jennarivo Posted March 22, 2016 Author Share Posted March 22, 2016 (edited) Wow... those grasses look fantastic. Could you name where you purchased the MiniNatur grasses? Thanks for that. The grasses were purchased from http://www.modeldisplayproducts.co.uk There's not been much progress over the last few weeks - camping trips and visitors have begun to appear again. I have knocked up the two boards for the fiddle yard and track-laying is about to commence. Due to space constraints I've had to amend the plan slightly to include an off-scene reversing loop between the Thurso and Inverness lines as looping the Thurso line round into the fiddle yard was going to add too much width to the layout. This means that trains leaving on the Thurso branch will need to perform an out of sight reversing manoeuvre to enter the fiddle yard. I'll post some pics in the next week or so. cheers Shaun Edited March 28, 2016 by jennarivo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Lawn Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 I've just come across this topic. Excellent scenic work here - very, very realistic, not easy in N-gauge. Hector Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium GWRPhil Posted March 24, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 24, 2016 Any more pictures of progress? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 Hi all, There been limited work on any of the scenic sections as of late with most of my efforts being focused on the off-scene part of the layout. I've knocked up a simple five road fiddle yard spread across two boards, using the same foamboard / ply combination as used on the main boards. I don't think I've mentioned it on this thread yet, but over the last few months I've been thinking that I'd like to have a go at building my own code 40 track, as I've never been overly happy with the look of the Peco code 55, especially the points. I'm hoping to buy some components and construct a very small trial layout/diorama to see how I get on and part of the reason for constructing the fiddle yard in this way is so I can use it for an end to end set-up as well, as two separate fiddle yards. As mentioned previously, I've had to alter the plan slightly and instead of the Thurso branch running round into the fiddle yard, to save space I've created a reverse loop which joins the main line. This means that trains leaving the station heading to Thurso will need to pull forward into this loop and then reverse into the fiddle yard. Another space saving compromise is the use of tight radius set-track curves to take the main line round towards the fiddle yard. The only room that the layout will fit it when fully assembled is the living room, meaning that most of the time it will be stored in a cupboard. I can only assembly two boards in the spare bedroom, which is fine for working on but not much fun otherwise. That's all for now Cheers Shaun 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted April 4, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 4, 2016 Hi all, There been limited work on any of the scenic sections as of late with most of my efforts being focused on the off-scene part of the layout. I've knocked up a simple five road fiddle yard spread across two boards, using the same foamboard / ply combination as used on the main boards. I don't think I've mentioned it on this thread yet, but over the last few months I've been thinking that I'd like to have a go at building my own code 40 track, as I've never been overly happy with the look of the Peco code 55, especially the points. I'm hoping to buy some components and construct a very small trial layout/diorama to see how I get on and part of the reason for constructing the fiddle yard in this way is so I can use it for an end to end set-up as well, as two separate fiddle yards. IMG_1073.JPG As mentioned previously, I've had to alter the plan slightly and instead of the Thurso branch running round into the fiddle yard, to save space I've created a reverse loop which joins the main line. This means that trains leaving the station heading to Thurso will need to pull forward into this loop and then reverse into the fiddle yard. Another space saving compromise is the use of tight radius set-track curves to take the main line round towards the fiddle yard. The only room that the layout will fit it when fully assembled is the living room, meaning that most of the time it will be stored in a cupboard. I can only assembly two boards in the spare bedroom, which is fine for working on but not much fun otherwise. IMG_1077.JPG That's all for now Cheers Shaun Have you taken a look at fiNetrax? A bit small and tricky for me but a well thought out system which makes turnouts as easy as possible in N. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 6, 2016 Author Share Posted April 6, 2016 Have you taken a look at fiNetrax? A bit small and tricky for me but a well thought out system which makes turnouts as easy as possible in N. Yes, it's probably the very reason that I'm considering it, cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 6, 2016 Author Share Posted April 6, 2016 Very quick update. Finally some progress with the station building, cheers Shaun 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 17, 2016 Author Share Posted April 17, 2016 (edited) Hi all, another quick update. It turns out that the layout will fit in the spare room - diagonally with about 20mm to spare. Thank goodness, I really wasn't looking forward setting it up in the living room each time i want to have a play around. One board will need to be removed to allow the door to open but other than that there are no issues, at least this way I can leave the stock sitting on it too. So watch this space, we have a visitor coming next Saturday but after that there will be some more photos, this time with actual trains. The station building is slowly but surely progressing too, here is a shot of it in situ ready to be glazed. cheers Shaun Edited April 18, 2016 by jennarivo 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted April 17, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 17, 2016 That is coming on really nicely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 22, 2016 Author Share Posted April 22, 2016 The station building is now glazed and partially roofed. The stonework is Slaters Stone Courses plasticard (4mm rather than 2mm) and the window etches are from Peedie Models in Orkney; they're not quite the right size but they're the closest I could find. cheers Shaun 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted April 25, 2016 Author Share Posted April 25, 2016 Chimney stacks added, roof tiled and a bit of painting done too. I have used Redutex Slate Square Dark Grey for the