pwr Posted September 11, 2016 Author Share Posted September 11, 2016 Small update but in reality little actual modelling has taken place! Here are some of the B2 actually on the layout in full daylight The crew have arrived from Invertrain. All I have to do is stick them together in an appropriate pose and paint them. Way back I also said I would post some photos of the Heljan 40 against my other version which is a PWP kit that dates back to the 80's You can see that the PWP kit carries a number of inaccuracies. Its too narrow on the nose and the whole shape is not right. Its well built that said albeit over the years bits of the pipework have fallen off that need replacing. It also rides too high at one end and I need to file down the bogie bearer to correct. I have no intention of getting rid of it as it runs well enough I have still got my 2 yard running test track on the conservatory window. The wife happened to remark that if I built a bridge across the doorway I could extend it round the other half of the conservatory. I retorted that I would need more track for that to which came the reply well you can get some after pay day! So I will be able to run about 10 yards as a test track -not bad I must admit. I have been running some of these diesels up the 2 yards I have got and the flywheels certainly make the move once the power is off! So apart from the crew I am going to make a concerted effort now to finish the signal boxes before I start the next loco kit. Not sure whether to build the J68 or N7. I want a quickie so the J68 may win out here. All for now Paul R 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted September 25, 2016 Author Share Posted September 25, 2016 Hi All Time for a quick update Do you remember this from an earlier post Well as I have a sort of test track on the conservatory window ledge I thought I would give all the stock a run out. I had not run this one since delivery and I was expecting problems. Sure enough we have a case of a split final drive gear on one motor bogie and a very noisy fan motor which I have not come across on any other Heljan diesel. It may have been this that prompted the previous owner to sell it The final drive was relatively easy to sort out as I had taken the precaution of getting some spares in from Howes of Oxford. Took about 25 minutes all told. Then I had the body off to see if there was anything wrong with the fan motor - nothing obvious. However whilst i was about it I fitted some head code numbers and replaced some of the broken and missing pipes from the buffer beams from a spare Class 37 fret. I am still lacking a steam heat pipe though. The bad news is that in attempting to put it back together I have broken one of the tail lamp lenses. Trying to super glue it together. Readers will also remember me raising the issue about the missing coupling hooks. Seems a number of these were delivered like this since there is still a card in the box telling the purchaser that these are temporary and if the card is returned a spare set will be despatched. Its dated 2005 but I am going to send it in anyway as these are common components to all the diesels. I don't know what to do about the noisy fan so if anyone has any ideas let me know. In the meantime now that the B2 is all but finished I have started on my next kit This has been lying around in the workshop for some time so I am going to build it before starting the next loco. Progress so far is getting the sides on to the deck You can see the slot and tab construction. This is an old D and S kit for the GE machinery wagon and it will have a tractor fitted once I have finished it. In other news the transfers for the MK1 SK should arrive next week so I can get on with that too. And I must finish the signal boxes now I have some bits to make the gutters All for now Paul R 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted October 2, 2016 Author Share Posted October 2, 2016 Had a frustrating weekend in terms of progress. I was looking forward to an afternoon's soldering to get the wagon well on the way. However I thought is would finish the Hymek first and I am pleased to say that the repair to the tail lamp glass was fine. Anyhow I thought I would give the 47 and 37 a run up and down the short test track and I was annoyed because both were suffering from the split gear in the final drive. Neither has been used other than a couple of test runs up and down the layout so the gear issue is not related to the loco working. I was half expecting this in the Hymek given I got it second hand but not in loco's that have hardly moved. So after a couple of hours I had replaced the gears and all is well. Also replaced some broken pipework with spares I had in stock but still some bits not in the spare sprue so I will have to source some more. Its the VAC pipes that I need. I will also have to get some more gears from Howes of Oxford. I intend writing to Heljan also to see if they will provide replacements - they shouldn't split after almost no use. I wonder if the grease is reacting with the plastic - probably not because its only these types of drive that are affected. Also interesting to note it was the leading gear in both cases. I am pleased to say the 52, 55 and 31's are not affected. Neither was the 40. Falcon and the Warship have different drive arrangements. Looking forward to the forthcoming Dapol 08 - a birthday present from 4 years ago! Also on a positive note I now have the transfers