GRANBY JUNCTION - Shunting Siphons for the Up Parcels with a Manor!

[john dew]

On 26/12/2021 at 00:35, trw1089 said:

Hope you had a good Christmas John and you are staying safe. Looking forward to more shots of Granby in the New Year, as long as there are not too many panniers ;-)

 

cheers

Tony

Thanks Tony……nice to hear from you. Hope you had a good Christmas.

 

Cant make any promises about panniers……..they have a tendency to creep into the scene without me noticing.

 

All the best for 2022

[longchap]

Yep, you can't keep a Pannier down!

 

Bill

[ian]

2 hours ago, longchap said:

Yep, you can't keep a Pannier down!

 

Bill

 

You mean they make you sick?

[longchap]

Nah, they make me smile

 

Bill

Edited December 29, 2021 by longchap

[john dew]

                HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

 

Arrived just in time for Christmas........the Dapol Large Prairie.

Its shown here in virtually out of the box condition. The loco number has been changed to 5174 (Chester Shed 1947) with engraved plates. The buffer beam numbers will be changed when I weather her.

Visually its very attractive with an abundance of neat accurate detail. The brass safety valve cap is a delightful moulding but the highly polished finished would, perhaps, be more suited for a Horse Guard's helmet than a hard working loco. A touch of dullcote should solve that.

In the opening shot you can see that the slide bars have been splayed for clearance purposes. Its not proto-typical and it does jar somewhat. However its not that obvious when running so I can live with it.

As with the Dapol Mogul, decoder fitting is innovative. Ease out the push fit smoke box door with the provided tool, pull out the PCB, plug in the Next 18 decoder and replace.....job done.

There were reports of poor running with frequent stalling over point work. Happily that does not seem to be the case with my model. Neither is haulage an an issue. At 300gm its 50% heavier than the Hornby Prairie which needed packing with lead before it would look at 4 coaches. However RR&Co is very demanding. There is a suggestion of hes itation below speed step 4. I may need to file the rear pony truck axle slots down a little 

I mentioned detail and innovation......the cab roof slides off:

The rear cab windows are individually glazed and just look at the protective bars

The back head detail is astonishing:

Not sure how much will be seen, but its nice to know its there. It will definitely make it much easier to add crew.

The coal load is quite realistic but it is removeable and the bunker is fully modelled

Here is a comparison shot with the Hornby Prairie. Its bit unfair with a pristine 5124 and a more realistic workstained 4129



I have been running the Hornby Prairies for a year now. Initially they were very disappointing. After all the remedial work particularly hard wiring Stay Alive Capacitors, they are now solid reliable performers. Although my heart is still beating a bit too fast when they approach some of my point work. The Dapol prairie is much more sure footed.


To finish...... a three company colour comparison...........which is the authentic GWR green?

 

To my mind the Dapol Prairie is pretty close to the Bacjmann 94xx. Even allowing for the heavier weathering, the Hornby green looks a bit washed out.

All a bit subjective......we have had a load more snow here and that may have reflected into the light in the Train Room.

Best wishes from a very cold (23o F) Vancouver

Edited July 13, 2022 by john dew
Replace photos

[Neal Ball]

4 hours ago, john dew said:

                HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Arrived just in time for Christmas........the Dapol Large Prairie.

Its shown here in virtually out of the box condition. The loco number has been changed to 5174 (Chester Shed 1947) with engraved plates. The buffer beam numbers will be changed when I weather her.

Visually its very attractive with an abundance of neat accurate detail. The brass safety valve cap is a delightful moulding but the highly polished finished would, perhaps, be more suited for a Horse Guard's helmet than a hard working loco. A touch of dullcote should solve that.

In the opening shot you can see that the slide bars have been splayed for clearance purposes. Its not proto-typical and it does jar somewhat. However its not that obvious when running so I can live with it.

As with the Dapol Mogul, decoder fitting is innovative. Ease out the push fit smoke box door with the provided tool, pull out the PCB, plug in the Next 18 decoder and replace.....job done.

There were reports of poor running with frequent stalling over point work. Happily that does not seem to be the case with my model. Neither is haulage an an issue. At 300gm its 50% heavier than the Hornby Prairie which needed packing with lead before it would look at 4 coaches. However RR&Co is very demanding. There is a suggestion of hes itation below speed step 4. I may need to file the rear pony truck axle slots down a little 

I mentioned detail and innovation......the cab roof slides off:
 

The rear cab windows are individually glazed and just look at the protective bars

The back head detail is astonishing:



Not sure how much will be seen, but its nice to know its there. It will definitely make it much easier to add crew.

