Waverley West, Princes St Gardens and Haymarket MPD

[Waverley West]

Hi Dave

I must admit I do like that a lot. If your layout wasn't atmospheric enough that brings in yet another dimension to the realism.

Nice touch indeed.

My lad, when he does the videos for PDW, has some pretty good editing software where he can cut chunks of sound out or add bits in. Not sure what it's called as I'm not that computer savvy. But I would have thought it could be used to cut out the unwanted bits of announcements. I'll ask him later what the softwares called.

 

Cheers

Marcus

 

Thanks Marcus. I'd be interested to know if there's a relatively easy way of doing it. I'd really like to cut out the references to the TOCs, although First Scotrail could just be cut to Scotrail. East coast services at the time of the recordings were run by East Coast, so that's not too jarring. I did think of constantly pressing the pause button when recording but I reckoned that would just be too fiddly.

 

Cheers

Dave

[bigwordsmith]

Thanks Peter,

 

So sorry to hear of the demise of Waverley East. Maintaining a large layout is never easy for one person. I have had frustrating times with WW in the past. Long trains with relatively sharp curves don't help either of course and keeping rolling stock axles well lubricated is important. I've managed to reduce the problems quite a lot by switching from my old ZTC DCC system and Peco solenoid point motors to an ECoS controller and Cobolt point motors. Both are far more reliable and make for much more enjoyable running sessions these days. Generally running fixed formation trains helps too.  

 

Stirling would be good and I've always liked Perth station too. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you to see you back on here with a layout thread again soon!

 

Cheers

Dave

 

 

Thanks Dave

 

it will be a wee while before it happens, but as I look out of my study window the garage is taking shape and might even be finished by Christmas!

 

Of course the first few months of next year will find it full of boxes from our store, but as I have an excellent chippier on site, I'm awfully tempted to have him do the baseboard construction, which means I need to get planning!

 

I'll still keep the thread going, but perhaps  change its name!

 

ATB

 

Peter

[Waverley West]

Hi folks,

 

I've managed to squeeze in some modelling time over the past week, spurred on by the arrival of my first Mk 2fs. The first four are now nearing completion.

 

They have all been renumbered, weathered and fitted with passengers, window labels, etc. I just have to add some newspapers and cups to the tables now. With the interior lights, I reckon it will be worth doing a bit of extra detailing. The newspapers have been made by printing off the images tab from a Google search for "newspapers" and the cups are made from round plastic strip, cut and painted. The FO also has to have some curtains fitted. I'm really looking forward to putting them on the layout.

 

While doing these, I thought I'd also squeeze in a couple of the new POT stowage vans. These are now finished as they involve less work than the 2f's (because there are no interiors to detail), so here are a few piccies. I've decided to pass on the Royal Mail red versions for the moment, as they don't match the sorting vans that are already in service on WW. I've been running a mixed livery TPO rake anyway, so it's not a problem. I would have bought a couple of red POTs, but I will wait until I see them in the flesh now before deciding.

 

Here is one of the POTs coupled to a sorting van. And a very nice model it is too.

 

 

 

 

 

I only noticed after taking the photos that the sorting van is derailed. Oh hum. 

 

After taking that last shot, my camera seemed to give up the ghost completely, so there might be a bit of a break in photos of WW taken with an SLR while I decide whether to get it repaired or replace it.

 

While I had the paintbrushes out, I also weathered a couple of BR vans, an MGB GT and a 1982 Ford Fiesta.

 

Hope to be back soon with some more piccies.

 

Cheers for now,

Dave

Edited November 15, 2018 by Waverley West

[Stubby47]

A couple more random images from my trip north.

 

 

[bigwordsmith]

A couple more random images from my trip north.

 

20181107_151557.jpg

 

20181107_124519.jpg

 

 

Looks like the day I went up there a couple of weeks ago - the Northern Mound Tunnel was closed!

[WolfofBadenoch]

Long time admirer of this great layout without posting before.

 

For sound clip editing i use https://www.audacityteam.org/ . Free software and easy enough to use to cut chunks out of clips.

 

I would say though that the voice is far too clear for a 1980's PA system though! ;-) Possibly the bit least like the real thing on your whole layout.

[Waverley West]

A quick snatched shot of a passing TPO (if I show any more, you'll see the derailed bogie   )...

 

[Waverley West]

Hi folks,

 

Just a quick update. The bad news is that my SLR (a Canon 500D) seems to have given up completely now. I think the shutter is sticking and nothing I've tried has worked. I have heard that it's an expensive fix, so I'm currently considering replacing it at some point hopefully soon. Trouble is, I've spent all my money on Bachmann Mk 2f's....

 

The first three 2f's are now in service, so here are some shots of them on the layout. 

 

Ticket checks in progress...

 

 

 

A passenger enjoys a cup of coffee before settling down with the paper...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To say I'm pleased with them would be a big understatement. I think maybe the lights need to be a dimmed a little, but that's an easy fix.

 

A couple of DBSOs have also arrived, although with some blue and grey versions, so it's on with the next batch.

