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Churminster & Stowe Magna, Southern Railway


Tony Teague
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This layout, and thus the thread is actually Incredible. One day I hope to have something of both this size and quality! Any chance you can snap a few pictures of the K class that you have, and its origins please?

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Many thanks Jack P.

 

I have one pic to hand of a Billinton K, sitting on the (unweathered & untreated) turntable at Stowe Magna.

 

This one is from an Ace Products kit and as with many of my kit-built locos, it was built for me by Chris Phillips:

 

1397384088_SJP2346_2BillintonLBSCRK02081228.jpg.f348698ed1a0dded2b8a5555535d4473.jpg

 

I have two others in black livery and will take some pictures and post them very soon.

 

Tony

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Excellent looking models! Is the ACE kit a brass kit or a whitemetal kit? It certainly is a very attractive mogul, thanks for posting the pictures up for me, If you have any pictures to hand of your N15X I would love to see.

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All 3 K's are white metal; I understand from Chris Phillips who built No.2346 that the only issues arise from the fact that the Ace Products kit is probably a reduction to 4mm from their 7mm model and this then causes some compromises when it comes to fitting the body onto what is a narrower gauge wheelset for OO.

I will fish out and photograph an N15X - bear with me!

 

Tony

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Following on from Jack P's query, I have just one SR N15X, which is No.2332 'Stroudley'.

 

This one is from a Nu-Cast kit and was built like many of my other locos, by Chris Phillips:

 

SJPAB9A538502170307.jpg.8761beafb36b71ca9dbd720e1e6ebcf3.jpg

 

SJPAB9A538902170307.jpg.999951a67af3a154ea39ff9da2b499d1.jpg

 

SJPAB9A539002170307.jpg.52ab688710a7f12d9b655f8c7d7a1162.jpg

 

An update on the layout will follow

 

Tony

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It is sometime since I provided an update on the layout's scenery & buildings, as opposed to rolling stock & locos.

 

I had been focussing on getting the area around Churminster station finished, and the locoshed in particular, but I somehow got a bit distracted...

 

For reasons that will eventually become clear I needed a range of barns or farm buildings to go at the end of town in a so far undeveloped area, and as I have been keen to develop my scratch-building skills, I felt that this was a good place to start.

 

Like most things to do with the layout, this took rather longer than anticipated, but the range of barns is extensive, so here are some images of the stages in construction:

 

SJPP130000602170130.jpg.0134a624a95af8be2405111f297f561f.jpg

 

(cyclist shown for scale)

 

SJPP206006902170206.jpg.ee3370770a2e29797f3d435225555bde.jpg

 

The more or less finished article:

 

SJPAB9A540102170307.jpg.82a39f1970416749ceb19c887d044b48.jpg

 

SJPAB9A539602170307.jpg.eb43d26e28fc58ee447adf59ced90131.jpg

 

The building is not yet in its final location and I will add some further images once it is, but here are a couple of closer shots:

 

SJPAB9A539102170307.jpg.2a6ca2a152225c788e1f9431c62964ff.jpg

 

SJPAB9A539402170307.jpg.7525dee0722078026305a7c1605d34bf.jpg

 

Once this is bedded in I really must get back to the loco yard and shed!

 

Tony

 

 

Edited by Tony Teague
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Hi Tony, I have just put my wellies on and had a look round the barns, what a great set of buildings and they all fit together well, and look just right. Must go and clean my boots, I have just stood in something soft and smelly. All the best Old Macdonald.

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At the start of this thread I explained that I had chosen the period 1938 - 1948 to model since that gave me licence to run locos and trains in several liveries, including Maunsell olive & goods black, wartime black and Bulleid malachite.

 

I have had a request to show some malachite liveried locos, so here goes - some of these were taken a little while ago and so the railway behind the locos is in varying states of immaturity.

 

First the down Night Ferry, headed by a Hornby WC / BB and piloted by L1 No.1786; the latter is from a PDK kit built for me by Chris Phillips. Most of the stock for this train is by Marc Models:

 

SJP2O4B647102151228-2.jpg.2197054b0cef7e66f60434b9c238dd25.jpg

 

I have not previously shown pictures of any RTR locos, although I have a good number, but every one of these has had real coal added, plus a crew, whilst some have tools, or have been re-named & re-numbered. This is the Golden Arrow, headed by another Hornby BB loco, No.21C150 'Royal Observer Corps':

 

SJP2O4B647502151228.jpg.333e28b89a4b33ee786f08c56260c40d.jpg

 

Almost none of my locos and very little rolling stock has been weathered, however, this is very definately a major job for the future.