The coal load is quite realistic but it is removeable and the bunker is fully modelled

Here is a comparison shot with the Hornby Prairie. Its bit unfair with a pristine 5124 and a more realistic workstained 4129



I have been running the Hornby Prairies for a year now. Initially they were very disappointing. After all the remedial work particularly hard wiring Stay Alive Capacitors, they are now solid reliable performers. Although my heart is still beating a bit too fast when they approach some of my point work. The Dapol prairie is much more sure footed.


To finish...... a three company colour comparison...........which is the authentic GWR green?



 

 

To my mind the Dapol Prairie is pretty close to the Bacjmann 94xx. Even allowing for the heavier weathering, the Hornby green looks a bit washed out.

All a bit subjective......we have had a load more snow here and that may have reflected into the light in the Train Room.

Best wishes from a very cold (23o F) Vancouver

Interesting to compare the chimneys in that last shot John. They look hugely different.

 

All the best for the New Year.

[longchap]

Hi John and another lovely post,

 

The group photos are really good and I like the way small variances between the two Prairies add to the realism of the scene, since with service progressing, differences will become even more evident. I hadn’t realised that the chimneys were so different, as spotted by Neal. They look most different in the last photo where the light background roof deceives the eye slightly, but will probably look more settled when weathered.

 

The Liverpool retailer confirmed to me yesterday that they were inspecting my Dapol shirt button model, which is now on its way to France, so I’m hopeful of a good result when it arrives. Which Zimo decoder have you used as I need to order some more?

 

Remarkably warm and sunny here today with our new outdoor cat fast asleep on top of the cold frame.

 

Best,

 

Bill

[longchap]

Arghhh, senior moment here! An excellent New Year to you and your loved ones John.

 

Bill

Edited December 31, 2021 by longchap

[john dew]

I will try and take close ups of the two chimneys later today. Why didnt I spot that?  Cant see the wood for the trees!

[john dew]

On 31/12/2021 at 09:14, john dew said:

I will try and take close ups of the two chimneys later today. Why didnt I spot that?  Cant see the wood for the trees!

 

I think the Dapol chimney (foreground) is, perhaps, fractionally taller and wider than the Hornby example.

 

The difference is exaggerated because the "copper" caps are different. The Dapol version is clearly deeper and the emerging chimney is "copper". I suspect the difference will be less obvious when the cap is weathered and the chimney portion painted black

 

[longchap]

It'll be fine John with some smoky black weathering.

 

Hopfully mine will arrive next week. I've order a couple of Zimo MX618 DCC Next18 MX618N18  decoders from a Paris model shop and trust it's the right one!

 

Looking forward to seeing your next joint comparrison with the Hornby when weathering, ets is complete.

 

Best,

 

Bill

[john dew]

2 hours ago, longchap said:

It'll be fine John with some smoky black weathering.

 

Hopfully mine will arrive next week. I've order a couple of Zimo MX618 DCC Next18 MX618N18  decoders from a Paris model shop and trust it's the right one!

 

Looking forward to seeing your next joint comparrison with the Hornby when weathering, ets is complete.

 

Best,

 

Bill

A couple?   Two prairies? ……You can never have too  many prairies

 

ps they are the correct decoders for the Dapol prairie or mogul

[Neal Ball]

8 hours ago, longchap said:

It'll be fine John with some smoky black weathering.

 

Hopfully mine will arrive next week. I've order a couple of Zimo MX618 DCC Next18 MX618N18  decoders from a Paris model shop and trust it's the right one!

 

Looking forward to seeing your next joint comparrison with the Hornby when weathering, ets is complete.

 

Best,

 

Bill

Hope the Prairies get through ok Bill. (Transit / customs / Brexit etc)

 

I hear that from 1st Jan imports to the UK are going to have additional checks at customs…. That’ll be as chaotic as our imports have been since July - Brexit, the gift that keeps giving!

[longchap]

17 hours ago, john dew said:

A couple?   Two prairies? ……You can never have too  many prairies

 

ps they are the correct decoders for the Dapol prairie or mogul

 

Thanks for the confirmation John. Only a single Prairie, the other is for one of the two Moguls!

 

11 hours ago, Neal Ball said:

Hope the Prairies get through ok Bill. (Transit / customs / Brexit etc)

 

I hear that from 1st Jan imports to the UK are going to have additional checks at customs…. That’ll be as chaotic as our imports have been since July - Brexit, the gift that keeps giving!

 

Thanks Neal, it was due to the several issues aired on RMWeb with the Prairie, that I thought I'd better call it off from my Hattons' trunk before they sold all their stock, so if it needs to go back, it wouldn't be such an issue. Fortunately, they confirmed my request to inspect the running plate / tank joint for on mine prior to shipping.

