Coach bogie Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 I have looked to pick up the old PC kits for some time. They are a great source of parts to complete etched sides. Here are a couple of mine that use the PC bogies, underframe, interior bits and roof. A F14 single ended slip using Hammond sides and ends and a D56 from Frogmore etches. The last couple of PC's I bought were for £5 each. The bogies alone were worth more than that Mike Wiltshire 16 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted December 24, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2019 "There was I, a-diggin' this 'ole, an 'ole in the ground, so big and sort o' round ….." Yes, after 4 years of waiting the Dapol bracket signals have arrived. John C. 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted December 24, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted December 24, 2019 (edited) For over 7 years the drivers of my small prairies have been guilty of SPADs on an almost daily basis, but no more. Here, for the first time ever, 4574 gets the signal to proceed along the branch towards Earlsbridge. (Apologies - I can now see that in installing the new bracket signal I've accidentally knocked the adjacent lamp standard out of vertical. Was tempted to take another shot but don't think I'll be allowed back up to the loft until after Christmas!) John C. Edited December 24, 2019 by checkrail Spelling mistake - hit f key twice. No excuse except beer. 21 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted December 24, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2019 Nice John but I'm wondering if you were tempted to fit these rather nice finials on them. https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product/2041/ 3 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KNP Posted December 24, 2019 Share Posted December 24, 2019 The Modelu finials are a great moulding. I have used them them on all my signals. Recommend 1 4 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted December 24, 2019 Share Posted December 24, 2019 2 hours ago, KNP said: The Modelu finials are a great moulding. Even nicer in 7mm ! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted December 24, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2019 2 minutes ago, bgman said: Even nicer in 7mm ! Now in 7mm I can see the point! Pun intended - in 4mm scale I don't reckon I could tell the difference at normal viewing range with my eyesight. And anyway, I'd have to retrospectively refit all my other Dapol signals. But what a nice product. Maybe one day? When I've built some coaches? When I'm stuck in the loft forever and can no longer walk the hill? When I've had a corneal transplant? Cheers, and season's greetings to all. John. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted December 24, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted December 24, 2019 After a 4 year wait for these bracket signals (I kept asking Dapol every year at Warley, always to be told, "This time next year") I was very pleased to see them. It seems the delay was in working up a design which would be an improvement on their much criticised single post signals, while not requiring too big an aperture in the baseboard. My own requirement was for platform mounted versions to replace the non-working Ratio items already present, so I knew a bit of adaptation would be needed. I'd need to severely reduce the signal's baseplate, almost to the level of the threaded tube, drill/carve a hole in the platform surface, mount the signal on the baseboard surface below, modify the ladder and paint scheme, and make good afterwards. I soon realised that, 7 years ago, not only had I placed the main/branch starter bracket signal directly above a baseboard cross-member, but I'd also placed it above a stripwood cross-member holding up the platform surface. Double whammy - grrrr! After loads of drilling, carving and fettling I got the result I had in mind. The Dapol signal is a bit chunkier than the Ratio item it's displaced (which looked a bit more refined, but was beyond my skills to make operable, given its platform mounted location). But aesthetically it's a big step forward from Dapol's earlier single post signals, which looked like nothing on earth and required major surgery to be acceptable. The servo operating mechanism is a big step forward too, and unlike the earlier ones (which go "woo - woo - woo" when operated) moves silently. BUT - just a warning. As with all electrical items I decided to test it before installation, by plugging the signal into the servo base unit and lashing up temporary power. Bad idea. All worked perfectly, but when I came to pull the signal back out of the base unit it wouldn't budge. When I eventually pulled it out it came with a broken plastic cam and bent spring. Sixty quid down the drain. Dapol told me to send it back to Hattons for a refund: Hattons (understandably) said that as they'd sent it me in one piece it was my responsibility. So I bit the bullet, wiped my mouth, and ordered another. At least I ended up with extra wire to extend the (rather short) switch leads supplied! So don't think these are ideal for portable layouts, to be merrily plugged/unplugged for transport. Dapol told me you could perhaps uncouple signal from base unit a few times, but that was all. I couldn't even do it once. Anyway, here's the replacement signal, modified and partially repainted, being offered up to my platform excavations, and in final position. Just a bit of touching up and making good to do now, then back to coaches before the single doll bracket signal appears. John C. 18 3 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted December 24, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2019 (edited) Meanwhile progress continues slowly on a C31 toplight third. It was only after I'd given it the Halford's primer treatment that I realised that the etch didn't include the ventilation louvres (or whatever they are) over the doors. These were then fabricated from microstrip, scored and rounded at the corners with a sanding stick. I hope they are (roughly) of even length and (roughly) straight. John C. Edited December 24, 2019 by checkrail 11 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted December 24, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2019 I like the idea of reusing the core of the PC models kits with etched sides, I had always rejected them because of the printed sides but think I will now be keeping an eye out... Sorry to hear about the issues with the signal, but they do look like a good compromise between ease of use and looks. Given how long it would take to get all the signals made by hand for Brent (yet alone making them work) I am going to go down this route (like you having to modify one to platform mount). What are you doing with the broken one? You have me wondering if it’s possible to repair it. If it’s going to be useless I wouldn’t mind a crack at it :p, if nothing else it would look at the end of Brent’s platform. Feel free to drop me a PM Happy Christmas, and look forward to the developments on the layout for 2020 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted December 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 27, 2019 On 17/10/2019 at 17:40, checkrail said: First up is a pic I posted over on ANTB very recently as part of a discussion about the deployment of N30 loco coal wagons. John C. A revisit to this photo John Re- the N30 loco coal wagon. Are the V hangers double thickness as there is no mention in the Cambrian instructions on removing the inner pair of them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWsTrains Posted December 28, 2019 Share Posted December 28, 2019 On 25/12/2019 