cromptonnut Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I'm regularly tempted with a small shunting plank in this sort of style to keep up permanently , but then planning gets out of hand and it ends up about 20' x 2' and all plans have to be dropped as there will be no way it will fit on the shelf in the railway room Are you me....? 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 Hi, First of all thank you for all the comments. To answer some of the questions. Drewry Lane is 5' x 1', the length limited by what I can get in the car with the back seats down. I can quite sympathise with the plans that just "grow". Somewhere in the not too distant past I took a bit of board and sorted out a plan to fit it rather than the other way around. It's an approach that might not suit many but I've found works for me. I've also come to the conclusion I'm probably a small layout person. You knocked that up! What happens when you really apply yourself? To be honest I suspec. I've probably peaked but who knows. It went together remarkably quickly partly through fortuitous domestic circumstances and partly because it drew heavily on things I'd learned from doing D.L. It's almost a copy after all. I know you shouldn't copy another layout but if it's your own idea does that count Difficult to do an accurate costing as over time you acquire kit that can be re-used but approx £200 would cover the building costs. That's not much more than one sound loco... What's the little plank like to operate? I've always shyed away from making that sort of layout because I think I'd get bored very quickly At shows D.L. is quite absorbing for a couple of hours as you do have to concentrate. "Son of" is simpler and so has less potential but will be OK for me for about an hour plus in my case filling the roles of a test track and somewhere to do photo's. Difficult to answer this as everyones expectations are different but my suggestion would be to see if you can blag an hour on something similar at a show. You'll soon know. synergy Had to look that one up Mark but thank you. I'll try not to get on my soapbox about this as it's a hobby and perhaps we should simply enjoy it rather than thinking about it to deeply. I'll simply say that I prefer layouts that follow the less is more principle and that you should strive to be consistent on all aspects as far as possible. That doesn't mean you have to be an expert in everything, I'm certainly not, but look at the whole thing as a single enterprise rather than a collection of individual exercises. Probably not well explained so an example - aimed at no-one by the way. Weathered stock and OOB vehicles and figures. My only possibly contentious comment is that if you think about things from the whole approach point of view then issues like OO vs P4 are really irrelevant. EDIT:- has it got a name yet? D.L. was originally going to be called Broadwey as it was loosely inspired by Upwey just outside Weymouth. Anyone who knows the area will understand but David is using this on his layout http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/28559-broadwey-oo-southern-layout-around-1990/page__p__299539__hl__broadwey__fromsearch__1#entry299539 so I'll give it some thought. Pics - only took a few so Thank you all for your interest and hope to talk some of you at the shows. Stu 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevblokey Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Hi, And finally - and don't ask me why - this......... Knocked up over a 3 week period it's a 70" x 9" shunting plank built along similar lines to D.L. Have a few more pics and the details if anyone is interested. Cheers Stu Cheers Stu You said not to ask why, just one question... Loving the new layout, do you need a home for Drewry Lane now? Operated from the front, you haven't built this for your own satisfaction, I hope! Did you get my PM re SJ Stu? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Operated from the front, you haven't built this for your own satisfaction, Well spotted Kev I was pleased with how D.L. came out but it is show configured so in typical "good idea at the time" fashion bumped a couple of projects sideways and did this for home use. It's code 75 as opposed to D.L.'s code 100. My previous experiences with 75 have not been too good but this went down well and running is very good. What I will rant on about is the use of cheap Maplins switches for the points. Only really applicable to planks it is though a cheap easy and reliable method of changing live frog points. DL has 3 more shows in addition to those I've already mentioned. Another turned up Friday plus a couple I'm waiting on official announcements but we're into 2012. So you'll have to wait........! Cheers Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted January 31, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 31, 2011 Stu, Keep us updated on the shows for DL as I would like to see this one in the flesh! Mudmagnet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Hi, My Class 14 turned up and my wife, who rarely takes much interest in my purchases apart from the financial aspects, took a look at it and in a very suspicious tone said “It doesn’t look very Britishâ€. I gave her a hug, realised she’d probably been taking more notice than I’d given her credit for and decided it was a good buy. With a couple of caveats it looks pretty good and ran well straight out the box. It’s generated 19 pages of comment here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/3482-Heljan-class-14s-for-hattons/page__st__450 