 

Next up is Merchant Navy No.21C8 Orient Line on a Pullman boat train, another PDK kit built by Chris Phillips:

 

736718260_SJP21C8_3OrientLineBulleidSR02070223.jpg.e62dfe0b9811da5dfdc22d89be074a53.jpg

 

Finally for this post, there is SR Bulleid electric loco No.CC1 from a Genesis kit and bought on E-Bay; it is hauling the unique Bulleid Cinema Coach No.1308S, together with its generator van No.1309S (which is hidden in the tunnel!), these by Marc Models.

 

SJP2O4B937802160826.jpg.f8db1d830b34c24ca5f7d23cf9576f63.jpg

 

More to follow!

 

Tony

 

(Edited to remove duplicate picture post)

Edited by Tony Teague
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I realised, following my last post, that most of the remaining locos that I have in malachite are RTR - spam cans, schools, M7's, N's, Arthurs & Nelsons - and so although there are quite a few in number (BB/WC, Arthurs & Schools are the best represented classes that I have); they are perhaps of less interest than the kit-built examples.

Nevertheless, here is a kit-built Arthur, No.863 'Lord Rodney' in one of those experimental malachite liveries that were tried before things settled down:

 

SJPAB9A178702161018.jpg.799b882f471a922c743d1a0391ccf70f.jpg

 

Tony

Edited by Tony Teague
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On 13/03/2017 at 20:06, Jack P said:

Wartime malachite due to black cab front? The lettering looks pre-war though?

Hi Jack

 

I think the livery is about right for June 1939 to October 1942, when according to "The Book of the Lord Nelsons 4-6-0's" No.863 went into Wartime Black, however, the detail of which bits should be green and which black are slightly open to conjecture - for example the same book suggests that the smoke deflectors should perhaps be black, nevertheless I think the lettering is right - but this area is a minefield and I stand to be corrected.

 

Here is a view from the other end which shows the lettering more clearly:

 

SJPSJPAB9A17880216101802161018.jpg.9d035a8362f7a6c245fc313f7601b385.jpg

 

This model is from a Craftsman kit and was bought on E-Bay so I do not know the builder - but it runs well!

 

Tony

Edited by Tony Teague
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Don't take it as criticism, definitely not suggesting i'm a pro when it comes to the complex southern liveries!

 

I was under the impression that pre-war/during the war smoke deflectors were black, but the steps were lined. Then post war the steps were black and deflectors were lined. To be completely honest there are photos of some odd combinations both before, during and after the war so it doesn't really matter much, because the model is stunning regardless!

 

 

:senile:

Edited by Jack P
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Jack P yes, I take the view that some pragmatism is needed because at that time the SR was clearly not as strict with liveries - especially on these locos - as were others.

I have since looked at Bradley's "Locomotives of the Southern Railway" and he says for no.863 from June 1939, "light green, green & yellow lining, black cylinders & lined smoke deflectors" - which actually would make this about right - but as for the cab front and other details - who knows?

 

Tony

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An update on progress is considerably overdue!

 

The main focus at present has been upon Churminster locoshed, which I had constructed perhaps 10 years ago from 4 Metcalfe kits; it is a four road shed accommodating about 12 locos:

 

SJP2O4B880002160725.jpg.4854a4f2300d6c19066fbe8caf4016b1.jpg

 

SJP2O4B626702160425.jpg.de517174563cbc227503d470edab281b.jpg

 

It now sits across the shed yard from Geoff Taylor's magnificent Churminster station, and whilst I believe that I had built the kits as well as they could be made, the shed is now looking very much the poor relation! Something needed to be done...

 

At the same time, the locoshed as built exactly fits the site available, the track plan has been built to match it, and although I had never got around to fitting the roof, I had spent some time fitting hanging LED lamps inside it - so I was reluctant to throw it away and start again.

 

After much thought I decided, wrongly or rightly that I would go for a refurbishment of the existing model rather than building a new one - this would be helped  considerably by the fact that only the front and one side of the shed is visible - so the back and opposite side would not need attention.

 

I started by getting some laser cut window frames made up to exactly match the originals which were directly printed onto clear plastic:

 

SJPIMG_130202170415.jpg.ae93e83c91a54a13b7f2621c4df6f11b.jpg

 

Whilst I waited for these to arrive, I started to build a proper floor for the shed, which had not previously had one; I got this badly wrong by using plastic sheet that was too thick - it interfered with loco wheels - and so after several attempts at rectification I ripped it out and started again!

 

In the process I also installed 12 x IRDOT detectors so that I will be able to see on the Control Panel which roads in the shed are occupied, and which not, once the roof is in place.