 

Due to almost all UK deliveries now costing me more through unfathomable Brexit charges, I'm sourcing as much as I can from EU states, hence the decoders from Paris. In the meantime, I have a stash of various goodies waiting for me at a good chum's workshop, where I was due to collect from this month. Not sure when it will be safe and practical to travel now. Cup still half full though

 

[Neal Ball]

30 minutes ago, longchap said:

 

Thanks for the confirmation John. Only a single Prairie, the other is for one of the two Moguls!

 

 

Thanks Neal, it was due to the several issues aired on RMWeb with the Prairie, that I thought I'd better call it off from my Hattons' trunk before they sold all their stock, so if it needs to go back, it wouldn't be such an issue. Fortunately, they confirmed my request to inspect the running plate / tank joint for on mine prior to shipping.

 

Due to almost all UK deliveries now costing me more through unfathomable Brexit charges, I'm sourcing as much as I can from EU states, hence the decoders from Paris. In the meantime, I have a stash of various goodies waiting for me at a good chum's workshop, where I was due to collect from this month. Not sure when it will be safe and practical to travel now. Cup still half full though

 

It’s a case of balancing everything and getting everything when we fly in.

 

I can see the motorhome in the summer will be very full with railway items!

[The Great Bear]

On 31/12/2021 at 01:40, john dew said:

I have been running the Hornby Prairies for a year now. Initially they were very disappointing. After all the remedial work particularly hard wiring Stay Alive Capacitors, they are now solid reliable performers. Although my heart is still beating a bit too fast when they approach some of my point work. The Dapol prairie is much more sure footed.

That's interesting to hear. My Hornby Prairie's never run well, poor pick up and jerky running if track not spotless. I've just fitted Zimo tanatlum stay alive (1400uF) onto the MX600R decoder and I can't say it's made any improvement so I'm rather disappointed. (Compounded by knocking off and losing one of the sandboxes in taking it apart) If I regain my composure I may try another decoder and stay alive just in case I've messed up with the Zimo one. But the Dapol loco is looking tempting...

 

Wishing you all the best for the new year

 

Jon

[john dew]

18 hours ago, The Great Bear said:

That's interesting to hear. My Hornby Prairie's never run well, poor pick up and jerky running if track not spotless. I've just fitted Zimo tanatlum stay alive (1400uF) onto the MX600R decoder and I can't say it's made any improvement so I'm rather disappointed. (Compounded by knocking off and losing one of the sandboxes in taking it apart) If I regain my composure I may try another decoder and stay alive just in case I've messed up with the Zimo one. But the Dapol loco is looking tempting...

 

Wishing you all the best for the new year

 

Jon

Hi Jon

 

I removed the PCB and filed down the screw mounts. This provides sufficient space to hardwire a Zimo MX617 and Supercap (6700uF)

Have you done any of the modifications listed in the Hornby Prairie thread?

 

I added almost 100gm of lead, eased the body screws and filed down the front pony truck mount. I would recommend all of these!

 

Happy New Year

 

[The Great Bear]

On 03/01/2022 at 18:32, john dew said:

Hi Jon

 

I removed the PCB and filed down the screw mounts. This provides sufficient space to hardwire a Zimo MX617 and Supercap (6700uF)

Have you done any of the modifications listed in the Hornby Prairie thread?

 

I added almost 100gm of lead, eased the body screws and filed down the front pony truck mount. I would recommend all of these!

 

Happy New Year

 

That's worked a treat - runs so much better, thank you, John

 

Jon

[brianusa]

Surely this is not the same thing that has plagued OO models over the years.  In spite of all the improvements in electronics, it never seems to go away in OO trains and really having to do it yourself to improve running is certainly off!  It was bad enough at early prices but not so when todays are more expensive.

 Brian

[john dew]

First update of the New Year, hardly a promising start. I have been a bit preoccupied with non railway matters and when I did get into the Train Room I spent most of my time running trains!

I did find time to populate the extension in front of the hotel and finish the Wills Stone Wall that surrounded it.

By way of a reminder, here is a shot from December showing a section of the wall and tunnel which connect the extension with the the canal/warehouse scene.

 

For the first 4-5 years, most of the buildings on Granby were built from plastic- Ratio/Langley kits or scratch built from Slaters/Wills sheets. Then I was introduced to Scalescene and most of the subsequent buildings were created from paper and card.

