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hayfield

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  1. hayfield
    Alternative plan with a turnout as per Bodmin now instead of a slip, but with old style goods yard layout
     

     
    Platforms, buildings etc
     

     
    Close up of the initial area to be built
     

     
    A quick lash up of the trap point, will be done as per prototype though
  2. hayfield
    Just had a play with Templot using a Bing map as a rough guide
     

     
    Nothing in stone, may need compressing. Do I keep the 2 road shed or go for a single road shed. I have used B8's except for the curved turnout, though I may just vary the sizes just to be echonimical with the common crossing packs
     
    As I plan in in a preservation era, as I can use locos from both GWR and SR, also varied liveries and use locos which perhaps would never had been used.
     
    As for the slip (which is a diamond just for speed of design) do I have a single, double or perhaps a Barry slip ? or just build the turnout as is with 2 catch points in built. Still the idea will be to build the trackwork between the signal box and engine shed
     
    The plan is about 10' in length, this I may need to compress though
  3. hayfield
    Those who read my track building thread will know earlier this year we moved to Essex, a nice house in a nice village and space for a railway shed. Well that was the plan, but the more we looked into it for many reasons building a wrap around extension seemed a much better idea.
     
    For some time I have wanted to build a small demonstration piece which will have the full scenic treatment, the turnouts into the engine shed at Bodmin General looked a good candidate, and the track could be extended at first to incorporate the shed later. If this went well I could when space permitted include the station and goods area. Still if only a cameo it will be something I could use to run a loco or two
     
    I have plenty of unused C&L and Exactoscale GWR chairs and plenty of pre-cut sleepers and timber strip
     


     
    After seeing Mikkel's latest project and as the first phase is for 2 turnouts I decided to hand build the turnouts and track on ply sleepers and timbers. First thoughts were to 00SF standards, but if I was going to build the plain track (I want it not only fully chaired but have keys in the chairs) why not do it to EM gauge
     
    Looking at the first photo the turnout into the shed has 2 trap points built in
     



     
    I could quite easily build this turnout, but for demonstration purposes a slip would be better and would give a little added interest as a layout. As I said Bodmin(ish). I fancy altering the shed, either going back to a single shed or one that looks a bit tidier. Plus have ash pits outside and inspection pit inside.
     
    The first step is to start the Blog, and perhaps get some input into the project
  4. hayfield
    It seems like I have had nothing but turnouts on my work benck for the past 2 months, thought I would share what has been on the bench over the past 2 weeks
     

     
    Earlier this week I finished a set of 4 EM turnouts using ply sleepers and C&L rail and chairs.
     

     
    Today I have completed a pair of EM copperclad turnouts again using C&L parts
     
    Both sets of turnouts were a pleasure to make, the copperclad one made a change as they were quite quick to build and see working, where as the Ply and chair ones took much longer and the crossings had to be made as a stand alone item.
     
    I now have 8 common crossings to build as stand alone units, at least 3 are 3/4 built.
  5. hayfield

    Junction Finished

    By hayfield,

    Tonight I finished the Junction, I fitted the tiebars and gave it a thorough testing, a couple of minor tweaks were needed, mostly to open up the check rail gaps a fraction.
     

     
    Testing is a bit Heath Robinson with wires crock clipped to the rails.
     

     
    Photo of it in 2 parts, thankfully it fits back together.
     
    Now to get out the sleeper stain on some Brooke Smith ply sleeper strips
  6. hayfield

    Rails now in place

    By hayfield,

    A couple of photos of the junction now all the rails are in place
     



     
    I must make more room on my work bench, using a building board 4' x 1' is a bit large for my bench.
     
    Next job is to cut the isolation slits with a cutting disc and fit the tiebars, at least I can do this with the turnouts off the building board and they come off in half as they have been built as two units.
     
    Now the moment of truth testing with a loco, loco wheels are thicker than my wagon wheels so there may be a bit of tweaking so all runs smooth.
  8. hayfield

    Last weeks work

    By hayfield,

    Junction still on the workbench
     

     
    Had a busy week at work and done very little on thursday or friday, but finished laying the timbers.
     

     
    For ease of posting the junction is being made in 2 parts, see the red line in the right hand side. It would have been easier to build as 1 unit then cut in 2 but this leaves a gap made with the slitting disc which would have to be filled to keep all in line.
     
    Yesterday I have fitted all the 5 V's and the crossover stock rails, with joints made where needed.
  9. hayfield

    Turnouts finished

    By hayfield,

    I have finished the 2 turnouts I was asked to build, the first was a SMP 60" radius built to a B6 size, Its some time since I have used SMP products, I feel that the Paxoline sleepers are not as good as C&L fiberglass ones as the widths seem to vary a bit (the ones in this kit were quite good)and the material seems a bit weaker than fiberglass. Also the rail seemed to be softer.
     

