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Kelly

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  1. Kelly
    So, firstly Taunton
     
    Wonderful event, glad I went. Long tiring drive there (for me 100+ miles is very tiring and painful), but by the time to go came, I left with a feeling that it was all very much worth it!
     
    Having better access to the layouts to actually see them working and admire the handiwork of those who have lovingly created them was the best aspect. Shows such as Ally Pally and so on are great, but the sheer number of people who go means actually seeing and admiring or talking to the people who built/operate said layouts is often simply impossible, even for me being 6ft tall and wielding my walking stick!
     
    So with being able to get better looks at some layouts I'd admired pretty recently on this site and others, and to complement the owners of the layouts and get a good look at them (never any substitute for seeing it in the flesh as it were imo!). The other layouts that were there were equally good to see, especially the 2mm efforts and the array of Southern stock and locos on show. I wants me one of them Golden Arrow Leader kits I do.
     
    Came away with some idea and some inspiration.
     
    Previously I had never really paid much attention to certain layout types/subjects, not often because I viewed them in a poor light, but simply because they didn't appeal my tastes and fighting the crowds to see didn't appeal and a cup of tea and painkillers appealed more so. This was certainly very true of 2mm layouts, as I found them too small for me to consider working in such a scale.
     
    So it was very nice to get a very good look at some rather excellent 2mm layouts on display at Taunton. Got a chance to discuss various aspects of 2mm modelling, which was very welcome as I'd decided about that time on the 3rd module for the layout plan I'm working with Natalie on.
     
    Was lovely to meet various members of this site and put a real face to a name, etc.
     
    A big thank you to all of those of the SWAG group for putting on such a wonderful show.
     
    Now if only there were a West Midlands AG to do something similar? ...
     
     
     

     
     
    Photos
     
    I will later look through the photos I (and Natalie) took, clean then up a little, resize and upload them on this site. I think next week I shall order a gorilla pod + adapter for smartphones to better be able to balance/steady phone when using it as a camera. It certainly has proven so far to be better than the Sony digital compact camera I have and as I cannot afford a better quality compact or a DSLR camera will have to suffice for the foreseeable future!
     
    A small selection of photos from Taunton are attached below:
     
     
    Elm Park

    Elm Park again

    Catcott Burtle

    And showing what can be done in 2mm!
     

     
     
    They're unedited, but reduced in size. Will be cleaning up and uploading the rest of the photos I took and Natalie took sometime later.
     
     

     
     
    The layout with no name
     
    So, the reason I was glad I saw so much of the 2mm layouts up close? well I decided then that I'd reevaluate to some extent how the layout in planning (and currently with no name) with Natalie would consist of at least 3 modules, as follows:
    Narrow Gauge layout module, with small simple plan leading to storage bunkers.
    Standard gauge and narrow gauge layout module with standard gauge MOD depot and narrow gauge leading off of transfer shed to narrow gauge layout module
    Mainline (Salisbury) and exchange sidings to MOD depot module.

    As yet it has no name. But it is inspired by RAF Chilmark and based currently on a plan of Dean Hill. The plan is to do the NG module first, as a simpler introduction to the concepts involved in building a layout as this will be my first one I've ever attempted.
     
    The idea is to have all 3 modules able to:
     

    Work independently
    Work together as a single layout
    Be DCC controlled
    Have interchangeable (except NG) fiddle yards to save construction thereof.

    Speaking of fiddle yards. I have currently in my head the crazy idea to have a rat run going underneath the main module to link fiddle yards at either end of the mainline module. Thus needing a stacker module for the fiddle yards so they can go up/down between the levels. How well this might work in practice is another idea, but I have (with Natalie's help) uncovered prior work on this type of thing by the likes of Iain Rice.
     
    More later when I've had time to have a cup of tea and rest some more as I am still tired from yesterdays excursion!
     
    Kelly
  2. Kelly
    So I have a small number of Dapol/Airfix plastic kits. One of a BoB, a few of mineral wagons, some tank wagons and other assorted ones. Think theres a Schools in there somewhere too.
     
    The BoB isn't going to be anywhere near as good as Hornby's current model, but I had the thought that it could well be usable to make up as a loco being taken to scrap without connecting rods and other bits. Could be an interesting challenge to model. It would also be just in the right era too for the Chilmark inspired layout.
     
    A train of a few old locos destined to become tincans trundling past forelornly could work out well perhaps?
     
    First I'll get on with building the Parkside CCT vans I have though.
     
    Before that I need tea!
  3. 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.
  4. Kelly
    I've been wanting to make a start with making brass (and white metal) kits, and theres been a lot of helpful suggestions on the forum here - thanks! - but I'm wondering if it might be better to start getting some scraps of brass sheet and try my hand soldering that rather than risking a kit for a first attempt.
     