for the Mark 1. I will be getting on with these soon although not in the next few days as I am in Manchester. All for now Paul R 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted November 9, 2016 Author Share Posted November 9, 2016 Apologies for the lack of posts recently but I have been away in Uganda again on charity work. Anyhow pleased to find when I got back that the arrival of the Dapol 08 was imminent. Well it turned up today and here are some pictures. As you can see the major problem is that lack of windscreen wipers and the cab roof should be blue. That aside this is a real bargain. It runs like a dream, is properly geared for a shunter and is very quiet. There is a working headlight on each end but the other lights can only seemingly be used on DCC so no tail lamp!. The story here is that this is a Colchester based loco out stationed to Braintree whence it travels down the line to do the Notley shunt. It has replaced an 04 which in turn has replaced a J68/J69. The theory is that I can operate the layout in three era's - that is the aim when it eventually goes out to shows. Steam - steam to diesel transition and then green to blue diesels. The 04 is already in service - that was the first O gauge loco I ever built and the j68 and j69 are in the to do pile of kits! With Christmas approaching I will be seeking permission to put the layout up more extensively to work on it. On the rolling stock front the I have discovered that the bearing holes on the low fit are too large and will have to be covered with a soldered piece of brass and re-drillled. One pair was designed to float but I am going to have it fixed - and make sure its level!!! Anyhow sorry about the quality of the pictures as I had to take them with flash. i hope to show more at the weekend and before then I should be posting another treat for blue diesel and hydraulic fans All the best Paul R 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daifly Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 and the cab roof should be blue. Are you sure? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted November 10, 2016 Author Share Posted November 10, 2016 Are you sure? Err no! Somebody else mentioned it on the Dapol thread! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted November 12, 2016 Author Share Posted November 12, 2016 I promised a treat for Hydraulic fans. I took these a while ago and have yet to upload. Warhip Zebra came across on the Avonmouth banana train and was purloined to work the notley milk. There are several Stratford and colchester drivers that sign hydraulics apparently Now looking for the first appearance of a class 15 on the line All for now Paul R 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 Quick update on the Lowfit. I have fitted a brass shim over each of the bearing holes and drilled out a smaller hole to fit the chosen bearings. This photo will serve to illustrate what I mean Then I have fitted the bearings The ability to spring one of the axles is removed. The wagon will be a simple fixed suspension. I have not fixed the bearings in place at this point - they are simply a push fit and they will probably stay that way until I glue the axle boxes over them. This wagon is going to be tricky to assemble as the wheels are not going to come out once the frames are soldered up and the wagon floor soldered on. Also I couldn't resist another shot of the Hymek as I had the camera out All for now Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted November 27, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 27, 2016 Hi Paul, How is work on your layout going? Black Notley was one of those that inspired me to really push on with a few things, but all seems quite on the western front so to speak at the moment! Hope all is well. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted November 27, 2016 Author Share Posted November 27, 2016 Hi Rich Sorry about that - progress still very slow. The plan is to try and put some boards together over the Christmas break and crack on with the so far untouched other end of the layout. In an earlier psy I referenced the possibility of another board at the crossing end to give a longer run in. Also thinking of adding two more boards at the other end but this will be some time off. Watch ths space! Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted November 27, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 27, 2016 Hi Paul, Well despite limited progress, your obviously moving things forward at a great pace in your mind! Hope you've the space to accommodate the full layout up with all the extra boards. Looking forward to following along with the progress. Rich 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 27, 2017 Author Share Posted January 27, 2017 Well sorry about the lack of updates lately. The expected free time over Christmas did not materialise although I have been able to spend more time on the Machinery wagon. Just noticed some parts missing which may mean having to get replacement axle box/spring castings. Those in the kit are made from 3 components and two of the spring fixings are missing. There is also an etch missing but I can easily fabricate that. I can't go back to the manufacturer as I have had get kit for years and he no longer trades as far as I know. Anyhow some new arrivals representing the new order for freight trains on here Braintree branch. I am really pleased with these but the transfers will have to be fitted to number them and they are crying out for weathering!. When I say new order I will have to go back and create the old order first. Need to build my J-15, J- 68, E4 and N7! Once the machinery wagon is done I am going to make a concerted effort to finish the signal boxes and start work on creating scenery at the other end of the layout All for now Paul R 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted January 27, 2017 Share Posted January 27, 2017 Paul, which E4 kit do you have? I've been looking for one for a while and hoped AGW would have issued theirs by now. Haven't looked for a while so maybe they have? Your C15 looks great! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 27, 2017 Author Share Posted January 27, 2017 Steve The kit is an old GE Models kit done for them by Acorn and I assumed long out of production. I don't have a camera in this iPad but I will photo the box for you tomorrow Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBountyHunter Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Excellent have loved following the progress on this layout, the Braintree branch has a special place in my heart, i live very close to the junction at Witham and often hear the flanges squeeling round that tight bend. as a boy i remember the fertilizer trains and the goods yard at Braintree with the sugar beet trains often pulled by a 37. your layout has captured this atmosphere so well, well done , i love the f5 so common on braintree and maldon branch, keep up the good work it doesnt matter how long its taking as its a work of art, all the best Glenn 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 28, 2017 Author Share Posted January 28, 2017 Paul, which E4 kit do you have? I've been looking for one for a while and hoped AGW would have issued theirs by now. Haven't looked for a while so maybe they have? Your C15 looks great! Steve I have now got the camera on the kit and the following show what you get. I bought the Slaters wheels and motor separately. I don't have a gear set in the box but I may have a spare in the bits drawer! Interestingly this etchings are marked Sheldrake Models which I think is the original source of the kit before Jim Harris got hold of it. I suspect it will take bit of work to make a good job of it and I will as always replace some of the castings - particularly the buffers which I prefer to have sprung. I will also need to get some plunger pick ups as I don't like wipers. I hope this helps Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Thanks Paul. I've heard the Alan Gibson kit is not too bad to build and is pretty accurate. I think the reissue due out shortly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scale7JB Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Have a chat with Colin Dowling. If he has a set of formers he may be able to profile mill a set of parts for you.. JB. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 29, 2017 Author Share Posted January 29, 2017 Thanks Paul. I've heard the Alan Gibson kit is not too bad to build and is pretty accurate. I think the reissue due out shortly. His J15 certainly looked good and I've not heard a bad word about these kits Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDuhig Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Excellent have loved following the progress on this layout, the Braintree branch has a special place in my heart, i live very close to the junction at Witham and often hear the flanges squeeling round that tight bend. as a boy i remember the fertilizer trains and the goods yard at Braintree with the sugar beet trains often pulled by a 37. your layout has captured this atmosphere so well, well done , i love the f5 so common on braintree and maldon branch, keep up the good work it doesnt matter how long its taking as its a work of art, all the best Glenn Just FYI some pictures on my "Beechwood Photography" Flickr photostream enjoy!.. e.g. https://flic.kr/p/7VmZgM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 Thanks for sharing Stephen. Great photos Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrushType4 Posted April 20, 2017 Share Posted April 20, 2017 Paul, nice layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share Posted April 21, 2017 Paul, nice layout. Glad you like it. Progress very slow but I have been working to finish the signal boxes. Trying to make gutters from drinking straws at the suggestion of another member. Cutting Evergreen tubes in half was costing a fortune in wasted plastic! Straws are much cheaper! Hopefully some pix soon Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted May 1, 2017 Author Share Posted May 1, 2017 (edited) Went down to Black Notley Crossing today and found this on the vans. You can see the interior of the signal box in these shots. I am still messing around with guttering on the boxes but I will get there. Photos when done all for now Paul R Edited May 1, 2017 by pwr 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted May 6, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 6, 2017 Went down to Black Notley Crossing today and found this on the vans. Peak-5.jpg You can see the interior of the signal box in these shots. Peak-2.jpg all for now Paul R See you've got one of the pesky lineside observers looking on!! Nice shot of your 45, they are a nice model. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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