RMweb Premium Popular Post CF MRC Posted October 13, 2014 Author RMweb Premium Popular Post Share Posted October 13, 2014 Well we have certainly just had a very different weekend to the normal model railway exhibition! After a hectic few weeks of work with a major re-wire of the front boards (a fall-out from the Preston show 6 months ago) we got the layout moved to the Kings Cross Granary square complex on Friday 9th for their “Steam Extravaganza”. The layout was exhibited in the ‘Crossing’, a large exhibit space close to the Central St Martins school of Arts entrance. The aerial photograph shows the layout during setting up, taken from the offices in the Granary Building. Yvonne & Peter Chappell and myself are visible in the image: it also shows the major logistical issues around crating the layout and the plywood construction of our lighting proscenium arch. Amazing that it all fits in a Luton headed transit. The public came to see Gresley Beat and CF, along with other outdoor steam attractions aimed predominantly at a young audience. There were 9000 of them. It was so refreshing to have a public that was truly appreciative of the quality of modelling on show and who were amazed to see their area represented in model form, as it was 75 years ago. The trains were admired, but probably incidental. I think they could understand the quality of the individual models on Gresley Beat but they didn’t engage as well with the model as they did with CF. We saw people checking out CF using Google Earth on their smartphones. The number of comments and anecdotes from locals was never ending: I think the Club is going to be very busy at our next Open Day on November 16th. The layout settled down to run well on most lines, although we now need to be fettling the newly extended down goods to make sure it’s OK – especially on the brass track round the back. With the re-wiring now started, it is an ideal opportunity to re-organise the wire feeds and sectioning in the fiddle yards at the rear, much of which is well over 25 years old! Our newest train on the line was the ‘Flying Kipper’ from Matthew Wald. It was running on the up goods, behind the Baldwin and can be seen on its entrance into the Goods Yard. This train started life as some old Graham Farish fish vans but they have subsequently been filleted and narrowed to make a very effective fast fitted train. I also include a picture of our Queen of Scots Pullman set heading north, pulled by a Lonestar A4 Pacific. Work progresses on the buildings on the southern end, with Tom Knapp beavering away in San Francisco on the London Christian Mission building and Richard Wilson sketching out the other block of shops, houses and offices. Finally, it was pleasing to note that the layout was awarded the ‘Geoff Jones Layout Trophy’ by the 2mm Scale Association, for the second time, at their AGM on Saturday 11th October. Tim 31 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Tim, Congratulations on what looks to have been a very successful weekend. Out of interest, which year did CF win the Geoff Jones layout trophy previously? Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethashenden Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 It was an enjoyable weekend, thanks for inviting me. I think I'm just out of shot to the right in the aerial view. On to the coaches... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted October 13, 2014 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted October 13, 2014 Tim, Congratulations on what looks to have been a very successful weekend. Out of interest, which year did CF win the Geoff Jones layout trophy previously? Andy I think it was probably 1992, when the layout went to the 2mm event in Newcastle. I believe it was the first award of the trophy. Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted October 13, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 13, 2014 I expect for a lot of Londoners it is the first time they have seen a decent model of the cityscape. I find that just as interesting as the trains. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
autocoupler942 Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) At saturday's AGM I made the observation that Copenhagen Fields had been already been a recipient of the GJ trophy but was told I was wrong (I knew I wasn't (!) but why argue with the youngsters). The powers that be maintained they had trawled through the list of previous awardees. However CF does deserve to be recognised for it's continued growth and could be considered to be a layout withn a layout within a layout. Tim believes 1992 to be the year in question but I find that Denys Brownlee won with Burnham-on-Sea at the AGM at Keen House. 1993 AGM was at NEC and 1994 at Keen House again. I will delve further on tuesday to be more exact. There was some chat over the weekend about researching and compiling a complete record/dosier from 1960 onwards of who was in office, who won what with which model, milestones of new products and innovations etc etc. This could be handled by several members - each concentrating on separate decades preferably within their personal membership. This would ultimately need a co-ordinator to double-check for any ommisions. Edited October 14, 2014 by autocoupler942 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted October 14, 2014 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2014 The layout that won the GJ Trophy in Newcastle was 10% of what it is now! May have been 1991. Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 2mmMark Posted October 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) Here's a panoramic shot of the layout as it was on display at the Kings Cross Steam Extravanganza last weekend. When we first started work on the layout in 198mumblemumble, John Birkett-Smith produced a model of the model and the layout is now very closely matching that original vision. It's only taken 30+ years...! Edited October 14, 2014 by 2mmMark 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 At saturday's AGM I made the observation that Copenhagen Fields had been already been a recipient of the GJ trophy but was told I was wrong (I knew I wasn't (!) but why argue with the youngsters). The powers that be maintained they had trawled through the list of previous awardees. However CF does deserve to be recognised for it's continued growth and could be considered to be a layout withn a layout within a layout. Tim believes 1992 to be the year in question but I find that Denys Brownlee won with Burnham-on-Sea at the AGM at Keen House. 