Dmudriver Posted June 3, 2018 Author Share Posted June 3, 2018 (edited) Hi all. Concourse spraying done!! It's a bit darker than I hoped (I've just used Halfords Primer!!) but I'm reasonably happy with it. It's not the same as the concrete on the platform edges or the steps leading down to the track and I may alter the latter eventually, but all in all, I'm not disappointed. Here's some pics - after I've reglued the pillars, put the phone box and ticket collectors' booths back and added the platform canopy: And, although you can't see the concourse, I couldn't resist taking this one looking down the platform: And, just for the fun of it, here's a photo of the real thing from a similar viewpoint: That one was in 2012 and it had been modernised a bit from this: Finally, a general view of the business end of the platform and of the concourse: In the first 2 pics, and the one above, you can see in the background a concrete slab fencing. The model is Peco SR fencing but it represents what's actually there - in the 70s (just visible on the left): and in 2012: That's all for now. I'm going to start looking for platform fencing on line now - I had intended to look at Doncaster yesterday but …….. well, you know the story!!! More soon. Rod Edited June 3, 2018 by Dmudriver 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted June 25, 2018 Author Share Posted June 25, 2018 (edited) Hi. A bit of an update: I've been quiet but not completely idle!! I decided that the area in front of the houses backscene needed a bit of attention as it does become visible in photos. So I've laid down gravel as a surface and added some vegetation around the base of the walls and the fence. I think I will need to tone down the colour of the mesh fencing, too - a light spray with matt black is probably in order. The lower slab fencing to the left will be topped with 3 strands of wire to bring it to the same height as the mesh. Not done that much yet, but I need to put the fence posts in first then add gravel and vegetation after that: the actual fencing will be fitted later. Pics of progress so far: The colour rendition isn't quite right (they were taken on my iPhone) - the gravel is greener in the pics than in reality. And something else I've learned - I've found one drawback of doing scenery at the front of the layout first - leaning over means I pick it up on the clothes I am wearing!! Even though I've got my leaning bars!! I did wonder at the time, but just wanted to get something done after years of prevarication!!! More soon. Rod Edited June 25, 2018 by Dmudriver 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simond Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 This is a bit of icing on the cake, it’ll set off the houses well, and provide an even better backscene for the railway. Best Simon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted July 1, 2018 Author Share Posted July 1, 2018 Hi all. Just a bit of an update. I've wanted to have a few operating sessions in the past week, but it's been so hot I've had to give up!! So I've done a bit of work in the cool of the house - painting more fence posts and trial painting/weathering a length of the fencing. Here's a couple of pics of the latter: first from above the platform canopy and then from below said canopy: (It's not properly fitted yet, just laid in place to see the effect) I think it looks much better than the brand new state of the last pics. I'm beginning to quite enjoy this scenery side of layout building. Mind you, trees are looming on the horizon and that looks a bit off-putting but I've a fair bit to do with the fencing first - round and beyond the signal cabin. Yesterday I went out to run on a layout where it was found the heat had had an effect. Two handbuilt points had suffered. However, the problem wasn't the points themselves but rather admitted to be inadequate or non-existent expansion gaps: The points are firmly fastened to the baseboard so the stock rails have gone the only way left to them - along the slide chairs!! We've all been there at some time, I'm sure!! I did check my own layout when I got back but so far all is OK - been there, done that, so I've left decent gaps. More soon. Rod 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted July 2, 2018 Share Posted July 2, 2018 Rod that's a real pain. Something I am watching for on Notley as its still set up in our conservatory which can hit 40 degrees during the day while we are at work. So far all ok but then I don't have any soldered track. My daughters boyfriend has suffered problems with his Peco OO track despite him having insulated his loft and suffering lower temperatures. He even left expansion joints. Just goes to show. Hope you can fix WK quickly Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted August 3, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 3, 2018 Hi Rod, Just catching up on your progress. Hope all is well ... your making great strides, WKT is really looking fantastic. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 Hi Rod Did you sort your track warping All the best Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted August 5, 2018 Author Share Posted August 5, 2018 Hi Rod Did you sort your track warping All the best Paul R Hi Paul. Thanks for your message, but thankfully the warping wasn't on my layout. It was on a layout that I went to run on - which I won't name as I don't want to embarrass anyone!!!! Whether it's been sorted since, I don't know. Certainly one of them put a running line out of action but the other one is the other end of the crossover (from the first) to a new section of the layout which, at the time wasn't used for running (electrics still to finish). I've checked mine and it's OK (well, so far, at any rate): I've left big enough expansion gaps (experience!!). ATB. Rod 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post MarshLane Posted August 16, 2018 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted August 16, 2018 (edited) Evening everyone, Well I was in the area so just happened to amble down to the car park alongside West Kirby Town this afternoon - talk about good timing! I managed to catch the usual DMUs, a steam special and a Eastfield 47, which according to the station staff, had been 'nicked' by the Liverpool Controller from a North Wales Coast running-in turn, to avoid cancelling a local service! On getting out the car, the distinctive whistling sound of a Class 20 could be heard, and it transpired I had arrived just after 20107 drew to a stand with parcels empties for the evening service. A quick walk to the shops, and I returned to find the Class 20 had departed back to Manchester, but that a steam special had arrived behind Ivatt 2MT No. 41276. I was only just in time, as having grabbed this shot of it... ... there was a whistle, and it set off on the return journey! Thankfully for me, it transpires that a passenger realised he was on the wrong train and pulled the emergency cord! That held up departure for a few minutes, during which time I managed to run up alongside the line and get another shot. The station pilot was Class 08 No. 08078 as ever! The fireman in the adjacent fire station were playing with water as they usual are, and a quick request to go up the tower for a shot was remarkably met by a 'yer, if your quick mate and the guvnor don't see ya!' So I quickly climbed the fire tower, hit the shutter and returned to ground level .. only just in time, as having snuck back through the hole in the fence, the aforementioned 'guvnor' could be heard shouting ... something about a hosepipe ban and a new pond! I quickly made my way back to the station to photograph a two-car Class 101 and three-car Class 108 pairing arriving Feeling in something of an 'arty' mood, I also took a few through the canopy Having wandered back into the station to see what time the next train was due, one of the station staff saw my camera and proceeded to tell me the next local was a rarity at West Kirby Town - a Class 47! So needless to say I hung on and acquired this! It transpires that the Eastfield based '47' was fresh off repairs at Crewe Works and with Edge Hill short of locos, the North West controller at Liverpool had commandeered it. It should have gone to Holyhead on test apparently! After the stock was released I managed another shot at the end of the platform, while waiting for the road. After which, the flask was empty, the sandwich box was exhausted and the film had run out in the camera, so it was back home!! Seriously, thanks go to Rod for extending an invite to see the layout - I can honestly say, it looks great in his photos, but is far better in real life! Superb modelling. We had a very enjoyable afternoon of shunting and running about, together with some photo taking as you can see above! I am still getting use to the focus stacking software, and made a couple of little errors in the above shots, but nothing that detracts I don't think. I do need to find out whats causing the odd effect on the white backgrounds. If anyone is interested, or wants to know, these were taken with a Nikon D850, using Helicon Remote/Focus software on a MacBook. Hope your pleased with them Rod! A couple of overviews, which were taken in an attempt to replicate a photograph of the original, which I am sure is on this thread somewhere... Thanks again Rod, its certainly given the mojo a kick up the backside! Great afternoon. Hope everyone else has enjoyed the pics! Rich Edited August 16, 2018 by MarshLane 27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted August 17, 2018 Author Share Posted August 17, 2018 Hi Rich. Yes, I'm extremely pleased with the pictures, thanks - and the commentary with them isn't too bad, either!! The picture Rich was replicating is on the thread somewhere: I've tried the first 6 pages with no joy and, as I've not really time to go through another 60+, I'll put it back on here again. It's this one: Rich's are not quite from the same angle - he couldn't get the camera over the DMU stabling point - but the layout isn't far off the original!! (well, apart from no 3rd rail or 503s!!!). We did, as Rich says, have a good afternoon and the weather was kind to us, too. If anyone else would like to come over, and do a bit of running - and chatting - and photographing - with a visit to the village pub or tearoom thrown in, just PM me. Thanks again for the pics, Rich. Rod PS Rich's visit has reawakened my modelling mojo, too!! Except I can't do anything this weekend as Everton are at home on Saturday and I'll be there and then I'm volunteering at the Ribble Steam Railway on Preston docks on Sunday. Whoever said retirement was boring??!! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simond Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 Rod, What were you saying about 503’s? Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
