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London Calling.. WR Mainline - Acton Green


SparxD428
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10 hours ago, SparxD428 said:

Cheers Western Aviator. They were good old days. Often I'd leg it home from school , get changed and jump on either the 17 or 33 in to town. If I had the money I'd jump on the 16:00 Oxford-Padd (if it was a Vac of course) to see what Old Oak was turning out on the commuters. 


We can’t have lived that far apart then; the 33 ran close to me as well and sometimes I used it instead of the 17. I always seemed to have too much homework to go very far in the afternoons but some mornings I would cycle to Reading West, catch the morning Newbury-Paddington into Reading, go back round the corner on the Basingstoke thumper or the Newbury DMU and come back into Reading on the Westbury-Paddington. Two locos for a mile each (insect mileage) then I’d carry on to school. 

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10 minutes ago, Western Aviator said:


We can’t have lived that far apart then; the 33 ran close to me as well and sometimes I used it instead of the 17. I always seemed to have too much homework to go very far in the afternoons but some mornings I would cycle to Reading West, catch the morning Newbury-Paddington into Reading, go back round the corner on the Basingstoke thumper or the Newbury DMU and come back into Reading on the Westbury-Paddington. Two locos for a mile each (insect mileage) then I’d carry on to school. 

I guess so. LOL. That reminded me of something I did once also. Just looked it up in one of my books. March 17th 1987 must have done a 17 to Reading West to do 50043 on the 06:50 Westbury-Padd from reading West to Reading then a 33 back to school !! Was my first recorded run behind 43 as well. 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Some ballast has arrived this week enabling me to complete the ballasting of the lower level of the TMD.

Just need to grime up the 4 foot on the last lines down there now. I've also been continuing painfully slowly with the TMD roof and also started a template to scratchbuild a fuel point, but to be honest once the weather turned this week and being back on furlough , just ran a few trains around Acton Green.

 

Which can be a terrible thing as it gives me too much time to think and contemplate things, but for now I'm pressing ahead whilst there is plenty to still do on this layout. 

 

I've always loved trying to run realistic operations to timetables and diagrams, which for a layout like this is just not feasible due to the sheer amount of stock (and storage roads !!) that would be needed.

 

Some of the older loco's I hard wired are beginning to show their age so have been consigned to the stored unserviceable (U) back of the cupboard. Also not particularly impressed with the new 121 but until I can get a 5 function decoder holding court on whether its the DCC chip or the Dapol motor. So the operational fleet is dwindling and in need of reinforcements.

 

So to keep me going at the moment I am putting together the data for loco hauled services that ran into/out of Paddington in the Summer 1987 timetable (and believe me I was on plenty of them) so I know what the diagram requirements would be to run full days timetable of Loco hauled services.

Of course HST, DMU, Freight and possibly Parcels would be ad-hoc.

 

Hope to have some more pics of the TMD later

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

 

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Good stuff.

Furlough is a double edged sword isn’t it ? I’ve had plenty of model time, little cash, but the joy of modelling is normally it’s an escape from work.....a break....and not so at present !

 

And I know full well there’s no job to go back to, so I need to get on with it as the next job may well be the other side of the world.

 

lookign forward to seeing the TMD progress 

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On 06/06/2020 at 14:29, rob D2 said:

Good stuff.

Furlough is a double edged sword isn’t it ? I’ve had plenty of model time, little cash, but the joy of modelling is normally it’s an escape from work.....a break....and not so at present !

 

And I know full well there’s no job to go back to, so I need to get on with it as the next job may well be the other side of the world.

 

lookign forward to seeing the TMD progress 

Hi Rob,

Sorry to hear there's not likely to be a job to go back to. My company is running furlough teams doing 3 weeks on/off at a time so I hope as the year goes on there is still a job in the future for me. It's been a bit of fun having some time to do some modelling as supplies have been limited I'm glad I never chucked out the offcuts box for sure !! Hope things pan out OK mate.

Cheers,

Stu

 

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Progress on the fuelling point so far. Structures similar to the Bachmann Kit I have on the main layout, but all made from old bits of card, plastic strip, copper pipe, wood and a bit of Wills corrugated sheet.

Not the best pics but it's coming along.

Need to finish off the fuel hut and storage tanks now. 

20200609_112920.jpg.e14f4f7af479e76d526cd4bcdef72ada.jpg

 

20200609_112847.jpg.514ddc37e35aaea2f299bc35829639c5.jpg

 

Fuel point has dual fuel points for 2 locos if needed.

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

 

Edited by SparxD428
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Right then. Lockdown savings duly spent now.

First job was to get a 6 function Imperium decoder for the new 121. This is now running so much better at slow speeds and has full lighting functionality so very happy on that front.

Also I couldn't resist to purchase 33025 from Kernow with an ESU Loksound v5.0 SWD Sound decoder.

