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Kelly

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Blog Entries posted by Kelly

  1. Kelly
    So since last year myself and Natalie have been planning a layout based upon RAF Chilmark near Salisbury.
     
    We discussed names over and over and struggled to come up with one. Natalie suggested Winterbourne, I forget the reasons for this now, but I like the name.
     
    I think Winterbourne Exchange sounds about appropriate.
     
    So a recap:
     
    3 modules.
    Module 1 narrow gauge with storage bunkers and a loop off scene to others.
    Module 2 Tranship shed, where narrow gauge and standard gauge meet
    Module 3 exchange sidings with BR Salisbury-Exeter mainline.

    It is to be set in the mid-60s, when steam was coming to an end and interesting new diesel types were coming in. An interesting change over period for sure.
     
    However, as multiple eras appeal, the layout is going to be designed so that it can represent earlier or later eras with tweaks. Exactly how this will work out I'm not entirely sure on presently, but as theres no station, etc it should be feasabile, with only the stock needing changing and maybe a few other items. If buildings and features are made removable as well it'll be able to be managed this way also.
     
    The multiple eras option will also, give us the ability to run during 1940s, 1950s, 1980s and maybe even privatisation, but i think that might be pushing it myself! certainly being able to run a 1950s set of stock would be interesting, as would the 1970s/80s.
     
    I'll update here in future when there is news. But it might be a while, as West Cromwell Road will be first priority as that is a more viable option at present. This plan is a longer term vision i think.
     
    Attached are the track lans that were drawn up. They need tidying up and improving, but give an idea of what is planned.
     
    This is a joint venture with Natalie.
  2. Kelly
    Prompted by this post on rmweb I got thinking about a couple of things. Firstly in that post, it was discussed about restoring 18000 and her history. I have a fascination with the prototype and the oddball. For those who don’t know, 18000 was a gas turbine powered locomotive ordered in 1946 by the GWR [...]
     
    Source
  3. Kelly
    Set off to what has been a very good event in the past later than originally planned. Getting to Hillingdon by car for about 11am and getting new S Stock on the Metropolitan line to Rayners Lane. All great till we (Natalie was with me) got to the depot and found a long queue. [...]
     
    Source
  4. Kelly

    An update of sorts..

    By Kelly,

    I've not been active on RMweb for a while due to a mixture of health and other matters taking precedence.
     
    Owing to financial situations of both myself and Natalie, layout progress or building sadly hasn't occured. But with enough plans in our heads collectively we will manage something eventually.
     
    Out of all the plans we do have, we are likely to hopefully sometime in the next few months or so start on the simplest of the ideas. That being a small layout set around Woolwich Dockyard on the North Kent Lines in South East London. The idea being to set it around the time of the introduction of the Networkers replacing the EPBs. It being a simple stretch of track with not much else other than a siding off to the docks it will be much easier to actually get a start on. It's also helpful that I have a Hornby Networker and a set of body shells as well. With some work a 4EPB and a 465 should provide a motive power starting point. I'd also like to back date it at some point to get earlier stock and steam too. But simple start for now hopefully.
     
    Before any of that can happen though I need to finish the current moving house I'm in the process of doing. Hopefully the new flat will help my health (being a ground floor flat) and allow a start to be made perhaps.
     
    Hopefully I'll be about at the next Warley show and see how things pan out.
     
    kely
  5. Kelly

    Another plan...

    By Kelly,

    Decided to download Inkscape and have a go drawing a full plan. It is still rather rough and still needs more thought, but I think its starting to give an idea of whats what and where etc.
     
    Added a road section to allow lorries to load/unload from the transship shed as well as a tank/truck/vehicle ramp for loading/unloading onto trains etc.
     
    kelly
  6. Kelly

    Been a while

    By Kelly,

    Has been a while since I last visited the site. Other things and my health have kept me occupied really. Health has been very poor over the last 6 months.
     
    Am still going to exhibitions with Natalie when i/we can manage it. The last one being the Leamington Spa & Warwick MRS Show at the NAC, Stoneleigh, which we both enjoyed a lot.
     
    As well as that we went along to the LWMRS open day at their club rooms and had a very good, interesting day out there. We both left feeling like we'd join up and go along when money/time/health permits for each of us, etc.
     
