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Arpster

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  1. Arpster

    Part 4

    By Arpster,

    Hello all,
     
    I've taken the plunge and moved over to this new-fangled environment. I found a few extra photos that I hadn't added to the old place, so I've attached them below. I hope you enjoy.
     

     
    T1 standing on the shed yard. Igone the cobwebs on the bufferstops!
     

     
    63462 banks a loaded (with empty wagons!) ore train up the hill to Annfield Plain.
     

     
    A K1 eases a train of empty hoppers out of the yard and heads off towards South Pelaw.
     

     
    The same manoeuvre from a different angle!
     

     
    The train heads over the level crossing (that little signal on the gantry needs adjusting!).
     

     
    Rolling off into the tunnel, clanking and wheezing as it goes.
     

     
    An aerial view (perhaps from a passing hot air balloon?) of the station buildings and yard exit. There's an alarming lean on that telegraph pole!
     

     
    Watching some shunting from the ramp of the coaling stage.
     

     
    62024 is backed onto the ashpits before being put to bed for the night.
     
     
    That's all I've got for now. Hope you like them, and sorry I only ever get the chance to get one loco out to play!
  2. Arpster

    Part 3

    By Arpster,

    Blackgill: Tyne Dock to Consett in P4
     
    by Arpster
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Lord of the Badgers on Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:28 pm
     
    I want to weep.. . that's just amazing. Amazing is too small a word though...
     
    9F... please please hurry him along - can't wait to see that!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Nortonian on Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:05 pm
     
    Being an Northeasterner, I would like to add my congratulations to the ever growing list. I have many photographs of the Northeast which show all the aspects this `model of a railway` displays.
    It should be made available to a wider audience, so please do ones best to encourage your father to allow us all to see more.
    I just hope that my eventual 7mm version captures the NE scene as well as this has done.
     
    Regards
     
    Ian
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Steve with the Hat on Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:22 pm
     
    beautiful modelling!
     
    your dad is to be congratulated on a great acheivement.
     
    regards
     
    Steve
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:04 pm
     
    Hello all,
     
    I managed to dig out some locos the other night and take a few photos on the layout again. Not the best lighting (I was in a hurry!) but hopefully they give an impression of some of the larger locos present!
     
    I hope you enjoy,
     
    Arp
     

    It's 1954 and an O1 is trundling down the bank from Consett with a train of iron ore empties, the fireman taking a rest on the footplate. The T1 banker is coaled before its next turn.
    1_Blackgill_O1_empties.jpg (367.5 KiB) Viewed 1479 times
     

    The empties disappear off to Tyne Dock, the tinny clanking of the wagons echoing off the hillsides.
    2_Blackgill_O1_empties.JPG (267.69 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
     

    63755 rolls through the station under the gantry.
    3_Blackgill_01_ore_empties.jpg (361.76 KiB) Viewed 1470 times
     

    J71 68316 sits on the depot after a day spent as pilot.
    4_Blackgill_J71_on_shed.jpg (370.21 KiB) Viewed 1475 times
     

    Rolling through the station.
    5_Blackgill_O1_Loaded.JPG (318.52 KiB) Viewed 1474 times
     

    A train full of ore is propelled up the bank past the depot by an O1 (I need Mr Nevard to add some steam and smoke for me!).
    6_Blackgill_Loaded_ore.JPG (248.73 KiB) Viewed 1471 times
     

    The crew of 63462 have a rest on the level stretch through the station before the hard work of banking to Consett starts in earnest once more.
    7_Blackgill_Q7_banker.JPG (257.29 KiB) Viewed 1462 times
     

    63755 blasts towards Consett with its load of iron ore from Tyne Dock.
    8_Blackgill_01_ore.jpg (253.36 KiB) Viewed 1455 times
     

    Glimpsed through the bridge, a Q7 banks another load of ore up the hill towards Annfield Plain.
    9_Blackgill_Background_Banker.JPG (186.99 KiB) Viewed 1446 times
     

    An Ivatt 2MT is watered before working a short train of domestic coal up to Consett.
    10_Blackgill_Ivatt_2.JPG (197.62 KiB) Viewed 1443 times
     

    An ex-works G5 rolls to a halt in the platform with a passenger train from Blackhill in 1953.
    11_Blackgill_Passenger.JPG (349.61 KiB) Viewed 1440 times
     

    A G5 waits for its passengers before setting off on the Saturday afternoon working to Newcastle via Birtley.
    12_Blackgill_Passenger.JPG (371.54 KiB) Viewed 1437 times
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by max stafford on Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:19 pm
     
    It just gets better and better this model, I absolutely love it. I love the look of the T1, lurking under the coaling stage between jobs and the finish on your Thompson non-corrs is beautiful. If I can get my own project to half as good as the standards displayed here I shall be a very happy man!
     
