shanks522 Posted January 26, 2013 Author Share Posted January 26, 2013 Stuart - Thats not a bad idea, I wonder if i can get them to change the points? David - Thanks, Do love my animals. Phill - I don't mind being upstaged by them, Thanks for the comment. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul W Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Graham Excellent layout, can't wait to see it in the flesh. God knows how I have missed it up to now, but won't miss anymore as I have sub'ed. Loved the videos of the cats, a very brave move as I was waiting for one of them to leap after a train, wouldn't dare do that with ours. As already expressed but feel the need to repeat, you have achieved such realsim and interest in such a small space without that "overkill" look, superb. Keep up the fantastic work as it is inspirational and could easily convert some of us 4mmers over to the dark side of 2mm. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hi Paul, Thank you for the comments about the layout, most kind. The cats, From a young age i've had both railways and cats, Some of the cats have no interest and others love them, These two just like watching the trains go round, they occasionally consider climbing over the layout but loud voice from dad keeps them in check. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDM34046 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I will look forward to seeing the layout at tonbridge!!! Looks good so far, look forward to seeing more Keep up the good work!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gelboy45 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hi Graham I have been looking for the inspiration to build an N scale layout and having only just discovered this thread today I know I have finally tound it. What a magnificent layout in every respect! My goal is to do something similar, (well, you can only dream), but featuring SE London/North Kent in the late 50s and early 60s and my beloved Kent Coast electrics. Thank you for sharing you work with us. Now looking forward to coming to Tonbidge. Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dph1883 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hi Graham. Just found the thread and read it right through. What a fantastic job you have done! It really is a superb layout. I am particularly impressed with your weathered ballast, something I've never been able to do to my satisfaction. Am I right in assuming you laid the track, ballasted and then sprayed the whole area with Precision Track Dirt? Des Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hi Gerry/ Des Thank you for the comments about the layout. Gerry - Good luck with your Layout, 50's/60's third rail is something i may consider doing next, quite fancy a worn out Q1 on a freight next to brand new EMU's. Des - Yep got it in one, the track was laid direct to the board, ballasted with Woodland scenics (brown i think) fine ballast then sprayed with track dirt from an aerosol, I've touched up a few place's with a paintbrush and also painted the mainline rail sides but thats about it. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dph1883 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks. Out of interest, what did you paint the mainline rail sides with. Des Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon D Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Graham Excellent layout, can't wait to see it this Saturday (16th) at Tonbridge. Gordon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Hi Gordon, Thanks, As it happens i'm working on the layout now preparing for the weekend, will post a couple of pics later. Thanks. Out of interest, what did you paint the mainline rail sides with. Des Des, Apologies for the late reply, I think i painted the rail sides with Precision Track dirt, one of those moments when i had some on the brush and it did the job. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Hello all, I've spent a few hours today making some finishing touches to the layout, Most of the time has been spent adding figures etc, also touching up paintwork but the main work was completing the cloth around the layout, I bought some fire proof black material a while ago to be fitted around the base but my sewing skills are non existent so i enrolled the help of my mum, She has done a brilliant job of doing it especially with me cracking the whip and i'm really pleased with the result. I've still got a few tweaks to do tomorrow and there's plenty of rolling stock to keep me busy but i'm reasonably happy now for the layout's first outing on Sat at Tonbridge. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MrSimon Posted February 15, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 15, 2013 Hi Graham, Can't wait to see the layout tomorrow, hope it all goes well setting up! Cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Thanks Simon, I'm just making a few adjustments at the moment, then it'l be boxed up for tomorrow, hopefully without any gremlins. See you tomorrow. Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitbull1845 Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Very smart Graham, hope it goes well tomorrow. I'm sure it will. Cheers Scott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee m22 Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Wish I could come and see it, but I'll be making do with my local show in MK. Look forward to seeing plenty of photos! I'm sure Smithdown Rd will be very popular Regards Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Thankyou Gents for the encouraging words, I'm sure all will be fine. Final track cleaning and testing. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloucester Road Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 All the best with the show. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hello all, Well the Layout survived it's first exhibition, I've been blown away today by the many complimentary comments from people and really pleased the public like it, I've met a few RM Webber's, Cromptonnut, Gordon D, and MR Simon to name a few and it was very nice to have chat etc. The layout behaved itself very well with only a couple of derailments mainly due to operator error not setting points etc. I'm feeling rather tired now as i didn't get the layout boxed till 11 0'clock last night, so much for a couple of tweaks here and there, add that to an early start and a fairly long day and i'm well overdue for a few pints now, Cheers. Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
7APT7 Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hi Graham Great layout you have here and excellent YouTube clips, I like the plenty of directions that you can take a rake of coach/wagon in and the split level is great... Keep up with the excellent work and will follow with interest..., Jamie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hybridangel77 Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 a very good modern era layout you have buddy! i really like the motorway as it looks very affective. terry glebe road junction Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 It's even better "in the flesh" - some very ingenious work there with the fiddle yard and it's so obvious it's amazing more people haven't done it before. Good to meet you guys today and look forward to running into it again some time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted February 16, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hello all, Well the Layout survived it's first exhibition, I've been blown away today by the many complimentary comments from people and really pleased the public like it, I've met a few RM Webber's, Cromptonnut, Gordon D, and MR Simon to name a few and it was very nice to have chat etc. The layout behaved itself very well with only a couple of derailments mainly due to operator error not setting points etc. I'm feeling rather tired now as i didn't get the layout boxed till 11 0'clock last night, so much for a couple of tweaks here and there, add that to an early start and a fairly long day and i'm well overdue for a few pints now, Cheers. Graham. Graham I only had chance for a very quick glimpse today but it did look good. Hopefully will get chance in the future on the exhibition circuit to have a good look. Anyway I hope you are enjoying a few well deserved pints.. We are! Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon D Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Graham, It was well worth the trip to see it "in the flesh". Looking forward to seeing it again at a future exhibition. Thanks for taking the time out to chat. Gordon D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanks522 Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 Hello all, Since the layouts first show a couple of weeks ago i have been muling over a few idea's to improve things a little, First off space, The layout is just shy of 7 foot 6 inches in length and three grown men standing behind it to operate is a little tight to say the least, What i need to do is install point motors to all the fiddle yard sidings so theres no need to reach over each other fighting to change points etc, It means having to build yet more panels for specific areas of the layout but i'm sure it'l make life a lot easier. Another idea i've been kicking around for a while was part automation of the fiddle yard, I can't do it to the freight or Down main as trains need to reverse to access sidings but the UP line (Inner track circuit) has just loops, I've ordered a system from heathcote electronics (no connection) that will slow trains down, stop them, set the points and start the next so that i can let the Up line look after itself. I'm feeling reasonably confident that i can fit it so it can be switched between auto and manual, more to do with the points than anything else, Should keep me busy for a while? Other news, The layout has stayed boxed up since the show but today i received a nice little package and its contents had to be tested. Started with this pair a few months ago, beautiful models but a shame there was nothing to put in the middle, I know there are vinyl overlays available but i don't like mixing paint finish and vinyl. So instead i got a nice fellow to paint these. Very pleased with the results and now i can keep an eye on the trackwork of Smithdown Rd Junction. Cheers Graham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MrSimon Posted March 1, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 1, 2013 Hi Graham, The measurement train looks amazing! Very impressed I share your feelings about mixing paint with vinyls. Do you have time to make the changes before its next being exhibition? Cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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