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Kelly

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Blog Entries posted by Kelly

  1. Kelly

    Ponderings and stuff

    By Kelly,

    After having a rather busy last few weeks with DEMU Showcase and a DEMU airbrush/weathering meetup in Tamworth haven't had much chance to sit and do anything at the newly cleared workbench alas.
     
    However, conversations with Natalie have progressed on various aspects of both the Salisbury/Chilmark layout plans and possible subjects for the RMWeb 2011 Diorama Challenge.
     
    My thinking now is to work on the Diorama and put the Salisbury/Chilmark idea on ice to some extent and continue researching it as it will be a longer term project I think, especially the exchange sidings/main line bit!
     
    the Diorama will be a small, easy and simple way to get back into the hobby and both myself and Natalie have a few ideas we're passing about between ourselves at present, some rather exciting.
     
    As well as this, have been looking at Warship (Cl 42) details with the aim to update/detail an old Mainline model, and repaint it Maroon as D827 ' Kelly', as the Salisbury/Chilmark idea can feature warships as a later period, allowed by the
    ideas floating around about multi-eraness of the layout by having items such as buildings and signals removable (also to aid storage).
     
    Am currently working way through photos taken at DEMU Showcase, so they should be on flickr
     
     
    (http://www.flickr.com/photos/geekgothgrrl/sets/72157627000402774/)
     
    and here fairly soon.
     
    Kelly
  2. Kelly
    Having discussed a little with Natalie possible locations to model, I think a WW2 or 1960s transitional era Chilmark based layout might well meet my needs.
     
    Will need to do more research when time permits, but from looking at the plan Natalie showed me seems to be small enough and with enough interest for me to be interested in doing it.
     
    Kelly
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. Kelly
    Whilst searching for more info on RAF Chilmark for a layout plan I'm thinking about I came across the following:
     
    RAF Chilmark visit by 28dayslater site
     
     
    Another visit report
     
     
    The photos show some interesting aspects of the Narrow Gauge railway in the facility.
     
    Not sure I'll model the NG stuff, but interesting non-theless.
     
    Kelly
  6. 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.
     

  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. Kelly

    Progress.. of sorts

    By Kelly,

    Still recovering from Saturday, but a fantastic day it was! Photos are edited and online. Video to follow later.
     
    Been discussing West Cromwell Road (name for 2011 Challenge entry) more with Natalie, so a finalised trackplan and arrangement has been worked out with the aid of old stock and track to get impression of what fits etc.
     
    More work on track plan for the narrow gauge and standard gauge military layout, which is still without a name, continues also. I think the trackplan is almost sorted now, with a few minor details to figure out. Then it'll be onto making some kind of start hopefully.
     
    Have decided to get some Styrofoam to have a play with to see how it works for a base, will probably use it for the diorama initially and go from there.
     
    As halfwit predicted my workbench didn't stay tidy for long, especially as I came back from Natalie's with yet another Mainline Warship that was found in the cupboard (that makes 3 blue D827s! and a green one)... Eventually the two here will end up both as D827, one in Maroon the other in blue with full yellow ends.
     
    Also picked up a set of 3 Corgi cars, HA Viva, Ford Anglia and a Morris Minor.
     
    Am tired and sore, especially after I slipped and fell down Natalie's stairs Saturday evening!
     
    Kelly
  13. 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))...
  14. Kelly

    Not updated in a while

    By Kelly,

    Plans for working on the layout have taken a back seat again due to funds and lack of space to store any boards sadly. Hopefully in the summer I'll be able to get a shed in the garden sorted out which will allow me to store some layout boards. Obviously stock would always be kept inside.
     
    Talking of stock, I'll hopefully get the extra bits I need at Ally Pally from Replica to be able to make another go on the 4EPB project again.
     
    I've also managed to source 4 more bodies (3 toilet, 1 non-toilet) for my 465 project so should be able to make progress on that soon. With the 2 bodies minus cabs I already have I should have more than enough to make a complete 465, though think I'll end up needing to make glazing so it looks uniform. 1 465 and 1 466 should be enough initially.
     
    The plans have sort of changed a little to try to make it possible to be in (almost) any 2 track electrified area of the SR. As well as the Woolwich Dockyard are, Addiscombe Park is being considered too, with possible plans for a terminus added at a later date. Kidbrooke is also being considered.
     
    Thats all for now.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Kelly
    Now almost recovered from Taunton I've been giving some thought to the plan of the narrow gauge module.
     
    As you can see, it is pretty simple in design:
     

     
    Really is just a couple of sidings and a bunker. One of the lines to the bunkers may well go to a fiddle yard off view, not sure yet.
     
    The real Chilmark had a lot of natural surroundings to provide good cover, so plenty of trees and scenic items will be needed I suspect as the RAF/MOD basically let nature do as it pleased apart from on the track areas etc.
     
    Kelly
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Kelly

    updates and so on

    By Kelly,

    Not been posting on rmweb recently due to personal life issues (mainly health related). But have still been thinking about the plans I have with Natalie.
     
    Finally got the 25W soldering iron at the weekend at DEMU Showcase for a better price than I could find online, so was happy, as had to cancel previous order as the site couldn't get stock.
     
    Also picked up a few books and a couple of magazines. So came away happy without spending too much.
     
    So pretty much have most of the tools I think I need, with only an airbrush/compressor and paintbrushes missing really, which can be gotten another time.
     
    After Showcase stopped by at Natalie's and picked up a few items I'd left there (mostly loads of old humbrol paint tins, tools and so on) and some Dapol plastic kits, which will get me back to doing plastic kits in a simple small fashion. Then can do the parkside dundas CCT plywood kits I got the other month at some point.
     
    Then it is onto thinking about getting a brass kit of somekind, am thinking one of the Judith Edge 0-4-0 or 0-6-0 shunters which should be usable on layout being planned. And even if not i'm not too worried as really want to get back to building kits. And the Judith Edge kits look both well put together, affordable and are supplied by very friendly people!
     
    Will leave it there and get back to watching telly I think. Over the coming weeks hopefully I can manage to clear off some space in my 'office' to work at to start building some of the kits as well as seeing what I can salvage from the paints and the aircraft kits I also brought back with me (ones I made over 15 years ago and were left at Natalie's gathering dust, which I don't think came out too bad, but have suffered exterior damage).
     
    Kelly
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.


  25. Kelly
    Over the weekend of 7th/8th October Hornby Magazine held their annual model railway show. Once again it was at the impressive British Motor Museum, near Gaydon. Natalie and myself were invited to help out over the weekend with two DEMU layouts, Rannoch Moor and Bere Banks. Unfortuately as it turned out we weren't really needed…… Continue reading The Great Electric Train Show – 7th/8th October 2017 – British Motor Museum, Gaydon


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