    Dave.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Horsetan on Fri Oct 02, 2009 9:09 am
     
    I do like the Thompson O1 - hardly anyone seems to model that.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by iak on Fri Oct 02, 2009 9:23 am
     
    This is stunning and an inspiration
    Just goes to show what can be achieved with some commitment and a vision as to what one is aiming for - bravo
    Some of this stock is really good and in the context of what they are running on? WOW!!!
    Those Bradwell hoppers a really special looking
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 45156 on Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:29 pm
     
    I've already commented on this one, but really I've got to have another reply after seeing the new photos. Your dad is a very talented guy, and his skills certainly should be shared with the modelling community - this layout is up there with the very best here, or anywhere else for that matter.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by CUTLER2579 on Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:52 pm
     
    Well 45156 sums it up perfectly,I would have to agree 100% with his observations.This Layout is so good I can't find the right word for it but BL--DY Marvellous is one way (using 2 words) to describe it.
    Regards.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Jason on Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:52 pm
     
    Stunning, simply stunning.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:16 pm
     
    I'm glad you enjoyed these latest photos. I didn't really have time to dig out many locos or much stock but I hope they give an impression of what's hiding in boxes, built or partially built, or in some cases still unbuilt! Hopefully now that the scenery is nearly all finished my dad will have time to get to work on the remainder of the locos and wagons. I'll add more photos as an when wherever possible.
     
    Thanks again for your comments,
     
    Arp
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by timlewis on Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:27 pm
     
    Looks even better with some big locos on it. This is the first time I've ever seen photos of Bradwell 56T hoppers actually working for a living. Brilliant!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Andy M on Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:51 pm
     
    This whole package is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for taking the time to post all the extra images.
     
    I'm now feeling overwhelming inadequacy and intend to box up and sell everything immediately and begin stamp collecting!!!!!
     
    Andy
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mallard60022 on Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:09 am
     


    timlewis wrote:
    Looks even better with some big locos on it. This is the first time I've ever seen photos of Bradwell 56T hoppers actually working for a living. Brilliant!
    Am I right in thinking these are Dave 'Bradwell' model hoppers or am I being daft? If so, how do I get them?
    Sincerely, I. Ronore
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 10800 on Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:34 am
     


    Mallard60022 wrote:
    timlewis wrote:
    Looks even better with some big locos on it. This is the first time I've ever seen photos of Bradwell 56T hoppers actually working for a living. Brilliant!

    Am I right in thinking these are Dave 'Bradwell' model hoppers or am I being daft? If so, how do I get them?
    Sincerely, I. Ronore Er, from Dave Bradwell?
     
    http://www.scalefour.org/bradwell/index.htm
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by craigwelsh on Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:35 am
     
    I'd mentioned this layout thread to Dave Bradwell at Scaleforum while discussing wagons, hopefully he has had a chance to look in between finishing his Q6 kit..
     
    The layout really does look superb with the big engines on there and i'd love to hear about your father's construction methods either online or in print if he ever has the chance.
     
    MRJ does still have many readers (and an owner!) who aren't online and it would be a shame for them not to see this as it really does rate up there with North Shields..
     
    Looking forward to the 9F when he finishes it.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Darren01 on Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:56 am
     
    This has to be one of the best layout i have seen ,your dad is a master builder! it's just amazing to look at ,and to think it has been hidden away from the likes of us! Thank you for putting it up on the RM WEB , more please sir
    Darren01
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mallard60022 on Wed Oct 07, 2009 9:57 am
     


    10800 wrote:
    Mallard60022 wrote:
    timlewis wrote:
    Looks even better with some big locos on it. This is the first time I've ever seen photos of Bradwell 56T hoppers actually working for a living. Brilliant!

