wigancg Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share Posted April 21, 2015 Another few updates here at Berry Pomeroy since last week and a few recent photos if they may be of interest. The attention has recently turned this week to a few detailing parts around the yard. Bits and bobs in terms of general railway clutter and around the locomotive shed, as well as ground signals and the odd grassy tuft here and there. I'm refraining from cluttering the yard too much as it feels as if less is more here. The front scenic area is coming along nicely with the small embankment and the wartime pill box embedded within. Again, this is the papier mache job which gives me plenty of joy to mould. The cattle dock has been moulded around to fit within the embankment also. Having photos of the cattle dock at Highley station provided guidance here Finally, a start was made on a simple allotment with some veg growing which was delightful to build. Simple matchsticks for the border painted brown works a treat and next job here is to include a greenhouse with plants growing inside as well as planting some small apple saplings and knocking something together for the signalman's gardening patch having been tended to in between trains. Enjoy your own modelling everyone and thank you for looking. Chris 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hello everyone, Not had an update on here for a few weeks. Things have developed happily here at Berry Pomeroy. The final side of the road bridge from the fiddle yard has been sculpted and completed directly behind the goods shed. The orchard is taking shape with apple saplings planted as well as bits and pieces such as benches, sheds, sundial and the usual garden equipment. The water tower finally has it's ladders leading to the top. Finally, after many failures with the Dapol electric working signals (2 decided to throw tantrums and refuse to work after a few days each) a replacement Ratio one has been installed instead. Manual operation wins the day. Very annoying due to their price but I'm wondering if this is a problem other modellers have or have had? The layout is providing me with plenty of hours of enjoyment, particularly the interesting shunting arrangements. Anyway here are photos if they are of some interest. Thanks for looking everyone and be happy in your modelling Chris 8 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Looking good! Glad the shunting is providing enjoyment, after all, that's what it's all about! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Thanks Jules. Indeed it is! I just need to get round to creating a better system of shunting puzzles using picture cards to randomly choose which wagons stay or depart when shunting the yard after an arrival. It's surprising how long you can spend shunting, arranging and forming a consist of wagons before a passenger service comes along to snag everything momentarily! Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 Hello, Just another quick update here in GW country. A new GWR platform water crane has been installed at Berry Pomeroy to feed those thirsty locomotives. It is a lovely white metal kit and looks much better than the Hornby version previously. Plenty more detail and actually slightly taller and more accurate to swing over the top of the locos. Image 1 showing the crane just after painting and placing on the platform for size and overall look. Image 2 showing completed crane with drainage, brazier underneath (which needs weathering under the crane arm from the soot) and chain attached onto the arm and fastened securely onto the wooden post. By stroke of luck, 5500 was completing some shunting whilst the photograph was taken and suitably posed One of my favourite locos and looks lovely with light weathering added. Also, the same afternoon, 9786 rests on shed as the crew prepare for the next duty. Enjoy your modelling everyone. Chris 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted June 14, 2015 Author Share Posted June 14, 2015 It has been a few weeks since the last update on here but a few bits and pieces of work have taken place on the layout since then. Most notably has been the construction of a new signal heading out under the road bridge onto the fiddle yard. I must confess that this signal was beautifully built by my superb fellow modelling friend. I fitted a shunting 'S' to the lower arm to enable goods to be shunted forward towards the section starter signal (to be seen in the distant future when the layout is extended) and reversed into the yard to access the goods shed and/or cattle dock. Both signals work excellently and are perfectly suited just before the road bridge. Here are a few recent photos: the new signal post with shunting 'S' fitted. The signal in situ waiting for ballasting around. Ballasting completed and a rare view from the backscene towards the road bridge/fiddle yard entrance. A view from a passing photographer from the road bridge with a trip working having arrived in the station with a 45xx and the newly installed signal in the foreground. Enjoy your modelling! Chris 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 Hello fellow modellers, Recently trying out some new angles with the camera which produced this rather nice