AJon30 Posted April 25, 2015 Author Share Posted April 25, 2015 Well today has been set aside to do a bit of fettling after the show last week, and get ready for Stowmarket tomorrow. Thankfully there was only a few minor problems: a switch blade that had lost its bonding, a point motor that was very noisy and one that ran on for a while before switching off. A feed wire to the copper clad sleeper should have solved no.1, a replacement motor solved 2 and no.3 was found to be loose microswitch on the Fulgurex motor (one of downsides of the Fulgurex are these very fiddly microswitches) which was soon tightened up. Additionally a few thoughts and comments from my highly trained team of operators has required a little bit of re-wiring that should make operating a little easier. When I built Great Barford I decided not to fit an end backscene so that I could keep my options open for future extensions (!). That said I would still like a scenic end to finish it off. Then I remembered that I have a "fill in" piece of baseboard that I use when exhibiting the short 9 foot version of SHLR. The main board is 5 foot, the other 2 sections are 3 & 1, so I needed a 1 foot section to enable it all to be packed together. This section was built in the same way as the rest of the boards so that it can be bolted together. When I offered this piece up to the end of Great Barford I was pleased that it bolted straight into place (the joys of standard end fittings). So, what to do now? Firstly I will move the buffer stop from the end of the engine release track onto the extension board, so that it leave the track free for through running with different extensions. I am also thinking I could do the same with the next track, which would perhaps allow a small goods shed (a first for the SHLR!), and then just leave the rest for a goods yard approach road. Hmm, time to get the sharp pencil out! Rgds Andrew 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted April 26, 2015 Author Share Posted April 26, 2015 Good day at Stowmarket. Catering up to its normal standard! View down the layout Have enough stock to run milk & parcels train Rgds Andrew 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share Posted May 1, 2015 Hello. There were a couple of outstanding items at Kimbolton Town so, following the outing at Stowmarket, I decided to sort them out and also look at doing some more work on the scenery. The wiring problem was easily solved (too tight a joint between baseboards was solved with a couple of quick goes with the file), while the isolation section at the dock was changed so the whole section can now be isolated so it will be possible for the locomotive to stand next to the water tank (much more believable rather than it going up the the buffer stops) The occasional derail of a locomotive on the point by the coaling stage was down to a slightly undergauge section of track and I also replaced the checkrail with a longer section which seems to have helped. Finally one other checkrail was slightly misaligned so that wheel flanges were hitting the frog, again easily resolved. It is amazing how much maintenance the layout needs, but then it has been out on average every month since it started, Stowmarket was its 25th outing in 2 years. The station area was very basic so the opportunity was taken the improve its appearance. I sprayed the platform itself with a stone fleck spray I saw in my local B & Q, which has been surprisingly effective. Fencing was added, station signs, some lamps, seats and a bit of extra foliage has made a big difference. I have some milk churns, a platform trolly and other bits & bobs still to add. Rgds Andrew . 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 (edited) Wandering around the garden this morning (before deciding it was far too cold and I should come back inside and do some more modelling!) I was shifting some old wood that has been out in the open for at least 5 years, and I was struck by the colours. Sorting out some examples and then getting some wagons to compare produced the following picture It was interesting that a. the straight out of the box RTR wagons either had colours that represented new wood (Lionheart) or colours that seemed unlikely (Dapol) b. that weathered wood paint is far too flat grey. These are the top 4 wagons IMHO: 3 have been finished in the Lifecolour Weathered Wood paints, using the Cold base colour and a variety of other shades, while the NE open was finished in the Humbrol 110 Natural wood with some Cream & Dark Slate Grey to give the variations, and some rusty brown around strapping etc. I have thought the Lifecolor paints a little pricey but the pots are 22ml while the Hunbrol pots are 12ml or 14ml. For around 17.00 for Lifecolor you get 6 pots while the equivalent Humbrol pots would be a bit more, depending on where you cab get your paints. Is it just me, and I know painting & shades etc are very much "in the eye of the beholder", but it does erk me somewhat when I see rakes of wagons with the interiors painted solid matt black. For an example of the "real thing" here are a couple of shots of an old open wagon on the GCR. Its condition would probably have meant that it would have been repaired or scrapped a while ago if in revenue service, so the wood is probably further gone than is normal, but still not black. To add, here is a picture of a brand new wagon, taken at the Swansea Waterfront Museum, which does support the Lionheart colours (I suppose it would depend on what type of wood was used?) Rgds Andrew Edited May 2, 2015 by AJon30 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted May 2, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 2, 2015 Interesting Photos Andrew. The matt black is I assume supposed to resemble the coal dust sticking to the wood. On such as that old wagon the rain would have washed away any coal long ago. Someohow though plain matt black suggests too much coal dust I would expect the stuff to collects in corners and the like. On wagons used for other goods there would be less black. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 Thanks Don. I think this is the problem - how much staining of the wood would there be from a coal load, especially as in some cases the coal would be in the wagon a while? I think coal dust would shake out of the boards before too long, but there would be residue in the corners. I presume coal does not dissolve in water otherwise it would be shipped in covered wagons? Most coal is washed before being loaded in railway wagons so there would be little staining from other materials. Annoyingly there are few colour pictures of empty coal wagons as most people concentrated on the locomotives. Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted May 2, 2015 Share Posted May 2, 2015 Looks very nice setup here... cheers neil.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 Thanks Neil Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 4, 2015 Author Share Posted May 4, 2015 Finally completed the missing link building in the brewery, which includes a cover over the loading dock, implies that the loading dock is longer.. You have been warmed! Rgds Andrew 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted May 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 9, 2015 Sadly our trip had to be cancelled (waiting to hear about an urgent op for MrsW) so I missed the chance to see the SHLR. Hope you had a good show. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Hello Don, sorry you couldn't make it today. I took my camera but, as usual, forgot about it until it was too late! The layout performed OK but a point motor failed at Great Barford and took out all the points because of a short circuit. It took a while to work out what was happening but eventually isolated the offending point motor and more or less normal service was resumed. I don't know which part of the country you are in Don, but we are at Ely next Saturday with the full length, then on Stowrail on Sunday with the 19 foot version. Then its quiet until Chatham with the long version on 13/14 June. Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted May 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 9, 2015 We are in Minehead so it would be a fair trip to Ely. The problem may greatly restrict our getting out and about this year. So I may have to be content with following it on here for now. Sorry to hear you had a point motor problem. I have bought a unit to drive servos for my signals. They can also be used for turnouts I may try it for some of them too although I may as well use the tortoise and cobalts I have in stock first. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Thanks Don. The motor itself was causing the problem, I've already changed it out and sorted the problem. It was a second hand unit I bought so I'm not sure how old / how much use it had already had. Just got to check the linkages to make sure there is no binding in the operation. For a change tomorrow I am taking my On30 module out to a Slim Gauge Circle meeting at Rugby. Its nice and simple, just a scenic board with a bridge, I can leave someone else to look after the electrics etc! Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Been a little busy with real work this week. Hope you can see us at Ely (Saturday) or Stowrail (Sunday) Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share Posted May 17, 2015 Well that was a busy but successful weekend at Ely and Stow. Here are a few pictures. At Ely the B17 Association had a stand and they also had an O gauge B17 which was given a run on the layout. I am sure the loco was not overloaded hauling the SHLR coaching stock! First time at Stow, seemed to be busy and I believe they had a good attendance Queen Mary hard at work Next stop - Chatham on 12 / 13 June Rgds Andrew 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted July 12, 2015 Author Share Posted July 12, 2015 Hello. Sorry its been a while, but I've had no camera to record events, as it was stolen from the back of the layout at the Chatham Show. Yesterday the 19 foot version was out at the Hoddesdon show, here's a few photographs. This was a first outing without the scenic extension board between Pertenhall & Swineshead and Kimbolton Town. The join between the two existing boards has turned out reasonably well. With thanks to Mick Boyd there were a couple of visiting loco's The pug with the newly finished "tender" And the New order That was the SHLR's 30th outing, which considering it has only been exhibited since April 2013 is approx once a month. No wonder I don't seem to have time to finish things as I am also out with other layouts as well (Harpenden East at the GCR 3 day show and Treloar Sidings at Basildon 2 day show, recently) Rgds Andrew 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hesperus Posted July 12, 2015 Share Posted July 12, 2015 It's looking great, I'm amazed you've had time to do anything to it with a schedule like that. May something suitably unpleasant happen to the camera thief. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted July 12, 2015 Author Share Posted July 12, 2015 Yes it does get a bit wearing at times, but still enjoyable - in August we have Southwold / Bexhill and Milton Keynes on 3 consecutive weekends plus the Great Train Robbery (Nene Valley) and another layout - Coldharbour lane at Northampton, then its the turn of QUESTA in September (Soar Valley & Mid Essex) finishing off with SHLR at Worthing & Sudbury - then Peterborough, Chelmsford, Gravesend, Rainham, Royston (with a variety of layouts) up to the middle of November! It was just so disappointing - perhaps I had a rosy view but would not expect another modeller to behave like that. Will have to be much more security conscious in the future. Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted July 12, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 12, 2015 Having a camera nicked must have left a bad feeling. We exhibiting you need to be able to leave stock expensive locos jackets etc. behind the layout you cannot watch what you are doing and the viewing public and keeps eyes on what is behind. Very bad show by someone. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted July 12, 2015 Author Share Posted July 12, 2015 Normally its not a problem, but at Chatham there was a large square area with layouts around the edge, with a large space in the middle. With layouts all around there was a constant stream of people going backwards and forwards, which is difficult to keep an eye on when you are operating. Luckily(!) it was only a camera that can be easilyt replaced....... Rgds Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 Great 2 day show at Southwold. There were a few visiting locomotives on the layout this weekend 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted August 7, 2015 Author Share Posted August 7, 2015 Hello. In my continuing quest to get a quart into a pint pot, i have been looking at my bridges. The main bridge covers a baseboard while the small bridge needs to be removable because of the backscene (by the way this "half" bridge causes lots of comments at shows, not always complementary! I wonder why that is - if you were painting a picture and you had a bridge to one side, you would not continue onto the frame?) Anyway, these are quite cumbersome but delicate and have been traveling in their own crate. Ever mindful of the costs to exhibition managers I have been trying to get to a situation where I can get the 19ft version and 2 operators in my car. Looking at the layout I realised there was a void above the sector plate behind the backscene, which was just big enough to get the bridges in (packed in bubble wrap). Once they were in the the top of the layout was covered with a rug to allow legs etc to be loaded on top. With that I was able to get rid of one crate and allow seating space. So off to Bexhill today! Rgds Andrew 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 (edited) Hello. Sorry for the lack of postings but have been busy with real work & exhibitions. Off to Worthing this weekend (and Sudbury next), so have been trying to progress some of the (many) outstanding scenic features on the Great Barford board. I have managed to complete the coaling stage (still needs a lamp for those dark early mornings & perhaps a figure sweeping up all the coal) and a small sleeper built hut for the shunters. Just needs a lick of paint or two. As you can see I have given in and bought the LBSCR Terrier "Thames" - I couldn't wait for "Bodiam" to be delivered! At Worthing we should have both "Thames" and "Brighton" running. Rgds Andrew Edited September 24, 2015 by AJon30 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted September 27, 2015 Author Share Posted September 27, 2015 Good weekend at the Worthing show. Lots of interest shown in the Dapol Terriers - we had both "Brighton" & "Thames" there, was also joined by a Southeren liveried example at one stage. See you at Sudbury Rgds Andrew 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJon30 Posted October 9, 2015 Author Share Posted October 9, 2015 Hello. The SHLR is making its last appearance this year at the Farnham & District club's show at Aldershot this weekend, then not out till January which (hopefully) will give me time to address replacing the H&M point solenoids with more Fulgurex motors, which, after a period of "bedding in" now seem to be working OK on the Great Barford board. Any way has been a good year, this show will be its 36th outing since it started, which is averaging one per month. However the exhibiting does not stop - out with another layout of mine "Steiner Tor" an Oe narrow gauge layout (its first outing in 3 years) at Peterborough, then assisting with other club layouts at Chelmsford, Wimbledon, Rainham and Royston. Rgds Andrew 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