Great Southern Railway (Fictitious) - Signalling the changes...

[Nick C]

Best wishes Linny - Mental health can be such a difficult thing to cope with, especially as there's a huge amount we still don't know about how the human brain works.

 

Regarding energy levels in winter, have you tried using one of the daylight lamps sold for seasonal affective disorder? I know a couple of people who suffered very badly with that and those lamps helped both of them enormously. It's all down to the frequencies of light given off - we spent far too much time in the winter sitting under cold fluorescent lights and not in natural sunlight. 

 

My wife and I have got a sunrise alarm clock (the sort that gradually gets brighter over the course of about 30 minutes), and we've found that makes winter mornings a lot easier too.

[Caley Jim]

Linny,

 

Let me add my best wishes to those already expressed.  I'm fortunate in never having suffered from mental health issues in any serious form, so I can only imagine how debilitating they are.  Nonetheless you have my sympathy and I hope that things get resolved for you before too long.  Work within your limitations and don't get yourself stressed out by trying to do too much.  Prioritise things and stick to that.

 

Jim

[sem34090]

Linny, I thought I would share this pic of a diorama I am building for a club competition featuring your box van kit. May I also join with others on this thread wishing you all our best wishes.

(Sem3409 - how are you getting on with your diorama, now you have had a sneak preview of the competition! Not long now)

It's sat exactly where it was last time you saw it, with no further work having taken place! Unfortunately I can't make the show anyway, and it definitely won't be finished in time!!!

[Skinnylinny]

Well, it's been a heck of a year, but it's all over now!

I've been given an appointment for my mental health specialist. It's in early April, but at least it's a date. Still waiti ng to hear back from the job interview.

I've been using my SAD lamp as much as possible, but it usually ends up only being usable as a sunrise alarm clock, as I won't usually be at home between 8am and 9pm to benefit from it, and I can't really put it on late at night as that makes my sleep cycles even worse.

I also got some more wagon lettering done, so I have some more pre-grouping and private-owner wagons to add to the collection:

 

And in the standard style of my PO wagons, this one is lettered differently on the other side to make my fleet look bigger. I'm not quite convinced about the LBSC livery there, but I haven't been able to find any photos of an Open D in that livery so I've estimated and had to move the illiterate mark to be clear of the strapping. I'm happy to change this under advisement, but I just wanted it to not be in unpainted card any more!

 

 

I've also redrawn the horsebox (again) and it's still not quite right, but getting there. I'm getting better at the corners, but it still wants slight tweaking when I can focus for more than 20 minutes at a time.

 

Finally, albeit not pre-grouping, I'm working on the camera-fitted DMU again, to take to the model railway club and drive around our big roundy-roundy layout. Just waiting for a battery to arrive now. It looks like everything will be neatly tucked away in the roof, allowing me to have passengers and a driver fitted in the DMU. The only sacrifice is going to be the interior lighting, but to be honest, in the Bachmann Class 108, it's pretty feeble and not much of a loss. I made a large mistake in gluing the circuit board in before adding the charging cables, so it's not as neat as it could be (having been ripped back out!) but it's all in there.

 

It might also be the only Bachmann class 108 out there fitted with a USB socket!



From the outside, about the only giveaway is that the windscreen has had to be removed from one end of the DMU as the view from the camera was very foggy. However, without the front windscreen, the view is something like this (although this video was only taken at 720p, and the camera is capable of 1080p, streamed directly to a phone or tablet in almost real-time - about half a second of delay).

 

The video was taken with a battery held to the roof of the power car with masking tape, which is not ideal for exhibition purposes! Edited January 1, 2019 by Skinnylinny

[Annie]

Loving the work you've done on your pre-grouping wagons Linny.  And your horsebox really is a thing of beauty.

Keep hanging in there Linny.  Having a completely rubbish sleep cycle is something that I'm completely familiar with and it really is the pits, but keep looking after yourself and remember saying 'No' is fine if you don't have the energy to do something.

[Skinnylinny]

Thanks, Annie. I feel like I'm getting somewhere with the modelling again, which is good. Unfortunately, as much as I would like to say "no" when I don't have the energy, work (as in the paid sort that wants me in the office at 8:30am) is very hard to say no to - I'm down to two days a week but even that's leaving me exhausted and barely able to pay the bills. To say I'm dreading going back tomorrow would be an understatement; it feels like the holidays have almost got me back to feeling normal and having energy again, then the work will drain it all away...

[Edwardian]

Thanks, Annie. I feel like I'm getting somewhere with the modelling again, which is good. Unfortunately, as much as I would like to say "no" when I don't have the energy, work (as in the paid sort that wants me in the office at 8:30am) is very hard to say no to - I'm down to two days a week but even that's leaving me exhausted and barely able to pay the bills. To say I'm dreading going back tomorrow would be an understatement; it feels like the holidays have almost got me back to feeling normal and having energy again, then the work will drain it all away...

 

I do know how you feel!  But, you've managed some great modelling there along despite everything.  Well done and keep at it!

