Peterborough North

[great northern]

 So, having kept to my resolution to get on with things today - four lamps drilled out - I felt I had earned a break. First train due was the Holme pick up, no doubt mainly consisting of returning empties from the Ramsey branch. It was routed via the Down slow, which has proved to be a difficult location so far as photograpy is concerned. I do like to show you some different views occasionally though, so I've done some experimenting. Apologies in advance, as some of these aren't up to much.

This one is easy enough, though I could have made sure the signal box was properly seated.

But what I wanted was to get a view like this. This involves putting the camera on the tripod, then squeezing the whole thing onto the window sill, and contorting myself to be able to see the view finder, so I'm not surprised that it isn't sharp. I wanted to crop it to get rid of the edge of the baseboard, but could find no way of doing it, as the tool would not allow me to crop at an angle. if any of you clever people out there can sort it, and tell me how, I'd be very grateful. The last few I haven't bothered to photoshop, as they aren't worth it, but you can see what I'm trying to achieve. If it isn't possible, I'll stop wasting time on it, but I suspect there may be a way round it.

Shame, as I quite like this as a composition.

And an unsuccesful crop....of this.

The Midland lines should be where my world ends, and most of the time this view wouldn't have been available anyway, as the sidings immediately to the right of the Down slow were usually full of wagons.

[jwealleans]

Lovely.

[micklner]

Nice pictures ,looks like a horrible drop in the event of a derailment ?

[jonny777]

I tried a live rotation until the part to be cropped was vertical, and then rotated it back again.

 

However, the double rotation upsets the picture content on my cheap and nasty graphics package, but it is a start.

 

Maybe someone with a degree in Photoshop techniques could try something similar with that software?

 

 

 

[jonny777]

I have tried it again with a much more complex rotation method, which merely takes more time for the computer to perform, and the result is a big improvement.

 

 

 

[Mallard60022]

Oh that's an interesting print.

P

[Andy Y]

Had a quick crack at some basic corrections I'd do if I was having to fudge it due to the contorted angle. I understand completely how awkward that spot is.

 

 

I was working on some other bits this morning for you and I quite liked this crop of a much wider shot.

 

 

 

[simonmcp]

I used to teach Photoshop and if you have the full version of Phototshop then there is a version of the Selection Tool that is the Polygon Lasso Tool and you can select just the baseboard edge with that. When I'm back at my computer I'll try and show you on a screen grab.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cheers

Simon

[coachmann]

That monochrome is a beauty Andy.

 

Re. those coaches behind the A3, I have got so used to looking at some Hornby's in recent weeks that Gilberts tumblehome looks wrong...!

 

On the topic of the baseboard edge, why not go freelance there and decorate the edge as if it were a diorama with a stone/brick wall. The wall would be a low enough not to hide loco wheels but it would be deep enough at the very front to fill a scene...

 

Edited December 15, 2014 by coachmann

[bigwordsmith]

Larry you make a good point - how much of what we expect to see is conditioned by what we are used to?

 

I've been reading lots about the Waverley Route and seen things like an A4 hauling a train of car carriers, piloted by a Black 5, and a Duchess heading into Waverley from the east with six up - things that would get most modellers tut tutting at a show, but prove there really is a prototype for everything

[bigwordsmith]

Hi Gllbert

 

Here's a fairly crude attempt at a stone wall...

 

 

ATB

 

Peter

[Alister_G]

Gilbert, I believe you use Paint.NET?

 

There is a lasso selection tool in that, which can be used to cut the unwanted bits away:

 

 

and here's what you can do:

 

 

As a suggestion, could you add a piece of ballasted track to represent the Midland lines, that you can stick on the front edge for photographic purposes?

 

Al

[stewartingram]

Would one of these help? You are welcome to borrow it.

 

Stewart

 

[stewartingram]

2 things?

I have a recent link to a free (legal) download of Photoshop if you need it. Just need to search for it.

As for struggling with a camera on the far side? Is it possible to put a large mirror there, photograph that, then reverse it Photoshop? Just a crazy thought, but maybe?

 

Stewart

Edited December 15, 2014 by stewartingram

[Clive Mortimore]

 So, having kept to my resolution to get on with things today - four lamps drilled out - I felt I had earned a break. First train due was the Holme pick up, no doubt mainly consisting of returning empties from the Ramsey branch. It was routed via the Down slow, which has proved to be a difficult location so far as photograpy is concerned. I do like to show you some different views occasionally though, so I've done some experimenting. Apologies in advance, as some of these aren't up to much.

J6 2.jpg

This one is easy enough, though I could have made sure the signal box was properly seated.