tiles, I'm quite impressed with them, it's definitely one of their better textures suits this model perfectly. Ridge flashing and down pipes will be added tomorrow night and hopefully it can be set in place for the layouts first proper running session which is scheduled to be held on Thursday. cheers Shaun 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jennarivo Posted April 28, 2016 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 28, 2016 Today's inaugural running session went reasonably well with only a few minor track adjustments necessary off-scene. Not really sure if it qualifies as an actual running session though as I spent most of the afternoon taking stock out of boxes, mostly for the first time - lot's of locos to run in over the coming weeks. A few snaps below: A few BG/GUV vans in the sidings at the Wick end, this is probably the only part of the layout that will get any natural light shining on it. An overall shot of the station area. I'm quite happy with the station building so far, still a bit of detailing and weathering to do before it's ready to fix in place and bed in. 26013 arriving from Inverness with a mixed goods. The farmer appears to have abandoned his tractor and my thinking juice visible in the background. The Wick end sidings again, this time from a different perspective. My version of Georgemas has a pair of independent snowploughs based in it, one of them resides in the PW siding for most of the year. That's all for now, cheers Shaun 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phixer64 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Lovely pics, and great modelling of a fantastic location. Keep up the good work. Regards Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhighlandline Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Looking be-au-ti-ful! Makes me want to grab my stuff, jet over to the Isle and have some of my rolling stock enjoy the scenery! Thumbs up! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
£1.38 Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Just seen this for the first time. It looks beautiful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornish trains jez Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Today's inaugural running session went reasonably well with only a few minor track adjustments necessary off-scene. Not really sure if it qualifies as an actual running session though as I spent most of the afternoon taking stock out of boxes, mostly for the first time - lot's of locos to run in over the coming weeks. A few snaps below: IMG_1091.JPG A few BG/GUV vans in the sidings at the Wick end, this is probably the only part of the layout that will get any natural light shining on it. IMG_1092.JPG An overall shot of the station area. I'm quite happy with the station building so far, still a bit of detailing and weathering to do before it's ready to fix in place and bed in. IMG_1093.JPG 26013 arriving from Inverness with a mixed goods. The farmer appears to have abandoned his tractor and my thinking juice visible in the background. IMG_1094.JPG The Wick end sidings again, this time from a different perspective. IMG_1095.JPG My version of Georgemas has a pair of independent snowploughs based in it, one of them resides in the PW siding for most of the year. That's all for now, cheers Shaun Shaun, You've captured the atmosphere perfectly, the country scenery with the almost desolate location of the station. Lovely rolling stock to compliment all that hard work. Always a pleasure to see your progress shots. Keep up the excellent work! Best regards, Jeremy P.S. Hope the San Miguel went down well! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 P.S. Hope the San Miguel went down well! Always goes down well.............. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 Hi all Thanks for all the kind comments. The station building has had a bit more attention this week and is now structurally complete. The rear porch has been added, as has what was once the gents toilet block. Some Ratio telegraph poles have also been painted and set in place; they're not fixed yet hence the wonky-ness. No trains this week, just some b&w progress pics of the station area. Shaun 17 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philiprporter Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Absolutely fantastic! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
millerhillboy Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Jeez that is quite superb. The black and white helps the effect but none the less that looks first class. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 Not much to report recently, except that work has commenced on the Snow blowers which reside just beyond the station on the Inverness side. Apparently these were designed to deflect the wind away from the line to prevent it being fowled by drifting snow - although I'll stand corrected if need be........ In reality these are positioned just beyond the points however my points are a tad closer to the station than they should be and are just out of shot. Cheers Shaun 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Signaller69 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Another topic I've not seen before! Excellent modelling Shaun, always liked Georgemas Junction and the interesting splitting of trains, following a visit in the mid 80s. Will follow with interest! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PjKing1 Posted May 21, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 21, 2016 Just been catching up Shaun, it's looking lovely, if only those 'bigger than a house' beer bottles existed in real life!!!! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phixer64 Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Looking really good now, only one or two things missing...... midges and rain Excellent work and in N Regards Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennarivo Posted May 21, 2016 Author Share Posted May 21, 2016 Another topic I've not seen before! Excellent modelling Shaun, always liked Georgemas Junction and the interesting splitting of trains, following a visit in the mid 80s. Will follow with interest! Plenty of train joining and splitting to come.......... Looking really good now, only one or two things missing...... midges and rain Excellent work and in N Regards Jeff So true, in pretty much half of the photos I have come across everything is wet, it makes it difficult at times to determine colours. Here's a shot from today showing the almost finished article sitting in place with the glue drying. A dark wash yet and a bit vegetation will finish off. 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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