Peterborough North

[great northern]

Thanks gentlemen. I was inclined towards Peco bullhead already, and I think you have helped me to make up my mind. I'm now pondering what base colour to use for the new length of board. Any suggestions?

 

Here are a couple more photos to show more changes that have taken place. The first is relatively minor. That strange signal near the excursion platform has been in the wrong place. It should be slightly set into the platform ramp, and as you can see it now is. There was a timber shelter built around three sides, presumably to stop passengers getting caught up in the works. That will be done later, as we ran out of time yesterday.

This also again demonstrates how extending the card to the top, and changing it to white, will assist me when photoshopping in future. I've now had confirmation by the way that the remaining open area on the left is totally unreachable.

 

I've been surprisingly firm with myself when it comes to spending my recent legacy, but while browsing E Bay I came across a second hand Lawrence/Goddard coach. Offers were invited, so i made one which was very quickly accepted. Perhaps I should have offered even less. Never mind, here it is.

This is a Gresley Dia 175 BCK, and jolly nice too. It may well cause the retirement of an 'orrible Hornby one.

 

I couldn't resist taking a few shots from the new bit of board, and they show considerable potential. This is a familiar view by now, I know, and I took it again mainly to see how the new backboards we have put in to replace the rather tatty previous ones would aid photography. I know I'm often self critical, but I think this one is really very good.

I couldn't say why, but I feel it has real impact.

 

This has been a very good couple of days, and I'm well chuffed.

 

[Market65]

Oh wow! That last photo' has taken my breath away! It is so 'right'. The new bit of board is going to make for such realistic photo's from now on  -you can see across the tracks in such a way that it is as if you have been standing on the ground taking that photo'. And that Gresley D.175 carriage is superb too, I can remember traveling in one to Bridlington back in the early sixties, and how comfortable even the second class compartments were.

 

Best regards,

 

Rob.

[great northern]

The monsoon has returned. There is even more standing water than before, and it is still pouring down. So, no golf again, and more time on the layout later.

 

I must not neglect everyday happenings at PN, despite the various developments, so if we go back to 1958 we will recall that there are goods trains approaching from both directions, which means they must meet somewhere.

Fortunately  it happened out in the open, where the event could be recorded.

 

We'll go back now to the new developments, and another picture taken from the baseboard extension. Even with the dreaded zoom in use, this came out rather well.

 

The fact that the camera is sitting on bare board is a big help here, and that of course will be somewhat lost when track goes down. I shall have to think about that.

[great northern]

I shall confess to a spectacular senior moment. This morning I visted Trackshack's website to find out how much Peco bullhead they have in stock, which is quite a lot. Nevertheless I decided to get an order in, but first I went up and checked the length involved, and calculated how much I needed. The order was then placed, but something kept niggling in the back of my mind. Eventually the penny dropped. My railway room is not 25 yards long, though I wish it was. It is 25 feet long. This means I have ordered, shall we say, rather more than I need. A phone call to the Isle of Man was answered by none other than our N5 enthusiast Neil, who corrected it for me very quickly, so all is well.

 

Trains have run and photographs have been taken from new and exciting angles, so we had better get rid of some of the old ones which are in the image store.

I took this to see how much easier photoshopping at this end might actually turn out to be, and got a pleasant surprise. Even the little hut turned out to be doable, though it is better not to zoom in on it too far. The platform signal has jumped out of its slot again though. Then we have another of the new views.

In addition to the signal which has been moved, there is also a small new wall lamp. I've also noticed that the porter has moved, but I didn't move him. What goes on when I'm not up there, I wonder?

[manna]

G'Day Folks

 

Will you be powering up the 'New' Midland lines, can we expect to see a old 3F shunting a few wagons about ??

 

manna

[New Haven Neil]

Give Gilbert a break, I only sent the track this afternoon!

[great northern]

G'Day Folks

 

Will you be powering up the 'New' Midland lines, can we expect to see a old 3F shunting a few wagons about ??

 

manna

No, purely cosmetic. They were just sidings, after all. I suppose I could pose a loco on there occasionally though.

[great northern]

Tonight we have another look down from Crescent Bridge.

and yet another close look at a WD.

They are fast climbing the list of my favourite locos. Nothing will dislodge B17s and Clauds from the top though.

[great northern]

I have a few more views of general scenery, so I'll get those out of the way, then go back to recording the passing trains as usual. You've seen this one as taken, but I decided to shop it and see what came out, which was this.

The shopping does enhance it, I think. Then I have two scenes taken from the bridges. Crescent Bridge first.

and then Spital Bridge. Even with the extended baseboard I can still get down here, just. Some contortions are required though, so it may become an occasional view.

This shows the need for yet more small improvements, but that's all right, it will keep my interest going. Finally, another shot from the new bit of baseboard, showing the South end unencumbered by trains.

Just getting that little bit further away does seem to enhance it somewhat.

[Peter Kazmierczak]

Just catching up with P'boro North....