    Am I right in thinking these are Dave 'Bradwell' model hoppers or am I being daft? If so, how do I get them?
    Sincerely, I. Ronore
    Er, from Dave Bradwell?
     
    http://www.scalefour.org/bradwell/index.htm Ah! Cheers. As I am not very xperienced with the finescale end of things, I had not realised Mr. Bradwell was part of the Scalefour Society etc. Many thanks. Having not seen his website before (doh!)it comes as a nice surprise to find his chassis and kits; especially the K1 and A1/2 chassis.
    Sincerely,
    N.O.T.Seenthisbefore
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Deltheboy on Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:14 am
     
    Absolutely superb, if any layout was to persuade me to convert to P4 this must be top of the list. The first picture of Blackgill Crossing is so lifelike it??™s uncanny. Many congratulations to your father for giving me the pleasure of viewing such a realistic and extraordinary layout.
     
    Derek
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 10800 on Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:18 am
     


    Mallard60022 wrote:
    Ah! Cheers. As I am not very xperienced with the finescale end of things, I had not realised Mr. Bradwell was part of the Scalefour Society etc. Many thanks. Having not seen his website before (doh!)it comes as a nice surprise to find his chassis and kits; especially the K1 and A1/2 chassis.
    Sincerely,
    N.O.T.Seenthisbefore
    No problem
     
    Dave's relationship with the Scalefour Society is that he is of course a member and AFAIK models exclusively in P4 - and his kits reflect his interests for his own layout Derwenthaugh (see MRJ 152). His website, along with some others who haven't developed their own, is hosted by the Scalefour Society as a service to the P4 community.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mallard60022 on Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:47 am
     


    10800 wrote:
    Mallard60022 wrote:
    Ah! Cheers. As I am not very experienced with the finescale end of things, I had not realised Mr. Bradwell was part of the Scalefour Society etc. Many thanks. Having not seen his website before (doh!)it comes as a nice surprise to find his chassis and kits; especially the K1 and A1/2 chassis.
    Sincerely,
    N.O.T.Seenthisbefore

    No problem
     
    Dave's relationship with the Scalefour Society is that he is of course a member and AFAIK models exclusively in P4 - and his kits reflect his interests for his own layout Derwenthaugh (see MRJ 152). His website, along with some others who haven't developed their own, is hosted by the Scalefour Society as a service to the P4 community. Aah! I dare not yet proceed to the hallowed land of P4 despite Society members telling me that if you are doing EM them why not just go that one step better and do P4! I need a lot more skill building (literally) before any move can be made. However, I have asked Mr B if his kit(s) may be within my capabilities (having supplied some info on what I've done already).
    Thanks again for contact.
    Phil
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Adrian on Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:40 pm
     
    Never mind all the plaudits for the modelling - which are thoroughly deserved.
     
    A big pat on the back for the photo's - you're pretty nifty with that camera. Well done, there are some wonderfully evocative photo's there.
     
    Adrian
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Wed Oct 07, 2009 1:46 pm
     
    Re Dave Bradwell's kits: my dad and Dave know each other reasonably well and in fact he was a guinea pig for testing the construction of the kit. He may or may not have written a review of their building for MRJ, I can't remember off the top of my head.
     
    Re the photography: thanks very much! I've knackered myself and my knees out scrambling around in that bloomin' loft. Hopefully we'll be able to get the layout out into the garden sometime next year and get some proper photos of it. I can't really do it justice with my amateur skills, but I like to experiment and try to get the feeling across best I can.
     
    Re the rest of your comments: thanks very much all of you. My dad is back from holiday now so I'll try to show him this thread and see what he thinks of the praise you've heaped upon his labour of love (and hate). It might help me to persuade him to actually drag the thing out to an exhibition some time soon.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Arp
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jwealleans on Wed Oct 07, 2009 1:49 pm
     


    It might help me to persuade him to actually drag the thing out to an exhibition some time soon.
    Oh, yes. If that's portable, please do. I'd travel quite a long way to see that in the flesh, although I suspect you may well be in my end of the country anyway.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 10800 on Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:35 pm
     


    jwealleans wrote:
    It might help me to persuade him to actually drag the thing out to an exhibition some time soon.

