Orchard Road TMD - BR Blue - The Story Continues

[marc smith]

Hi Richard,

 

Re the comments on the couplings - which look great by the way

(very neat work there...)

Don't know if you caught a glimpse of Stubbys ingenious idea, on his super boxfile layout "Porth Bythan"....

 

It is a system a little like the Spratt & Winkle couplings I use,

but it uses the couplings already on the roling stock, as it comes out of the box.

 

Stu has used a very neat solution, to the challenge of automatic uncoupling.

Using the standard Bachmann tension lock couplings, he attaches (by superglue) a small piece of wire (cut from a paperclip) to the base of the dropper part of the coupling.

 

When a wagon stops over one of the strategically positioned magnets (buried under the track)

the coupling arm is lifted....

This might work well with the sort of bar you have installed on the 25.....?

 

Marc

[mudmagnet]

Hi Marc

 

Thanks for comment on couplings. I did notice Stu's layout. I've noticed something similar from PH Designs. For what I'm doing here, I will probably stick with what I'm using, but tempted to look at something else in the future - possible Spratt and Winkle or Alex Jacksons.

 

Cheers

[mudmagnet]

Hi Tim,

 

Thanks for response - it was no problem. We're all here to help and if you learn something or find a new technique or solution to a problem, that's great.

 

Cheers

[mudmagnet]

hi,

 

Another week gone and some more progress to report on the layout - see photos below.

 

The basic scenery has been created along the rear, by the bridge and a little section at the front. The first stage was to add the front profile boards from 3mm hardboard, being easy to cut and shape. Next a few pieces of polystyrene were roughly shaped and glued with PVA. There being several small peices fixed to achieve the approximate shape required. Next, small strips of plaster bandage (Jarvis in this case) were laid over the polystyrene, making sure that each peice overlapped the preceding. Once this first layer was almost dry, a second layer was added as required. After this had all dried, the final shape was acheived using Woodland Scenics Hydro-cal plaster (normal polyfilla or other similar products could be used). I just happen to have a large bag of Hydro-cal and found that it works very well. Only mix a small quantity at a time, about a hand full, as it starts to go stiff very quickly. It can be worked into position with a damp brush. The Hydro-cal is also very good when used with the Woodland Scenics rock moulds. There are a few areas of rock to be added along the rear of the layout - which hopefully I should get completed next week, so will post some photos and description when completed.

 

The concrete huts are only positioned temporarily, just attempting to determine the best positions for these. The Ratio hut is well know, whereas the other two (one lamp hut and larger hut) are both scratchbuilt from plasticard. I have moved these around a little and likely to position as shown, but hey, still not fully decided. The fence along the rear, also have been temporarily positioned, but these will go here. I've added some graffiti to two of the panels, but will reveal more another time!

[marc smith]

Hi Richard,

 

Some nice progress there! Keep up the modelling.

 

The more I look at this layout, the more it grows on me.

I think the balance of the whole thing looks right.

I do like the look of that additional siding, just in front of the main road into the depot.

Though it's just one extra road, it does give you one or two further options for movements.

Some would have put this behind the main road, but by putting it there,

you've formed a view-blocker (which gives a tantalising glimpse of what is entering the depot) and which can be moved or replaced by another vehicle....

 

That bridge looks great too - although it looks a tad brighter in your later views.

Perhaps (+ this is only a suggestion) you could hint at the additional siding once having been connected to the other trackwork - something you see in a lot of prototype photos, especially in the 70's & 80's, but rarely modelled....just an idea..

 

Cheers again

Marc

[mudmagnet]

Hi Marc,

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

Yes, the bridge does look a litttle brighter - could be to do with using the flash on the camera. The flash on my digital SLR is a little harsh - I much prefer to use the camera on a tri-pod and close the shutter down to smallest aperture and expose as long as needed. Anyway, the bridge will be toned-down and weathered with the rest of the layout.

 

I had thought about adding a few old sleepers, plus removed rail beyond the buffer stop, obviously re-positioning the concrete huts, to the end of the siding through the bridge. As far as operation, yes an odd wagon can be pushed from 'fiddle-yard' beyond bridge - a good view blocker as you mention. If I had space, I was tempted to include the brick edge of a filled-in turntable.

 

I am attempting to show some of the history - eg that the original track plan / facilities have been removed / demolished, but some traces still remain. Again, the placement of concrete structures / fences / features trying to enforce this idea and at the sametime place firmly in Southern Region. The thought being that even without any engines on show - the viewer can see that this is a Southern Region depot.

 

Now that the scenery is coming together, I can visualise everything more clearly and following my picture in my mind. I'm not one those modellers that like to sketch too many ideas or make minatures. I have a fairly clear idea in my head, which often gets 'tweaked' as the model progresses. I have a clear idea what to do next, but will not list here, except to mention that I've added a small rock cutting along part of the rear scenery and planning to paint over the next couple of days - photos to follow.

 

Still loads to do - not long to its first public showing at the end of July!

[marc smith]

Hi Richard,

 

I know what you mean re not making miniature mock-ups, but I do like to play about with cardboard boxes etc on a plan...