I have tried to avoid having large structures in plastic and card in close proximity but sometimes its unavoidable:



This is a bit like Check Point Charley, where East meets West or in this case Old meets New! The warehouse was  built for Granby II circa 1998- the Hotel in 2021

I originally separated the yard from the hotel with a Scalescene wall but it seemed to make the contrast more obvious. I think the new wall provides a more pleasing link with the tunnel/edge wall. Its a little lower than ideal but I didnt want to impede the view of the hotel kitchens from the other side.

It also allowed me to install the Langley Gate set which make a nice focal point at the end of a rather narrow Richards Yard

 

Cruel close up to show/expose the detail:



The Gate pillars are scratch built from off cuts. Tons of fun trying to file the edges to 45o to get mitre joins.

I had even more fun trying to photograph the guy on the other side of the gate. Bit like painting engine crew that will never be seen. I spent ages giving that fellow a green tie.

Close examination of the signs shows I am nearing the end of this project. I have long since used up all the GWR Tiny Signs. I guess the Blue signs are pre grouping from the Granby Jctn Rly and British Rail were awfully quick off the mark with the others. 

The next shot exposes how little space I had to work with in accommodating the hotel and the duck under: 
 

Its only a narrow lane so I deliberately put just a few people here. The young man who has just parked the MG may be of interest to some:

 

Willliam Longman has just popped over from Liverpool for the day. Any resemblance between Mr Longman and a fellow GWR enthusiast of this parish is, of course, entirely coincidental.

 

Now for the last scene:



I had originally intended to call this "Ladies who lunch" but then I found guy in a trilby to lean against the lamp  post- the second lady was swiftly moved elsewhere and we now have:

 "Dancing in the Rain" -very appropriate for Vancouver!

Next post I hope to show the continuation of the wall and rather more people.

Edited August 14, 2022 by john dew
Photos 14/8

[Neal Ball]

Excellent narrative John thank you.

 

Given you’ve changed the title to “muck and Grime”…. I’m trying to work out whose who… is the fella by the street lamp…. Muck or Grime? 

Edited February 9, 2022 by Neal Ball
Typo

[vulcanbomber]

Interesting what you say about scalescenes and plastic.

Personally I prefer wills plastic sheet and have use it extensively on Barkham Green

Just give it that 3D feel. for instance just look at the texture of the wall by the hotel 

[john dew]

Better late than never, here are some shots of the new wall and station frontage extension.

 

Weathering the wall was a fine balance between looking like something from the Cotswolds or being to dark and satanic. I tried to grade it so it is darkest by the canal and gradually lightens 

 

The frontage extension was not originally planned. It was a result of the size of the hotel's footprint. It now makes accessing the turntable impossible without using a stool. However there is definite upside- the rather unlikely one way system I created in front of the station now looks far more feasible



Some off topic trivia- the Crosville Bus station is actually a Wills Taxi Drivers shelter that I bought at least 30 years ago- not realising they are only found in London. Introduced in Victorian times by Lord Shaftesbury, they are now listed buildings- there are very few left. Its good to be able to use it after all these years. If challenged I am sure I can devise a suitable legend.




Another antique: The police box was bought to amuse my grand daughters who, at the time, were avid fans of Dr Who. It doesnt attract the same degree of interest now they are both in their mid twenties

Bobbies on the beat- now there's a novel concept. Actually their presence serves to emphasise the year is 1947, as do their uniforms, traffic signs and belisha beacons.  



One of the other obvious time stamps on Granby is the number of army vehicles and servicemen



It is easy to forget that all young men were conscripted to serve for two years and most of their travel was done by train. 

I hope to add more servicemen to garrison Granby Castle as and when I build it. First priority however is to move to the other side of the room and demolish some back scene prior to extending the storage sidings.

Regards from Vancouver where it is sunny and a rather crisp 34o F

 

 

Edited August 14, 2022 by john dew
Replaced photos 14/8

[longchap]

Well populated John and with skill in the painting and placement department. Granby has so many nooks and crannies which continue to provide scope for more great cameos, even in plain sight on busy thoroughfares, but I shed a sigh of frustration for the owner of the Austin 7, under the scrutiny of the beat bobby writing out a ticket!

 

Oh and well done modelling the pedestrian crossing without the “zebra” markings.

 

Best,

 

Bill

[john dew]

Hi Bill @longchap

 

Thanks for the nice comments. There is so much dust on the Austin 7 its hardly surprising it got a ticket. I guess that cameo is a bit of a cliche but I couldnt resist it!

 

Great to hear from you........hopefully everything is all sorted.......it sounded like a very persistent and unpleasant bug you had. I suspect, being poorly,  you were not able to read my post of Feb 9- there was a bit in there that was intended to cheer you up