     
    I did use the SMP tiebar, but found my normal style easier to fit the blades close to the stock rails.
     

     
    Next was the C&L turnout, I fit the common crossing first, then the stock rail.
     

     
    Followed by the other stock rail, the switch and check rails. I have also soldered a wire from each stock rail to its switch rail as an electrical bond. Both have been tested and run fine.
     
    Thursday I did a bit more to a GWR pannier chassis I am building in P4, hopefully I will be able to do some more tomorrow. I also put a couple of body parts of a K's 57xx into caustic soda to remove the paint, last night these were removed and washed, all the paint came off and the 4 bits which had been glued came appart.
     
    I have a spare set of 4'7" drivers in P4 so the 57xx may become my third P4 loco. On the other hand I might just build it using the K's chassis which came with it.
     
    Also yesterday a Jamieson GWR King (body and chassis)arrived in the post, its missing some tender axle boxes and front bogie. The question is do I build it as per the kit in 50's standards with the brass bar chassis, or do I add extra detail and use a spare Comet King chassis I have.
  10. hayfield
    I sanded flat the filler I put into the gaps on the SMP turnout, a lot easier with no rails in the way. Now just have to fit the rails.
     
    Also built the common crossing for the C&L plastic turnout
     

     
    Just placed on the sleepers, as it does not show up on the paper plan too well.
     
    The V was soldered up in a simple jig (hi tec engineering)
     

     
    Then the wing rails were soldered to the V with scrap brass shim
     

     
    2 extra bits of shim hold the frog in gauge, then the ends were cut level with the rails. Now for the interesting bit, threading all those chairs. But thats another night.
     
    The postman arrived with some interesting bits. A set of Alan Gibson mainframes for a GWR 36xx (scratch built body I got off Ebay) with some 2mm Hornblocks and a K's 57xx, part built and some of the birs painted. These are now soaking it caustic soda. It was missing one of the axle screws (I had a spare) and also missing the worm gear so will fit a set of Romfords. Won a Jamieson GWR King on Ebay this afternoon, again part built and some parts missing. Will be interesting to see whats there when it arrives.
  11. hayfield

    To nights jobs

    By hayfield,

    A few little jobs done to night
     

     
    The crossover is finished, sleepers gapped, tiebars fitted and isolation breaks cut through the rails. A right selection of locos used for testing, Mainline J72, K's Terrier, Wills Pannier and a Comet Auto tank chassis
     

     
    The SMP turnout has had the sleepers gapped and filled prior to fitting the rails, the idea is to see if its easier filling the gaps and sanding them before fitting the rails.
     

     
    Building a C&L turnout in 00 to a B6 size. I build these on tracing paper and use 2 thin strips of double sided tape to hold the sleepers in place. Sleepers cut and fitted, next job is to build the common crossing. The V's are soldered together in a simple jig, then the crossing/wing rails are soldered to the V with 3 pieces of scrap brass shim which is positioned to sit on the sleepers.
     
     
    Once I have finished these two turnouts I can get on with an etched Pannier chassis I want to build in P4, so have been re-reading Iain Rice's etched chassis book in my lunchtime
  12. hayfield
    This trailing crossover was on my bench overnight, and after a wet mornings golf and a lengthy drying out session in the clubhouse drinking large hot coffees modelling time this afternoon was restricted. Still I managed to get all the rails soldered up and tested with a wagon.
     

     
    Just need to cut the rails to isolate the V's and gap the sleepers, the plan was made by someone else (better than my work) and is on a slight curve. Large radius curves (cannot remember the size) which will allow big locos to run through at speed. Built to 00 gauge.
     

     
    Down memory lane, an old SMP 60" radius kit I have been asked to build. Not used the SMP plan, built to a B6 size. I have gapped the sleepers first and will fill them before fitting the rails, as it will be easier to sand flat without the rails in the way. Some time since I have used paxoline PCB rather than fiberglass which is much stronger.
  13. hayfield
    Not listed much lately, one of the reasons is that I had a problem with a couple of programs including my camera link,another having new windows fitted to the house (had to tidy up the workroom and stop using for a few days)also sorting out the seedlings in the greenhouse and planting some of them out, but most of all the bench has been full of turnouts for the past 6 or 7 weeks.
     

     
    EM gauge junction which was built on a gentle curve just to add a couple of complications. Brooke Smith timbers and C&L chairs and rail. The turnouts are slightly different in size as the inside one is on a sharper radius.
     
    The build took longer than I thought, but mostly as other things got in the way (bank holidays and the above) but once a couple of problems were ironed out with the curved part of the crossover it was an enjoyable build.
     