..that way personally, I think you get to appreciate proportions and relative sizes of main structures better.

I find it helps a lot with composition - even though I usually have a clear picture in my mind.

But that's just me + my approach......

 

I like the idea of some lifted sleepers - or even some still "in-situ".

As you say, that may mean you need to reposition the huts - but then maybe structures were added / repositioned after track-lifting???? You can always try it out....

 

July isn't far away - the time will go quickly!

Still, as I always say, there's nothing like a deadline to motivate you!

 

....or "If it wasn't for the last minute......nothing would ever get done!"

 

Cheers,

Marc

[mudmagnet]

hi

 

Another weekend is here and another update on progress.

 

I've completed the rocks, which are Woodland Scenic rock moulds, well one mould and two castings. These have been in my scenic box for a while and were broken into smaller sections by tapping the back with a hammer, thus giving random sections. The sections were then positioned 'dry' to check their fit, once happy these were fitted into position using Hydo-cal - which when it comes in contact with the rock mould or the previously applied dry scenery the surface water is absorbed almost instantly. So, only small amounts are used at a time, and then wetted and pushed into position using a brush. Additional hydro-cal is the pushed into place around the rock moulds to blend-in.

 

When this has dried, these are painted with artists acrylics, with various colours painted in washes over the rocks until the desired colour is acheived. Then black is washed into the crevices and white / light grey drybrushed to highlight the edges of the rock shapes.

 

I have also started to glue in the basic 'green' sections and will be built up over time to create the desired effect. I have been offered the loan of a Grassmaster - so better looking grass awaits. There is quite a bit of scenic detail to add and will be completed over the coming weeks and will update as and when done.

 

Next job - to finish a couple of the buildings and get these glued into place.

[34010-34005]

Hi Richard,

 

The layout is coming on quite nicely. A bit of a look and learn for me. Cut the base boards up yesterday so soon on the go.

 

See you Tuesday night.

 

Chris

[mudmagnet]

Hi Chris,

 

Thanks for your comments. That's what RMWeb is all about - the exchange of ideas and assistance where need.

Yes, see you Tuesday.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[mudmagnet]

Hi,

It's been a productive weekend, after mountain biking this morning and watching the Grand Prix (a bit dull), I've highlighted the buffer stops with 'rusty' acrylic (Games Workshop / Citadel paint), and added some grass. This has been achieved the 'old-fashioned way' - i.e. using Woodland Scenics long grass cut to length and glued to small dabs of PVA (which has not dried yet when photos taken). There is still plenty to do around the buffer stops, but I fancied doing a bit of the scenic works - this is one of the areas that I enjoy the most - makes a pleasant changed from the other jobs to be started / completed!

 

Still plenty to do - track ballasting and painting to be completed, plus fitting building at end of board to be completed next.

[mudmagnet]

No photos so far this weekend and haven't made much progress on the layout.

 

Marc, as suggested, I have laid a few additional sleepers at the end of the siding where this comes through from the bridge - have been painted, but need to be ballasted next.

 

Thanks to Peter Harvey at PHD - a few bits arrived in the post this morning, so will start on the depot baskets and mobile inspection platform. First impressions - extremely fine etching, with quite a few small parts - should be fun. I willl add photos when a start has been made.

 

Also, a signal kit for a SR upper quadrant has also arrived in the post, plus a few smaller bits. Should keep me busy for a while.

 

Now, where's my soldering iron .....

[mudmagnet]

Hi

 

It's been a while since the last update on progress on the layout. I've had chance to get into the shed now that the weather is warmer and lighter to late.

 

I have made a start o the signal and have position approximately as shown, just in front of the bridge. In order to get it to fit, some of the scenary has been cut away (easy with polystyrene and plaster bandage) and a stone retaining wall needs to be added in behind.

 

I've also been filling in the sections between the track and next job is paint these sections and then add some grass etc. The concrete huts have been glued in position and will have some scrap parts added, plus a few weeds and grass growing.

 

As suggested by Marc, I've added a few redundant sleepers beyond the siding. These have been made from plasticard and glued some Peco chairs (carefully sliced off Peco flexi track). Next, will be add some grass and weeds. This is the fun part, adding the scenary and detail parts.

 

Still to add the buildings at the other end, but the low-relief factory will be re-built as I was not entirely happy with it, so needs replacement. Until this is in place, I can't finish the scenary at this end.

 

Hopefully will get chance to get some more completed over the weekend and will update.

[mudmagnet]

Hi

 

I've been able to spend some more time in the shed today - a bit to hot to do much else (i.e. decorating / washing the car).

 

The scenery by the bridge has built up - more still to do, but a good a start has been made. The hedges are rubberised horse-hair, covered in Woodland Scenics (dip the pre-cut hedge sections in PVA diluted about 50% in 'wet-water', then into the Woodland Scenics and left to dry). A bit more variation in the colour is needed and then some more scenery added at the bottom of the hedge to blend into the rest of the scenery.