[Skinnylinny]

Well, I heard back from the job I interviewed from. Despite them making all the right noises at the time, unfortunately I didn't get the position. Ah well, back on the hunt...

 

In more positive news, a chance conversation with some friends went to the topic of Thingiverse, a website that allows people to upload 3D printable models for others to download for free and print.

 

This coincided with the Hacklab gaining a new 3D printer (on loan from a member). It's a Fused Filament Fabrication printer (the "traditional" type that squirts molten plastic through a nozzle to build up the model in layers) rather than one of the fancy resin ones with the ridiculously high resolutions (and prices to match!). However, I've used it for some things on "Medium" resolution (0.15mm layer height) and been impressed by the print quality...

 

Well, I found a very simple panelled coach and matching brake coach on Thingiverse and decided to see what would happen if I printed them at the highest resolution (0.05mm later height - roughly 2 thou high). Result from the software: 2.5 days to print!

 

Somewhat alarmed, I decided to print only the 3 main parts of one coach (omitting the passengers and plastic wheels) and see what would happen. A slightly more reasonable print time, only 26 hours this time. I loaded the file onto the printer yesterday afternoon and headed home a few hours later. At that point, the parts looked like this:

 

 

Fast forward 26 hours and I arrived at the lab to find the printer finished and this waiting for me:

 

 

Not having time to clean it up, I grabbed the print and ran for my train. Half an hour of cleaning up the support material with a scalpel (I don't have and abrasives or files with me) and I think what I've got is a passable coach. It's not got a perfect finish, but there's very little stepping. It needs a fair bit more tidying up, then it'll get a coat of primer next week and we'll really see. The roof is not great, with lots of visible stepping, and I may end up replacing this. Time will tell. All told, though, it's an interesting piece and only cost less than a fiver, so a worthwhile experiment! I've definitely built worse resin kits, anyway!

 

Edited January 4, 2019 by Skinnylinny

[Lu4472ke]

Well, I heard back from the job I interviewed from. Despite them making all the right noises at the time, unfortunately I didn't get the position. Ah well, back on the hunt...

 

In more positive news, a chance conversation with some friends went to the topic of Thingiverse, a website that allows people to upload 3D printable models for others to download for free and print.

 

This coincided with the Hacklab gaining a new 3D printer (on loan from a member). It's a Fused Filament Fabrication printer (the "traditional" type that squirts molten plastic through a nozzle to build up the model in layers) rather than one of the fancy resin ones with the ridiculously high resolutions (and prices to match!). However, I've used it for some things on "Medium" resolution (0.15mm layer height) and been impressed by the print quality...

 

Well, I found a very simple panelled coach and matching brake coach on Thingiverse and decided to see what would happen if I printed them at the highest resolution (0.05mm later height - roughly 2 thou high). Result from the software: 2.5 days to print!

 

Somewhat alarmed, I decided to print only the 3 main parts of one coach (omitting the passengers and plastic wheels) and see what would happen. A slightly more reasonable print time, only 26 hours this time. I loaded the file onto the printer yesterday afternoon and headed home a few hours later. At that point, the parts looked like this:

 

IMG_20190103_225516279.jpg

 

Fast forward 26 hours and I arrived at the lab to find the printer finished and this waiting for me:

 

IMG_20190104_220249891_BURST001.jpg

 

Not having time to clean it up, I grabbed the print and ran for my train. Half an hour of cleaning up the support material with a scalpel (I don't have and abrasives or files with me) and I think what I've got is a passable coach. It's not got a perfect finish, but there's very little stepping. It needs a fair bit more tidying up, then it'll get a coat of primer next week and we'll really see. The roof is not great, with lots of visible stepping, and I may end up replacing this. Time will tell. All told, though, it's an interesting piece and only cost less than a fiver, so a worthwhile experiment! I've definitely built worse resin kits, anyway!

 

IMG_20190104_225511797.jpg

 

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job Linny 

 

On a happier note the coach Looks good, what type of coach is it?

[Edwardian]

Tough luck on the job; very sorry you had a knock back.  You will get one worth having eventually.  The Memsahib is proof of that, though I hope it doesn't take you 10 years!

 

That is a very passable coach.  Look forward to seeing how it turns out. 

[Skinnylinny]

I think I'll still stick to the laser cutter for coach sides - it's possible to get a much much better surface finish, though I was pleasantly surprised by how good the finish is on this. The coach is apparently based on a GWR Brake Third - the panelling actually looks almost identical to the 5-compartment full-third that the same person has uploaded, which leads to some interesting panelling in the brake compartment, and no double doors for luggage. However, I might give that a tweak with some plastruct, or just paint this up as an idea. The turnunder has been rendered as one straight section leaning in, rather than a gentle curve.

The link to the file is: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3153287

[TurboSnail]

There's a small FDM 3D printer like the one you used at my Uni, that I occasionally manage to borrow for prototyping work. It's not great, but it's really good for just checking stuff will fit. A while back, I made the first version of my R1 chassis that way, and it turned out well enough that I used it for real!

 

You might be able to make chassis or structural non-visible parts this way if it saves a lot of trying to accurately position card. Although card is probably nicer to work with.