    I am still planning on doing the 'Chilmark' MoD/Military layout, as well as developing the Lillie Bridge diorama idea into a small layout. The Lillie Bridge one may come about first. But more planning and research is needed on both still.
  7. Kelly
    Unfortunately my health has been poor in the last 6 months or so. I did manage to go to a few exhibitions when health allowed. These included Alexandra palace and rmweb members day. I’ll be at the Warley show on the Sunday this year hopefully too. Sadly I missed this years Model Rail Live, after [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=d827.wordpress.com&blog=24582877&post=303&subd=d827&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" />
     
    Source
  8. Kelly
    The plan for all layout ideas is that DCC will be the plan from the start. The initial cost is higher, but the ease of wiring, and the simplicity and much better ability to operate wins it for me. Being able to control the layout with a computer running software like JMRI or similar appeals [...]
     
    Source
  9. Kelly
    Once again first weekend of June came around and that means DEMU's premier event Showcase, showcasing the best of Diesel & Electric modelling (sometime termed Modern Image by some, though personally I hate that term). Layouts in attendance this year included: Acton Parkway (4mm OO) Alderford (4mm OO) Cripple Sidings (4mm OO) Deadmans Lane (4mm…… Continue reading DEMU Showcase, Burton-Upon-Trent June 3rd-4th 2017
  10. Kelly
    Once again first weekend of June came around and that means DEMU's premier event Showcase, showcasing the best of Diesel & Electric modelling (sometime termed Modern Image by some, though personally I hate that term). Layouts in attendance this year included: Acton Parkway (4mm OO) Alderford (4mm OO) Cripple Sidings (4mm OO) Deadmans Lane (4mm…… Continue reading DEMU Showcase, Burton-Upon-Trent June 3rd-4th 2017


  11. Kelly

    Evolving the plan…

    By Kelly,

    As with all such things when designing a layout, plans evolve and change. A quick run down on what has occurred: Boards have been given a coat of while emulsion to protect them from damp (living in an old '60s council house it is a bit of a problem in some parts). All boards have…… Continue reading Evolving the plan…
  12. Kelly

    Evolving the plan…

    By Kelly,

    As with all such things when designing a layout, plans evolve and change. A quick run down on what has occurred: Boards have been given a coat of while emulsion to protect them from damp (living in an old '60s council house it is a bit of a problem in some parts). All boards have…… Continue reading Evolving the plan…


  13. Kelly
    After a bout of  illness and being busy with preparing for and dealing with a new canine arrival to my other halfs house, I've not been to any shows or done much modelling as a result. However, I did manage (with assistance from members of the Scalefour Society and the Templot Club forum) to finalise…… Continue reading Finalising plans and choosing a name.
  14. Kelly
    After a bout of  illness and being busy with preparing for and dealing with a new canine arrival to my other halfs house, I've not been to any shows or done much modelling as a result. However, I did manage (with assistance from members of the Scalefour Society and the Templot Club forum) to finalise…… Continue reading Finalising plans and choosing a name.


  15. Kelly
    So, with putting other plans on the back burner after a recent move I've started to think on what is more feasable in the shorter time scale compared to the other ideas I've had (or Natalie's had).
     
    So with that in mind I've decided to start looking into a layout based upon the woolwich dockyard area.
     
    Why Woolwich Dockyard? well I was born in Woolwich and grew up in Barnehurst, so have an affinity with the area. Mostly I recall Networkers over EPBs as I wasn't relaly paying attention to trains back then! computer games and aviation modelling had my eye far more (still do to some extent). But I've always loved looking into the history of where I and my family grew up. I'd use the North Kent lines almost daily in the late 90s and they were the only option if going further than Bromley or Eltham usually. In my final year at University in London, I lived in Woolwich, not far from Woolwich Dockyard station, so Networkers and other traffic were familiar sights.
     
    For ease of stock buying/costs initially I think it'll be easiest to go with the late 1980s to early 1990s period when 4-EPBs/2-EPBs were common and 465/466 were still in testing. So a couple of 4EPBs and a single 465 should cover running needs initially. I've one 4EPB on the 'workbench'* and the Hornby Networker awaiting attention.
     
    At some point back dating to the 40s/50s/60s would be nice, to have a mix of earlier electric units (4SUB?) and steam (C class?), but that's a longer term goal. But with it in mind I'll be aiming to make buildings etc removable (which will aid storage).
     
    Features will be:
    Time period initially late 80s/early 90s - i.e. just before privatisation.
    EPBs main units with one 465 or 466 on trial runs.
    No stations. Just simple track work running lines.
    Level crossing for interest (based upon sand street)
    Junction off to the dockyard
    Cassette fiddle yard
    Portable/modular to allow easy storage - thinking about IKEA INGO tables or old dresser draw fronts for main boards to save money.

    I've still to finallise a plan and have been discussing it with Natalie for advice/input.
     