 

Once the new window frames arrived I then removed the existing windows from the side in question, along with the outer layer of card-printed brickwork that represented contoured columns etc:

 

SJPIMG_130502170415.jpg.82ccf6b9883951cc59055b224606ffcd.jpg

 

Once this was done, I used a spare side that I had not used when building the original Metcalfe kit as a template to cut new side overlays from Slaters plasticard:

 

SJPIMG_130402170415.jpg.d0fdd67912852a0ba5eff6b81e6a55dd.jpg

 

I then used the new plastic overlays to start building up a complete overlay for the exposed side of the building:

 

SJPIMG_130902170415.jpg.2ee9a5a6b195e3c571d7602ba2dc7102.jpg

 

Meanwhile I started to treat the front end of the shed in a similar way:

 

SJPIMG_130702170415.jpg.5b2d82843c70aecb3745aeadcef5227a.jpg

 

This is where I had got to as of yesterday; it is hard to see at this stage whether my approach will pay off, but I feel that with some careful painting the addition of a textured surface will look better and go some way to standing up to the quality of the station building.

 

I will post some further pictures once further progress is made.

 

Tony

 

 

Edited by Tony Teague
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Making progress on the shed, but while the paint dries (in multiple layers!), I thought it was about time to show a couple more trains in action on the layout.

 

First up is an up pull-push service leaving one of the bay platforms at Stowe Magna, made up of ex-SECR Set 660 and headed by a Hornby M7; the coaches were made for me from Roxey Mouldings kits - and no, the loco does not have a human arm protruding from its dome, it is the arm of a signalman standing on the balcony of the signal box, who just happened to raise his arm as I took the picture!:

 

SJPLJP2O4B64840215122802151228.jpg.a1861cf9bda0d9c167e61bf7e1800761.jpg

 

Next is a down Victoria - Worthing service approaching Stowe Magna and headed by a re-numbered and re-named Hornby King Arthur, No.740 Merlin; the coaches making up Set No.469 are Maunsells, plus Pullman Car Medusa, all by Hornby, and led by ex-LSWR passenger brake No.328 which is a Northstar product by Adrian Rowlands.

 

LJP2O4B646802151228s.jpg.b3166789a77111431bea659c45335d28.jpg

 

Finally, an up coal empties comprising various RTR coal wagons is headed past the Stowe Magna gas works by another Hornby King Arthur, No. 797 Sir Blamor de Ganis with 6-wheel tender; I have added a background sky to this shot, which may or may not appeal to you!

 

LJP2O4B645102151226_1s.jpg.2822513dc09819274d30ed52aa8568d8.jpg

 

Taking pictures of one's layout always shows up the imperfections and just how much remains to be done; a particular issue that I am acutely aware of is the lack of weathering to the majority of my locos and stock - I guess that one day I'll get around to this, but there will be a lot to do!

 

Next, I hope to be able to show the completed Churminster locoshed.

 

Tony

 

Edited by Tony Teague
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On 17/04/2017 at 22:27, Jack P said:

The push-pull set looks excellent!

 

Thanks Jack

 

Here are some closer shots of the coaches from Set 660 (apologies as they are not my best pictures!); the ex-Birdcage trailer No. 5473:

 

SJPIMG_131702170418.jpg.5694c6944afd23bca1d9341c679a9681.jpg

 

plus an old (pre-ballast!) shot of the driving trailer No. 3505:

 

SJP124_248402081123.jpg.dce56cfa65372d23109d3cb748737970.jpg

 

I have a couple of other P-P sets; here is the driving brake only from ex-LSWR Set No.36 with another Hornby M7 - not sure where the trailer composite was that day! This set is by Adrian Rowlands (Northstar - now sadly defunct):

 

SJPIMG_131802170418.jpg.bbdb1d8b296909085c8210c9863366cf.jpg

 

and lastly, driving brake 3rd No. 2643 of Ex-LSWR Set No.733, converted from former 'emigrant' stock - another superb Adrian Rowlands production:

 

SJP120_208502070427.jpg.e914458f28a7264a5f018dc3b6efcc60.jpg

 

And finally, moving away from P-P stock - ex-LB&SCR B4 No.2042, built from a London Road Models kit for me by Chris Phillips:

 

SJPIMG_131202170417.jpg.9fb37c8a63b629d7b7590a3d7f407f0a.jpg

 

Tony

Edited by Tony Teague
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An update on progress is considerably overdue!