    So have a sort of shopping list forming:

    Soldering Iron (have an 18W Antex CS) - 15W and 25W (£13 for Antex XS25 from Rapid Electronics) should cover it? or 15W overkill? any higher than 25W needed I wonder?
    Solder - 140/188 i believe? and 70 for white metal
    flux - phospher?
    Brass strip
    White metal - can you get seperate bits of it to try with?

    --
    Kelly
  5. Kelly
    As well as the narrow gauge module, there will be the depot/transfer shed module.
     
    A rough outline of which i've drawn below:
     
     

     
     
    Unsure whether it will stay quite like that, I may take one of the storage sidings (with blast shields) out and the engine shed perhaps.
     
    So things are starting to get an image forming of how things will be laid out I think. Still very rough atm, not sure really on what buildings would fit.
     
    Then theres the selection of stock that will be needed. Need to do some research on this, but certainly Q1, Merchant Navy, West Country will featue as well as probably Maunsell and Bulleid coaching stock and warflats/warwells.
     
    Need to think first what traffic might be seen going to or past the depot. Certainly high explosives and other munitions.
     
    Considering having the depot as a storage/transfer location for military vehicles such as trucks and tanks to add extra traffic options.
     
    Kelly
  6. Kelly

    Warley Model Railway Show

    By Kelly,

    So, today I went along to the Warley National Model Railway show. I had a good time there catching up with a few people and grabbed a few bargains and some tools. Didn’t really get chance this year to see any layouts as I wanted to also check out the memorabilia convention on in hall [...]
     
    Source
  7. 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
  8. Kelly
    Sunday just gone saw Natalie and myself go along to the Nottingham show. This show has always been a highlight I’ve found. It seems for me to find the right balance between the number and variety of layouts and the trade stands. It also I find is much easier to navigate than bigger shows such [...]
     
    Source
  9. Kelly
    Been giving some though to West Cromwell Road again today, whilst not being able to get much else done due to being too ill.
    The main stock/train movements is going (possibly) to consist of:
    LT pannier tank (ex-GWR 57xx)
    Rolls-Royce/Sentinel (0-6-0DM (Judith Edge Kits) [3 aquired by LT 1971, one a Lillie Bridge, replaced Panniers]
    Ballast motor/battery loco with engineers train stock (ballast hoppers, crew carriage)
    Pilot motor
    Weed killing train/de-icer
    Breakdown/recovery train?
    Track replacement train?
    Other LT steam stock as I determine what stock was around at the time chosen (early-mid 60s)
    Possibly some underground stock, forget what stock exactly, as in later years the electric shed was used to house stock as well as engineers trains
    coal wagons for loco coal delivery from BR

    There are probably others, but they espape my mind presently!
    In the case of the LT pannier, I have a Mainline 57xx I plan to convert to the LT L9x type. It'll need the following doing:
    Trip cocks adding
    Paint stripping and repaint in LT loco red
    Renumbering as L9x (not decided on actual number)
    Cab roof/profile altering to match LT version
    Other detail enhancements to bring the model upto scratch
    Replacement wheels to cope with finescale track

    Some might say 'why don't you buy the Bachmann one?' and I would agree if I could afford it. Besides, doing the conversion could be a fun excercise. I may well get a Bachmann one at a later date to complement the fleet and relegate the Mainline one then to a lesser role on the layout however.
     
    There were other steam locos that LT had, but I'm not certain which ones are available in model format or if they were at Lillie Bridge '60-'65? more research is needed on that.I know they had a few Peckett saddle tanks, and maybe a hunslet tank. They had a few other oddities stock wise, which I might well try to model. Such as this!
     
    I'm not sure if there was any of the former Metropolitan Railway locos/stock at Lillie Bridge at that time or not, but some models of some of them are available I believe.
     
    EDIT: Seems all apart from the E and F classes of the A-K Met classes had gone before the early '50s. And the E and F went by '61/'62. Not sure about the Met Peckets though, think they might of gone about the same time or sooner, need to research a bit more.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Kelly
    I've been trying to get my head around using the various software available for planning and controlling layouts, namely Templot and JMRI.
     
    I've mostly figured out Templot now I think. A rough plan has been drawn as below:
     

     
    I've been trying to figure out making it a bit more condensed (due to space restrictions) by using a crossing/slip, but haven't quite gotten it as one bit is misaligned. Being full of cold I'm not able to concentrate now to fix it,but I'm getting there at least! I'm not 100% sure which works best at present though. Seeing as I'm going with EM Gauge, I wish to keep the number of points as low as possible as I've yet to attempt to build any, so the double slip/crossing might be more complex than i can manage to build. We'll see though.
     

     
    I have been looking into affordable ways to go DCC and have found the possibility of a SPROG 3 + Raspberry Pi + JMRI.
     
