Bill Matters Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Graham, you are bound to have seen these published photos in the Middleton Press "Peterborough to Newark" but I will just mention in case they evaded you. Photos 72 to 93 are of Grantham. 73 has good views of both canopies at the north end for instance. If you don't happen to have the book, let me know and I will tell you what is in the other pictures in case helpful. There are also 2 full pages of 20 inch to the mile plans, labelled 1929. Regards, Tom This book is getting more publicity than the new James Bond film. It's on my Christmas list now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bedders Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Hmm! Time for a crafty browse next time I'm near an Ian Allan bookshop... A mugshot has been circulated... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Dominion Posted November 6, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 6, 2015 I just came across another good picture of the 2 canopies at the North end, in the early 1900s in "The Great Northern Railway, by OS Nock, 1958. Page 128 And also a very close in picture of Peascliffe tunnel mouth, from track level on the up side with some brickwork detail, and the lower edge of the copse and also the fence. Plus an immaculate 2750 about to plunge into darkness. It's in the LNER Scene by Maurice Earley. Photo 80. Let me know if you want more details. Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 I must have a look at whether the equivalent pictures in the seventies paperback reprint of Nock's book are any good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Dominion Posted November 7, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 7, 2015 Graeme, in my version it is the last page of chapter 9 "The changing scene" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LNER4479 Posted November 8, 2015 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 8, 2015 (edited) I just came across another good picture of the 2 canopies at the North end, in the early 1900s in "The Great Northern Railway, by OS Nock, 1958. Page 128 And also a very close in picture of Peascliffe tunnel mouth, from track level on the up side with some brickwork detail, and the lower edge of the copse and also the fence. Plus an immaculate 2750 about to plunge into darkness. It's in the LNER Scene by Maurice Earley. Photo 80. Let me know if you want more details. Tom Hi Tom, Yes - got access to both those pictures. Thanks for looking. Now then - 'bout time for a more layout-based update... Following the Grantham show post-mortem, it was decided to undertake some 'mods' to the arrival / exit roads of the North end fiddle yard. This is what the original formation looked like - all roads converging into one single exit point at the left hand end (the line running off the double slip is just a dead end for stabling locos). Not only was this restrictive, it was also a bit of a tortuous exit for trains from the right hand side of the 3-way point. Up it comes! Notably the 3-way point has been dispensed with The replacement formation. This has seen a second exit line installed (arrowed), accessed from roads 6,7 & 8, the shorter roads where the local passenger sets are stabled. This now allows this sort of thing to happen - simultaneous arrivals and departures. Some alterations to the switching allows such trains to be driven in an out by the mainline operator, if the fiddle yard operator so chooses. So, this weekend, we had an extended chance to try it all out as we had a running session. Here, Jonathan's stand-in Coronation set heads north, headed by my newly-acquired A4 - due to be renumbered/named 4467 'Wild Swan'. There's been a modest amount of development behind the train. the combined backscene/roadway structure is now in place, linking to the Great North Road bridge, behind which will be a straight backscene to disguise the rather sharp curve road from the fiddle yard behind. As mocked up like this there's a reasonably convincing impression of the train having come into the scene straight on from underneath the bridge (which of course trains do at the real Grantham). Jonathan also brought his newly completed insulated meat containers for a trial, headed by his B16. A lovely sight. The lovely mixed parcels / horsebox rake also came along for a try out as it mis-behaved itself a little at Grantham. This combination of vehicles seemed to behave itself. Shall we have a closer look? We also came round to the moment in the sequence where we get this situation. A southbound loco change has taken place but the relieved loco (in this case, the improbable 60163 'Tornado') cannot get straight back to shed so has to wait behind a northbound train in Platform 3. As the northbound train departs, the light loco follows it up the platform before coming to a halt by the main signal whilst the signalman resets the road for it to take the left hand road towards Nottingham from where it will then access shed. With the flexibility of the control system, we've managed to find a way of making this work reasonably convincingly. Who needs DCC! Finally, we had a junior trainee depot operator (a member of the Wealleans clan) who seemed to enjoy himself and produced some nice shed line-ups. With a