railwayrod Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 Hi Rod Have been away from your thread for a while - no particular reason just have been busy on my own layout. You have made fantastic progress on WKT which looks very realistic. I particularly liked the shots under the station canopy and the fence in the background looks really nice. Will try in future to keep up with you as you post more on WKT. Great job - keep it up! Rod Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 (edited) Rod, What were you saying about 503’s? Simon Yeah 503's, bring it on I might have to have a chat with Michael Hughes at Telford PS like the photos bring back so many memories of my teenage years Edited August 19, 2018 by Park 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 Yeah 503's, bring it on I might have to have a chat with Michael Hughes at Telford PS like the photos bring back so many memories of my teenage years Or possibly Allen Doherty at Worsley Works, he is an obliging chap. Best regards Craig 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 17, 2018 Author Share Posted September 17, 2018 HI all. It's been a month since I put anything on here!! All I can say is it's been busy - and not much of that has been railway modelling. However, now the schools have gone back and life is settling back into a normal routine, I've been in the shed again, modelling. The fence posts along the back of the layout are gradually progressing - here's a pic of where I'm up to: The apparent blank bit in the middle is where the fencing has been threaded in front of the posts to hold it in place - temporarily. Around that area, the fence is very close to the corner of one of the buildings: I'll have to block that off with grass and bushes. The other thing I've been working on is the interlocking of points 22 and 26 (26a and 26b operate together as lever 26). Extract from the signalling diagram here: Obviously, we don't want 26 reversed when 22 is normal as it makes for a conflicting movement. Up to now the interlocking has been effected by a microswitch on each Tortoise motor, but the one on no. 22 motor had been operating very erratically, necessitating frequent hand interventions under the base board. Not easy to get at and not very professional looking when visitors are present. So, I decided relays were the answer but hadn't a clue what to use, or how to wire them up. I've had great help from Simond of this parish, advising me on the wiring, specs for the relays, etc. The relays arrived today and they're now fitted and working correctly - so no more possible conflicting movements!! It wasn't quite as easy as I have made it sound as I spent quite a few hours taking the old microswitches out, rewiring the Tortoises so that they worked properly without the interlocking and then sorting the wiring out for the relays: then, when I got those, I checked and rechecked each step as I set them up. Good exercise for the grey matter, though!! Next step - on with the fencing: I want to get the posts round the back of the signal cabin, then put in the gravel and vegetation before I actually attach the fence to the posts. Watch this space!! (It might be another month, though!!!) Rod 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 17, 2018 Author Share Posted September 17, 2018 PS Looking back to a couple of posts - Park and Craig. Did you make any progress on 503s at Telford? Not that I have plans to put in 3rd rail and operate 503s instead of my DMUs, but I ask out of interest and, ... well .... you never know!! Rod 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Doh I knew there was something else I was going down there for 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 18, 2018 Author Share Posted September 18, 2018 Doh I knew there was something else I was going down there for Next year's no problem!!! Rod Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 18, 2018 Author Share Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) Hi all. It is with a heavy heart that I pen this post. It is the end of an era. (Sob, sob ) Maybe the picture will explain it: It's the beginning of the demolition of my 11 year-old grandson's train set/model railway which I built for him 8/9 years ago. That's my granddaughter hoovering up the last of the ballast that she'd been scraping off after I'd taken the track up this afternoon. (a real team effort!!) Plenty more to go yet!! We had to stop because she was going swimming!! He's lost interest, basically, and has done for over a year now - karate, football, Fortnite and now rugby at his new secondary school have taken over. Added to which the family want the garage as a games room/bar and the rest of the garage stuff is going into a new shed. However, all is not completely lost. My son and grandson have admitted it's really sad, so everything is being kept in the loft and nothing is being thrown away. When/if it will see the light of day again is, of course, another question!! And