 

The main focus at present has been upon Churminster locoshed, which I had constructed perhaps 10 years ago from 4 Metcalfe kits; it is a four road shed accommodating about 12 locos:

 

attachicon.gifSJP2O4B880002160725.jpg

 

It now sits across the shed yard from Geoff Taylor's magnificent Churminster station, and whilst I believe that I had built the kits as well as they could be made, the shed is now looking very much the poor relation! Something needed to be done...

 

attachicon.gifSJP2O4B626702160425.jpg

 

At the same time, the locoshed as built exactly fits the site available, the track plan has been built to match it, and although I had never got around to fitting the roof, I had spent some time fitting hanging LED lamps inside it - so I was reluctant to throw it away and start again.

 

After much thought I decided, wrongly or rightly that I would go for a refurbishment of the existing model rather than building a new one - this would be helped  considerably by the fact that only the front and one side of the shed is visible - so the back and opposite side would not need attention.

 

I started by getting some laser cut window frames made up to exactly match the originals which were directly printed onto clear plastic:

 

attachicon.gifSJPIMG_130202170415.jpg

 

Whilst I waited for these to arrive, I started to build a proper floor for the shed, which had not previously had one; I got this badly wrong by using plastic sheet that was too thick - it interfered with loco wheels - and so after several attempts at rectification I ripped it out and started again!

 

In the process I also installed 12 x IRDOT detectors so that I will be able to see on the Control Panel which roads in the shed are occupied, and which not, once the roof is in place.

 

Once the new window frames arrived I then removed the existing windows from the side in question, along with the outer layer of card-printed brickwork that represented contoured columns etc:

 

attachicon.gifSJPIMG_130502170415.jpg

 

Once this was done, I used a spare side that I had not used when building the original Metcalfe kit as a template to cut new side overlays from Slaters plasticard:

 

attachicon.gifSJPIMG_130402170415.jpg

 

I then used the new plastic overlays to start building up a complete overlay for the exposed side of the building:

 

attachicon.gifSJPIMG_130902170415.jpg

 

Meanwhile I started to treat the front end of the shed in a similar way:

 

attachicon.gifSJPIMG_130702170415.jpg

 

This is where I had got to as of yesterday; it is hard to see at this stage whether my approach will pay off, but I feel that with some careful painting the addition of a textured surface will look better and go some way to standing up to the quality of the station building.

 

I will post some further pictures once further progress is made.

 

Tony

 

I think that's a great approach.

 

And I very much enjoyed the shots of your various trains, some superb stuff.

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It is sometime since I provided an update on the layout's scenery & buildings, as opposed to rolling stock & locos.

 

I had been focussing on getting the area around Churminster station finished, and the locoshed in particular, but I somehow got a bit distracted...

 

For reasons that will eventually become clear I needed a range of barns or farm buildings to go at the end of town in a so far undeveloped area, and as I have been keen to develop my scratch-building skills, I felt that this was a good place to start.

 

Like most things to do with the layout, this took rather longer than anticipated, but the range of barns is extensive, so here are some images of the stages in construction:

 

attachicon.gifSJPP130000602170130.jpg

 

(cyclist shown for scale)

 

attachicon.gifSJPP206006902170206.jpg

 

The more or less finished article:

 

attachicon.gifSJPAB9A540102170307.jpg

 

attachicon.gifSJPAB9A539602170307.jpg

 

The building is not yet in its final location and I will add some further images once it is, but here are a couple of closer shots:

 

attachicon.gifSJPAB9A539102170307.jpg

 

attachicon.gifSJPAB9A539402170307.jpg

 

Once this is bedded in I really must get back to the loco yard and shed!

 

Tony

 

I neglected to mention that I think this range of building is superb.

 

It is a very realistic looking assemblage, so goo prototype observation for a start, and it is beautifully built and the colouring/weathering is beautiful, very subtle and naturalistic.  A really enjoyable piece and I look forward to seeing it 'embedded'.

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At last an update on the range of barns that I was building back in post #57.

 

They are now in their final location right on the edge of the town of Churminster, just beyond the Parish Church, and some "bedding in" has been undertaken, although there is a bit more to do; additionally the site across the road remains undeveloped and will have to be tackled soon:

 

SJPIMG_132802170426.jpg.eef0c52137b5522af02b9bc6a571009d.jpg

 

Please excuse the picture quality - the backscene has been painted but was not in place when the picture was taken and the "sky" has a very woolly edge - I will post a better image once the backscene is back in position.

 

I mentioned when building the barns that they had an underlying purpose and this is revealed through the video:

 

 

I finally installed the Magnorail cyclist! Please forgive the few adjustments that remain to be done around the change in surfaces, but overall I think he is looking good (as yet he has no name).

 

Tony

Edited by Tony Teague
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