I know it's the old Heljan body but it will do for me and my layout. This evening I finished off lightly weathering the bits of the white roof that have not been done at the factory to give it a better look.

I also managed to fit the small speaker in to the top of the loco body behind the No.1 cab so no need for drilling and soldering. Getting used to the many sound functions although a fault with my Prodigy unit (from birth) has been no shift functions so only have f1 to f9 for now.

 

Also got a Mk2A FK and Mk1 BSK in NSE Livery and another Blue/Grey Mark 2A TSO so have a nice "NSE" rake for the Padd-Oxfords.

 

I've also nearly finished the fuel tanks for the fueller and have a new hut under construction.

 

A few pics.

 

A nicely running and lit 121 W55020 on a Slough-Paddington service

20200610_203630_001.jpg.3fce03247fc4a41d2a2a3bf6854ed350.jpg

 

The new kid in town on the fuel point with its sister loco.

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W55991 and a few vacs on shed

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The fuel tanks from the air. The hut will be situated in front of these.

20200610_204008.jpg.fa2e6931bfd2e7994f3ebd4f8b8dd3e6.jpg

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

Edited by SparxD428
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Whilst tidying up the garage yesterday I came across a box which had a strip of backscene from Westquay rolled up inside it. Almost enough to cut down and use as a backdrop for the TMD, just a gap to fill above the shed which I'm sure I can construct something to hide or paint the join. As there's no sign of the materials for the retaining walls yet I've decided to make the backdrop a little more rural even though the TMD is set at the London end. Just waiting for some more track to lay and complete the last 2 sidings now.

 

I also have finished the fuel office and added a little bit of growth to the open area where the depot emerges from the scenic break. Added another few bits to the TMD roof as well. For the large retaining wall by the fuel point I will use the printed brickwork I made for now, with a view to covering with the Wills brickwork when it arrives.

 

A couple of pics of the recent efforts

 

50024 about to go on the fueller

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Morning duties awaited for a small stable of locos today

 

20200613_112044.jpg.a44d17bad9e80d16470ed8f11a111f9b.jpg

 

20200613_112053.jpg.83677ff551afb97836b887c82a454416.jpg

 

Aerial view of pretty much the whole TMD layout

 

20200613_112230.jpg.d65f1a20e4af78ae4487805fb2d94e39.jpg

 

Meanwhile on Acton Green after many trains yesterday a quiet morning. 33004 has replaced the 31 on station/yard pilot duties. I'm hopefully off to the loft later to find the old Summer 1987 timetable so I can start updating the times the UP passenger services would be due through Acton.

 

20200613_112121_001.jpg.f5cb796bd06f205f49584e3d1b4e7479.jpg

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

 

Edited by SparxD428
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Went up in the loft and retrieved the last remnants of the used flexible track from Westquay which has been cleaned and painted ready to be laid to finish the sidings on the TMD.

On a heavier note my brain is fried as I have decided to put together the passenger timetable for Acton Green as planned for the Summer 1987 timetable period, with loco diagrams (but by gum not for HSTs or DMUs as don't have the diagram data and don't own enough stock ! )

2 days spent rummaging through the BR Passenger timetable which has seen better days and is missing a critical page from Table 116 and from Table 135 although I have enough data to piece together the missing HST workings I think. Split in to 3 sections, (Mon-Fri, SO and SUN) the spreadsheet is growing. So far I have all HST and Loco Hauled passenger workings for all days, as well as DMU workings on the Down line for Mon-Fri. When it's finished I will post a copy of the spreadsheet if anyone's interested. As a bit of licence I have moved some of the Ealing Broadway to Greenford services to start at Acton Green, just those that leave at xx:25 and will do the same on the return trips.

Don't know if I'll ever run a full day but my idea is that if I have a working TT I can dip in and out some hours when the trains are run.

 

Hope to have more pics of the TMD in next day or two once final tracklaying is done.

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

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Nearly the end of another round of furlough and most of the TMD is now done.

All of the passenger services for the timetable have been added although I don't have headcodes for all of the HST services or any of the DMU ones.

The sidings ballast is currently drying. Still waiting on brick sheets to finish the scenics, but some mountboard has arrived courtesy of Mrs.P visiting hobbycraft yesterday so I can complete the shed roof.

 

A few photo's this time no loco's but just of the empty TMD section.

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20200619_160248.jpg.f98089a397476e53142eaebea6a0b340.jpg

 

You can see the storage roads for Acton Green beneath in this shot.

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20200619_160402.jpg.58cac0df9c5daf382866954ef965f58f.jpg

 

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

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  • 5 weeks later...

Not much to report the last 4 weeks or so. But I'm going to be back in the garage this week and hoping to have a new arrival on the rails although I don't know how long it will be before my brick sheets arrive. Will be back on next week after some work has been done.

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Couldn't resist the new Bachmann 117 in Blue/Grey. L426 has arrived.

Never know if they will sell out and become rare and more expensive so took the plunge whilst stocks are good.

