queensquare

Well done Pete, a really smart presentation showing 2FS in its best light. Looking at the pictures the public would never have known what a close run thing it was. Look forward to seeing you and the layout soon.

Jerry

Don't feel too guilty Andy. I should be getting some of my unpainted stock painted this weekend but am heading over to Wilton tomorrow to have a look round the Salisbury clubs' show - will probably take in lunch somewhere in the Wyle  valley whilst out - be rude not to!

Jerry

 Oh well, at least it's not a Shay.

Steady, just remember who's next to you at Railex!!

Jerry

I have been thinking about this a little Jerry and I dont know if thats a good or bad thing. The Peckett is a classic example of how frustrating it can be at times. It is nice sometimes to be 'unique' but I do think the majority of the time its nice to follow in other peoples footsteps. What do you think?

M

I think a combination of both. There are many areas of modelling where its pointless to try to re-invent the wheel. Methods and techniques have been refined over the years and been shown to work - a good example is your recent etched tank wagon which follows similar practices to other 2mm wagon chassis etches.

In other areas, where you are really pushing the boundaries, which much of your modelling does (the Peckett is a good example) then there is a need to experiment and try new ideas. With this it has to be accepted that not all these ideas will work, at least not first time and there will be frustrations along the way. The trick is not to allow these to set you back or get you down.

Personally, I find your modelling inspirational and very much hope that your free thinking style continues - even if not all the ideas come off. 

Jerry

As ever Julia you take limited notice of what has gone before and go you own way - with great results.

Jerry

Keep at it Pete:-)

Jerry

Hello Julia,

 

thank you for the information, is it possible to contact him by Email? And did he sold the kits to non members of the 2mm Association?

 

Markus

Whilst Stephen Harris does sell to non members it should be noted that his kits are designed for 2FS standard axles which are 12.25mm long. N gauge wheels on 12.25 axles are available - but from the 2mm Association shop. You need to be a member to buy from the shops - so get that membership form off today:-)

Jerry

Hi Jerry. The Peckett has the revisions I talked to you about at York, namely a revised cylinder block thingy. I have a etch here which I can pass onto you next time we meet, unless you would like it sooner and I can post it?

M

Look forward to that. I will order up a body from shapeways when they are ready. Hopefully I will see you at Aylesbury Railex.

Jerry

Brilliant stuff as usual Julia. What mods have you made to the Peckett for the MkII?

Jerry

Looking good Rich, a very neat solution. How easy would it be to sort a failed solder joint once all is painted and ballasted?

Jerry

Great to see you back Julia. Quite brilliant and inspiring stuff as usual.

Jerry

I always read your blog entries with great pleasure but I don't think I've commented before. An absolute delight.

Jerry

I'm sure Pete's on his way but, while we wait, I will add my agreement to the comments about the track - it will transform the appearance.

Jerry

Good progress Rich. The prototype views north and south look remarkably similar!

Jerry

Agreed, a very well balanced overview. There were things which I am sure the team will do differently next year but overall we had a great weekend - we were next to the Shoerack Shuffle.

Jerry

Great stuff Rich, not far now!!

Jerry

I'm glad the idea I devised years ago is still doing the rounds. It won the Willis cup at the 1992 AGM. The guest judge Andy Farquarson featured this  in Dec 1992 Model Railways where he was on the editorial staff. I can't fathom out how to attach a copy of page 737 but it shows that the lids have to be one up and one down. This is necessary as the lids, having a slight taper for mould release,  would otherwise produce a curved strip. Both Aldi and Asda's own brand instant granules currently have suitable lids!

I didn't get the idea from the AGM or MR article - don't know where it came from and almost certainly not original but but I was doing something similar in the eighties . I only use one lid and press the foil into the grooves with a cocktail stick. 

Julia's mangle idea from two screw driver handles was inspired - brilliant lateral thinking.

Jerry

Well spotted that man. I've been making corrugated iron from an old coffee jar lid for years (see the roof on the screens on Highbury for one) and hung on to mine as they were not easy to find. Will have to get some cheapo Tesco coffee. 

Jerry

Have to say for me its DG couplings all the way. I find them a lot less visually intrusive, much more reliable and versatile in operation and avoid the 'Kadee shuffle' which is necessary with all the microtrains type couplings.

I put loops on both ends of all stock which means they can be used either way round and has the added benefit of not having to put loops or droppers on locos where space is at much more of a premium.

Jerry

Evening Rich, just caught up with this entry. I would go along with the consensus and have them off baseboard - preferably toward one end for exhibitions. On Tucking Mill the simple electrics (no electronics Ian , they are beyond me!) are connected by a fairly lengthy umbilical cord so the frame can be hung almost anywhere - front, back, middle etc.

The lever frames are fabulous and wonderfully tactile to use. I built mine some time before building the layout and would often sit and play with it like a set of worry beads. They are available to non-members via the S4 website

Jerry

Great stuff Ian, nothing like getting something moving to spur a chap along.

Regarding the Farish Warship. That needs to have its wheels sent away to be turned. The Association drop in wheels are not suitable due to it having a profiled face on the wheel.

Jerry 

That looks a lot better. I agree with you about the painted ones.

As for the boulder size loco coal, have you tried a mix of Anthracite and Daw Mill to get the best of both worlds.

Jerry

Go Rich go!! Of all the many and varied disciplines that modelling throws up, remaining focussed is the one I find the most difficult. That said, keep it simple, concentrate on making it work and you'll be fine.

As someone who has helped me out regularly at shows, you will know that exhibiting a layout that still has one or two jobs waiting to be completed isn't the worst crime in the world:-)

Jerry 

I would also go along with heaps - I use balsa carved,to shape with smashed up real coal stuck down with thick PVA with a dollop of black acrylic in it.

I have an old tobacco tin with graded coal in and a little pot of coal dust which I sprinkle over the top  which maintains the slight sparkle you get with coal.

jerry

I must admit I've never quite understood the desire for ultra-light baseboards and all the descriptions I have seen of baseboards made of foamboard and the like end up having additional bracing for strenghth/protection. Why do they need to be ultra light? I can see the reasoning with model aircraft which are going to be thrown off a hillside in the hope they will fly. I have at times felt like doing this with projects that haven't turned out as hoped but it's not part of the original design criteria!

If you are going to add ply internal bracing, extra thickness on the ends for joining the boards, 25mm square wood to recess the brass dowels into and aluminium angle to brace the corners etc wouldn't it be an awful lot simpler just to make some conventional baseboards in thin ply that will remain flat and be able to withstand the rigours of being moved about....or am I missing something.

Jerry