1993 AGM was at NEC and 1994 at Keen House again. I will delve further on tuesday to be more exact. Andrew, When the awards were discussed between myself, Jim Allwood and Geoff Jones last week, Geoff provided us with a list of layouts that had been awarded the prize. Given that Geoff had very kindly provided the award all those years ago, and had personally decided each winner since 1992 (and maybe earlier?) we didn't see the need to challenge this. The list he gave me (which I am happy to forward to you by email) starts at 1992 with Denys' layout, and had only one gap (1997, when the award was apparently not made). If you can identify which year CF won the award and/or check any of the others, I would be interested in correcting/updating the record for the archives. However, there is no rule to say that a layout can only win once if it had been altered or extended (Wansbeck Road and Haverhill South have both won the trophy twice), so it's all somewhat academic, and certainly shouldn't detract from the fantastic achievements of Tim and his team. Regards, Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted October 14, 2014 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) Herewith a picture of the model of the model as dated December 1983, when the MRC committee sanctioned the building of the layout. The only real change from the original plan is that the York Road bridge is closer to the back scene (nearer scale position) at the south end and indeed the layout is a little longer and squarer at the front left hand end. At the right hand end the back scene was moved further back to increase the depth effect. I have also attached a 1985 picture showing how model railways keeps you young (TFW & MF)! Tim Edited October 14, 2014 by CF MRC 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bécasse Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) I am glad you posted the picture of the model of the model, Tim. I found that the aerial photo of the CF at Kings Cross instantly reminded me of it and it is good to see that after all these years it is getting somewhere near full fruition - just another decade to go? David Edited October 14, 2014 by bécasse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Popular Post CF MRC Posted December 22, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Popular Post Share Posted December 22, 2015 (edited) It has been an awfully long time since I posted anything on CF. The track plan at the southeastern side of the goods yard, especially at the front, has been finalised and has gone to Keith Armes for turnout manufacture. We have included an extra crossover to allow a twelve-wagon run-round in the goods arrival sidings, without conflicting with the main up goods traffic. This area can be worked as an independent front yard. Interestingly, we have identified a loop line that would also be an excellent way for transferring trains between the Up & Down lines. The goods lines fiddle yard track at the back has always had a ghastly S bend on the big fiddle yard board. This was no longer needed as any crossover of passenger trains between Up & Down main lines will now be accommodated on the 'Sopwith Camel' -shaped southern board, (all our boards have quirky names) therefore removing the need for this kink. We have therefore straightened it out and realigned the section, as can be seen in the first photo: our goods engines will hopefully no longer need to attend agility classes. At the same time we have laid in a straight piece of track on the new raised baseboard for loco testing. This could be connected to the Up Goods line as a storage spur for the train that shunts the yard. There is also now a comfortable rounded handle in the vicinity of this siding which should help in handling this 10' long mega board. Buildings at the South end of the layout have made progress, as has the infrastructure. It is very nearly a new scenic layout in its own right. The board called 'Randall's Knob' now has a case catch to locate it positively on the layout and the roads and retaining walls are well attached to the amazingly complicated frame that makes up this board, as can be seen in the second photo. It is ready for all the buildings, roads and infrastructure to go on it. Tom Knapp's building, the 'Paget Christian Centre', of the London Christian Mission is going to look spectacular at the front of the layout (photo 3). The building was converted from a London terrace for this ministry just north of KX. You can Google map the address at Randell's Road, which sits just above the Gas Works Tunnel portals - also made by Tom in San Francisco. The large goods warehouse block now sits solidly on the board and it will be possible to shunt a few wagons in and out of it from the front goods yard under York Way. Mike Randall has laser-cut the facade for this massive building out of thin ply. I may be working on some awnings for this at the MEE at Ally Pally in January. The owners of the various plots can be seen in the final photo: Richard W has some very tasty buildings underway for his bit and I will eventually make another tube station, 30+ years after the first one! Meanwhile, the main goods yard board is being thermally tested in my conservatory, awaiting the arrival of Keith's track and some group working sessions in the New Year. The layout will next be erected at Keen House in time for the 2mm AGM on 15th October and worked on intensively thereafter, prior to its next appearance at Warley in November and the CMRA Stevenage show in January 2017. I think there will be some significant changes to CF by that time, 33 years from when we started. Tim Edited December 22, 2015 by CF MRC 35 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 24, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 24, 2015 (edited) Found this picture in the archives. Horse must have been moving in the long exposure. The tailor's dummies almost look like Slater's 2 mm scale figures! Happy Christmas everyone! Tim Edited December 24, 2015 by CF MRC 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 (edited) The tailor's dummies almost look like Slater's 2 mm scale figures! The guy in the peaked cap behind the horse looks pretty 'static' too! Nice one Tim! And a Happy Christmas from me too. :-) Jim Edited December 24, 2015 by Caley Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted December 24, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 24, 2015 when the layout is finished and no longer wanted by the MRC (interesting to speculate on what you might attempt next!) this really should go into a museum it is the best evocation of the London cityscape of that era I have ever seen. I suppose because it has 'model trains' it would not be seen as the fantastic piece of art it is. Don 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 24, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 