Have to say I am very impressed with this model, although coupling the thing up and getting it on the rails was a mission in itself, eventually done upside down in the six foot to get the pin couplings aligned properly which connect the internal lighting. Just couldnt seem to get along with the coupling assistance tool but now it's on the rails I won't be removing it again, maybe to detail the fronts and remove the couplings.

 

I now have a Bachmann 117,  Dapol 121 , with the Heljan DPU 128 in the DMU fleet as well as the old Lima 117 which will be semi retired now.

 

L426 on running in turn

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20200720_190048.jpg.787ff125b9ade8d4ff17dc43ba6e04a9.jpg

 

The new DMU order on Acton Green out in force

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Cheers,

Stu

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Looks good Stu, needs dirtying up though. I’ve got the Dapol bubble in NSE just waiting for the 117 to match. You back working full time now? You’ll have to bring the 50s over to Exford for a thrash.

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On 21/07/2020 at 15:54, Temeraire said:

Looks good Stu, needs dirtying up though. I’ve got the Dapol bubble in NSE just waiting for the 117 to match. You back working full time now? You’ll have to bring the 50s over to Exford for a thrash.

Off next week Ian, then back for 3 weeks in August before another 2 weeks as holidays so would be good to bring a few vacs over to Exford and see how it's all coming along mate. Let me know when you're free or having the next get together. Cheers.

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Last week off for a while so cracking on whilst the sun has disappeared and the rain comes down.

The TMD has had a few oil drums and barrels weathered, road numbers added amongst other things.

The upper shed has had a pile of hedgerow dumped on top (though not yet stuck down) to give an overgrown look but actually it's to disguise the small gap in the backscene sky join.

 

I've been weathering some stock recently including the old Dapol Mk2D TSOs and BSO, as well as renumbering and weathering a BG NDV today (80710). Just need to do the roof on the BG now.

 

A few images on shed today

50028, 47500, 50020 & 33025 

20200727_155553.jpg.25350100e42d8c13ed67ae17211a089e.jpg

 

20200727_155614.jpg.ea02fa78ec603d5afb79d3b53135cf2b.jpg

 

BG 80710 in the stock sidings

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Hidden round the back of the depot, some non WR traction awaiting removal home for repairs and the like

20200727_155743.jpg.79223a54360df55c47ac125955864fe8.jpg

 

Still waiting for the bricksheet that never comes to re-do the printed retaining walls of the depot.

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

 

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  • 3 months later...

Nearly 4 months on and not much has happened on Acton Green or the TMD although I have begun to do some work again. The brick sheet arrived so I am slowly replacing the printed brickwork on the TMD with Wills sheets.

Also a few months back I purchased 31102 from the Hornby outlet in Swindon before it closed. Started to do the first layer of weathering today, a little different to my normal style, using some brown/black acrylic mix brushed and wiped to damp down what was very shiny BR Blue.

Hoping to do some more this weekend on the TMD.

A few pics of course - tried out my work iPAD for pictures so hope quality is OK

 

31102. I will in the future renumber this to former OC favourite 31117

IMG_0007.jpg.61f3d859f7b74545bf0e5e456206f24e.jpg

IMG_0008.jpg.ccc1955b3f0f8bea715fe92a4f8d1018.jpg

 

47500 on parcels

IMG_0006.jpg.58d8602417c4c31ee7d788f1f4fe631e.jpg

 

50032 on shed

IMG_0010.jpg.beec2eca65af4eb9c4abefc06e401f65.jpg

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

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Nice one , hope you got a bargain on 102.

 

I got one too, I may do 117 or 121 eventually but I got caught up in making white stripe 413 to go with my inspection coach .

 

incidentally mine came with no white head Code discs so I contacted Margate and got a whole bag of them 

Edited by rob D2
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I don’t know how I’ve never spotted this before. Excellent layout in the best timeframe. I’ve just spent an hour scanning through the pages and the new depot looks a great addition.

 

I will have to have a more detailed read when I get time.

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16 hours ago, rob D2 said:

Nice one , hope you got a bargain on 102.

 

I got one too, I may do 117 or 121 eventually but I got caught up in making white stripe 413 to go with my inspection coach .

 

incidentally mine came with no white head Code discs so I contacted Margate and got a whole bag of them 

Hi Rob,

Yeah think I got 102 and a cheap 8 pin chip for £112 all in so not too bad in these modern price times. Yeah didn't get any headcode discs with it and if my memory goes back far enough sure 31117 was adorned with them. 

Cheers,

Stu

 

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50 minutes ago, P.C.M said:

Hi Stu, the layout and recent additions are looking great. I am sure i have a pic of 31117 somewhere I will dig it out.

 

Cheers Peter.

Thanks Peter, Just replied to Rob above that if I remember back that far 31117 was adorned with headcode discs, and just had another thought it was always quite clean too so may scupper the look I've just created on 102.

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