     
    EM gauge B7 turnout built with C&L plastic sleepers and chairs. As you can see I build these on tracing paper and attach the sleepers to it with thin strips of double sided tape for transit.
     

     
    3 different methods, top turnout EM B6 with Brook smith ply sleepers, middle the C&L EM B7 (plastic sleepers) and the trusted Copperclad turnout, this one is a P4 A5 which I built just to see if I could build one in P4
     

     
    A close up photo of both wooden and plastic sleeper built turnouts. Which is better? close up I think the wooden sleepers look best, but then its easier getting a good finish with wood stains than painting plastic. However those with artistic tendencies can paint the plastic sleepers to look like wood. Then again from normal viewing distances can the average person tell the difference ? And from a distance well finished copperclad track looks superb.
     
    Anyway back to the trailing crossover which is on the bench
  14. hayfield
    Holidays, DIY on the house, a couple of turnouts and finishing off a couple of other locos have got in the way of the Atlantic lately but I have done a bit more on it over the weekend.
     

     
    The tender needs a bit more filler where the top plate fits the body, I need to make a new air vent and find some buffers.
     
    I have fitted the cylinder block casting, as its a butt joint I not too certain how well it has stuck, the cylinders need filling and I need to replace the cross heads / rods as they are soft whitemetal castings and I broke one.
     
    Also the front bogie fouls the chassis, I will try and alter the hole in the bogie and move it 2 or 3 mm forward.
     
    Still it runs well on the straight track, and its a lot better than I thought it would be a few weeks ago.
     
    The other locos I repaired are 2 Wills 1864 Pannier tanks, one which I painted some months ago and needed the chassis building, and another which came off Ebay with the pickups mangled, both now work and I also fitted some pickups to a K's Terrier another Ebay buy, this now needs some footsteps and the side air compresser.
  15. hayfield

    2 week break

    By hayfield,

    A quiet 2 weeks plus as I have been on my hols, walking in the peaks and a quiet week in Kent.
     
    Visited both the Peak rail centre which for me was good for photos of a few wagons and the coach preservation shed and The Midland Railway centre at Swawick. loved the Midland museum the shed with the Duchess and Princess along with the replica buildings being constructed.
     

     
    I have a couple of K's 6 wheelers to rebuild and seeing how the straps and rods fit together will assist
     

     
    Inside of the Royal carrage
     

     
    Someone out there is copying my modelling skills
     
    The second week we visited the KESR misses again that P class only got a view from the elevated viewing area at Rolvenden.
     
    And also the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway. At onetime if it were not full scale and GWR I would turn my nose up at it. But seeing they run over the past 2 yeard at Dungerness, New Romney and Hythe was very enyoyable, in fact they put some of the preserved railways to shame.
     
     
    I used to think of them as models, but am realising they are engins in their own right
     

  16. hayfield

    K's GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    I have started to build up the cylinders, they are now glued together and I have started the filling process with Milliput. More filling is required along with rebuilding the cylinder fronts.
     

     
    I also need to work out whow high the cylinders should be.
     

     
    They are just a push fit into the chassis / body at the moment.
     
    Next job is to rebuild the crossheads
  17. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    This picture shows the lumps of Milliput which I have used to build up the gap on the corner of the coal rails on one side and level up the poor fit on the other side. Also some other bits filling the joins above the buffer beam.
     

     
    I used a mini drill to level the tender sides on the inside, then I filed the filler flat with the body. I used a razor saw to start the gaps between the coal rails followed by a needle to open up the gap. All looks fine now.
     

     
    Poor picture but shows the cylinders taking shape, should have been 5 parts but ended up as 8 parts. I will fit the slide rods before attaching the cylinder sides. Then try and fathom how the fit the cylinder assembly to the chassis
  18. hayfield
    With the cast part of the chassis unglued, the first (cast) part now fits flush with the footplate when glued to the main part of the chassis. With no cylinders it still looks a bit high, but it now matches up with the tender buffer height as well as other locos buffer heights
     

     
    The 4 sides of the tender have been stuck together and I have just used Milliput to fill the gaps and rebuild a broken corner of the sides. Hopefully I will not make as many mistakes on this part of the build
     

     
    These are the parts of the cylinders, the front parts of the cylinders have been stuck to the chassis block. This was the easy part as it was only in 2 bits. The rear one which is in 3 bits will take a bit more effort in gluing to the block in lineing them up.
     
    Recently I have not had much spare time to model, however when driving to and from work and other spare moments I have been able to think about the problems and come up with a solution. Much better than thinking on your feet with the items in front of you.
     
