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Kelly

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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Kelly

    On back burner for now

    By Kelly,

    As per the West Cromwell Road plan, this is also on the back burner. Being much bigger in concept than the other plans I'm currently doubtful of the viability of producing it due to the problems associated with storage, etc. But it's something I really want to work on at some future stage, in the mean time the research is still pretty fascinating
  6. Kelly

    On back burner for now

    By Kelly,

    Due to finances and a house move it's been decided to put this layout plan on the back burner for a time. I'm still working to getting stock as money allows however, but work on the boards, track and buildings won't start till probably next year now.
     
    The other aspect causing headaches is where to store it when it's started/done in the future now I've moved to a 1 bedroom flat. So that will maybe cause a bit of extra research in terms of size and construction at a later date I think.
     
    In the meantime I'll look to work on the as yet unnamed SE London Woolwich Dockyard plan as it is liable to be a) cheaper to build b) I already have enough stock to start with (2EPB, networker) and a 4EPB and 465 planned c) smaller/easier to store.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  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" />
     
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  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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 [...]
     
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  14. 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
  15. Kelly

    Whats in a name?

    By Kelly,

    Up until now the RAF Chilmark inspired layout has been without a name This has bugged me a bit recently. Discussions with Natalie brought up the name Winterbourne. I liked it, and I feel Winterbourne Exchange feels a suitable name for the layout. I’ve updated the categories and the page for the layout, so all [...]
     
    Source
  16. Kelly

    Tidying things up a little

    By Kelly,

    I've decied the bst way to make this blog readabe and so on, is to split West Cromwell Road to its own blog, similarly for the RAF Chilmark inspired layout, which has now been given the name of Winterbourne Exchange.
     
    I'll leave the content already here in place, as no sense in changing that.
     
    But future updates here will be more generalised, and feature models as i (hopefully) manage to make them, regardless of where they're intended for perhaps. I'll figure it out!
  17. 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.
  18. Kelly

    Making things a bit easier

    By Kelly,

    So, been thinking that with all the myriad of thoughts and ideas, it might be best to seperate thing out from my main blog and put future updates relating to West Cromwell Road here.
     
    A quick recap:
     
    West Cromwell Road is set in the 1960s, based upon Lillie Bridge LT depot near Kensington.
     
    Aim is to use two IKEA APA boxes for the main layout, with a 3rd for storage/fiddle yard use.
     
    No firm track plan has been formed yet, but one is being drawn up. Attached is the plan originally posted when this was proposed as a 2011 challeng entry. It needs updating, which Natalie has said she has been thinking about. So when she has finished it will appear here.
     
    It is a joint venture between myself and Natalie.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. Kelly

    OO, EM or P4?

    By Kelly,

    When originally planning about 5-10 years ago a layout based around the Bricklayer’s Arms area of South London (an idea that might be re-visited at some point, it just became too complex an idea to ever go beyond planning for us both sadly, but the research was fun!!) we (Natalie and myself) were going to [...]
     
    Source
  24. Kelly

    Slow week…

    By Kelly,

    So today has been a bit of a slow week. Monday my best friend Natalie popped over and we discussed West Cromwell Road and the plans there of. We also watched on of the Model Rail DVDs (loco detailing iirc), which I found quite good, though it felt a little short, but that might just [...]
     
    Source
  25. 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!
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