24, 2015 I think CF will see me out Don! Plenty yet to do. Tim 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 26, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 26, 2015 Found a couple more of the Cally from the Club archives. The demolished house may correlate with the Minutes of a meeting of The Model Railway Club 13th October 1915: ‘The meeting was brought (to) an abrupt conclusion at 9.30 by the visit of Zeppelins to the immediate vicinity. ‘ A number of German Naval Zeppelins bombed London on the 13th October, producing one of the worst airship raids of the war. The most damage was sustained around The Aldwych & The Strand These photos were labelled as having been taken by a chap called B. Norman, obviously quite a few decades ago, but after the Great War. Tim 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Siberian Snooper Posted December 26, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 26, 2015 We tend to forget that London was bombed during the first war, although not anywhere near as bad as the second war. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBS Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Found a couple more of the Cally from the Club archives. The demolished house may correlate with the Minutes of a meeting of The Model Railway Club 13th October 1915: ‘The meeting was brought (to) an abrupt conclusion at 9.30 by the visit of Zeppelins to the immediate vicinity. ‘ A number of German Naval Zeppelins bombed London on the 13th October, producing one of the worst airship raids of the war. The most damage was sustained around The Aldwych & The Strand These photos were labelled as having been taken by a chap called B. Norman, obviously quite a few decades ago, but after the Great War. Tim Tim,I'm not sure of the year for the photos but I'm fairly sure that the date was 1st April. Happy New Year. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian Morgan Posted December 26, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 26, 2015 Those photos are wonderful. When I first saw them, I knew they were of the model, but then, the more I looked, the more doubt came over me. Were they actual old photos of the area used as reference for the model? It was only when I read the shop names that I came back to reality again. The black and white makes them much more effective at deceiving the eye (and mind) than the colour photos do. It really shows that the tones are spot-on. Ian Morgan Hampshire Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 27, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 27, 2015 (edited) The wonderful tumbled down buildings were made by Matthew Wald, who is currently making some offices for the goods yard behind York Road viaduct. The photos were taken in the early 90's by Barry Norman with wet film. Tim Edited December 27, 2015 by CF MRC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 28, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 28, 2015 (edited) A rare photo of R33 over London. 'On the 2nd July 1919, when the R34 began her transatlantic flight, the R33 also left the sheds that day with the SR1 to fly over the peace procession in London, again the ship towing a very large banner advertising Victory Bonds. On this flight the ship carried a band on the top gun platform, however the band members would have been out of sight from the crowds below the ship and it is doubtful that the music would have reached the crowds as well' (source Airship Heritage Trust). Probably coincides with our model of the DH2 going to the Imperial War Museum down the Cally. I'll see if I can find an old photo. Tim Edited December 28, 2015 by CF MRC 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted December 28, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 28, 2015 Matthew Wald has made numerous contributions to CF but, for me, that omnibus is one of his finest. A really beautiful piece of model making. Jerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernboy Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 I'd love to know how that bus was made and finished (I think there's a couple of other buses, plus the LCC tram of course). Likewise the tube train. Where they etches? Or fashioned from Plasticard or card perhaps? Either way they are each absolutely exquisite Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium CF MRC Posted December 28, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 28, 2015 (edited) Mark The B Type bus was completely scratchbuilt in Plastikard, using an early photocopier for the advertisements and destinations and office staples for some of the metal bits. The tram was also by Matthew and skids along on solid acetal 2mm scale wheels moulded by Denys Brownlee as replacements for Peco wheels. It is actually the second tram, as the original (at that stage only the lower saloon) was nicked at the first time we exhibited the layout at Horticultural Halls in the mid 80's. Every few years it needs a new set of wheels. It is magnetically coupled to a massive mechanism under the road (also made by Denys) that has five wheels: the large fifth wheel is in the middle, is rubber tyred and runs on a strip of emery paper. The gauge is equivalent to Irish broad gauge in 3/16th scale, with substantial sprung copper wiper pick ups running on the circular steel rail. The tram has one magnet (N) and the mechanism under the road has three (NSN) to centre the vehicle above it in the road. The road itself is thin PCB with the code 40 FB rail directly soldered to it. No one seems to notice that it only goes up and down the same length of track. It is usually the most reliable part of the layout and must have covered hundreds, if not thousands, of miles over the years. I have one of the Oxford diecast trams, but that is very disappointingly crude, especially at the top. Might be OK with very major surgery. I converted the STL from a white metal kit (might have been a Beaver RT). The other buses are from solid clear resin castings, very subtly made by Ced Verdon. On the North end of York Way we have an indeterminate 1:400 bus headed south, sourced from architectural suppliers. The tube was completely scratchbuilt by Stewart Hine using a power bogie with an armature from a Z gauge mechanism. This was replaced by a Japanese tram type mechanism this year (much cut down and modified) coincident with a major simplification of the underground layout. This has to be 110% reliable and previously it had not been. My four year old grandson had great fun 'driving' it at the last AP show! Tim Edited December 28, 2015 by CF MRC 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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