paucity of pacifics, we had some nice sights like this instead. Post-script: a few hours later and the layout looked like this! Two of the south end boards are off away to the Ormesby winter work room so the ground cover of the Up Goods Yard can be worked on by the scenic team. The results of these efforts should be available to see at Stafford and Nottingham. Edited November 8, 2015 by LNER4479 31 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Alister_G Posted November 8, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2015 In that last pic, the trackwork in front of the signal box is a seriously intricate collection: a diamond crossing with two double slips off it, isn't it? I'm sure it will have appeared at some point in the thread, but I don't recall seeing it before. Obviously one of your famous Peco butchery examples, I think? Al. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Barry O Posted November 8, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 8, 2015 great fun today playing trains operating Grantham. With these baseboards removed some more ballasting can be undertaken plus some point motor wiring up.... JW parcel train is superb. All those different vehicles from various kits - brilliant work! Baz 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Market65 Posted November 8, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2015 The trackwork is such a feature of this most remarkable layout. It will be great to see it next year at those exhibitions. Something to look forward to. With regards, Rob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted November 8, 2015 Author Share Posted November 8, 2015 In that last pic, the trackwork in front of the signal box is a seriously intricate collection: a diamond crossing with two double slips off it, isn't it? I'm sure it will have appeared at some point in the thread, but I don't recall seeing it before. Obviously one of your famous Peco butchery examples, I think? Al. Well, I did warn you when it was going 'in' for the last time, for keeps. Now permanently entombed by the ballast-meister. However, seeing as you asked so nicely, here are the earlier photos of it in its component form... Pay more attention at the back of the class there next time!! Anyone coming to Warley this year, I'll be sat behind a desk with a large box of Peco points to show anyone who's interested... 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Sat sitting of course..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted November 9, 2015 Author Share Posted November 9, 2015 Sat sitting of course..... Of course! (Shh! Keep your voice down - 'Sir' might be listening. I don't want to get lines again... ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Barry O Posted November 10, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 10, 2015 Access to do a bit more ballasting will be a lot easier now. Hopefully I can do a bit more (and some wire strangling) post Warley? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LNER4479 Posted November 16, 2015 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 16, 2015 (edited) Bit more progress to report on the coal stage. If you remember, last time we left it looking something like this: Nice stage; shame about the ramp. So out with the Slaters brick plasticard. The name's Bond - English Bond Basic covering done, leaving space for the arches and caves thereunder Now adding the detail. The real thing had storage rooms under the arches, where things such as loco fire irons were kept (apparently). Meanwhile, on top the first of the railing posts (Ratio) have appeared. Detailing work complete, now with first coal of blue brick added. The completed item. The left hand side is hidden behind the depot control panel hence lack of any detailing A closer view. I'm quite pleased at how this has worked out. Having given the brickwork a mortar wash, which has generally lightened the colour, I've painted on the darker areas beneath the railing posts. This is very evident in the photos and appears to be where concrete(?) blocks were added for the railings which obviously weathered with age. That's better! (compare with first picture in this posting). The bothy has now acquired its roof! I've tried to cluster some locos around to give an impression of the final overall scene. Apologies about the background looking a bit weird however - that's due to two of the boards being away at Ormesby for winter attention! I think I'll leave the coal stage for now (although windows / doors still need sorting). Time to turn attention to one of two other projects... Edited November 16, 2015 by LNER4479 22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Market65 Posted November 17, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 17, 2015 The coal stage and the ramp have turned out extremely well. They look very realisitic. With best regards, Rob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JCL Posted November 17, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 17, 2015 It's all looking jolly good. You're really putting the hours in! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Alister_G Posted November 17, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 17, 2015 Wonderful work G, it's really brought that corner to life, and as I've commented before, you've captured the colour of the brickwork exactly. Thank you for showing the stages you went through to achieve that. If you'll forgive me, I think your doors are a bit too neat and tidy I would expect them to be a bit tatty round the edges, and maybe to have been fly-postered or otherwise defaced. Al. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted November 17, 2015 Author Share Posted November 17, 2015 (edited) If you'll forgive me, I think your doors are a bit too neat and tidy I would expect them to be a bit tatty round the edges, and maybe to have been fly-postered or otherwise defaced. In the 1930's? It's a fair comment and one I continually self-check myself on. All the research I've done points to a c-change regarding things like this following WWII. Up to that point, things were kept pretty well organised - even on loco depots. The piles of ash everywhere and general air of dereliction seems to have been very much a 1960's 'thing'. Yes, there would have been dirt and grime in the air - that was inevitable with the steam locomotive. But that's not the same as being uncared for. Pre-war, a depot like Grantham would have employed general cleaners (separate from loco cleaners) whose job it was to keep the place clean n tidy - a place for everything and everything in its place. Probably even a regular lick of paint round the place too. This in turn made for a safe and efficient working environment for both traincrew and depot fitting staff alike. But you're right in one way. Once everything has actually been made(!) then I intend to go round on a general 'blending in' exercise. But it will be muted and not overdone. Be interested to hear any other opinions on this topic? Edited November 17, 2015 by LNER4479 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Alister_G Posted November 17, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 17, 2015 You are right of course, I was forgetting the time period you were modelling. I would agree that Pre-war, things were routinely much better looked after, and of course much newer! Al. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Gerbil-Fritters Posted November 17, 2015 Share Posted November 17, 2015 How did this coaling stage work? Did chaps stand inside the coal wagons and heave the coal out of the wagon door and onto a chute of some kind? It must have taken forever to coal a loco that way. I wouldn't want to see too much grot appear - I find the dirt and grot of most layouts of a later period rather unsavoury, and would prefer to see steam in its heyday. I imagine a haze of coal dust or ash colour muting the colours somewhat, but not the '50 Shades of Grey' beloved of most steam era layouts... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted November 17, 2015 Author Share Posted November 17, 2015 (edited) How did this coaling stage work? Did chaps stand inside the coal wagons and heave the coal out of the wagon door and onto a chute of some kind? It must have taken forever to coal a loco that way. Hi Dr G-F There were intermediate wheeled trolleys (tubs) that the contents of the coal wagons were emptied into. When a loco required coaling, it was these latter tubs that were then emptied into the tender via a counter-balanced ramp. So it was the coaling stage guys job to keep the tubs full so if there was a sudden convey of locos requiring coaling then they could be serviced quickly. Quite a common arrangement at many coal stages around the country. I'll try and find a pic... Here we are - a recreation at Diddlycot http://www.onlineweb.com/rail/photos/didcot_rly_centre_2010/mini-P1010399.JPG Edited November 17, 2015 by LNER4479 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 Was the incline ballasted or were the sleepers secured to the structure? If the latter, the disguising of the heavy and flat-bottomed rail profile may be a challenge. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNER4479 Posted November 18, 2015 Author Share Posted November 18, 2015 Was the incline ballasted or were the sleepers secured to the structure? If the latter, the disguising of the heavy and flat-bottomed rail profile may be a challenge. Ballasted. On the 'to do' list!() Once inside the stage they were set into a level working surface (might have been steel plating) to facilitate easy moving round of them coal tubs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwealleans Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 Have you designed the cunning device to allow a cut of wagons to be parked on the incline yet? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr.king Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 Dead easy - one wagon with wheel set glued into the axleboxes. You're not going to want them to be shunted during shows as well are you? If you must then I suppose a set of spoked wheels spragged with a matchstick would leave the wagon un-molested for other uses. One could always create a loud distraction for the moment when the matchstick has to be handled - such as by shouting "look over there, that bloke's hair is on fire!" - or only handle the matchstick when a prestigious main line train is passing by..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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