    I've already got one Hornby Networker, with parts to hopefully make a 465 unit. I'll likely add another 466 to the fleet. I might look at remotoring the Networkers as the Hornby unit isn't that good at all really. Wondering if spuds or similar would work, or using a 73/bil/better power bogie and changing the sides?
     
    I've also got a Bachmann 2-EPB, and have the parts to do the Replica 4EPB conversion plans. At some point I'll source iether a Bachmann 4-CEP chassis or get a Replica powered chassis for the 4-EPB.
     
    That should give enough stock to start with.
     
    Thinking handbuilt/C+L/SMP track with PECO code 75 off scene. Thankfully idea only really has 2 points excluding any off scene! With this in mind would Templot be best bet to plan with?
     
    * My 'workbench' is currently unusable due to having moved recently sadly.
  16. Kelly

    Further planning

    By Kelly,

    Seems I got a little confused previously. The chilmark based layout is to be a joint effort between myself and Natalie. Natalie has taken the rough plan I did and reworked it (see attachment).
     
    Its starting to come together I think now.
     
    Thinking of '39-'45 or early/mid 50s or maybe mid-late 60s as era.
     
    Attached image done by Natalie. Thanks!
     
    Kelly
  17. Kelly
    ... by that I mean i've cleared space off of my desk enough to have a work area at last!
     
    Now to decide what to do with the space... (box in left corner is full of plastic kits (mostly Dapol/ex-airfix))...
  18. Kelly
    Recently I've been giving thought to what to use for the boards/storage for West Cromwell Road.
     
    I had initially thought about using a combination of plywood and foamboard. Whilst this would be very light, with my health, it'll require more effort and time. I intend to use it for the Chilmark layout however as the IKEA APA boxes I've decided upon wouldn't be suitable for that layout.
     
    So, yes, I've decided to go down the IKEA APA box route. As they're cheap (£10.99 each) and not very big they seem like they could be the idea compromise between size and convinience for me. And if they don't work out I get extra storage for my flat
     
    The plan is to use two APA boxes for the scenic portion, and one for the fiddle yards/storage. They should be able to be stacked on top of each other in a corner out f the way when not in use also.
     
    When I get around to ordering one I'll have chance to look and see how easy/difficult to use they might actually be before taking a saw/drill to one.
     
    I rather like the idea of the layout being a few seperate modules that are mostly self contained. The idea with West Cromwell Road is to keep it fairly simple anyway.
     
    Basically it will be the steam shed, based upon Lillie Bridge (2 roads), with a coal staithe etc and a 4 road electric car shed, which is opposite the steam shed. It will be fronted by a retaining wall, which the District Line would pass beneath, but won't be modelled. Natalie is working on plans at present, and one will be uploaded when she has finished it.
  19. Kelly

    Illness stops play

    By Kelly,

    There is a saying in Cricket ‘Rain stops play’. [i don't like or watch cricket myself]. In my case, recently it has been my ill health that really is stopping play. Too much pain, too tired all the time and not sleeping well don’t make for making even the slightest attempts at doing any kind [...]
     
    Source
  20. Kelly

    Inspiration

    By Kelly,

    Today I've been browsing the rmweb galleries and blogs and came across Tanis 1937 by Will Vale. Whilst that is pre-war German setting, it has given me some thoughts of what to do myself a little.
     
    Something along similar lines perhaps, but with a post-war British setting.
     
    Quite what setting and so on I'm not sure, but it seems about the right size for what I want to do perhaps.
     
    Due to costs I suspect I'll stick with OO. N is just too small for me and whilst I've worked in 1/48th before with aircraft, it would just be too big with my current abode and space therein.
     
    So need to do some research and find suitable locations that might lend themselves to this. Ideally a Lightening on a dispersal pad ready to fly up to intercept a encroaching Russian Bear, but doubtful that any railway would of been near by for that to feature, although a diorama of such a scene is certainly one I wish to do at some point [of a English Electric Lightning on alert readiness that is].
     
    Kelly
  21. Kelly
    Tomorrow sees Natalie and myself heading down to Taunton for the members day. Very much looking forward to it, will be first time I've been to one as well. Looking forward to seeing various items people have said they're taking.
     
    Recently I've been inspired a little to think of a very small format layout other than the Chilmark or Hilsea ideas that myself and Natalie are going to be working on. [Hillsea is Natalie's layout plan/idea, I was getitng myself confused].
     
