john flann Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 sjr, have you looked at my Hintock thread or website http://www.hintockbranch.com If you haven't yet you will find something of interest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted April 19, 2015 Share Posted April 19, 2015 SJR- I agree with your comments also. John Flann (below) and I have had a couple of posts on this topic and John is very experienced in this aspect. That's one reason why I asked Nick Wood (this topic) how he managed to get such smooth, hands-free operation. It just looks so professional and enjoyable. It is my quest to get somewhere near that level in the future. Several layouts on this forum have really nailed this, and provide learnings for those of us wanting to learn how to operate our layouts well. Andy R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted June 19, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) Much Murkle has been boxed up and in storage since late February after the Abingdon Show but is now back up in the garage. Did a quick test run yesterday, it ran perfectly and without any need for track cleaning. One thing I did notice though was that there had been an invasion of pests > > > > > These two have made their home on the station building roof and will no doubt make a huge mess if left there. but I have an ally ...... Della, the station tabby thinks they would make a nice supper if only she could find a way up there ... Meanwhile I always thought that these two cows were looking at something. and know I know what it is, the field has been invaded with members of the Crow family. and not only these two but the rest of the family are foraging at the other end of the field Whilst crows are on the ground they always post a lookout, usually the meanest looking one He will watch over the family whilst they feed and warn them of any danger. It is a little known fact that these days, members of the crow family get hit on the roads by one type of vehicle more often than others. This is because ... the lookout can shout CARRRR!!! but not LORRY Edited December 21, 2022 by nickwood 19 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 13, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 13, 2015 Wow! it's been three months since I posted anything. How time flies by. The next couple of weeks will be busy getting Much Murkle erected and prepared for two exhibitions coming up. The first is at Folkestone on the 3rd & 4th October and the second on the 24th & 25th October. Two new trains will be introduced into the sequence for these exhibitions, the first with a detailed Mainline Dean Goods with a High Level chassis hauling a load of cattle wagons and the second a Bachmann 64xx providing the power for a Clifton Downs autotrailer set. I'll post some photos shortly when I've finshed doing some maintenance and have time for some pre-exhibition play practice. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post nickwood Posted September 17, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted September 17, 2015 (edited) I've been trying to work out where the new trains can fit into my exhibition sequence today which has given me the opportunity to take some photos. These show the Dean Goods 2349 which has arrived light engine to pick up the empty cattle wagons. The wagons and brake van waiting in the cattle dock road. 2349 backing onto the brake van having coupled up to the brake van 2349 deposits it in the platform road returning to pull the cattle wagons from the dock before propelling them into the platform road and coupling up the brake van at the rear. with the road clear fireman Albert Jones has a rest leaning over the side whilst driver Fred Gosling gives a sharp blast on the whistle and eases 2349 away Next arrival will be the afternoon autotrain from Hereford. Edited December 21, 2022 by nickwood 30 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Nick; I just love your little layout...! The Deans Goods is an exquisite loco to have at your disposal. They just look the part of a branch line I reckon. My kit-built one is not behaving at all so cannot run on Hawkinsfield as yet. I will have to admire yours instead. Good luck with your next exhibitions and look forward to reading on here how they went. Any chance of another video Nick? I so enjoyed watching the previous ones as I obviously cannot see the layout 'in the flesh' so to speak. regards, Andy R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 18, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 18, 2015 Nick; I just love your little layout...! The Deans Goods is an exquisite loco to have at your disposal. They just look the part of a branch line I reckon. My kit-built one is not behaving at all so cannot run on Hawkinsfield as yet. I will have to admire yours instead. Good luck with your next exhibitions and look forward to reading on here how they went. Any chance of another video Nick? I so enjoyed watching the previous ones as I obviously cannot see the layout 'in the flesh' so to speak. regards, Andy R Thanks Andy (and to everyone else who has 'liked' the photos) The running of the Dean Goods has exceeded expectations as this was my first chassis build. Low speed control is good considering that it has had very little running time so far. It runs smoothly but seems a little tight. I do need to get it on the rolling road and give it a prolonged run as iI'm sure it will be better for it. I have every intention of doing some more videos but have a slight problem in doing them. The controls for the layout are at the back and the video needs to be done from the front and my arms aren't long enough The last ones were done at an exhibition when I have someone spare to take the controls. Watch this space after the next exhibition. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 I'm sure you will find a way around it Nick and produce another stunning video of the stunning layout. regards, Andy R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 18, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 18, 2015 I'm sure you will find a way around it Nick and produce another stunning video of the stunning layout. regards, Andy R Next exhibition is only two weeks away so you won't have to wait too long Andy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Nice sequence of moves Nick, just what a BLT should be all about, operation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 18, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 18, 2015 Nice sequence of moves Nick, just what a BLT should be all about, operation. It should indeed Andy. MM is a very simple layout but great fun to operate although I don't get to operate it much, usually only prior to and at exhibitions. To keep things interesting I do like to have a variety of trains, much more than would be seen on a branch like this normally. Whatever runs though has to be operated realistically, at least as far as my knowledge of prototype practice stretches and I'm always happy to learn how to do things properly, especially if the knowledge is coming from older railwaymen. Four new train formations will be operating on MM at the upcoming exhibitions, the Cattle Train that you have already seen, the Clifton Downs Autotrain that I will post up some pictures of shortly and to come, an early morning Milk and Parcels Train and a Horse Boxes and Owners Carriage special. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 The Milk and Parcels sounds interesting as I could COPY (hahaha) that for the Pencarne to Trewenn service as I'll have a Dairy at Trewenn. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post nickwood Posted September 18, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted September 18, 2015 (edited) On 18/09/2015 at 20:20, Andrew P said: The Milk and Parcels sounds interesting as I could COPY (hahaha) that for the Pencarne to Trewenn service as I'll have a Dairy at Trewenn. Andy, copy away if you want to but you'll have to wait a little while to see it as the next train arriving is the autotrain from Hereford. Approaching the signal box, we can see it is a Clifton Downs two car set being propelled by Bachmann Pannier 6401 6401 simmers and the fireman takes a rest whilst folk get off and passengers taking the return to Hereford get on. With the signal off, 6401 eases forward and clears the platform on her return to the city, leaving Much Murkle in peace and quiet once again. Which leaves us all anticipating what the next arrival will be ?? Edited December 21, 2022 by nickwood 22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Nice and almost tranquil. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted September 19, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 19, 2015 You managed to get a crew in your 64xx then Nick. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 19, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 19, 2015 You managed to get a crew in your 64xx then Nick. Yes Rob, just the one fireman, Driver is in the Autocoach. Used tweezers in the end as I couldn't find a way of get the cab off. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 20, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 20, 2015 (edited) The next train arriving is a special and another duty for the Dean Goods. A local dignitary Sir Gerald Fortescue-Banks, owner of Soller's Hall and a keen horse breeder has had two Irish stallions shipped over from the Irish National Stud in Tully, Co Kildare to breed with his mares. The horses have to be accompanied from Ireland by their grooms and are met at the ferry in Holyhead by Sir Gerald's staff and his trusted vet. On their journey from Holyhead to Much Murkle they are afforded the comfort of an attached coach. The train consists of two horse boxes, one for each stallion and their grooms, an elderly four wheel Brake Third for the rest of the entourage and a Cordon gas tank. The train arriving at Much Murkle I can't resist another gratuitous shot of 2349 After running around 2349 sets the train back into the dock where the horses can be secured temporarily in the cattle dock and the entourage can disembark. 2349 uncouples and leaves light engine to the offstage engine shed to await her next duty. The train will stand in the dock until later in the day when it will be taken to the sidings at Newent to be cleaned. It is scheduled to be back at Much Murkle in two days time for the return journey to Holyhead. More to come. Edited December 21, 2022 by nickwood 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Some very nice modelling here Nick... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Anotheran Posted September 22, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 22, 2015 I drove through Much Markle for the first time yesterday (or at least, the first time I had noticed it). Much Murkle has a lot more interesting things going on! I am very much enjoying your descriptions of the new trains. Thank you for describing the back stories while showing them off. Kind regards, Neil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 22, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) Thanks for all the 'likes' and comments, I'm pleased that the new train formations have gone down well, hopefully they will in the exhibition sequence too. Neil, Much Marcle has had some interesting goings on in the past too, a certain Mr Fred West grew up there but I couldn't say if the local Weston's cider had any influence on his future gruesome activities. The final new train to get an airing is the early morning Milk and Parcels. On this ocassion the working is in charge of Dukedog 3219 and is first seen approaching Much Murkle with a Toplight brake third (PC Models kit), a Siphon G and two 6 wheel Milk Siphons. This will be the first working in the sequence and represents the delivery of incoming mail, parcels and newspapers and outgoing mail, parcels and milk. There will be a few workmen arriving for shifts at the Cider Mill and a few school children and office workers departing for Newent. 3219 pulls into the station After the passengers have alighted and the parcels and incoming and outgoing mail have been unloaded and loaded the train is set back so that the milk can be loaded from the end of the platform. The loco can then uncouple and run around. 3219 then backs onto the train and the fireman gets her ready for the run back to Newent After being given the road the Driver gently eases 3219 on her way. I can do some more of these sequences with the more run of the mill workings if you would like to see them but they may have to wait until I've got the next two exhibitions in October out of the way. Just to get on my soap box for a moment, there was a time when 3/4 shots from a higher viewpoint were used all the time in the modelling press and this type of shot seems to have gone out of fashion. Close ups and low level shots are undoubtably more realistic but I actually quite like to see the ocassional photo of this type as it gives a clearer picture of overall setting. Edited December 21, 2022 by nickwood 19 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Anotheran Posted September 22, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 22, 2015 I can do some more of these sequences with the more run of the mill workings if you would like to see them but they may have to wait until I've got the next two exhibitions in October out of the way. Yes please! Happy to wait until after the exhibitions, but I'm very interested in what and why you've put your workings together that we get to enjoy watching when lucky enough to see you at a show. Just to get on my soap box for a moment, there was a time when 3/4 shots from a higher viewpoint were used all the time in the modelling press and this type of shot seems to have gone out of fashion. Close ups and low level shots are undoubtably more realistic but I actually quite like to see the ocassional photo of this type as it gives a clearer picture of overall setting. I totally agree with your comment. In this case the shots are illustrating the documented movements, so the angle is spot on for the purpose. However, they also give good overview pictures that show off the quality in the overall layout. Kind regards, Neil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I must have been on Mars to miss all of the excellent thread ! Best hour I've spent for ages tonight from page one. Totally believable and of its period. Thank you so much for posting this. Marks out of 10 erm....... 98 ! ( I'm saving the other 2 for your next posting! ) Brilliant ! Nuf said 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy R Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Nick - these pictures are absolutely wonderful...as said many times before and not doubt into the future. Good luck with next exhibitions and hopefully, with a video. regards, Andy R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mikkel Posted September 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 23, 2015 (edited) Hi Nick, these latest photo shoots of yours really show off the layout at its best, and remind me why I love this hobby and especially the GWR! I particularly like this photo of the train carrying the Irish stallions. It shows how attention to little things like the rain sheet can make a big difference, I think. Edited September 23, 2015 by Mikkel 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold nickwood Posted September 23, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted September 23, 2015 I must have been on Mars to miss all of the excellent thread ! Best hour I've spent for ages tonight from page one. Totally believable and of its period. Thank you so much for posting this. Marks out of 10 erm....... 98 ! ( I'm saving the other 2 for your next posting! ) Brilliant ! Nuf said Thank you bgman, I'm pleased you found the thread entertaining and hope you'll keep looking in. Do I get my extra 2 now, it is my next post after all Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now