    Oh, yes. If that's portable, please do. I'd travel quite a long way to see that in the flesh, although I suspect you may well be in my end of the country anyway. Absolutely - I was under the impression it was permanently bolted to the rafters!
    __________________________________________
  3. Arpster

    Part 1

    By Arpster,

    Blackgill: Tyne Dock to Consett in P4
     
    by Arpster
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:05 pm
     
    Hello all,
     
    I've been posting a few photos from my dad's layout in the 'How Realistic Are You Models' thread on the General forum and had a request for some more info about the layout. Blackgill is my dad's creation, started after the demise of Riddings Junction in the early Nineties, he set about creating a fictitious layout based on the Tyne Dock to Consett route in steam days. Nominally set in the mid-Fifties to early-Sixties, the layout has been long in the creation due to my father's somewhat flitty mind, straying from this to scratch-building O Gauge Great Western engines to pottering around with American models. He's also a perfectionist, attempting to incorporate motorised traversers and full electrical signal interlocking from the off.
     
    The result is finally at the stage where the scenic section is almost complete and he's down to making sure the stock doesn't drop off at every hand-built point, that the Jackson couplers work properly, and that the numerous 21t hoppers stay on the track like they should. Now he's onto building 9Fs and bogie iron ore hoppers! I've been back to take some photos of the layout over the last couple of weekends, mostly devoid of motive power since most of his engines are safely stashed away prior to his annual jaunt to the US. I dug out a couple of shunting engines (a J77 and a J94) for some photos to give an impression of the overall layout. The ones over in the General Forum have been edited to include skies and remove the loft from the background. I'll repost the photos from over there, then post some on here that are 'au naturale' as it were, without any kind of tampering. I hope you find them interesting!
     
    Arp
     

    After getting off the stopping train from Newcastle (via Birtley and Beamish) we come out of the station and turn right, up to the crossing. The signal box is over the road.
    Blackgill_Crossing_Small.jpg (59.08 KiB) Viewed 3594 times
     

    The depot and pilot.
    Blackgill_Depot_BW_small.jpg (383.8 KiB) Viewed 3603 times
     

    A steel 21t hopper, new from Shildon, sits on the coal drops.
    3_Coal_Drops.JPG (302.16 KiB) Viewed 3595 times
     

    Looking up the ramp to the coaling stage.
    4_Coaling_Stage.JPG (249.59 KiB) Viewed 3588 times
     

    The Consett platform ahead and the coaling stage on the right, with the depot in between.
    5_Depot_Yard.JPG (304.89 KiB) Viewed 3579 times
     

    A general view across the depot yard.
    6_Depot_View.JPG (237.22 KiB) Viewed 3549 times
     

    A J77 sits on the depot.
    7_Depot_J77.JPG (257.77 KiB) Viewed 3549 times
     

    The J77 shed pilot sits in the yard.
    8_J77_Coaling_Stage.JPG (303.47 KiB) Viewed 3535 times
     

    Looking across the to the station from the fields beside the sidings. In true NER fashion, it's a forest of signals!
    9_Station_and_Yard.JPG (289.79 KiB) Viewed 3514 times
     

    The spotter's view down from the road bridge across the station and yards. A J77 sits on the yard.
    9_Station_and_Yard.JPG (289.79 KiB) Viewed 3510 times
     

    A view from the road bridge by the depot across the empty colliery sidings.
    10_View_from_the_bridge.JPG (300.63 KiB) Viewed 3496 times
     

    A general view across the colliery sidings towards the station after a coal train has arrived down the colliery branch (NCB loco yet to be built!).
    11_Reception_Sidings.JPG (311.6 KiB) Viewed 3480 times
     

    A view across the colliery sidings to the depot.
    12_J94_Coaling_Stage.JPG (321.38 KiB) Viewed 3456 times
     

    The J94 on pilot duties leaves the depot to cross over to the reception sidings
    13_J94_Leaving_Yard.JPG (273.82 KiB) Viewed 3447 times
     

    The yard pilot.
    14_J94_crossing.JPG (283.58 KiB) Viewed 3433 times
     

    The J94 gets the signal for the crossing and heads off into the tunnel.
    15_J94_Crossing.JPG (267.48 KiB) Viewed 3421 times
     