trackside shot from underneath the road bridge. Ahead, the local goods is ready for the off hauled by 4560. The new "to do list" includes the additional fitting of a slightly larger telegraph pole next to the signal box. Presumably this was the norm for each 'box for bell code communication and telephones? Enjoy your modelling! Chris 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Hello to all fellow modellers, Some recent modelling has taken place around BP over the current summer period. Mainly small detailing areas now really but this is the part of modelling that I like best. Some weathering of wagons has taken place as well as the fitting of a signal box interior, which I really did enjoy doing (some photos will follow shortly). However, it's always relaxing and pleasing to take some nice shots of the layout in different lighting conditions, such as the ones here from the yard. 4560 has just been given the 'off' by the box for the branch passenger. Also, if a certain postman has lost his cat, I may have found it by the yard crane... Enjoy your summer. Chris 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted August 24, 2015 Author Share Posted August 24, 2015 Hello there, As promised a few weeks ago, here are some recent shots of the new signalbox interior from one of the superb Springside kits. White metal pieces and a joy to assemble over a couple of days. Being only the small signalbox kit, no shelf for the bell instruments is provided so a little scratch building was necessary to knock up a simple shelf and legs out of plasticard to stand over the levers. Being only a small box, it doesn't need cluttering but a suitable signalman is now needed. Preferably either sat reading the paper in between trains or leaning against the post on the outside balcony surveying the scene. Possible ideas needed here but the search is definitely on... Enjoy your modelling and the remainder of the summer warmth. Chris 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted September 29, 2015 Author Share Posted September 29, 2015 Evening everyone, Not a great deal to enlighten you all to with Berry Pomeroy recently. We have settled down to steady life here at the terminus with all major jobs now completed. Some weathering of stock regularly takes place in between other jobs which is great for relaxing and unwinding and some new shots taken with a new camera seem to have paid off. I very much like the focus that the new camera gives in emphasising objects in the foreground. Here we see 9786 signalled for departure with a morning service down the branch and the fireman seems to be waving to the guard's Right Away whistle. Finally, a shot taken looking down towards the road over bridge from the station building end of the layout. I really like this shot and it shows how excellent this new camera actually is. I also like how it highlights the curvature of the line leaving the station environs. Enjoy your hobby and the autumn beauty outside! Chris 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Hello everyone, This weekend has seen a visitor spend some time here at Berry Pomeroy up the branch at the terminus. The resident 08 has been away having some minor weathering added and a lovely 03 has been busy in the yard bashing wagons around. I think she looks quite at home here, circa 1962 Chris 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Evening everyone, I must say that I'm really enjoying the use of this new camera. It captures the lighting and focus very well indeed. I'm certainly no photographer but the camera does capture the atmosphere of the layout really nicely from different angles and picks out the detailing and weathering of stock and scenery really superbly. The 03 spent last weekend up here whilst our resident 08 was having a rest (previous post) but she is back on her normal duties this week and, when not hiding in the shed, she usually enjoys trundling around doing some wagon bashing, especially if a larger engine such as the Collett Goods or Dukedog rolls in on a freight. I love these 08s, both Bachmann and Hornby, so much so that thoughts are now turning to a new layout, but that's another story... For now at least, I can savour the delights of photographing this little beauty as she goes about her daily business after 2260 has brought in a pick up freight for shunting around. Cheers for now, Chris 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share Posted October 23, 2015 Hello there, Activity here at Berry Pomeroy has been somewhat quiet of late. Weekends have been fairly busy and occupied and weekday evenings are often out of the question with work priorities (unfortunately, however, I'm getting better at making time for modelling with this). However, I've enjoyed dabbling about with some wild heather bushes that often grow around the side of railways and seem so characteristic of branch lines with their rural feel. If anything, it adds a splash of colour. Also, an increasing fleet of nicely weathered wagons adds to the interest and keeps me busy. I often do enjoy walking into "the railway room" and picking up something to do for 10-15 minutes or so whilst I'm waiting for something else, usually a wagon or another tit bit of detail here and there. The joys of this hobby