 

The Midland "extension" is a masterstroke Gilbert. Simple but so effective.

[FarrMan]

Are! More lovely photos of this amazing model. I cannot get over how realistic it is. The views from both bridges, the approach road and the station platforms are so accurate. I am finding that I am looking for myself among the spotters!

 

Thanks for all your (and other's) efforts.

 

Lloyd

[Mallard60022]

PM Gilbert!

Phil

[great northern]

PM Gilbert!

Phil

Thanks Phil, reply on its way.

[CUTLER2579]

PM Gilbert!

Phil

 

Phil,

 

I was beginning to think you had emigrated or worse you were ill.  My final thought was that you were residing in Ranby if you know what I mean.

 

Regards,Derek.

[Sandhole]

I have a few more views of general scenery, so I'll get those out of the way, then go back to recording the passing trains as usual. You've seen this one as taken, but I decided to shop it and see what came out, which was this.

new view.JPG

The shopping does enhance it, I think. Then I have two scenes taken from the bridges. Crescent Bridge first.

from bridge 2.JPG

and then Spital Bridge. Even with the extended baseboard I can still get down here, just. Some contortions are required though, so it may become an occasional view.

from spital bridge.JPG

This shows the need for yet more small improvements, but that's all right, it will keep my interest going. Finally, another shot from the new bit of baseboard, showing the South end unencumbered by trains.

new view 2.JPG

Just getting that little bit further away does seem to enhance it somewhat.

The third shot is epic!!!!

                chris.

[great northern]

I've had another good session today, and as I'm champing at the bit to start showing some of the images which have become possible, I shall resist no longer. Here is the 2.52 pm relief Newcastle, headed by Grantham's A3 Doncaster.

[Mallard60022]

Phil,

 

I was beginning to think you had emigrated or worse you were ill.  My final thought was that you were residing in Ranby if you know what I mean.

 

Regards,Derek.

Thanks Derek. I'm not really 'ill' but I do have a set of 'chronic' conditions that are difficult to deal with at times. My mobility is impaired at the moment; maybe it is the cold and damp here at 36E?

Phil

[davidw]

I've had another good session today, and as I'm champing at the bit to start showing some of the images which have become possible, I shall resist no longer. Here is the 2.52 pm relief Newcastle, headed by Grantham's A3 Doncaster.

48 1.JPG

Whose parentage is the thompson?

Thanks 

[great northern]

Whose parentage is the thompson?

Thanks 

Comet, David. In fact I think it was one of Geoff Brewin's own.

[great northern]

Thanks Derek. I'm not really 'ill' but I do have a set of 'chronic' conditions that are difficult to deal with at times. My mobility is impaired at the moment; maybe it is the cold and damp here at 36E?

Phil

It's cold and damp everywhere Phil. Seven degrees here, feels like four with the wind chill, and a steady soaking drizzle. We get better days in January. It's no wonder that joints ache, mine certainly do. Still, if the forecast is to be believed, temperatures should double, or more, by the weekend, and we may even see some sunshine, but not until 7.00pm on Saturday.

[CUTLER2579]

Thanks Derek. I'm not really 'ill' but I do have a set of 'chronic' conditions that are difficult to deal with at times. My mobility is impaired at the moment; maybe it is the cold and damp here at 36E?

Phil

 

Phil,

That's a shame mate, I hope your soon feeling better. I know how you feel,I was diagnosed with C.I.D.P. a form of  MS in 2005, but I was told in September 2017 that the illness C.I.D.P. is not in fact a form of MS which is very good news. Not that it makes me feel any better,but Hey Ho that,s life. .Look after yourself mate and all the best from 34F.

Derek.

[Mallard60022]

 

Phil,

That's a shame mate, I hope your soon feeling better. I know how you feel,I was diagnosed with C.I.D.P. a form of  MS in 2005, but I was told in September 2017 that the illness C.I.D.P. is not in fact a form of MS which is very good news. Not that it makes me feel any better,but Hey Ho that,s life. .Look after yourself mate and all the best from 34F.

Derek.

 

Very kind and thoughtful. You take care too D.

Phil 

[great northern]

Will I get mugged if I say we had blue skies and the car said 18 degrees this afternoon in the 'Bay (Torbay that is)

 

Mind, about 3 weeks ago we had more snow here than oop north!

oh all right then, cold and damp nearly everywhere. The East Midlands are not the place to be when the wind is coming off the North sea.

[great northern]

You'll have to bear with me for a while, as I've been taking loads of pictures of every train, just to try different things. This is very similar to the last one, but I've zoomed in on it.

Then I've had another go at 60048 from the opposite angle.

There's a bus on the bridge! Who put that there?

[Market65]

They are looking so good, Gilbert. The sense of space is so important in the illusion of reallity, and that is something that most of us don't have. That extension is so important, it makes it all so real from those angles, and is now enabling you to capture that illusion so very well. Please keep posting those photo's. I love them.

 

Best regards,

 

Rob.