J6 5.jpg

But what I wanted was to get a view like this. This involves putting the camera on the tripod, then squeezing the whole thing onto the window sill, and contorting myself to be able to see the view finder, so I'm not surprised that it isn't sharp. I wanted to crop it to get rid of the edge of the baseboard, but could find no way of doing it, as the tool would not allow me to crop at an angle. if any of you clever people out there can sort it, and tell me how, I'd be very grateful. The last few I haven't bothered to photoshop, as they aren't worth it, but you can see what I'm trying to achieve. If it isn't possible, I'll stop wasting time on it, but I suspect there may be a way round it.

J6 3.jpg

Shame, as I quite like this as a composition.

J6 7.jpg

And an unsuccesful crop....of this.

J6 8.jpg

The Midland lines should be where my world ends, and most of the time this view wouldn't have been available anyway, as the sidings immediately to the right of the Down slow were usually full of wagons.

Hi Gilbert

 

I am very concerned with this last set of photos, someone has photoshopped your bus on the bridge away

[great northern]

Nice pictures ,looks like a horrible drop in the event of a derailment ?

There is a lip on the fascia board, which should stop most things, and as that road is just dead straight with virtually no point work, there is little reason for anything to come off. Nothing has hit the floor in over three years anyway. It is always a possibility, isn't it? We all build baseboards well off the floor, so anything that takes a dive isn't going to come out of it very well. The fiddle yard side has a much higher fascia, as that is where the risk really occurs, stray brushes of clothing or flying elbows are much more likely in the operating well. I didn't want to put anything high at the back, as the view of the layout from that side is actually very good.

[LSWRlinesider]

 bigwordsmith you've transported Peterborough East to Dawlish!

 

Gilbert, I'm a lurker, but avid follower of your thread.  Bigwordsmith's Photoshop has prompted me to give voice...

 

Love your work, ECML gems and all the banter, totally inspiring time travel.

 

Matt

[LSWRlinesider]

:fool:Apologies: North!! 

 

That's why I keep my mouth shut

[micklner]

There is a lip on the fascia board, which should stop most things, and as that road is just dead straight with virtually no point work, there is little reason for anything to come off. Nothing has hit the floor in over three years anyway. It is always a possibility, isn't it? We all build baseboards well off the floor, so anything that takes a dive isn't going to come out of it very well. The fiddle yard side has a much higher fascia, as that is where the risk really occurs, stray brushes of clothing or flying elbows are much more likely in the operating well. I didn't want to put anything high at the back, as the view of the layout from that side is actually very good.

I would have a small net something like used on table tennis tables. It could simply be held in place by some hooks for easy removal. 

[great northern]

I have become comfortably numb,,,,,,, This shouldn't stop me catching up a bit though. Thanks to all who posted amended photos, and suggested ways of deailng with the problem. I have a couple of difficulties to deal with. First one is that I don't feel comfortable adding anything that was not there at PN in 1958, other than a sky. What should be there is just a succession of lines, two very long sidings, and then the Up and Down Midland lines. I would love to have included those, but to do so I would have had to lose access to the windows, and to the rear of the layout. I think that anyone who has visited will attest to the fact that the view from over there is probably better than it is from the operating well.

 

As I said yesterday, those Midland sidings were usually full of goods stock. which would have made an excellent back drop for the whole thing, and I have considered whether there could be a way of adding them, either permanently or temporarily. It's a bit of a squeeze back there though, for one thing, and even more significantly, it would have to be a very long stretch of track, a good 20ft or more. The cost of a very large number of wagons just to become a static exhibit is prohibitive. I've just been and done some measuring. If I added a four inch extension to put in two sidings, I would then have just six inches between there and two protruding radiators, and only ten inches to the window sills. Movement would become very difficult - impossible for anyone who is a bit chubby   - and would also increase the chances of stock being knocked and taking that plunge to the floor.  That seems to rule the idea of an extension out, whether temporary or permanent.

 

So, a bit of digital manipulation would seem to be the only way forward. I did get Photoshop for a trial period, but it totally baffled me, so in the end I went for Paint.Net, as Al correctly surmises. Even with that, I only know the basics, so the tip regarding the lassoo thingy was very helpful, and I shall try it. In the end though, it all comes down to a lot of contortions and work,and I'm not at all sure that the end result justifies the labour involved. I may give it another go, but probably not till the sun is a lot higher in the sky, when the light differences will be less challenging. As always, you've given me great support, and it is much appreciated. What's more, I've just drunk a cup of tea without dribbling.

[great northern]

I would have a small net something like used on table tennis tables. It could simply be held in place by some hooks for easy removal. 

It would have to be 20ft long though Mick. As nothing has dived yet, I shall leave things as they are. If something expensive does occur, I shall have to think again. The proportion of trains which uses the Down slow isn't great, so the risks aren't that big,(I hope).