 

Cheers for now,
Dave

 

 

[Waverley West]

Hi again folks,

 

I just thought I'd post a couple of sneaky shots of the new blue/grey DBSO which has now taken up its rightful place on the layout. A ScotRail one has also arrived, with a couple more DBSOs to follow.

 

My old Airfix conversion has finally been retired after many years of service. When I converted it, it never really occurred to me that a RTR version of it would one day be released. Over the years, I intended to improve it by fitting lights but once Bachmann announced their model, I knew the writing was on the wall for it. It's a shame in a way, because the old one was the result of hours of my modelling time, whereas the new one was just bought. There's no comparison in terms of quality though, so progress must march on.

 

 

 

My two push-pull rakes have now moved to the top of the queue for the fitting of lights, alongside restaurant cars and BGs to go with my new Mk 2f's. Too many projects and too little time! 

 

All photos of the layout are currently being taken on my phone, so depth of field and so on will not be as good as usual. Hopefully normal service will be resumed soon.

 

Cheers for now,

Dave

Edited November 20, 2018 by Waverley West

[GordonC]

Hi folks,

 

Just a quick update. The bad news is that my SLR (a Canon 500D) seems to have given up completely now. I think the shutter is sticking and nothing I've tried has worked. I have heard that it's an expensive fix, so I'm currently considering replacing it at some point hopefully soon. Trouble is, I've spent all my money on Bachmann Mk 2f's....

 

The first three 2f's are now in service, so here are some shots of them on the layout. 

 

Ticket checks in progress...

 

Ticket checks.jpg

 

Full coach.jpg

 

A passenger enjoys a cup of coffee before settling down with the paper...

 

A glance.jpg

 

Mk 2f 4a.jpg

 

Mk 2f 8.jpg

 

Mk 2f 9.jpg

 

Mk 2f 9a.jpg

 

Mk 2f 6.jpg

 

To say I'm pleased with them would be a big understatement. I think maybe the lights need to be a dimmed a little, but that's an easy fix.

 

A couple of DBSOs have also arrived, although with some blue and grey versions, so it's on with the next batch.

 

Cheers for now,

Dave

 

apparently there's a CV setting to dim the lights. CV117 I think it was between 1-8 with factory default being 7. Its listed on the Bachmann Mk2f thread

[colin penfold]

Great shots Dave. At least the SLR had the decency to pack up near Christmas. I hope Santa gets that far north and that you have been nice not naughty

[KeithHC]

With ref the DSLR. I had an email from a company up norff call Jack the Hat. They are offering a Cannon refurbished EOS 1000D kit including spare batteries with lens for £99 WWW.Jackthehat.co.uk

 

Keith

Dedicated Nikon user........

[St Enodoc]

Hi again folks,

 

I just thought I'd post a couple of sneaky shots of the new blue/grey DBSO which has now taken up its rightful place on the layout. A ScotRail one has also arrived, with a couple more DBSOs to follow.

 

My old Airfix conversion has finally been retired after many years of service. When I converted it, it never really occurred to me that a RTR version of it would one day be released. Over the years, I intended to improve it by fitting lights but once Bachmann announced their model, I knew the writing was on the wall for it. It's a shame in a way, because the old one was the result of hours of my modelling time, whereas the new one was just bought. There's no comparison in terms of quality though, so progress must march on.

 

DBSO 1.jpg

 

DBSO 2.jpg

 

My two push-pull rakes have now moved to the top of the queue for the fitting of lights, alongside restaurant cars and BGs to go with my new Mk 2f's. Too many projects and too little time! 

 

All photos of the layout are currently being taken on my phone, so depth of field and so on will not be as good as usual. Hopefully normal service will be resumed soon.

 

Cheers for now,

Dave

Might be a trick of the light, but the door edges look a bit odd.

[Waverley West]

Might be a trick of the light, but the door edges look a bit odd.

 

Interesting, StE. How? I always run a dirty wash down the door edges as I think it accentuates them and makes the door look like it opens. Otherwise, I think they just look like a plastic mould line. I try not to overdo it though.

 

Cheers

Dave

[young37215]

All looks first class as usual.

 

Please advise whose figures you use on WW; I am particularly taken by several of them in your last batch of pictures notably the guard out gripping, the platform staff and the chap with coffee mug and paper.  Personally I have used the cheap and cheerful HO gauge seated people from China but yours look significantly superior. It maybe that my penny pinching approach will have to change!

[St Enodoc]

Interesting, StE. How? I always run a dirty wash down the door edges as I think it accentuates them and makes the door look like it opens. Otherwise, I think they just look like a plastic mould line. I try not to overdo it though.

 

Cheers

Dave

Dave, on my screen they look as though they are raised up rather than being grooves.

[Bob Reid]

John, there's a recess either side of the door to represent the door shuts, and either side of those - i.e. left of the left door shut and right of the right door shut, there are raised sections that represent the anti-corrosion mouldings as on all Mk2's...

Edited November 21, 2018 by Bob Reid

[St Enodoc]

John, there's a recess either side of the door to represent the door shuts, and either side of those - i.e. left of the left door shut and right of the right door shut, there are raised sections that represent the corrosion mouldings as on all Mk2's...

