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China Clay micro layout


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Hi all, 

 

OK, where to begin?

I've always had a passing interest in China Clay operations. I think my interest was initially piqued with the Pengwynn Crossing article in RM in 1994 (?). Ever since, I've kept an eye out for layouts that feature China Clay.

I don't know why, I guess it could be the ramshackle and run down nature of some of the locations and lines.

 

In terms of size, this will fit into a footprint of 4' x 1'. Maximum train size will be four clayhoods. Locos could be 25's or even a 37, of which I have a red stripe one stashed away but more likely however, is an 08 and a Hornby Sentinel for a bit of fun. 

 

I've elected to make the baseboard using a couple of Scale Model Scenery's lazer cut kits, but I've added a one piece backscene to disguise the joins/corners:

 

IMG_20191007_223040_436.jpg.0ebfcba1770233dd6ee528f73acc90b7.jpg

 

Trackplan will be simple using Peco flexi bullhead, and my intention was to use Code 75 points, but I may now wait for the medium radius bullhead ones to be released. 

 

IMG_20190905_234717_016.jpg.4bc581f1cc51668208c05ca873bb1467.jpg

 

I've built one clayhood so far, using the Ratio kit, but with a Parkside underframe. One down, three to go! 

 

I've also built an SR brake van, using the Cambrian kit. I saw a photo online of one of these at Pontsmill and that was all the excuse I needed! 

 

IMG_20191228_231812_129.jpg.822103432a63f086a2c5bf5b8e691744.jpg

 

Work is also ongoing to detail a Bachmann 08 - this is going to be a representation of 08945. For what it's worth, I decided to replace all of the body side handrails with 0.33 wire - a long job! This has since had new buffers and screw link couplings added, but the project has stalled somewhat. 

 

IMG_20191104_212111_589.jpg.0a7bbebb54f416a51b57f798c058fbea.jpg

 

A start was made on producing a generic store building, mainly to practice a concrete effect. I've subsequently replaced the roof - I just didn't like the corrugations. 

 

IMG_20191020_164327_582.jpg.3e9b0cc149017c7085b850e94abf5f51.jpg

 

Progress will be slow and irregular. I have plenty of distractions including work, an 18 month old toddler (hence my username of Enfys) and I keep getting sidetracked by random stock building projects! 

 

Just to highlight this point, see my assortment of brake vans on the workbench! 

 

IMG_20200107_221107.jpg.2fe211c53599fe547eddd5dada173f75.jpg

 

Thanks for looking. 

 

E_R

Edited by Enfys_Rainbow
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I meant to add, I have operated Pengwynn crossing a number of times as well as doing a few bits of work on it over the years, it was my favourite layout of those owned by the club to operate. China Clay is definitely an interesting subject for a layout.

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Hi there, 37114

 

Firstly, I like the look of your layout so far. And the concrete on your hut is spot on!

 

Might I suggest taking a look at the Scalescenes downloads website - Mr Wiffen has an excellent half relief clay dries building in corrugated asbestos, which also has a special tool you make up to allow you to create relief in the corrugated sheeting.  Alternatively, you can buy the corrugated asbestos sheeting texture from the scratchbuilders yard, and that has the same tool. If you got the corrugated iron texture, I suppose it could also be used on that too, to give added relief (I haven't tried myself - it may be that the tool isn't fine enough for corrugated iron).

 

No connection, just a very happy customer!

 

Steve S

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Thanks all for the positive messages. 

 

Development will be slow. I've been "working" on the layout for a few months so far but have very little to show for it as the photos demonstrate!

 

 @SteveyDee68 I'm aware of the Scalescenes building, however all structures will be scratchbuilt. I don't have much space for the dryer building, as can be seen in the mock up below:

 

IMG_20200117_131650.jpg.7080482320783e2800c0b51d84b408ef.jpg

 

Thanks 

E_R

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