[great northern]

:fool:Apologies: North!! 

 

That's why I keep my mouth shut

Welcome to the thread Matt, and please do continue to join in. There have been many mistakes perpetrated on here, most of them by me, so don't worry about that.

[great northern]

Hi Gilbert

 

I am very concerned with this last set of photos, someone has photoshopped your bus on the bridge away

The traffic jam which had kept it in the same place for months finally cleared, and off it went..... too late for the poor passengers though, they all expired through lack of food and drink ages ago. That of course is why you couldn't see any of them. They were all on the floor.

[Donington Road]

I have become comfortably numb,,,,,,, This shouldn't stop me catching up a bit though. Thanks to all who posted amended photos, and suggested ways of deailng with the problem. I have a couple of difficulties to deal with. First one is that I don't feel comfortable adding anything that was not there at PN in 1958, other than a sky. What should be there is just a succession of lines, two very long sidings, and then the Up and Down Midland lines. I would love to have included those, but to do so I would have had to lose access to the windows, and to the rear of the layout. I think that anyone who has visited will attest to the fact that the view from over there is probably better than it is from the operating well.

 

As I said yesterday, those Midland sidings were usually full of goods stock. which would have made an excellent back drop for the whole thing, and I have considered whether there could be a way of adding them, either permanently or temporarily. It's a bit of a squeeze back there though, for one thing, and even more significantly, it would have to be a very long stretch of track, a good 20ft or more. The cost of a very large number of wagons just to become a static exhibit is prohibitive. I've just been and done some measuring. If I added a four inch extension to put in two sidings, I would then have just six inches between there and two protruding radiators, and only ten inches to the window sills. Movement would become very difficult - impossible for anyone who is a bit chubby   - and would also increase the chances of stock being knocked and taking that plunge to the floor.  That seems to rule the idea of an extension out, whether temporary or permanent.

 

So, a bit of digital manipulation would seem to be the only way forward. I did get Photoshop for a trial period, but it totally baffled me, so in the end I went for Paint.Net, as Al correctly surmises. Even with that, I only know the basics, so the tip regarding the lassoo thingy was very helpful, and I shall try it. In the end though, it all comes down to a lot of contortions and work,and I'm not at all sure that the end result justifies the labour involved. I may give it another go, but probably not till the sun is a lot higher in the sky, when the light differences will be less challenging. As always, you've given me great support, and it is much appreciated. What's more, I've just drunk a cup of tea without dribbling.

 

I wonder what a fixed backscene just the height of a van would look like with loads of wagons printed on it.

Sounds like you've a trip to the dentist, not the most enjoyable of places to visit

[great northern]

That's another week which has whistled by.   Time for some more photos. What have I been up to? Dentist, having a broken tooth rebuilt - no pain, but some subsequent slobbering. Fortunately I'd finished doing that before our resident Duck flew in for a pre Christmas visit, and a couple of hours of tracing the routes of various telegraph poles. He came bearing a gift too, which you may well see, but as yet I should not mention. Then some golf, what else? followed by a Friday visit by Tim, on his birthday too, and Tony Gee. Tony also brought goodies with him, which have been eagerly awaited for some time, and which certainly lived up to expectations. Who shouted "get on with it" just then?   I will get to the point, eventually. Oh, all right then........

Here's the first arrival. Of course the sun came out as the photo was taken, and tried to bleach all the detail out too, but you can see enough I hope of this work of art. Swiflty I moved the camera to the other side of Crescent Bridge

and just managed to get the other side of the bracket signal complelely in shot. This one will be fully operational. I had acquired an accessory decoder, but this signal is servo operated, so it was no good, and the job could not be completed. Today though, I remembered and found the correct accessory decoder, which I had bought months ago. The other small signal in this view is there because it should be, but will not be operational, as the route it served on the real thing is not available on the model. Tony has done a beautiful job on these, and I must now get on with getting the scenic side of things that side of the bridge to complement them as it should. Next I thought we should have some trains to complete the scene, so here is an evening Down Leeds express slowing for its stop.

This loco earned me a painful experience on Grantham station in, I think 1957. I should not have shown off my limited knowledge of French by correcting the older boy who called it "boys rustle". was my reward.

I know it has clouded over remarkably quickly, but the other sky didn't work with the exposure necessary for this shot, Sun playing tricks again.

I do like this view, though I can't imagine that any photographer would ever have been allowed to stand in such a dangerous position. Last image now, taken mainly to try to do justice to Tony Gee's craftsmanship, though I put a train in just to finish things off. I even spent a very long time photoshopping the signal, purely because it deserves to be shown in the best possible light. There was some interesting new photoshopping to be done on the previous image, too.