    A view round the corner of the goods shed along to the depot and coaling stage.
    16_Good_Shed.JPG (251.51 KiB) Viewed 3407 times
     

    A somewhat blurry view of the signal box and station buildings.
    17_Box_and_Station.JPG (285.24 KiB) Viewed 3397 times
     

    The shunter's eye view.
    18_J94_Enters_Yard.JPG (305.67 KiB) Viewed 3393 times
     

    The view from the hill by the coal drops as the J94 crosses the level crossing and comes into the reception sidings
    19_Crossing_Drops.JPG (296.44 KiB) Viewed 3379 times
     

    J94 leaves the tunnel with a short freight and enters the reception sidings. Normally these would be used for coal trains for the colliery branch but I was having a play!
    20_J94_Crossing.JPG (317.14 KiB) Viewed 3373 times
     

    A coal train entering the yard from the east.
    21_Coal_train_crossing.JPG (304.78 KiB) Viewed 3373 times
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Simon Moore on Moore on Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:42 pm
     
    Thats a fantastic looking layout their i think the coal drop looks brilliant. A very well put together model more photos please
     
    Simon.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jjones231072 on Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:43 pm
     
    Hi Arpster,
     
    very nice photos of an excellent layout. As someone who grew up in the area in which the layout is set, I think it is very evocative of the area. I hope you'll post more of the layout in the future.
     
    Regards,
     
    Jonathan
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jongwinnett on Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:42 pm
     
    Superb...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by BaNkStOnEbRoAdWaY on Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:57 pm
     
    VERY SMART INDEED
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by timlewis on Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:30 pm
     
    This is magnificent
     
    Can't wait to see the 9F and hoppers!
     
    I imagine there must be some other tasty locos/stock already in existence as well (Q6, perhaps?)
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by josh993 on Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:58 pm
     
    Absoloutly stunning
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by max stafford on Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:21 pm
     
    Full of NE atmosphere. In fact, I'd go as far as to say for overall effect and finesse, this is just about the best layout I've seen on this forum!
    Set against the quality of so many other marvellous layouts, I do not issue that compliment lightly - this layout is truly superb.
     
    Dave.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Oldfield_Park on Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:15 pm
     
    Simply stunning. I've been hoping for some time that you'd get round to posting up a thread of pictures for this layout.
     
    Out of interest, what operates the passenger services on this layout?
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by signalmaintainer on Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:02 am
     


    Oldfield_Park wrote:
    Simply stunning.
    I can't put it any better than that myself. BRM staff, I'm looking forward to seeing this masterpiece in print some day. Mr. Wright's photography will certainly do it justice!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Dave777 on Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:59 am
     
    Superb, the standard of ballasting is excellent, very impressed.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by eldavo on Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:36 am
     
    Superb work,
     
    Cheers
    Dave
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Arthur on Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:41 am
     
    It doesn't get any better than this, brilliantly observed and executed.
     
    Arthur
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 10800 on Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:31 am
     
    Excellent - I'm looking forward to the appearance of a Q6 or 9F with some Bradwell iron-ore hoppers at some point!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by peter m on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:05 am
     
    Superb, simply stunning, what else is there to say. It's so good overall that nothing stands out.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Cheesemonger on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:33 am
     
    Not sure I can add anything else to the comments above, but that really is good work.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 56120 on Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:56 pm
     
    Stunning, absolute stunning excellent layout
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by James on Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:16 pm
     
    Fantastic stuff!
     


    Arpster wrote:
    Now he's onto building 9Fs and bogie iron ore hoppers!
    That'll be an impressive site! The Tyne Dock 9F's are a favourtie of mine! I do have all the bits for a nine eff carefully stored somewhere!
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:00 pm
     
    Hi all,
     
    Thanks for the many compliments. My dad will be embarrassed when I show this to him! In answer to some of the questions above:
     
    Off the top of my head, he's got two or three Q6s, a couple of Q7s, an O1 (with Westinghouse pumps), a T1, J72, J71, N10, K1, B1s, J21, an A8 and a G5. The latter two are for operating the passenger services. Using artistic license, he's also go a few diesels: an 03 and 04, plus a 37 and 40 and a pair of 24s for the iron ore trains. I'll try to dig some of these out for photos in the near future if I get the chance.
     