    I've come up with a few possibilities:

    Some kind of small London Underground layout, using some of the EFE stuff and a yellow battery loco for other traffic, undecided on whether surface stock/deep tunnel or cut & cover, but something that does appeal as the layouts of similar scenarios at the Acton open days I've seen have been very pleasing to the eye personally.
    Some kind of industrial layout, possibly narrow gauge. This partly inspired by Mr Nevard's layouts of a similar theme and Claverton Engineering equally has inspired me.

    There were a few other possibilities I came up with, but think the above are the most likely to keep my interest.
     
    Other things I've been giving thought to recently having been creating a semi-scratch build Bulleid 4DD unit. Possible ways I'm thinking of are either self-etching or using plasticard or card to do the sides. The biggest hurdle being the curvature of the roof. More research is likely needed, but I shouldn't have much issue getting hold of some plans I suspect. At present it is a bit of a 'mad cap' brain idea and may well be ages before I attempt any kind of build of such a unit.
     
    One way I was thinking was using something like old Lima Mk1s as base donor vehicles and then making the sides and ends (and roof) on top of the floorpan and then changing bogies/under equipment. But again haven't thought much of it in much detail yet.
     
    Think I'll leave it there as my brain is craving more Earl Grey!
     
    Kelly
  22. Kelly
    I’m a bit late writing this as I was ill for most of the beginning of the week as a result of the days exertions. As per usual I went along with my friend Natalie, who graciously did all of the driving (again). This year we went on the Sunday (26th) and I had pre-booked [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=d827.wordpress.com&blog=24582877&post=270&subd=d827&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" />
     
    Source
  23. Kelly

    Long time no update

    By Kelly,

    So I haven't updated these blogs for a fair while as life has sadly gotten in the way of thinking about any kind of modelling. That and my nature for being easily distracted by other things!
     
    I haven't forgotten about this layout plan, but money hasn't been available sadly to make a start on the boards for it. The plan thankfully is pretty simple at least so shouldn't require too much work track wise beyond a couple of points being built (it will be EM).
     
    I'm toying with the idea of it being dual level, with the lower level for storage of cassettes, but am in discussion with Natalie about the feasability of this at present.
     
    Hopefully in the new year some progress will be made.
     
    A 4EPB (BR built) and an 465 are in progress to some extent however, but no photos to share at this stage.
     
    A rough idea of the proposed plan is below. It will likely have a rat run behind some scenery to allow running around behind the scenes, as well as possibly curving around to a lower level at the sides for cassette fiddle yards with storage underneath, but none of this is final yet.
     

  24. Kelly

    Long time no post!

    By Kelly,

    So it has been over a year since the last time I updated this blog about what I was thinking of/planning.
     
    Some big changes occurred in that time, namely I moved house, to a smaller 1bed ground floor flat. This has presented problems and Improvements in equal measure.
     
    The biggest improvement has been mobility/health. I no longer have to contend with a myriad of stairs which helps immensely.
     
    Unfortunately the nature of the flat means I have very little in the way of storage space other than a small room where the fridge/freezer and boiler occupy most of the space. There is an out building, but it is a bit rickety, and I wouldn't trust anything that needs keeping dry out there really. Though I do have a small garden so hopefully next year a shed might be possible, which would make a huge difference.
     
    Out of all the plans myself and Natalie came up with the one that has my interest the most is the Woolwich Dockyard one, so I am likely to focus on that for now. Though I am tempted to do the narrow gauge portion of the Chilmark based layout plan as that is fairly small and should be easy to store at least.
     
    I have gotten inspired to actually do something at least now though, though as always money hampers that. But I think by early/mid next year baseboards (from Tim Horn) will be purchased and track from c&l to EM gauge most likely.
     
    For now I am going to continue to plan and research and get bits as funds allow. Another Hornby Networker set and another Bachmann 2EPB will probably be added as well as a Class 33/37/47/60/66/92 for freight duties at some point. I am intending to get my head around Blender/Sketchup to have a go at seeing if I can manage to get some items 3D printed, perhaps even making a 4DD or the 465 bits I need (2 more bodyshells for the TSOL carriage), though I am also considering resin casting the Hornby body to make a complete set from them.
     
    I think the early 90s setting will be rather nice, and will be more what I remember having traveled the line numerous times growing up (though before University it was the Bexleyheath line most often). The idea is to make it possible to make it represent most 3rd rail locations within reason and fixture being changeable to allow different eras to be represented later.
     
    Obviously DCC/Computer control will be a priority to make wiring simpler and give much better control. Besides I have plenty of spare computer parts so something that utilized them will be feasible for me.
     