so probably not a lot I can add except I wonder how some will react when they realise that their £100 plus purchase requires them to add the brake shoes and sandboxes. Not a big deal if you’re moderately experienced but could be a bit of a nightmare to a newcomer as there doesn’t appear to be any instructions. My only real gripe is the buffers which will have to go. Along with other examples such as the Bachmann 55 and Hornby 31 – to name just two – these weedy apologies will either have the heads replaced as the easy option or failing that the whole thing. With me sprung buffers sit alongside opening cab doors and the like as pointless wastes. Sprung buffers and tension lock couplings…….. I’d love someone to explain this. Next job is to find some decent photos and weather it so I can use it at Tonbridge. Cheers Stu 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevblokey Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 A teddy bear's picnic it is then! SJ went to bed on the first night in it's new home muttering something about "do I look like I do corporate image?" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Hi, Just a shameless bump and plug for the Tonbridge show next weekend. Also an early plug for the Weymouth show 29/30th Oct. Cheers Stu PS Kev - look forward to seeing St J in it's new guise. Might be worth starting your own thread. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinW Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I would just like to say that if any member sees this layout at a show, its definitely one that you can spend time watching, having seen it at Tonbridge yesterday. Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 A thoroughly enjoyable day and thanks to Colin and his team for a well organised event. Had a good place at the top of the stairs and was busy enough all day it seemed, anyhow the time went quickly. Only downside was not enough time to get a decent look at every exhibit.From what I did see it looked pretty busy and had an interesting range of layouts on show. Cheers Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 Hi, Just a quick update on Show info - Drewry Lane will at DEMU's Showcase. Details of the revised show are on DEMU's website http://www.demu.org.uk/showcase.htm Cheers Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_long Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 You might want to ask DEMU to spell your layouts name correctly lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 Hi, Yes, made me smile as well I know they've put a lot of work into getting this organised and imagine Bill's still got plenty on his plate at the moment but will give him a gentle nudge. Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Flynn Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hi another great little layout full of atmosphere well done? I have a soft spot for well presented layouts like this. keep up good work Hugh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisis Rail Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Hi, Just a few more shots of the layout. 4562 rolls in with a Plate wagon 3737 shunts vans with a couple of ill-starred Pallett vans waiting to be moved to the Goos Shed road 7782 with a single coal wagon arrives. Watch this space. Stu Ratio concrete walling looks well - takes time and patience to complete a decent run - good how you have managed to step the sections down I usually only attempt straight runs about 10" maximum. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisis Rail Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Hi, Just a few more shots of the layout. 4562 rolls in with a Plate wagon 3737 shunts vans with a couple of ill-starred Pallett vans waiting to be moved to the Goos Shed road 7782 with a single coal wagon arrives. Watch this space. Stu Ratio concrete walling looks well - takes time and patience to complete a decent run - good how you have managed to step the sections down I usually only attempt straight runs about 10" maximum. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted May 7, 2011 Author Share Posted May 7, 2011 A look only a mother could love and all the grace of an arthritic camel in motion. After a protracted effort to get the running up to something passable it's now weathered up and will hopefully be a useful addition to Drewry Lane's motive power. Stu 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted May 7, 2011 Share Posted May 7, 2011 A look only a mother could love and all the grace of an arthritic camel in motion. Quite an accurate portrayal of the prototype then ! . Does it scream when struggling with 50+ SLU's on the back, like the one I used to watch each morning in 1969 on the Long Dyke, Penarth Curve and Radyr trip. . . . . . or even burst into flames . . . . . now that would be a task for a DCC expert. . Your efforts are excellent Stu. Brian R. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 Hi, I know the fashion at the moment seems to be to take a Hornby 31, send the body for landfill, hack the chassis into 3 bits, find an old Lima body, speak to the nice man from Shawplan and do some serious modelling. The Hornby model doesn’t offend me to that extent and I picked this up comparatively cheap with the intention of turning it into a late 60’s version. I couldn’t find another Green headcoded version (Mr Tailby has my original one) and it remains a mystery to me why Hornby didn’t re-release that one but went for the Pilot one again. That was until someone who knows these better than I pointed out you can only do an early Pilot loco as it lacks the engine room door louvres and cab front footsteps. I did wonder about doing my own modding job but decided it was probably beyond me. Equally I couldn’t find any really hard info on how long the original livery with only one number and the “duck egg blue†trim lasted. I wasn’t too convinced by the colour Hornby used for the trim anyway. So back in the box it went. Then at Showcase I picked up a copy of the latest Modern Locomotives Illustrated about the Class 31. In there was a handful of shots of the pilot loco’s before the door and footstep mods but in the more conventional livery of light grey trim, numbers in four corners and looking a little travel worn. So off I went. Knocked all the glazing out, took off the handrails and got rid of the numbers. Masking up the bodyside stripes wasn’t actually that difficult except for the top stripe where is goes round the cab corners as the masking tape tended to slip. But what colour to use for them ? The references say light grey but in every picture I’ve seen it looks so near white as to make no difference. Using the old excuse of “scale colour†I used some Tamiya white with a dollop of mid grey added to take the edge off the white though to be honest it still looks white. I’m still a little unsure about how the weathering’s come out but as it’s been done with oils and weathering powders over what is effectively an acrylic base them I can wash it all off and have another go if it doesn’t grow on me. Early diesels seem a somewhat neglected area. I’ve got the black 350hp but am now wondering if a Pilot D8000 might not be a suitable companion. Stu 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRDBLUE17 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Hi Stu, Looks nicely done to me - I like the 31's and the work you have done to yours really brings it to life - should look good on your layout Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Hi, Thanks Mark. It's about the limit, size wise, for D.l. Looking at the Howe's site I noticed they do a sound chip for the Mirlees engine version. If I had the spare cash I think I'd be very tempted. It doesn't actually fit with the original idea for the layout the class never appearing in the SW till the 70's. But the first loco I ever bought with my own (christmas) money was a Tri-ang TT one some I'm claiming sentimental reasons. Might also be an excuse to get a Class 15 to keep it company. A couple of shots taken on D.L. mk2 Drewry Lane will also now be at the Stowmarket Show early next year. Cheers Stu 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mason Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Superb looking layout and a perfect example of how much detail and great stock can go in a small space, love it great work Neil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I know the fashion at the moment seems to be to take a Hornby 31, send the body for landfill, hack the chassis into 3 bits, find an old Lima body, speak to the nice man from Shawplan and do some serious modelling. The Hornby model doesn’t offend me to that extent I think I started that... If it doesn't offend you then you've saved a fair bit of work! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapford34102 Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 I think I started that... You did indeed James but I didn't put in any names to protect the innocent....! I've got a link to your impressive 31 thread in my favourites as I kept going back to check on progress. However I'm fundamentally a lazy sod so took the easy option. At DEMU's ShowCase I did speak to Brian of Shawplan and hopefully planted the idea of doing the bits to update the Hornby pilot to an early production but doubt it will make the to-do list for a long time, if ever. I did though come away with some Extreme Etchings fan grilles for my Cromptons so I'll see how I cope with them. I only had a good look at them when I finally got home Thank you for the comments Neil, much appreciated. Cheers Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 You did indeed James but I didn't put in any names to protect the innocent....! I've got a link to your impressive 31 thread in my favourites as I kept going back to check on progress. However I'm fundamentally a lazy sod so took the easy option. At DEMU's ShowCase I did speak to Brian of Shawplan and hopefully planted the idea of doing the bits to update the Hornby pilot to an early production but doubt it will make the to-do list for a long time, if ever. I did though come away with some Extreme Etchings fan grilles for my Cromptons so I'll see how I cope with them. I only had a good look at them when I finally got home This must be the first time I've been a trend setter! I'm pleased you enjoyed the 31 Project! I will admit that the Hornby model is passable, certainly when viewed from the side, as a 'layout loco' it can work fine. The problem is when I see a problem that's all I see! Hence the use of a Lima body! I think Brian will eventually cover all Diesel types, but the standards to whichh he works just mean that it may take a a few years - but it'll be worth the wait! You've made a nice job of your 31 And it's good to see some proper modelling instead of a post complaining about a model not being available in a certain livery! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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