    I'll include a few more photos for you, but this is all I have for now.
     
    Cheers,
     
    Arp
     

    This should have been in the last set but I accidentally missed it out and uploaded another photo twice!
     
    The spotter's eye view over the layout from the road bridge. Hopefully this gives a good overall idea of the thing.
    9_View_from_the_bridge.JPG (331.92 KiB) Viewed 2505 times
     

    Shunting. (I'm sure you're sick of the J94 by now, but it's all I had out of the box that day!)
    22_J94_Reception_Sidings.JPG (276.98 KiB) Viewed 2491 times
     

    Shunting the yard (my SLR ran out of batteries and my little camera doesn't have such a good depth of field, unfortunately).
    23_J94_Sidings.JPG (256.08 KiB) Viewed 2470 times
     

    Looking along the mainline.
    24_J94_Yard.JPG (275.26 KiB) Viewed 2487 times
     

    The yard pilot has finished taking on water and the crew await their next duty.
    25_J94_taking_on_water.JPG (324 KiB) Viewed 2484 times
     

    Shunting the colliery reception sidings.
    26_J94_shunts coal wagons.JPG (295.02 KiB) Viewed 2468 times
     

    Waiting to leave the yard to cross over to the depot with some coal.
    27_J94_waits_to_leave_the_yard_with_coal_for_the_depot.JPG (290 KiB) Viewed 2468 times
     

    The J94 gets the signal to leave the yard with a couple of wagons for the coaling stage.
    28_J94_gets_the_signal_to_leave_the_yard.JPG (309.97 KiB) Viewed 2448 times
     

    The J94 takes on coal.
    29_J94_coaling.JPG (283.19 KiB) Viewed 2447 times
     

    The J94 at the foot of the coaling stage ramp.
    30_J94_coaling_ramp.JPG (265.39 KiB) Viewed 2432 times
     

    Waiting for the crossing to clear.
    31_J94_waiting_for_crossing.JPG (283.01 KiB) Viewed 2430 times
     

    The J77 backs into the goods shed to drop off some box vans.
    32_J77_shunting_goods_shed.JPG (199.86 KiB) Viewed 2427 times
     

    Not a very good photo of the goods shed with the J77 dropping off some vans.
    33_J77_on_goods_shed.JPG (220.44 KiB) Viewed 2419 times
     

    Dropping the fires.
    34_shunters_on_shed.JPG (246.2 KiB) Viewed 2412 times
     

    The two shed pilots retire to the depot at the end of the day.
    35_shunters_in_shed.JPG (185.7 KiB) Viewed 2407 times
     

    The J94 runs light across Black Gill, the stream from which the village takes its name. Those familiar with the area might notice that the 'box is based on the one which used to stand at Beamish.
    36_J94_crossing_Black_Gill.JPG (312.12 KiB) Viewed 2404 times
     

    The J94 shunts some wagons in the yard. As mentioned earlier, this should really be used for coal trains brought down the colliery branch but I was having a little play about!
    37_J94_shunting.JPG (296.67 KiB) Viewed 2402 times
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Bernard Lamb on Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:48 pm
     
    I like the little touches such a the NER flower tubs. They do so much to set the scene.
    It's so good I don't want to be critical but.......... those end platforms on the big hoppers do jar a bit.
    Bernard
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    Comment posted by PhilH on Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:30 pm
     
    I can only echo what others have said. It's superb.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Rumblestripe on Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:46 pm
     
    Lovely!
     
    More please, oh, and an expanded stock list if you would be so kind.
     
