theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) Good morning all. With other competitors now turning to rolling stock, I'm considerably further behind than I wanted to be at this point, but, bearing in mind others are yet to start, it's not all that bad. I have at least managed to put some time aside to get some modelling done and I have also made a good start on the control panel (with a great deal of help from Arty - Once again, Thanks!) A second week of night shifts with very few trains allowed me the time to make a start on the main feature of the layout - Staythorpe Signal Box. I'm currently in the process of modelling the frame which I intend to have a full complement of 35 levers with the appropriate ones pulled for normal Up and Down main line running. The Box is still lacking steps, balcony and roof, but they will follow when I'm happy with the interior (which no one will ever see). Here are some cruel close ups of the Box so far - I think I need a one-hair paintbrush for down the edges of the green beams. If people recognise it (mainly because of the 5' extension), I'll be very happy indeed. The Signal Box is completely scratch built. The main body is card salvaged from the recycling bin at work. Originally a Nescafe box, I have scribed the boards into the varnished side using the back of a scalpel. The framework is made up of Evergreen strip of various sizes. The windows are again Evergreen strip, "evo-stuck" onto clear acrylic sheet. A cocktail stick was used to "twizzle" away any surplus glue. Acrylic paints were then used for the finish on top of five light coats of primer. A light weathering will follow after the model is completed. On to the Control panel now. With the sheet of alloy cut to size using Artys' press, the tool was changed from a cutter to a punch, and after centre punching what felt like a million holes, Arty got to work punching the holes in the alloy whilst I punched out the holes in the print (I'm not quite sure who got the roughest deal here). Unbelievably, because the print was temporarily attached to the alloy for the centre punching process, all of the holes actually lined up with each other! With all of the holes made and suitably reamed out for the relevant components (apart from one which I had failed to draw on the diagram in the first place), the switches, push-buttons and LEDs were fitted. I don't usually blow my own trumpet, but I am well-chuffed with the result, although, I am only able to claim some of the credit here. It just goes to show that when you've got the right tool (I'm not calling you a tool here, ARTY!) for the job, the result can be top Johnny. FLASHY LIGHTS! There are still a few holes missing their components as I had a colour change during design. As a result, I now have leftover red LEDs, but am lacking yellow ones! I also decided to make provision for working signals so I am also short of a few switches, all of which I will order after I've posted this update. I won't talk about this photo - It's just a little demoralising (these wires are just for the LEDs) NB: Apologies for the poor photos, my phones' camera is knackered! Cheers all. Ta ta. Andy. Edited April 8, 2017 by theplasticbrummy 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlw Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Andy, Starting to come along nicely. I think that control panel is amazing, you could end up winning a prize for that alone! Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungus the Fogeyman Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 If its any consolation Andy, some of us are even further back than you with our competition entries mate! Disgusting of Market Harborough Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sf315 Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 The box looks impressive and the control panel I agree with Carl. Don't bother build the layout just show the control panel. Up early aren't we Carl and Dave. Not working on your challenge layouts are we. Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlw Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 The box looks impressive and the control panel I agree with Carl. Don't bother build the layout just show the control panel. Up early aren't we Carl and Dave. Not working on your challenge layouts are we. Steve Nah work all day today for me. A Pupil has her test at 12:30 so lots of prep work. I have been ordering more new stock from Shapeways this morning though :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MrSimon Posted April 8, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 8, 2017 Here are some cruel close ups of the Box so far - I think I need a one-hair paintbrush for down the edges of the green beams. If people recognise it (mainly because of the 5' extension), I'll be very happy indeed. Signal Box (2).jpg Signal Box (4).jpg Signal Box (3).jpg It definitely looks like the box at Stayrhorpe, but bigger. Great job! Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) If its any consolation Andy, some of us are even further back than you with our competition entries mate! Disgusting of Market Harborough I did mention you specifically Dave. Good morning all. but, bearing in mind others are yet to start, it's not all that bad. Cheers, Andy. Edited April 8, 2017 by theplasticbrummy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) Andy, Starting to come along nicely. I think that control panel is amazing, you could end up winning a prize for that alone! Carl Thanks Carl. It was suggested that I just take the panel because the layout will be crap due to it being "N Gauge sh*te". Also, in my very best Stoke accent, "What'ya bought from Shapeways Carl?" Cheers, Andy. Edited April 8, 2017 by theplasticbrummy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlw Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Thanks Carl. It was suggested that I just take the panel because the layout will be crap due to it being "N Gauge sh*te". Also, what'ya bought from Shapeways Carl? Cheers, Andy. All N gauge Sh*te. Some concrete sleeper loads for the Salmons, Caroline, a Halibut and 2 units to make Iris one for me and one for Steve Cheers Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sf315 Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Yes