 

 

[Skinnylinny]

I say, that R1 is looking rather good (and suitably mucky, too!)

I'm surprised nobody has yet mentioned the shiny new 00-scale terrier that has been announced (no, not the Dapol one announced last month - keep up at the back! - but the newly announced Hornby one). First impressions to me are rather good - it looks a lot less tall than the old Dapol/Hornby model, and the lining looks much more convincing on the artwork sample of the Hornby one than the new Dapol one. The colour also looks more like what I'd expect for Improved Engine Green. 

Below are two screengrabs of a Dapol 7mm terrier and the Hornby artwork - the Dapol has a very pronounced "inwards tick" on the white lining at the corners, while the red outer lining looks ok. It looks distinctly odd to me. 

 

Terrier lining samples - Dapol above, Hornby below

 

At a tenner cheaper (RRP) than the Dapol one, I'm rather liking the look of the Hornby model. They've already shown they can very competently handle complex pre-grouping liveries (Wainwright H, anyone?). My only concern is that, with an estimated arrival date of February, that doesn't give me long to sell my old ones and save up for a new one! 

The LSWR brake van is also an interesting choice - unfortunately too late for Linton, but one might show up as a stopgap until I get around to building a Panter van (or until Kernow release the one that was promised several years back...)

[Skinnylinny]

[Accidental double-post - apologies!]

Edited January 7, 2019 by Skinnylinny

[stephennicholson]

Still no terrier umber version. I find it odd that an eclectic mix of liveries have been produced over the years, but only once has it been produced in umber.

[Skinnylinny]

Agreed - there were plenty in umber too, and I'd certainly like one in that livery. The old Dapol one I have runs well (if noisily! It sounds like a bag of spanners in a washing machine!) but bright orange lining and only one shade of brown... Oh dear.

 

Thoughts are turning to renaming and renumbering the Hornby Stepney. Anyone know any suppliers of name transfers and etched number plates? I've checked Narrow Planet and while they'll do etched Brighton works plates, they don't list a number plate...

[ianmaccormac]

Hi Linny

I have al the numberplates. The name lettering has stalled a bit with winter as my mojo is shot after the burglary and I haven't really got going again yet; plus the tinnitus has been really noisy since just after Christmas so I really do need a good kick up the rear!!

I shall be resuming other activities in the next couple of days and expect things to get back on track so to speak shortly!

Cheers

Ian

[Skinnylinny]

Hi Ian,

I'm really sorry to hear about your burglary! That must be incredibly disheartening. You have my sympathies with the tinnitus, and the lack of mojo is entirely understandable.

I'd definitely be interested in a set of etched plates, and I'm happy to wait for appropriate name transfers, especially having seen the quality of the transfers you produce! Now all I need to do is figure out an appropriate terrier for the Cranleigh line ca. 1900-1910. More research required! (I'm assuming any A1 shedded at Horsham could be used, although it'd be nice to use one of the ones named after stations on the line (36 Bramley or 77 Wonersh)).

Take care!

Linny

[sem34090]

Awh... but Wonersh is my pet terrier!

[Skinnylinny]

Well, maybe I'd have to do Bramley instead then!

[sem34090]

Well, it's up to you! It's not as if the models will ever meet so there's no chance of paradoxes...

[Skinnylinny]

As opposed to the three examples of the NBR C Class "Haig" which met each other on the club layout a few weeks back!

[Regularity]

Well, maybe I'd have to do Bramley instead then!

Was it ever painted apple green...?

 

Hat, coat, and scarpering out the door.

[Skinnylinny]

Once again, Mr Nile is hacking around Triang clerestories on his thread, and I am getting the urge to do so again...

Time for some more Great Southern Railway history...

"It has already been noted that there was a fast service running from Linton to London in the morning, returning in the evening. As this was somewhat of a prestige service, the railway company had a special dining train, consisting of a first-class dining saloon, a kitchen third and a brake third dining saloon. In the morning rush-hour service, a cooked breakfast could be had in comfort, whether the passenger desired kippers, bacon, or simply some fresh fruit and toast. In the evening, a more substantial evening meal was provided, with soup, a hot main course, and cake or seasonal fruit for dessert. There was, naturally, a supplement to be paid for such service..."

["The Great Southern Railway: its Trains, Stations and History" - Clarence P. Barnes-Bell, Blackstone Press]

 

With the announcement that Hornby are going to produce the ex-Triang short clerestory coaches as part of the Railroad range (albeit at £19 each RRP!), there are now some rather nice side-on photographs of the coaches on the Hornby website. This means I can plan this train out as a cut-and-shut in Microsoft Paint. The long windows will be made by cutting out the panel between adjacent quarterlights. I'm hoping that these coaches will still fit in with the style of the existing coaching stock, while being sufficiently different that they look less like the Triang clerestories.

What do people think?

 

Note that the clerestory lights and underframe details aren't final yet.

[sem34090]

Oh dear - I see Alex has had an influence as dining vehicles, a whole set of them, have appeared... You'll be having Pullmans next, you mark my words...

 

I jest, of course.