    Thanks for posting
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    Comment posted by Fat Controller on Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:33 pm
     
    An absolutely beautiful model, capturing the character of that bit of County Durham perfectly. Sadly, we didn't move to the North-East until 1982, just in time to see the last remnants of Consett depart as trainloads of scrap in 16t minerals behind Class 37s.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Lambton58 on Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:42 pm
     
    Wow! That is absolutely stunning! I have a soft spot for this line as it ran very close to my grandparents house and Grandad's pit was served by a branch off it. If I had the time space and money I'd love to build a model of South Pelaw http://
    http://www.signalbox.org/diagrams.php?s ... &comments=
    http://monkeysnaps3.fotopic.net/p14737987.html
    Ralph
    Lambton58
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    Comment posted by Richard_S on Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:37 pm
     
    We recently visited Beamish Open Air Museum and you have captured the NE character of the station and yard there extremely well. This is one of those layouts where consistency of effort has been applied across the board and everything just seems to fit in context.
    Is this a layout that never leaves home, or is it available for exhibition?
    __________________________________________
  4. Arpster

    Part 2

    By Arpster,

    Blackgill: Tyne Dock to Consett in P4
     
    by Arpster
     
    original page on Old RMweb
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by MEGair on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:49 pm
     
    Superb! Really like the buildings, especially the Station building and signal box.
     
    look forward to seeing some of those listed Locos on the layout.
     
    Is the layout an end to end or does it go around the room, a bit hard to tell?
    Mark
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    Comment posted by micklner on Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:31 am
     
    Excellent work
     
    Mick
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by 45156 on Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:56 am
     
    My first reaction was OMG - that's good - then I sarted to look a bit more, and realised it's not just good - it's stunning. As usual, my eyes strayed to the trackwork first, as if someody gets that right, they tend to have the skills to get the rest right, and your dad's got the skills in spades.
     
    For seasoned forum regulars to come in with comments like these, this has to rank as one of the gems currently on display on this site! I look forward to seeing it in the glossies - glossy publishers on here, please note for a future issue as this layout deserves to be shown to a much wider audience.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by CUTLER2579 on Mon Aug 31, 2009 12:19 pm
     
    Its what I would call an All Right sort of layout.
     
    So All Right I could never build anything approaching this sort of quality,BUT, I can enjoy the superb Quality and Atmosphere of this phenominal peice of modelling.
    Regards,Derek.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mucky Duck on Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:47 pm
     
    Hi Arp,
    Thanks for getting round to sharing these images. Your dad's layout is even more astounding than the pics in the 'How Realistic' thread suggested. I've just had a quick glance through, now I'm going to spend some time soaking up all those wonderful details. I can't add much to the favourable comments so far??¦ simply gorgeous! One question; What are the layout's dimensions please?
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mucky Duck on Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:55 pm
     
    ??¦ and I think this layout is a massive MRJ feature in waiting!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Pennine MC on Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:22 pm
     
    I was wondering how I'd missed this, then I realised it had got a page and a half of comments just since Saturday. Absolutely excellent layout, I shall look forward to seeing more locos and stock on it - and you're pretty good yourself with the camera
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by iak on Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:13 pm
     
    Phwoaaaaaaaaaaaaar....
    This is one belter of a layout - bravo!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jonte on Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:39 pm
     
    Hi Arpster
     
    This is the standard of modelling to which we would all wish to aspire.
     
    Your Dad is extremely talented.
     
    Jonte
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by mines a pint on Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:13 am
     
    Lovely layout, I hope we get to see much more!
     
    We've cycled the Waskerley way a few times which must be a contributor to this railway system, originating from the Stanhope incline. fantastic
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by J83 on Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:57 am
     
    Just to add to the comments made by others, this is a fantastic layout. If I ever build anything half as good as this I'll be very very pleased. I particularly like the trackwork - this must have taken hours and hours to get looking so smooth and realistic.
     
    I'd love to see more photos (and even videos) if you get the chance!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Mallard60022 on Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:15 am
     
    This is one of the very best 'layouts' I have ever seen. A TRUE model railway and in P4. If I ever get anywhere near this standard of work and that only in finescale OO or EM, I shall be in heaven! This has got to be in MRJ. At present I am struggling with a D. Alexander/P Stanger EM chassis Q6; this standard of work just makes me think how can I be so bungling a modeller? However, this work also inspires me hugely and as a young visitor to Consett station (long closed) for a few summer days in 1960/61 & finally 62 (when my dear grandparents passed on) this brings memories flooding back. With the recent flood of superb B & W pics of the NE on the prototype forum area, this has made my summer. Thanks so much. Congratulations to your dad; his work is just superb and your pics are easily as good as TW's!
    Very Sincerely, Annfield Plain
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by jwealleans on Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:32 am
     
    Top drawer. Thoroughly enjoying this thread and I can only echo the comments already made.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by micknich2003 on Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:55 am
     
    FANTASTIC. Mick.
    __________________________________________
     
    ??? posted on Tue Sep 01, 2009 10:52 am
     
    Thanks again for all your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and hope that I can take some more soon. I've been egging my dad on for years to get this layout finished and to get it seen by a wider audience. He's too modest to ever publicise himself, so I took it upon myself to show the world for him! I'm working on getting him to agree to take it to exhibitions now, even though he claims he's too long in the tooth for that!
     