    I already have a spare Raspberry Pi left over from when I upgraded to a Pi 2 for my media centre, and JMRI is free. So only the SPROG 3 (and possibly a wifi dongle and power booster) to buy at around £60, which is about affordable if I scrimp for a couple of weeks. The SPROG will also be useful as a programmer at a later date when I hope to get an NCE PowerCab.
     
    Figuring out JMRI will take a bit more time I think, but I think I've partly gotten the hang of how bits of it work, but until I have some kind of controller to go with it I can't make much more progress.
     
    Finally I've made the decision that getting the boards laser cut by Tim Horn feels the best bet as I'm not really that confident of my woodworking skills, and haven't really the space for that sort of working to some extend. The prices Tim's quoted are affordable if I spread a module out over a few months or so at least, so I can get one board started then order another later, knowing they'll interlink. The plan is still to keep the boards plain with all buildings and signals etc removable for safer storage. I'm thinking of getting the boards double depth to allow storage when in use for setting up items for the fiddle yard. The plan is to use cassettes rather than have a dedicated fiddle yard board made up, thus saving cost of some track.
     
    UPDATE: It seems that a new Rapsberry Pi Model B 3 has been released, featuring same chip and graphics as the Pi 2, but with built in wifi n and bluetooth 4.0. That could well be just the ticket with JMRI and mean no need for a seperate dongle for the wifi. A bargain at £35 too!
     
    UPDATE 2: there is now a layout thread for this layout here. There is also a thread for what I'm working on atm here.
  13. 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
  14. Kelly
    Following on from my previous post I've been thinking on stock for this layout.
     
    As it is planned to run Networkers as test rains and on shadow timetables alongside the EPBs a translation vehicle would be of use. So to that end I've pre-ordered the pair of limited editions from Invicta models, interestingly I used to live not far from the shop in Barnehurst 78-00.
     
    The translator vehicles will allow a 465 or 466 to be on a delivery run to Slade Green depot, which as the layout is being based on the Woolwich Dockyard area, is the right lines for Slade Green. The question then is what loco to haul. 33? 73? 47?
     
    I've also ordered some underframe parts to go with the two bodies I have from a networker, still missing bogies tho and the bodies have their cabs missing so I'll have to build that bit back up again or take it from another body.
     
    Stock I think will initially need to consist of:
    2 4EPBs
    1 465 - maybe two
    1 466
    1 2EPB - maybe two
    Networker Translator vehices
    Suitable Diesel/Electric loco(s) to haul the translator vehicles and other departmental stock

    I think this will be a good start sock wise. I already have the following:
    1 blue with yellow ends Bachmann 2EPB
    1 set of body shell/cab parts from Replica for a 4EPB conversion.
    1 Hornby Networker - runs well considering how poor these tend to run
    2x Networker Translator vehicles - on pre-order

    In the coming weeks I think I'll be adding a Bachmann 4CEP and another Bachmann 2EPB to that list, the 4CEP will be surrendering it's chassis for the 4EPB conversion. If that proves a success a second will follow so 4EPBs can pass each other for extra interest and appearance of a busy SE London commuter line.
     
    Natalie, aka Chief Research Manager, is researching other departmental stock information and other items. Hopefully at some stage the NSE Polar Bear train can be modelled, as well as other departmental stock, such as a de-icer. The chosen time period falls within a period of very harsh winters (especially 1987).
     
    Thats all for now.
  15. Kelly

    Plan - WIP

    By Kelly,

    Had a play with AnyRail just now to put together a rather rough idea of the trackplan.
     
    Its pretty simple. The idea that it'll be in two phases.
     
    Phase One:
     
    Exchange sidings + Exeter mainline
     
    Phase Two:
     
    Chilmark Depot
     
    Still rather rough and might well change depending upon input from Natalie who I'm liaising with on this.
     
    The nice thing about the area/plan is that it allows for similar stock to be used on this layout and the one Natalie and me are planning together (Hilsea/Portsmouth), which might cut down on costs a little. Again subject to change.
     
    Kelly
  16. 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.
  17. Kelly
    In the previous entry I posted that I'd mothballed this plan, and whilst that's still true for the majority of the plan, I've had a few thoughts on one aspect of it.
     
    If you'll ecall there was originally 3 parts to the plan:

    Narrow gauge bunker/exchange
    Standard gauge sidings/exchange
    Main line running from Waterloo

    I still ish at some stage to see the 2nd and 3rd parts realised, but it isn't going to be possible at the present time without some alternative location for storage and more funds available - this is why i turned to the london 3rd rail plan.
     
    However recent micro-layouts on RMweb have inspred me to look arond again for suitable stock options for the narrow gauge part.
     
