BlackRat Posted April 14, 2012 Author Share Posted April 14, 2012 Yes a complete revamp is on the cards, a roundy with lower level yard so scale length trains can be run. Looking at a helix at each end to gain the height between the two levels. Just waiting on a couple of things now before we make a start. Anyone want to buy a layout? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Physicsman Posted April 14, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 14, 2012 I always remember your quote in MR...maybe 1999 or 2000... "I don't think I'll do a biggy again" (as you wanted to concentrate on detail). It sounds like you have the situation cracked and can now combine scale with detail. Will watch developments with interest! (Btw, the original Carrick Road grabbed my attention because of the "low tech" way you made your platform surfaces). Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) Jeff, remember the quote well and still adhere to it. The current layout is approx 12' by 8' ish and is just enough to keep me busy. It probably is a little big, as to get its full potential it really needs two operators, but much fun can still be had with 1! The main prob at the mo, is my inability to resist buying some of the wonderful new loco's etc that are appearing at a frightening (for my wallet) rate. I think some sort of major rationalisation is called for, because again, trying to maintain all the stock is now beyond me. it does look nice on the display shelves tho! I always try to apply 'low tech' or the KISS principle, as again its all a matter of time and balance. I think at the mo, I have got it about right but there's still things i want to do. Hence the idea of a two level layout with the yard underneath, so I can run scale length trains (no more than 5 or 6 coaches) and watch the trains go by. I can see it now in my head! Lets hope the dream becomes reality! Here's the last couple of pics, which hopefully gives you an idea of whats gone on. Neil Edited April 15, 2012 by BlackRat 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Physicsman Posted April 15, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 15, 2012 Ha, ha - I had to laugh reading your comments!! Between 2007 and 2010 I found it nigh on impossible to resist the fantastic loco offerings that were emerging. Only my imminent retirement has forced the purse-strings closed. Like you, I have 4 large display cabinets full of steamers and diesels, though I try to exercise them regularly. And as for the rolling stock! Btw, do you still have your china-clay plant...very typical of your locale. And KISS - clearly an acronym? Forgive my ignorance! Best wishes, Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) Jeff yes the China Clay plant (buildings) are all in a cupboard, but I did finish most of them off. The harbour etc is still under there, its only a case of lifting off the cover and its all back in action......having removed the new track etc first KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid, works for me every time! ps the pics look 'greener' than they actually are, Mr Nevard did explain it all to me, but I suppose I need to do some knob twiddling ( ) in order to get the colours more muted perhaps? Edited April 15, 2012 by BlackRat Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bcnPete Posted April 15, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid, works for me every time! Yep...and for me...its good to apply this to most things in life too... yes the China Clay plant (buildings) are all in a cupboard That's no place to keep them Neil They need to be seen and enjoyed... Nice recent photos by the way... Edited April 15, 2012 by bcnPete 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Brinkly Posted April 15, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 15, 2012 I always feel really guilty when I see your layout as you are able to whip through work! The new station looks really nice, lots of fun to operate, do you have a sequence or do you just run what you want when you want? Regards, Mr B! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) Brinks, come on over and we can get a sequence sorted! What it really needs is a 'yard operator' who can send stuff 'out'. You could basically run a timetable then, but ideally you could do with 3 to reach its full potential! As for the work, its suprising what you can do in the odd 20 mins or so. Pete, thanks, I am trying (yes really!) to remember all Chris Nevard told me, but of course he is in the Jedi Master league, but hopefully you can get a bit of an idea of whats gone on. What I fancy with the two level jobby will be a small passing station (like Otterham etc etc) with a small clay branch.................. Again with KISS, I have thought about many different ways to sort this but I think the helix is going to be the easiest solution (!!!!!!), hopefully now using a premade one as opposed to doing my own, tho the plans were well advanced. Luckily (very) I do have acces to a workshop now and then and some expert advice when needed (from a proper 'chippy'!). Ere we go again! Edited April 15, 2012 by BlackRat 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Nevard Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) Why not make a portable layout just for the china clay buildings? as said, they need to be seen. Deadline SwagExpo '13 which gives you just over a year Pix look fab to me btw! Edited April 15, 2012 by Chris Nevard 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinZaPint Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Lovely modelling excellent scenics, for my taste needs a few more steamers! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) needs a few more steamers! Hope this will do. Neil Edited April 16, 2012 by BlackRat 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Physicsman Posted April 16, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 16, 2012 Very nice! All you need is a bit of sepia-staining (I'm sure Chris Nevard can advise!) and the period look is complete! Must say, black-and-white does suit your layout (that's a compliment, not a condemnation!!). Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 Jeff thanks, and I know what you mean. I think its probably to do with the colour balance or perhaps the settings on the camera. The lighting in the room is said to be spot on (from a certain Mr N) so its prob more with what I do after. I will see if I can sort a sepia one ! N Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westerner Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 Couldn't resist a little tinker with one of your shots. I don't know whether you think its any better. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 17, 2012 Author Share Posted April 17, 2012 Much softer colours there I think, I really must suss out this photo editing mularky! But for now, I think I managed this (at last!)......... Working on some new signals at the mo, a few people and trying to get the stool thingies for the point rodding. N 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinZaPint Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Two Steamers in three posts! I think you're getting the hang of this! Seriously love the scenic work just what I would like to achieve. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted April 17, 2012 Author Share Posted April 17, 2012 Two out of three aint bad (as Meatloaf once said!). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Physicsman Posted April 17, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 17, 2012 Excellent! I almost expect Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard to be embracing underneath the platform lights!! Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted May 27, 2012 Share Posted May 27, 2012 Hi Neil, Just had another read through and a look at the pics and also in the mag articles I have kept for ideas to get ready for my OO BR / SR / WR polt. I have a 9 X 7 room so will need to compress quite a bit. Thinking of the Berrow Branch style, its all in the planning. Still a great layout, well done, all the best Andy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 (edited) Whilst trying to work out the inricicies of those fangled helixy things I find I have the odd half hour and rather than sat twiddling my oversize thumbs (or surfing the net) I have been playing about with some odds and sods of plastic sheet, rod and section, (theres masses in the spares A4 box file), and have come up with a few things. A new water crane, which was one of a new design by the LSWR specifically for the branch, and the start of a new signal (or two). Perhaps not quite premier league, but they'll do for me, for now anyway! Here's a (rough) pic!...... Just need to finish the crane with a dab or two of paint! Edited September 22, 2012 by BlackRat 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldlugger Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 A very nice looking layout Neil, and it's Southern! Great stuff... Cheers Simon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 (edited) Painted and in need of weathering! Just blutacked onto a quick scenic diorama for a quick pic. Just goes to show really that no real skill is needed to 'create' things for your layout and whilst not strictly prototypical, this WAs especially designed for the line! Just a few more to make! ps it also swivels (as I have often been told to do!) and the wheel does rotate! (hmmmmm yes been told to do that tooooo!). Edited September 22, 2012 by BlackRat 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bcnPete Posted September 22, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 22, 2012 ps it also swivels (as I have often been told to do!) and the wheel does rotate! (hmmmmm yes been told to do that tooooo!). ...but does the water flow through it?... Nice work Neil...amazing what you can find in the rummage box and finish with something as good as this... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 but does the water flow through it? Now there's a challenge! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcountryman Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Hi Neil, Thanks for sharing your excellent modelling, Carrick Road is such an inspirational layout & ticks all of the boxes as far as I'm concerned. It's great to see someone actually modelling & not just passing their hard earned over to a major manufacturer. Keep up the good work buddy, & hopefully we'll meet up again, possibly Taunton next month, & I'll bring the famous Barnstaple MRC 9F tender tea mug! Have you toned down the shirts yet, or is it still 'migraine fashions'! Cheers Rob 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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