indeed! Anyway, a Devon holiday now beckons for a week...looking forward to walking down by the Dart with the distant whistle of a pannier down the valley amongst the beautiful autumn colours. Pure bliss! Enjoy your modelling, Chris 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted October 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 23, 2015 Hello Chris I've only just found your threead and I'm a little disappointed to see that you are not getting more comments and appreciation of your fine little layout. Perhaps it is because like me others are not finding it, threads soon drop down the forum pages if you don't post frequently. You might get more exposure if you had a signature on your profile with a link back to your layout so that when you post elsewhere folk can follow the link and find it, just a thought. Anything GWR needs more exposure and your layout has some interesting details. Seeing the way you have modelled the rising ground behind the station you just know that you couldn't be anywhere else other than Devon. Well done and I'm now a follower. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted October 24, 2015 Author Share Posted October 24, 2015 Hello Chris I've only just found your threead and I'm a little disappointed to see that you are not getting more comments and appreciation of your fine little layout. Perhaps it is because like me others are not finding it, threads soon drop down the forum pages if you don't post frequently. You might get more exposure if you had a signature on your profile with a link back to your layout so that when you post elsewhere folk can follow the link and find it, just a thought. Anything GWR needs more exposure and your layout has some interesting details. Seeing the way you have modelled the rising ground behind the station you just know that you couldn't be anywhere else other than Devon. Well done and I'm now a follower. Hi Nick, Thank you for your very kind comment and your advice with the signature onto the bottom of my replies. What a good idea! As I've mentioned before, 'Much Murkle' has given me a great deal of inspiration from a superb GWR layout. I love sleepy branch lines, especially those of the GW and they have a charm all of their own. I am currently awaiting the new auto coaches from Bachmann along with those new 14xx and 48xx tanks from Dapol. Exciting times ahead for the layout! Chris 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted November 3, 2015 Author Share Posted November 3, 2015 Evening everyone, Well South Devon was as lovely as ever last week during our annual autumnal break down there, plus we had 6412 to keep us company on the SDR from Buckfastleigh for a couple of days. Bliss! Not to mention 6435 too, bonus! Therefore, Berry Pomeroy has been quiet as of recently. However, we even had time to pass by the 'real' Berry Pomeroy en route to Torbay from Totnes on the top deck of a bus last week. Such a small village but an easily "could have been" in terms of a line and station when viewing the glorious scenery from Totnes along the way and imagining a branch line running in the valley below similar to Ashburton. Anyway, here we see a couple of shots of crews taking a breather in between duties: 2260 shunting in the yard and 4545 waiting for the few passengers to board the early afternoon branch service. Enjoy your modelling, Chris 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 A trip on the SDR is always a treat! We called in to Buckfastleigh for tea and cake on our way to Cornwall the week before, unfortunately no time for a ride but a wander round the shop and yard was fitted in. I haven't been to Berry Pomeroy since 1976 while staying with my Gran in Totnes, will have to make a return visit sometime. Keep the pictures coming Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted November 3, 2015 Author Share Posted November 3, 2015 Thanks Jules, Great to hear from you again! I agree with you there. I find the whole SDR such a bliss to be there. It's my favourite of all the preserved lines (that I've managed to get to so far) and just oozes atmosphere and that rural GW branch line charm that is so unique. We had a Routemaster bus ride too from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton and we did manage to view most of the track bed between the two small towns...now we just need the powers that be to stop playing silly beggars and let people get on with rebuilding it...but that's another story Berry Pomeroy is such a quaint little chocolate box type village isn't it? I'm gathering ideas for the next GW layout already... Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCuckoo Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Really nice looking layout Chris! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Hello TheCuckoo, Thank you ever so much! Cheers, Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted November 15, 2015 Author Share Posted November 15, 2015 Hello everyone, We've had a few snags here at Berry Pomeroy over the last couple of weeks or so. During running sessions, locos seems to stop dead at certain points in the yard when shunting and, at times, sections on the control panel would clash with each other which would result in a short. "Hmm..." My super handy assistant (who also happens to own 'Shunters MPD' layout in the Boxfiles section of RM Web) solved the problem as the power wasn't connecting across the frog on the point leading in and out of the yard. It's always the point right in the middle of a layout isn't it? Never one in a siding or that you can easily get to or remove! Anyway, problem is now solved (touches wooden head) and shunting is back to normal. If anyone has visited the SVR this weekend for the Manor 50 gala, I'm sure we can all agree that a Manor is most certainly sought after on Bachmann's development list. *Presses the option on the Wishlist page*. Cheerio for now and I leave you with a lovely photo of 'Sid' moving a heavy barrel in the yard as the cat looks on in the foreground on the boxes. Chris 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted December 20, 2015 Author Share Posted December 20, 2015 Hello everyone, It's been a few weeks since the last update here at Berry Pomeroy, however, it has been quiet of late compared to recent months with a points issue to contend with. Hopefully, that is now sorted and it is behaving itself which is always pleasing to see during running sessions. My partner and I have recently established a new online model shop and one of the products we stock are these little beauties (see image below). After assembling some for viewing and photography purposes, these lovely benches are excellent quality and I have replaced the existing ones on the platform at Berry Pomeroy with four of these. The older ones were Metcalfe GWR benches which actually haven't been out that long since they were developed, manufactured and released, however, for me these new ones, which are by a totally different company, certainly look better as they are the correct colour that I am after and match the station building and furniture. They are a doddle to glue and piece together and are laser cut which adds to the ease and to their looks. Very pleasing! Here's wishing you all the best for the festive season and enjoy your modelling, gifts and relaxation over the holidays, Chris 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Hello everyone and a Happy New Year! Activity has been rather quiet here at Berry Pomeroy over the festive season but things are now back to normal. With the new year a new service has commenced on the branch line with the use of some new Hawksworth BR Autocoaches which should eventually make appearances on the layout in future photographs. I am also in the future intending Berry Pomeroy to be a dual era type layout as I intend to change eras every so often and revert back to using GWR liveried locos, coaching stock and weathered wagons of the Grouping period to make things entertaining for me. It just means removing certain BR themed objects and items, such as BR lorries in the goods yard and changing platform notice boards and signage to that of the late 1940s. I am currently in the process of detailing and weathering a couple of locos and some stock, so that is something to look forward to! However, for now we have a nice shot of 4545 departing with a stopping branch passenger service. This loco is such a gem to run. Ever so smooth and reliable and a typical Bachmann loco. Plus, a nice afternoon shot of the signalbox at the throat of the yard. I rather like this photo showing the generic yard clutter around the box that typified so many a rural branch backwater. Enjoy your modelling everyone into the New Year. Chris 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 Evening everyone, Life at Berry Pomeroy continues to trot along here into the new year. New lighting has been installed to enable better visibility when running at night. I do like the added darkness to the layout but it can be problematic when shunting and uncoupling. I did toggle with the idea of fixing a piece of wire to a small torch to shine down on the coupling areas but the new spotlights seem to do the trick. They do actually give the layout a nice atmosphere too compared with running during the day. Anyway, on another note, I am tempted to purchase a Smiths kit for remaking the station nameboard. Something on a 'to do' list when I get around to it. I mean, I do like this one and the small flowers and rocks around the edge provide a nice spot of colour but ideally I'd like the lettering to be in traditional GW typeface. Alas, we shall see... It's nice to see that one of the newly constructed GWR benches have managed to be captured within this nice shot too. These were such a joy to build and, in my view, better than the previous ones which were a Metcalfe design (no offence intended - just personal opinion). Finally, developments are occuring around the coal bunkers in the yard. Watch this space. Enjoy your relaxation time, Chris 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigancg Posted February 2, 2016 Author Share Posted February 2, 2016 Hello there, Out of the January blues at last! Hurrah! And to celebrate, we have a rare visitor in the yard at Berry Pomeroy doing a spot of shunting. I do have a soft spot for Jinties, even though they're not GWR breed. Enjoy your relaxing modelling! Chris 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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