    I've found that cwrmodels do a Hunslet 60hp loco that would be a good fit, and Narrow Planet do a 3D printed 99hp Baguley-Drewry
    deisel, ith a 60hp model planned. The 60hp model will be just right for the plans I think. Also Narrow Planet have a brake van in development that is also a good fit for the Chilmark system.
     
    The plan hasnt been figured out yet, but a small single track line, with a siding going into the bunker will be about right I think. Possibly with the standard/narrow gauge transfer shed at one end and the line going off scene the other end towards other bunkers.
     
    I think this plan is certainly viable for using foamboard wihtout much issue or worry due to the size and storage shouldn't be an issue. As long as it's left feasable to extend later to model the exchange sidings on the other side of the transfer shed it should be ok, I have a WD diesel shunter etched kit (i think from Mercian) that will go well for that and a Hornby J94, which whilst not entirely accurate will suffice as I just like the look of them.
  18. Kelly
    I attended (with Natalie) the Diesel & Electric Show on the 19th and 20th of February, the first time it has been held and first time I've been to the Telford International Centre. We were there helping out on the DEMU stand all weekend. On the Sunday I started working on my 465/2 conversion from Hornby spare Networker (466) bodyshells, but more on that later. First a quick report.
     
    The show itself was good I felt, though I felt it could be improved in a few areas. Parking (particularly attendant/security communications in relation to directing etc) was a bit of an issue on the Saturday, but less of an issue Sunday. Aside from that the quality of layouts on show seemed good, with a good mixture I felt. The balance of traders could have been a bit better, would have liked to have seen a few smaller traders (reasons have been given for why this wasn't possible on the thread for the show on rmweb, which seem reasonable). I didn't buy anything model wise, but just a few tools and some books that were a good price for second hand.
     
    Glad to have attended and the DEMU stand was fairly busy for most of the weekend, with a number of queries and interest. What was nice was to see a good number of children interested and parents asking questions about how to get them started etc.
     
    On the Sunday I took along the parts for the Networker conversion I'm working on and made a start on one of the center cars (the non-toilet one). Part of the initial reason for taking the items along (I forgot to grab them for Saturday and detoured back home on my way back Saturday evening) was to ascertain which parts I'm still needing (one non-toilet bodyshell short!) after talking with Paul Wade (LyddRail) who had kindly sent me plans and detail drawings for the Networkers which will prove helpful as I progress. Hopefully I can manage to track down some more bodyshells (ideally I'd like to make 2 465/2 units (which means I need another 4 or 5 bodyshells)), they do come up occasionally on eBay, but seem to attract some silly bids at times.
     
    My efforts on the 465 center car were fairly productive, with the parts for one of the center cars cut out and temporarily glued to the rest of the body so as to get the underframe lined up. I managed to glue the end on the body a little out of line, so it'll have to come off anyway. the underframe was cut ever so slightly too short on one half, so a gap will have to be filled. I am however considering making a new underframe from plasticard due to the difficulty of getting the underframes (I can get them but they're a bit expensive now at nearly £10 each!).
     

     
    For the other car I am short a bodyshell (non-toilet car) to easily make the end of the center toilet car, and with how difficult it is proving to get extra bodyshells now, I am thinking I might have to cut up parts from the left over shell:
     

     
    Having scale plans will certainly help matters now (thanks to Paul Wade (LyddRail)), I will have to print them off and reduce them down to 1/76th from the 1/25th scale they're drawn in. I only wish I could find any plans for the 376s so I could have a stab at scratchbuilding one, suspect I might have to do that from photos/eye etc.
     
    Thats all for this update. Hopefully won't be so long between posts, but life (particularly my health) has rather gotten in the way in recent years.
     
    Attached are a few photos of the progress.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  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

    Modelling thoughts

    By Kelly,

    I've recently gotten the bug and inspiration to get back into doing model making after a number of years out of the hobby.
     
    Primarily I've an interest in Aviation modelling - WW2 and/or Cold War mainly - and the majority of my modelling output may well be in that direction.
     
    However I've been thinking of seeing if there is a way to have a 60s to 80s era RAF dispersal diorama with some element of railway modelling to it, maybe for transport. Possibly a narrow gauge line bringing armament? I've as yet not been able to find any record or photos showing anything like this, so not sure if I can manage it and remain prototypical.
     
    Of course at present I haven't got any models of either type (other than an Airfix 1/72 Avro Vulcan and a Star Trek Klingon Bird of Prey) that I can get on with, so till I've the money to buy a few small kits my output is likely to be nil. However I have been making sure I've got a) an area to do such work and tools to do so, buying where needed.
     
    Kelly
  23. 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
  24. Kelly
    So I’ve been really rather ill again last week, not really managing much more than existing from one day to the next. This is sadly rather normal for me sometimes, being the nature of my illness (fibromyalgia). But I try to see the positives when I can, however small. Yesterday afternoon provided one positive, meeting [...]
     
    Source
  25. 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
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