 

I've also added some long grass along the redundant sleepers. A second OCA has been purchased and will be quite heavily weathered and will post photos when finished. Both OCA's will benefit from have some loads making, which will be removable so that they can be changed over.

 

A small retaining wall has been started, which will fit behind the signal and will been carved and painted before gluing in place.

[darren01]

Comming on well ,love the old bit of track behind the buffer stop.

Keep up the good work !

Darren

[mudmagnet]

Hi

 

Not much progress on the layout since the weekend, but have been working on the signal. This is now ready for final cleaning and painting. Eventually this will be operational, but unlikely to get sorted for a few weeks. The other soldering project are the PH Design depot baskets. As can be seen in the photos, the etches are very fine and so far have only soldered up one basket. As this is the first one, thus learning the best way to fold and solder. The rest should be easier. Very pleased with the result so far.

[binesrail]

WoW! it's coming along well, cant wait to see it at the show!

 

Cheers

 

Chris

[marc smith]

Hi Richard,

 

This is coming along nicely! I can see you are paying plenty of attention to detail,

and making a nice neat job. I, like so many others are tempted to rush some stages, to get on with things a bit too quickly. But as I say, I think you're avoiding that.

 

Re those continued sleepers - some long grass, and a few rotten old sleepers stacked/strewn around and about the area would really add to the suggestion of the track once joining the rest of the pointwork....

 

Keep up the good work

Marc

[mudmagnet]

Hi Marc,

 

Thanks for comments. I've been trying to work through things in a 'logical' method and making slow progress. There are few jobs that need be completed in a specific order. There are a few jobs that I would like to get on with, but some the more 'boring' jobs need to be completed first.

 

No photo updates at the moment, hopefully get a few over the weekend. I need to finish wiring the points to the accessory decoder, then can add the dummy point levers and finish painting and weathering the track and ballast. I can then add some redundant rail and old sleepers.

 

The fuel tanks are almost completed and ready to glue in position - just need to add some more pipe work.

[mudmagnet]

No photos to show much progress at the moment.

 

Attmepted to get the accessory decoder to work - having a few issues, thankfully my local shop owner has offered to come round one evening to have a look (a bit like the DCC doctor making house calls!)

 

With the weather being good, I've been cutting up wood and drilling holes to the make the packing pieces. Both boards are packed face to face, with end boards being bolted to the ends of each board (a trip of hardboard is sandwiched between the end of the baseboard and the bolting end board to protect the ends of the track - photos to follow when the glue has dried will help to explain more clearly). A further plywood board also clips across the open front of the baseboards when bolted together, thus creating a box to fully enclose scenic parts of the layout. This plywood board also is used a brace between the legs. Hopefully if the weather stays good, I will be able to take some photos and post to make things a little more clear.

[mudmagnet]

I've added some photos showing the boxing of the layout for safe transportation.

The first showing complete box, the second showing the front cover removed, the third with one of the end boards un-bolted from the scenic board - note hardboard spacer strip to protect the ends of the track. The fourth and fifth showing the boards erected on their legs, with the front cover bolted to the main pair of legs to provide bracing stiffness. The second board piggy-backs off the main board.

[mason]

hi richard, im really impressed with this, looks fantastic, great eye for the small details and the scratchbuilding work is excellent, something to be proud of.

the layout flows pretty well and looks fun to run

great work, look forward to seeing more on this

 

regards

 

neil

[Pete Harvey]

Richard

 

It looks really very good.

 

It packs away into a nice compact box just what you need nice one.

 

Pete

[mudmagnet]

Neil,

 

Thanks for your comments. I still have plenty to do, trying to get ready for its first public showing at the end of July. It will be far from finished, but hoping to get a few more details finished, just to show how the completed layout (if one ever is complete!). I will post some more photos shortly.

 

Pete,

 

Again, thanks for your comments.

 

The layout was designed to fit into the back of my car and yet be easy to transport. I have seen several layouts at exhbitions where packing was not considered and hence damage was incurred. By completely boxing in the layout, the risk of damage is greatly reduced. I will also be adding casters to one of the end boards, so the layout can be tipped onto one end and rolled into the exhibition hall! An idea 'borrowed' from DLT on his Briport Town layout. the whole assembly is still relatively light and can carried by myself and my 12 year old son! I have also designed the legs so that this also fit into the baseboard frames - one less seperate thing to carry. Quite of a lot of time setting up and re-loading at the end of a show is moving the various layout bits and pieces from hall to car / van. At leaste on box with everything (except stock / controllers / power leads / coffee mug etc) in unit saves a considerable amount of time.

 

Richard

[mudmagnet]

With some assistance from my son today, the factory end of the layout is coming together. The basic scenery has been glued around the end wall and fence - with some more to get finished hopefully this week. Getting this done has meant that I can glue the main shed in position and can then be bedded in. The fuel tanks and bund have been largely finished, except getting the pipework finished, but only placed in position for the photos. The gaps between ground covering and brick walls to be filled in when glued in position.

 

The quality of the photos could be better - lack of depth of field - must take the layout outside again and spend some more time taking better photos!