    Nice to have a session that has all gone well, normally its 2 steps forward and one back.
  19. hayfield

    K's GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    Last night I tried to get the chassis working with the front bogies. Those early locos builders never took us 4mm modelers into consideration when designing their locos. There are a lot of wheels to get into a small space.
     

     
    Unlike most kits the front bogie is attached to the chassis from a bolt above the centre of the bogie, there is a cast section which glues to the chassis. It also holds the cylinders.
     
    Like everything with this kit nothing seems to fit. On reflection the cylinders or rather the 2 parts which are still left on the casting, stop it from sitting flush with the footplate, I had to pack the back of the chassis by 1mm to level it. The wheels look like they should go into the body a bit more.
     
    Luckerly the offending part will come away from the chassis without too much trouble. I will get the casting into some boiling water and hopefully the 2 cylinder parts will fall off. I think the builder either fitted the cylinders up side down or incorectly. Still the first job is to get the chassis fitting snugly with the body and working. Then I can have a go at the cylinders.
     
    This afternoon I have made a start with the tender, unfortunatly the builders file has been at the tender parts as well, plenty of filling is required with this item as well.
  20. hayfield

    K's GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    The second attempt to secure the gear wheel to the axle seems to have worked, as there is no slipping. I took each wheel off in turn, trimmed and adjusted the pickups, greased the bearings and replaced the wheels.
     

     
    As I watched the loco go up and down the track the rear drivers were not turning, the 2 small rear wheels were lower than the rear drivers by a fraction so a small amount of fileing sorted this out. The front bit of the footplate where the cylinders go needs building up,as its been badly filed. So some filler had been added, this needs to dry for a day or so.
     
    Tomorrow I will sort out the front bogies, start building the tender and do a bit more to the body
  21. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    Well I have given the gears 1 more go, I took the 2 wheels off and took the axle out, degreased all the parts including the chassis and motor bearings. Re-drilled the holes, then reassembled the parts. I dropped epoxy down the holes and rotated them hopefully dragging the epoxy down arround the axle. I will now give it a day to cure.
     
    Had a few bits arrive in the post yesterday. I brought an old Eames Prairie loco some time ago. Someone decided to rebuild the chassis, well they got as far as fitting a new set of Romfords but lost all the other parts. I notiiced on Ebay an Airfix plastic kit with a motorising chassis on it (minus motor and gears) took a bit of a leap of faith. Well the chassis seems well built and the wheels and motion run freely, the front fixing is in the correct place just need a new rear fixing plate.
     
    At the same time brought a Comet coach part built, poor photo and description. Well it turns out to be a BR mk1 compo. Needs buffers roof and underframe details, its been very well put together.
     

     
    Also I brought a Southeastern Finecast M7 with wheels and motor along with a Wills etched M7 chassis (need this to replace an old Wills cast chassis). So been looking at my new bits.
  22. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    Last night was one step forward and one step back.
     
    The good news is that electrically the chassis works on its own and when attached to the loco, no shorts on the bodywork.
     
    The bad news is the axle, or rather the gears. The plastic gear which is a pushfit on to the axle slips. I have tried drilling a hole to the axle and filling it with Superglue and epoxy. Neither held.
  23. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    Very slow progress last week, if any at all. As I have been building turnouts for someone else.
     
    I cleaned the chassis, then primed it and sprayed it, but the paint is wearing off at the edges. Should have given it a better clean using Fairy Liquid rather than a wash in white spirit. Still once the chassis is finished I will touch up the parts with a brush.
     

     
    The gear wheel on the axle has lost most of its grip (its a push fit), because of the space between the frames gluing it to the axle first is not an option. I drilled a couple of holes in the side of the gear and dropped superglue into them. It was a bit better then I drilled out one and put some epoxy in it. Its not locked on but a bit tighter. I may have to find another gear set.
     
    Glued a PCB board on to the chassis to fit the pickups on to tomorrow night, when I may be able to fit the pickups. Lets hope the heat soldering them on will not effect the glue.
  24. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    A realy slow week modelling, time has been short during the week and the past 2 weekends, also I have spent a bit of time fitting a motor into a Deelet 999 / class 3 which I won on Ebay. The chassis now works, the body needs rebuilding but that will be another story.
     
    I have stripped the Atlantics body and primed it. hopefully will be able to spray it black tomorrow.
  25. hayfield

    GNR Atlantic

    By hayfield,

    The weekend has been busy, however the bottom of the side has been built up and re-fitted. Its a bit straighter now.
     
    The additional filling on the front of the footplate has come off, so I will try again tonight. At some point I will have to address the cylinders, but that will be the last job. There are a couple of bits missing so I will try and check the parts.
     
    I now have a copy of the k's body parts sheet, unfortunatly no details of the bogie or cylinders.
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