    Next stop Warley to collect more bits for the 4EPB project which I made a rather botched attempt at due to a mixture of sloppiness and bad tools (since ordered a better quality razor saw rather than the ancient one I had) at the Great Electric Railway Show at Gaydon earlier in the month.
  25. Kelly
    So, in the last post I caught up a bit with what was planned and what had stalled plans etc.
     
    I've been researching baseboard construction recently and come up with a couple of ideas now as a result.
     
    Construction methods:
     
    i'm suspecting I'll go with plywood on a frame rather than my original thought of a foamboard base with thin plywood on the sides.
     
    This won't likely commence until the new year due to other committments, but now a few things are out of the way (boyfriend moving house, getting a new mobility scooter and having to replace all the white goods in the flat) I should hopefully be able to make a start on the baseboards, finally!
     
    A trip to B&Q in the new year I think.
     
    Modular is the key:
     
    Plan is for the building of 2-3 3ftx1-1.5ft boards and a 2ftx1-1.5ft board for the level crossing.
     
    The decision really is how wide I want the boards. As the layout is effectively not much more than double track with no stations etc on it and a single siding going off to a dock or similar I'm wondering whether 1ft width might be sufficient, but 1.5ft might be better. 2ft might be better for the planned rat run behind the scenery though. What will decide this really is a) the size that will fit into my car (05 plate mondeo estate) and b) the size of the area I could store the boards.
     
    Dual or single?
     
    The other decision is whether to have dual levels or not. By that I mean the main boards having space underneath for storage of units, in a traverser format, with corner boards allowing access by raising/lowering height. I'm in two minds about it after talking with Natalie.
     
    Storage/fiddle yards:
     
    In terms of fiddle yards I plan to use cassettes of no more than 4 car length, with some being enough for 1 carriage/loco and some for 2 carriage/locos. Avoiding point building is a part of that decision, and easier to store/transport in my opinion as the cassette should be able to be put straight into a suitable storage box without handling the units/stock.
     
    Control:
     
    DCC is a given really I think. When wiring the layout I think I may try to allow for being able to run in DC mode, but that might complicate things too much.
     
    As for controllers, I had thought after consideration with Natalie that going with an NCE PowerCab unit would be best as Natalie being left handed found others difficult or 'odd' to use in comparison. Unfortuately as things stand at present it is unlikely I shall be able to afford one, so I am thinking either:

    Hornby eLink + laptop, or
    A SPROG unit with JNRI on a laptop.

    I might give both a try at some stage, and will investigate other methods. I know computer/tablet/phone control would be good I think. I am rather tech savvy and unashamedly a geek when it comes to tech/computers, so such control methods appeal to me. I am not short of suitable devices at least, having one or two spare laptops and a tablet laying around as well as a spare desktop computer lurking somewhere in the flat.
     
    Another option is using a raspberry pi/arduino to control the layout as I already have a raspberry pi to hand (well I will do when i upgrade to a raspberry pi 2 for my media watching on the telly).
     
    Signals and points:
     
    Signals on the layout will likely be 3/4 aspect colour lights as that is what exists on the prototype location.
     
    However I would like to be able to at a later stage change the era to around the 1920s/1930s or WW2 (can't go beyond 1925 due to 3rd rail) as that could give some interesting future stock opportunities (and WW2 interests me historically). The starting era will be 1990-1994 or so (the changeover period of the EPBs and Networkers). With this in mind the buildings will be changeable, and ideally the signals too so that semaphore can be added. How feasible this turns out to be is another matter though! experimentation needed perhaps.
     
    Control of the points/signals by a lever type panel would be good i think. I'd like some kind of link between the signals and points and train detection to change signals after a train passes. A recent article in Hornby Magazine has made me think of using a MAS-Sequencer by Heathcote Electronics for control of changing the signals, which signals I use I've yet to decide.
     
    I suspect DCCconcepts point motors/controls will manage the points on the layout by DCC. As there aren't going to be many points (3 visible in total iirc) hopefully that should help keep costs down a little. If needed any points in the non-visible areas can be manual (by switches/panel) to start with perhaps rather than DCC.
     
    Track and gauge:
     
    The gauge will be EM, and I've been a member of the EM Gauge Society for just over a year now. (I'm sure the templates that came with the membership pack will be very useful when plotting out the layout on a board!).
     
    I will likely use C&L Finescale track.
     
    Final thoughts:
     
    That concludes a rather lengthy update post really. I don't think there'll be much updates this side of the new year, but I hope to get started by the middle of January, and hopefully make a start on the conversions/kits also.
     
    Any thoughts and suggestions are welcome
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