    In answer to a couple of questions, I'm not entirely sure of the dimensions. It's an L-shaped railway, with a straight scenic section and two fiddleyards, one at 90-degrees to the rest of the layout. It's probably about 30-feet by 15 feet all told but that's a very rough estimate.
     
    Oh, and the name is a mixture of Blackhill and Stella Gill!
     
    Thanks once again for your very kind words. I'll pass on the comment about the end platforms on the 21t hoppers too!
     
    All the best,
     
    Arp
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Horsetan on Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:58 pm
     
    I think you should contact Chris Pendlenton and Dave Bradwell - they are pretty the BR (North-Eastern) gurus, and would love to see others joining their fold to this type of standard
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by number6 on Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:59 pm
     
    Just one thing: when you take some more photos make sure you don't clutter it up with too much stock! The emptiness of the sidings and yard is what make it so evocative.
    Superb.
     
    Raphael
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Portchullin Tatty on Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:58 pm
     
    Arpster
     
    Firstly, I would echo all of the comments that others have set out before on this thread. This is a really fine layout and oozes atmosphere.
     
    I am trying to get a PM through to you and for some reason it will not shift out of my "outbox", so it will not have got to you. Would you mind popping me either a private mail or an email (both functions should be open to you via this site) with a means to communicate that does not get bogged down with the vaguries of RMweb? I would much appreciate it.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Pennine MC on Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:00 pm
     


    Portchullin Tatty wrote:
    I am trying to get a PM through to you and for some reason it will not shift out of my "outbox", so it will not have got to you.
    It wont until he opens it Mark, and when he does it'll move to your 'sent' box; it's a common misunderstanding.
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by craigwelsh on Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:50 am
     
    If you could get some pictures of your dad's 9F build for the workbench section that would be eagerly awaited too based on the completed items shown.
     
    It would be good to learn how he is finding the AJ's on his stock and how he fitted them as well as the track construction technique used.
     
    I'd love to see what Chris Nevard could do with a chance to photograph this (not to detract from your own photos which are very good but he can find some 'new' angles sometimes!) although an article in MRJ would be the 'proper' place for such an excellent layout imho. The buildings deserve an article in their own right too.
     
    Is the J94 a Hornby one by the way?
     
    A particular favourite is that bufferstop at the end of the coaling stage!
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by ikks on Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:28 am
     
    Congratulations!!
    This as good as gets...agree, MRJ where are you??
     
    Rgds.........Mike
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Worsdell forever on Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:33 pm
     
    Absolutley fantastic!!
    It's one of those layouts that gets you deep down inside and you know that it's just right. Look forward to seeing more.
    (If my efforts are half as good as this I will be very happy.)
     
    Paul
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by michael delamar on Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:40 pm
     
    really top notch modelling, colours all look superb as do the quality of the buildings trackwork etc.
     
    Mike
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by mattots on Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:57 pm
     
    This is superb modelling, definitely MRJ standard - it would be a crime for it not to get published. I've never really been a great fan of the NE myself, favouring the opposite corner of the country(!), but even so this is inspiring stuff.
     
    I'd love to know more about how it was built and the techniques employed in construction - especially the exquisite ballasting. You should get your dad writing on here.
     
    The photography is top class too - especially the eye-level shots. It's not often you see photographs of 4mm models that really give the sense that you're looking at a full size railway rather than a model. Maybe some photoshop-ed sky would just finish them off to perfection...
    __________________________________________
    Comment posted by Wee Aja on Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:17 pm
     
    Agree with mattots - a bit of 'fiddling' with the sky and you'd struggle to believe this was a model.
     
    Truly superb work.
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