Carl's looking after his mate Steve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 All N gauge Sh*te. Some concrete sleeper loads for the Salmons, Caroline, a Halibut and 2 units to make Iris one for me and one for Steve Cheers Carl Good stuff. Can't remember if I've got one or two Halibuts. I've also got a Caroline which is destined for its current green livery - I suppose you're going for NSE like everyone else *yawn*. I've been watching the Derby Lightweight progress on the "other" forum/farceberk, I'm also going to go for an Iris. I still reckon we should try to link all the N Gauge sh*tes together. Cheers, Andy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlw Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Good stuff. Can't remember if I've got one or two Halibuts. I've also got a Caroline which is destined for its current green livery - I suppose you're going for NSE like everyone else *yawn*. I've been watching the Derby Lightweight progress on the "other" forum/farceberk, I'm also going to go for an Iris. I still reckon we should try to link all the N Gauge sh*tes together. Cheers, Andy. Yes it's got to go NSE, Green is too new and BG too old. A link sounds like a plan, we go even make it scenic like we did with Micheal test track last year. We would need to get Paul to put us all in the same place ( no not the bonfire) Carl 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 Yes it's got to go NSE, Green is too new and BG too old. A link sounds like a plan, we go even make it scenic like we did with Micheal test track last year. We would need to get Paul to put us all in the same place ( no not the bonfire) Carl I'm hoping that our efforts will consist of more than a house brick as a station building and gravel from Paul's drive as ballast. Cheers, Andy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sf315 Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Not a house brick as buildings or garden gravel Oh well suppose I'd better start again. Linking them will be difficult as we've put surrounds around the ends. and I've already asked Paul if we can be in one area together. Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) I've already asked Paul if we can be in one area together. Steve Snap. I get the impression that Paul thinks we'd just ignore his plan and put ourselves next to each other regardless. N Gauge contingent is getting stronger by the day - even S-Kits-George has gone N gauge! Perhaps there should be a special N Gauge only show starting on the Monday prior to the LR weekend with the "non-sh*te" scales arriving on Friday and Saturday as usual. Cheers, Andy. Edited April 8, 2017 by theplasticbrummy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sf315 Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 All for a special N gauge Lyddrail starting Monday prior. Think Paul would have his head in his hands. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyddrail Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 All for a special N gauge Lyddrail starting Monday prior. Think Paul would have his head in his hands. Steve, You know me so well. I have a special place for you to be together, just hope it doesn't rain!! I have the 3 early bird bookees layouts together, but am keeping Carl opposite you, by luck the N gauge sh*te is together. Carl, I will add Halibut pictures to you CD. Cheers. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bigbee Line Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Good evening guys, looks like the OO flag need to be kept flying... So I needed to test run a few ideas for 'Caterham', so what better that to build a challenge layout. A few other ideas will be trialled. This is the track laid out on a spare piece of ply.... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sf315 Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Steady on Ernie board and track. That's a bit much for a Lyddrail layout we'd expect from you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlw Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Ernie. Is that Brunells broad gauge? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted April 8, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 8, 2017 Somebody mention halibut? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIaORknS1Dk Mike. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) Good evening guys, looks like the OO flag need to be kept flying...So I needed to test run a few ideas for 'Caterham', so what better that to build a challenge layout. A few other ideas will be trialled. This is the track laid out on a spare piece of ply....042.JPGI thought Caterham was your challenge layout Ernie - thought you'd just got carried away with the 4'8.5"! I'll ask George A to bring his back scene for you again. Cheers, Andy. Edited April 8, 2017 by theplasticbrummy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungus the Fogeyman Posted April 8, 2017 Share Posted April 8, 2017 Good for you Ern. Keep the 4mm flag flying mate! Disgusting of Market Harborough Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
arty Posted April 14, 2017 Share Posted April 14, 2017 Owing to the obvious success of Andy's Staythorpe panel, and the upgrading of another. I reckon we could go into the control panel business and forget this railway modelling lark - maybe not. Rgds Richard 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticbrummy Posted April 15, 2017 Author Share Posted April 15, 2017 (edited) Owing to the obvious success of Andy's Staythorpe panel, and the upgrading of another. IMG_1787.JPG IMG_1785.JPG I reckon we could go into the control panel business and forget this railway modelling lark - maybe not. Rgds Richard Fortunately, there are no LEDs on this panel and most of the wiring is already done! Staythorpe will eventually bolt onto the front of this fiddle yard, sharing it with Loch Tat and Tatlock. Unfortunately, I've gone against the norm with controller colours so it might end up being a case of black to brown, red to green and blue to bits! I'll just plug in those infamous two wires for DCC control. Cheers, Andy. Edited April 15, 2017 by theplasticbrummy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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