yes, those are little Everton kits you can see framed on the wall in the background - my grandson's on the left, my son's on the right (tho' what the postbox is, I haven't a clue!!) But, hey-ho, life moves on. In reality, just another day in the life of a railway modeller and a granddad. I can assure you, however, that WKT is going nowhere and updates will continue as before after this little interlude. Rod Edited September 18, 2018 by Dmudriver Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold jcarta Posted September 18, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 18, 2018 Rod I am crying into my cuppa....... Don't despair.... the lad is only 11 years of age .... he has sooooo much ahead of him...... wait until he discovers girls !!!!! Then adulthood comes along and he will once again rejoin the fraternity and become a young modeller .... again If he has a skillful builder like yourself he will be serving a long apprenticeship Jim 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hroth Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) Hi Rich. Yes, I'm extremely pleased with the pictures, thanks - and the commentary with them isn't too bad, either!! The picture Rich was replicating is on the thread somewhere: I've tried the first 6 pages with no joy and, as I've not really time to go through another 60+, I'll put it back on here again. It's this one: West Kirby Station 1976 - Copy - Copy (1024x725).jpg Rich's are not quite from the same angle - he couldn't get the camera over the DMU stabling point - but the layout isn't far off the original!! (well, apart from no 3rd rail or 503s!!!). We did, as Rich says, have a good afternoon and the weather was kind to us, too. If anyone else would like to come over, and do a bit of running - and chatting - and photographing - with a visit to the village pub or tearoom thrown in, just PM me. Thanks again for the pics, Rich. Rod PS Rich's visit has reawakened my modelling mojo, too!! Except I can't do anything this weekend as Everton are at home on Saturday and I'll be there and then I'm volunteering at the Ribble Steam Railway on Preston docks on Sunday. Whoever said retirement was boring??!! Was it the sepia-toned view of WK from the bridge in the early 80's I posted a while ago? To be honest I can't remember when I posted that either! Found it. post #1689, 16th October 2017 @ 18:16 http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/54751-west-kirby-town-at-last-some-scenery/page-68&do=findComment&comment=2889992 Edited September 18, 2018 by Hroth 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 18, 2018 Author Share Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) Rod I am crying into my cuppa....... Don't despair.... the lad is only 11 years of age .... he has sooooo much ahead of him...... wait until he discovers girls !!!!! Then adulthood comes along and he will once again rejoin the fraternity and become a young modeller .... again If he has a skillful builder like yourself he will be serving a long apprenticeship Jim Actually, Jim, there is some hope. One of my locos is a Class 50 and I had it finished as 50021 "Rodney" - a real bit of self-indulgence!! My son said, a couple of years ago, "when you go to the great terminus in the sky, we're having that, even if we get nothing else!!!"** ("We" being grandson and him). So, yes, there's hope!!! Rod ** We call a spade a shovel in our family!!! Edited September 18, 2018 by Dmudriver Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 18, 2018 Author Share Posted September 18, 2018 Found it. post #1689, 16th October 2017 @ 18:16 http://www.rmweb.co....68#entry2889992 Thanks. You were quicker than me - I had a quick look but didn't go far enough back!! My concourse doesn't look anything like the real thing, though: I'm not going to change it, other than to add fencing along the edges (eventually!!) Rod 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted September 26, 2018 Author Share Posted September 26, 2018 (edited) Hi all. I was going to entitle this post "Don't fence me in"!!! The fence posts along the back of the layout are progressing nicely, but no pics until I've used up all the ones I've got. I've enough to go round the signal box and then a few (scale) feet beyond. However, I've got the fencing bug now and so I sent off for these: I'm planning to get the station area finished asap and that will then leave me the "country" end to think about and, eventually, work on. I've decided on LNWR fencing as I've photos showing both vertical and Midland-style fencing around the concourse area. Here's one of them: The vertical section isn't quite the same as the LNWR but I thought the angled Midland style was too obviously Midland - which West Kirby definitely wasn't!! The ramp section in the first pic is to go in front of the portacabin: there is a walkway but it will be sloped to get up to the height of the door. I don't want anyone falling down onto the track!! More soon. Rod Edited September 26, 2018 by Dmudriver 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted September 28, 2018 Share Posted September 28, 2018 Are you modelling the Robin Reliant? Didnt Corgi do one? Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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