while. Totting it up I’m pretty sure it covered around 7 miles (which is, ironically about 5 times the length of the real Heaton Lodge Junction) by the time it was shut down at 6pm. The trusty old kit built Romanian 56009 is also seen here heading west a minute or two later. The sound file on this is so much better, hopefully it’ll soon appear on the Heljan 56 56064 is booked in for an oil and wheel clean tomorrow Totally agree with you about the sound on the kit built 'Commie.' Watching that clip took me back to watching these trains on that line. Incidently, I 'copped' both of these locos. The 'Commie' at Didcot I seem to remember. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Crepello Posted November 23, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 23, 2020 18 hours ago, HeatonLodge40 said: Not much modelling this week for a change. What I did do is adding detail to the Huddersfield double tracks on the upper level. However I did run Heljans new 56 for a full 8 hours last week on an Eastbound MGR train - I’d been wanting to do this for a while. Totting it up I’m pretty sure it covered around 7 miles (which is, ironically about 5 times the length of the real Heaton Lodge Junction) by the time it was shut down at 6pm. The trusty old kit built Romanian 56009 is also seen here heading west a minute or two later. The sound file on this is so much better, hopefully it’ll soon appear on the Heljan 56 56064 is booked in for an oil and wheel clean tomorrow Hi Simon, Great stuff as usual. I'd be interested to know how you clean the track on HLJ and do you have to clean the scenery regularly? 18 hours ago, HeatonLodge40 said: Not much modelling this week for a change. What I did do is adding detail to the Huddersfield double tracks on the upper level. However I did run Heljans new 56 for a full 8 hours last week on an Eastbound MGR train - I’d been wanting to do this for a while. Totting it up I’m pretty sure it covered around 7 miles (which is, ironically about 5 times the length of the real Heaton Lodge Junction) by the time it was shut down at 6pm. The trusty old kit built Romanian 56009 is also seen here heading west a minute or two later. The sound file on this is so much better, hopefully it’ll soon appear on the Heljan 56 56064 is booked in for an oil and wheel clean tomorrow Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 3 hours ago, Crepello said: Hi Simon, Great stuff as usual. I'd be interested to know how you clean the track on HLJ and do you have to clean the scenery regularly? Ah now there’s a question. Cleaning the track is an utter nightmare. Because I’m still working on it, I’m not running trains regularly on all 4 main lines & the 28 fiddle yard roads. Therefore tarnish appears after a few days and won’t come off with anything other than a track rubber. Ive tried every track rubber on sale and the best one by far is the Peco one. It leaves a little bit of residue but nothing like others I could mention. To clean all the lines inc the fiddle yard takes 18 Peco track rubbers and 4 hrs. If anyone knows of a way to get tarnish off the rails without a track rubber I’d love to know! I realise once trains are running regularly I’ll just use a track cleaning wagon. Cleaning scenery - I vac all the tracks regularly but simply spray matt varnish over all the scenery (10 cans). It immediately brings colour back and the dust just adds more texture 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 1 minute ago, HeatonLodge40 said: Ah now there’s a question. Cleaning the track is an utter nightmare. Because I’m still working on it, I’m not running trains regularly on all 4 main lines & the 28 fiddle yard roads. Therefore tarnish appears after a few days and won’t come off with anything other than a track rubber. Ive tried every track rubber on sale and the best one by far is the Peco one. It leaves a little bit of residue but nothing like others I could mention. To clean all the lines inc the fiddle yard takes 18 Peco track rubbers and 4 hrs. If anyone knows of a way to get tarnish off the rails without a track rubber I’d love to know! I realise once trains are running regularly I’ll just use a track cleaning wagon. Cleaning scenery - I vac all the tracks regularly but simply spray matt varnish over all the scenery (10 cans). It immediately brings colour back and the dust just adds more texture You're in O gauge with a monster trainset - I think you might need to consider something radical. Have you considered changing your locos to battery driven remote control - your track will then never need cleaning beyond a vacuum every once in a while for dust. True cab control then as well. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ian Posted November 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 23, 2020 20 minutes ago, HeatonLodge40 said: To clean all the lines inc the fiddle yard takes 18 Peco track rubbers and 4 hrs. Respect. That one sentence tells you all you need to know about the scale of this project. 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 1 minute ago, ian said: Respect. That one sentence tells you all you need to know about the scale of this project. I’d make a great burglar cos my fingerprints have long disappeared 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Roger Sunderland Posted November 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 24, 2020 Hi Simon i ditched Peco track rubbers some time ago, couldn’t put up with the degree of “clag” they produce, however I do model in 00. Have you tried the DCC Concepts track rubber- best I’ve ever come across. Leaves practically no residue, it’s made from aluminium oxide. Best way is simply to polish with it not put a lot of pressure on. No link to them just a very happy customer . 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 What about a CMX track cleaning truck, I have the 00 gauge one and it works well. I have seen in a couple of places that use of a track rubber can damage the rail head which allow dirt to collect even more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Roger Sunderland Posted November 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 24, 2020 Yes the Peco one does that as it’s very abrasive. However the DCC Concepts one doesn’t at all. Simply polishes the rail head. Oh and when it gets dirty it can be washed and it’s as good as new. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium JSModels Posted November 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 24, 2020 Simon, Have you tried graphite on the rails (once they're clean, obviously)? I was skeptical about it, but used it on my shunting plank (different scale to your layout, in many ways!) but was surprised how well it protects the rails & stops tarnishing. Jonathan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 6 hours ago, LongRail said: What about a CMX track cleaning truck, I have the 00 gauge one and it works well. I have seen in a couple of places that use of a track rubber can damage the rail head which allow dirt to collect even more. Yes I’ve got a CMX track cleaning truck but it won’t remove tarnish. Great for track that’s dirty but not tarnished tho Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 4 hours ago, Roger Sunderland said: Yes the Peco one does that as it’s very abrasive. However the DCC Concepts one doesn’t at all. Simply polishes the rail head. Oh and when it gets dirty it can be washed and it’s as good as new. I tried it Roger maybe I was scrubbing it too hard, I’ll retry it but be a bit gentler Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 2 hours ago, jrb said: Simon, Have you tried graphite on the rails (once they're clean, obviously)? I was skeptical about it, but used it on my shunting plank (different scale to your layout, in many ways!) but was surprised how well it protects the rails & stops tarnishing. Jonathan Hi Jonathan I’ve got some graphite pencils for this reason I’ll actually try these now you’ve mentioned it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted November 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2020 Still working on the 30ft final section of double track- yep the Huddersfield upper level lines. Three layers of static grass later, plus lots of dolls hair to create undergrowth/weeds & the small embankment is coming together. Pics show the bare dolls hair (often sold as canopy or postiche) being covered with spray matt varnish. After the dolls hair is soaked I sprinkle woodland scenics Earth blend through a sieve. Just ‘lifts’ the scenery off the floor if you know what I mean. Two lines on the left are the (usually covered) dive under lines 32 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted November 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2020 Dolls hair before and after.. need to clean the excess flock off the concrete trunking yet 37 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted November 25, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 25, 2020 Starting next week I’ll be uploading the first in a series of YouTube videos (with the link on here) on creating particular types of scenery found on Heaton Lodge Junction. Without wishing to come across pompous, these videos will be the first in a series of ‘Modelling Masterclasses’ with the emphasis on redefining realism. I suppose, given this projects timescale I’ve picked up and learnt a lot of what to do, and what not to do’s.! Moreover the great Mr Downes taught me how to work fast without compromising on detail. So next week will see the first video on creating the ultimate in static grass. It’s quick, it’s fast but gets great results. I’m planning future videos on : : modelling water features : modelling undergrowth : modelling lineside features such as concrete trunking : civil engineering eg retaining walls : stone walls & fencing : roads & tracks : paths and walkways Anything else of interest you’d like to see covered let me know. Simon oh and it’ll all be in the book too 23 1 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold jcarta Posted November 25, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 25, 2020 Thanks Simon It will give some of us an insight on how you achieved this & that. Looking forward to seeing the videos 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mick Bonwick Posted November 25, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 25, 2020 Roll on next week! It will be good to see some tutorial videos from which the results are readily visible. I might have to set aside some time to sit in front of the computer. Splendid idea, Simon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SP Steve Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 On 23/11/2020 at 17:47, HeatonLodge40 said: Ah now there’s a question. Cleaning the track is an utter nightmare. Because I’m still working on it, I’m not running trains regularly on all 4 main lines & the 28 fiddle yard roads. Therefore tarnish appears after a few days and won’t come off with anything other than a track rubber. Ive tried every track rubber on sale and the best one by far is the Peco one. It leaves a little bit of residue but nothing like others I could mention. To clean all the lines inc the fiddle yard takes 18 Peco track rubbers and 4 hrs. If anyone knows of a way to get tarnish off the rails without a track rubber I’d love to know! I Hi Simon, I can recommend the following for ease of removing tarnish from track work: https://www.buckandhickman.com/en/shop/products/details/3945469/ROEBUCK-FLEXIBLE-MULTI-PURPOSE-POLISHER-FINE I first made acquaintance with them whilst observing fitters using them to provide a blemish free finish on stainless steel panels which were then installed in a clean room environment. Being large they do both rails at once and don't crumble. 1 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class27 Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Something decent to watch, that's a novelty, looking forward to them already Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post blueeighties Posted December 4, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted December 4, 2020 Happy to show the latest Heljan 0 gauge pre production refurbished class 31 model that I have been painting. When finished this will be put through it's paces on Heaton Lodge Junction. Please note this has just been painted, a few tweaks, varnishing, weathering and glazing are still needed to complete. 21 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted December 5, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2020 Been rather a stressful week I don’t mind admitting. It’s been at the back of my mind for some time - given the sheer size of HLJ, and the constant testing work the locos are undergoing, I needed to get a proper maintenance schedule sorted out. This all came to a head on Wednesday when a (prearranged) film crew arrived to capture footage of HLJ. As well as putting up with multiple locos stuttering (despite the track being clean) they just missed kit built 56009 lose all its wheels from the front bogie before collapsing on its side like a dead pig. So I've now stopped modelling temporarily so all locomotives can go through an 'A’ exam which by my definition is wheel clean, pickup clean & oiling gearbox & axles. Have to say I put a 46 (and my pet Colas 60) through it today and both now run perfectly. With a couple dozen Heljan locos due to land next year I’m going to have to be much more disciplined with maintenance from now on. Added to which I’m going to offload much of the kit built traction cos they seem to have between them a similar traffic availability of a real Clayton Class 17. Incidentally the camera crew were filming for another series next year celebrating Hornby’s centennial. Whilst HLJ has little to do with that subject they are devoting a whole episode to HLJ which is very flattering. They are due back after Christmas to film at the real location. Should be aired in March next year I believe. There’s even 5 minutes on static grass! 14 1 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted December 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 5, 2020 The sooner Healey Mills get built the better! Mike. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
47606odin Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 I had that Proces rolling road, it turned my crompton wheels into shiny brass swarf and went back 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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