Thanks Bob. It must be the lighting that makes them look odd, as I originally suspected. The earlier photos of the TSOs looked fine - hence my query.

[Bob Reid]

I think so John. I tried to take a photo in fairly bright light to show them as they actually are however I'm not sure it does - anyway here goes, note the recess on the lock and hinge pillar sides of the door and the raised mouldings either side.

 

Apologies for highjacking your topic a bit Dave.

Edited November 21, 2018 by Bob Reid

[St Enodoc]

I think so John. I tried to take a photo in fairly bright light to show them as they actually are however I'm not sure it does - anyway here goes, note the recess on the lock and hinge pillar sides of the door and the raised mouldings either side.

IMG_0594.jpg

 

Apologies for highjacking your topic a bit Dave.

Yes, I think that what I was seeing was light reflecting from the raised mouldings to the extent that it overwhelmed the recesses.

 

Case closed.

[Waverley West]

I think so John. I tried to take a photo in fairly bright light to show them as they actually are however I'm not sure it does - anyway here goes, note the recess on the lock and hinge pillar sides of the door and the raised mouldings either side.

IMG_0594.jpg

 

Apologies for highjacking your topic a bit Dave.

 

Not at all, Bob. I've learnt something new!

 

Cheers

Dave

[KeithHC]

With ref the DSLR. I had an email from a company up norff call Jack the Hat. They are offering a Cannon refurbished EOS 1000D kit including spare batteries with lens for £99 WWW.Jackthehat.co.uk

 

Keith

Dedicated Nikon user........

 

Just realised that Jack the Hat are in your neck of the woods being in Maryport.

 

Keith 

[Waverley West]

All looks first class as usual.

 

Please advise whose figures you use on WW; I am particularly taken by several of them in your last batch of pictures notably the guard out gripping, the platform staff and the chap with coffee mug and paper.  Personally I have used the cheap and cheerful HO gauge seated people from China but yours look significantly superior. It maybe that my penny pinching approach will have to change!

 

Most of my passengers come from Preiser's range of prepainted figures. The cheapest way I have found of buying prepainted passengers is the bulk packs (particularly the seated passengers pack 14418). I think these contain around 48 people. I simply don't have time to paint them myself unfortunately.

 

I'm not sure where the guard came from, almost certainly from the Preiser or Bachmann range, which is where most of my staff come from. Will post it on here if I find out which range he comes from.

 

Here are a couple of packs I have used...

 

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=B36-043&style=main&strType=&Mcode=Bachmann+36-043

 

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=PR73005&style=main&strType=&Mcode=Preiser+73005

 

all judiciously placed to avoid clashes between HO and OO people.

 

 

My next batch of Mk 2f's are now nearing completion. The bodies are finished and have been renumbered. They just need the end detailing packs fitting and then a bit of final weathering.

 

The interiors are now pretty much complete too. All coaches have their armrests painted black. The first class coaches have their antimacassars added. Newspapers and cups of coffee/tea are added to the tables and passengers placed so as to maximise their "presence" and keep their number to a minimum. Window labels are added, now including coach letters which usually seemed to be placed in an end window. 

 

On the outside, the roofs are sprayed Railmatch roof dirt or weathered black (mainly according to livery) and a dirty wash is added to the sides, slightly streaked. Door seams are picked out in weathered black. Finally, corridor connections are added.

 

 

 

 

The first class coaches will also be fitted with curtains. For these I have painted a piece of paper with streaked orange, which is how I remember the curtains, not that I spent much (any) time in 1st class.

 

 

The InterCity FOs presumably had a different curtain colour - dusky pink I think?

 

Here's another quick shot of the first batch in service...

 

 

I haven't got round to dimming the lights yet. I quite like them bright, as you can see the interior detail more clearly and they still look OK. I must experiment sometime though.

 

I'm planning to move straight onto another batch, including a couple of DBSOs, after these. This final batch will complete three rakes, one blue-grey, one InterCity and one mixed. And that's my modelling budget used up for the next two years or so.   

 

Then it will be on to fitting lights to the BGs and restaurant buffet coaches that run with the Mk 2f's. And then the final ScotRail Mk 3, as my order from Brian at Shawplan has now arrived.

 

Cheers for now,

Dave

Edited November 28, 2018 by Waverley West

[P.C.M]

Hi Dave, Great work on the coaches they do look very good. I think the DBSOs will sell well plenty of Scottish region Modellers have been waiting for quite some time for a decent model.

 

Cheers Peter.

[citadel12003]

Hi Dave,

 

That is truly wonderful work on the coach interiors.  I'm not surprised you have not dimmed the lights.  Why hide all that lovely detail in the usual "gloom"?

 

The pictures are great, as usual.

 

Modelling budget used up....??  There's always the "lottery" or some of your earlier "projects" could always find new homes/owners...

 

I did not see you at Warley this year - too busy?  I have only a couple of projects to finish for the Club layout then I can get back on track with "Carlisle".

 

Best regards,

 

Tom