at 07:38, checkrail said: After a 4 year wait for these bracket signals (I kept asking Dapol every year at Warley, always to be told, "This time next year") I was very pleased to see them. It seems the delay was in working up a design which would be an improvement on their much criticised single post signals, while not requiring too big an aperture in the baseboard. ...... BUT - just a warning. As with all electrical items I decided to test it before installation, by plugging the signal into the servo base unit and lashing up temporary power. Bad idea. All worked perfectly, but when I came to pull the signal back out of the base unit it wouldn't budge. When I eventually pulled it out it came with a broken plastic cam and bent spring. Sixty quid down the drain..... John C. That's terrible and it seems most unreasonable for an item to be supplied with no warning when so much is at risk if an "undo" is attempted. Dapol might well have VG reasons it's made that way but if so, need to advise users of the non-reversibility issue. You could try going back claiming that a "warning" of such damage IS a highly reasonable expectation for a customer to have in these circumstances. Sixty quid is a lot to blow due to this simple oversight on their part. I'm always inclined to push hard, Dapol do have a reputation to maintain and some goodwill will repay if they see you right and fix the issue. Colin 1 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted December 31, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 31, 2019 On 28/12/2019 at 05:37, BWsTrains said: it seems most unreasonable for an item to be supplied with no warning when so much is at risk if an "undo" is attempted. Dapol might well have VG reasons it's made that way but if so, need to advise users of the non-reversibility issue. Couldn't agree more. Rest assured I'll be writing to Dapol. 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted December 31, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted December 31, 2019 On 27/12/2019 at 15:18, gwrrob said: A revisit to this photo John Re- the N30 loco coal wagon. Are the V hangers double thickness as there is no mention in the Cambrian instructions on removing the inner pair of them. I assumed that the double V hanger was intended. As you say Robin, there's nothing in the instructions to suggest otherwise. As for the prototype I haven't a clue! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallpaul69 Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 38 minutes ago, checkrail said: Couldn't agree more. Rest assured I'll be writing to Dapol. Thanks for the warning! I had been designing in these signals for my layout. However being able to remove and reinstall them is essential as the layout will run in two eras, one 1960s, one 1990s, so I need to be able to swap from semaphores to colour lights and back again! I had already recognized that the two types of signals would have to be in slightly different locations but that seemed no problem. The layout will not leave home so I don't have to worry about de installing for moving! Happy New Year Cheers Paul 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallpaul69 Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 On 31/12/2019 at 11:56, Tallpaul69 said: Thanks for the warning! I had been designing in these signals for my layout. However being able to remove and reinstall them is essential as the layout will run in two eras, one 1960s, one 1990s, so I need to be able to swap from semaphores to colour lights and back again! I had already recognized that the two types of signals would have to be in slightly different locations but that seemed no problem. The layout will not leave home so I don't have to worry about de installing for moving! Happy New Year Cheers Paul Hi John C, Just a warning that you might get PMs or Posts from unexpected quarters re the problem with these signals:- That is because I posed a question about alternative products or folk who could maybe fettle me something for the job in the Signaling thread, only to get a request for chapter and verse on the problem so that writer could offer a solution. So I ended up copying and pasting your warning (from the BUT onwards!) into a further post on that thread and suggesting anyone who wanted more detail contact you direct (Sorry!!) Best regards Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold checkrail Posted January 2, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted January 2, 2020 2 hours ago, Tallpaul69 said: Just a warning that you might get PMs or Posts from unexpected quarters re the problem with these signals:- No probs Paul. Thanks for letting me know. Regards, John. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted January 2, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted January 2, 2020 A few shots from on high, as a hot air balloon floated over Stoke Courtenay. Since my last post the new, adapted, Dapol bracket signal has been bedded in properly, its post now disappearing into a 22mm square blanking plate. A planked surface was applied with microstrip to suggest access to the sub-platform mechanical gubbins. The bits of branch platform furniture that were knocked about during installation have been restored to vertical. Here's 4574 arriving with the branch train as 5975 rolls in with a Plymouth-bound stopper. 2819 on coal empties heads east as 6801 on parcels duty approaches. 6801 passes 2819. The non-working single arm bracket signal on the branch platform will be replaced as soon as the Dapol version becomes available. I'll be very careful this time! Happy new modelling year to all, John C. 26 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglian Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 Great images – all look perfectly exposed/captured. I particularly like the last image. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted January 2, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 2, 2020 Looking forward to more inspiring photos and reports from the layout in 2020 - keep 'em coming! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted January 3, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted January 3, 2020 Here's Henry V storming through Stoke Courtenay as 4574 takes on water. And here he is again, a few seconds later. How the heck has that prairie managed to run round its train in that time? Sack the continuity technician! John C. 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Limpley Stoker Posted January 3, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 3, 2020 I think the Prairie driver has become over excited by the new signals! 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted January 3, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted January 3, 2020 It's not just the prairie driver who's excited by the new signals - I can't stop switching them on and off just to prove that I got there in the end! So here's another couple of 4574 departing for Earlsbridge SPAD free, as 8750 class 3603 approaches from the west with a freight. John C. 28 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post checkrail Posted January 4, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted January 4, 2020 This one of 3603 and train came out ok in b & w too. Looking forward to running a train like this with a Dapol mogul at its head. With a bit of luck we won't have to wait for it quite as long as we did for the bracket signals. John C. 25 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 88C Posted January 4, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 4, 2020 How can you not like a pannier? 2 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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