Kelly

The bogie pivot point looks shockingly woeful for a model that commands a £100+ price tag to my mind.

And there was me thinking, oh some bus models...

The 25 might just need the CVs/speed steps adjusting to make it run a bit smoother perhaps?

In intetesting and useful overview. Thanks for posting this. I was looking at joining MERG (have been meaning to for ages, but money gets in the way at the time and I then forget!) and giving their DCC a try.

Only scary bit I can see here is the surface-mount stuff. But will tackle that as it comes to it I guess at a later stage.

Like the design, black stands out quite well to me, really 'grabs'. The grey is nice too, but a bit less intense, so may be a better option?

Like the look of this quite a bit. It sort of mirrors thoughts I've been having for one of the layout ideas I've got/am working on.

Except I had the thought of it being a 'lift' rather than a fiddle yard, with the fiddle yard under the layout. I did have crazy ideas of it being multi track and able to move side-to-side, but think that might be pushing my luck somewhat!!

Nice modelling there of a interestingly unique subject

For trestles, Artur (your first link) has adjustable height, Lilleby (second link) are a fixed height. I have two of the early design Artur (without the shelf) that is no longer available for putting my layout on, and two similar metal ones I picked up from Aldi a couple of years ago.I suppose the important thing is what height do you want your layout to be at; with Artur you can have 71-93 cm whereas Lilleby is fixed at 70cm. Both will apparently take 50kg max load.We were planning on picking up a couple of these for the bedroom - which might just end up with a long thin layout project on top of them - and might accidently pick up an Apa at the same time for a little something I have in mind for a modern urban tram layout - ironic considering Ikea Croydon is right next to the Therapia Lane tramlink depot.

I only linked to both becaus eof the difference in cost. With 3 APA boxes I'll need potentially 6 of the Artur trestles, or a couple and a table perhaps. Not sure on operating height, as cos of my back/health I find I can't stand for very long, so a lower height might be fine for my use.

Those chest of drawers do look rather useful, an APA box would sit quite nicely on top

Now they do look just ready made for a model railway!!!

Yep! A nice good size, and lightweight I'm thinking. Have yet to get any mind. But at that price its a no brainer really. As they're designed for childrens storage they're going to be pretty simple I'd of thought too, and hence smaller.

To go with them perhaps these though ? or a cheaper option?

Mercian do a Metropolitan Pecket (about halfway down the page): http://modelrailways.../industrial.htmNot sure if its the type you're after though.Paul.

Yes, I came acros that. WIll have to check dates and find out what LT locos were at Lillie Bridge when. Have a feeling they might well of all gone by about '60 though as LT standadised on the Pannier around then iirc.

What are the APA boxes? Just thinking I could also use them as I need to build a portable layout before the end of the year.

They're a small, cheap, storage box solution by IKEA. These.

Look forward to seeing this one develop.Although I got my APA a few weeks ago I've yet to start on it (apart for build it). It's a nice light box but I'm wondering if the base might need a bit of careful strengthening below deck?Be interesting to see what you make of it and your approach.All the best,Chris

Not sure yet when I'll get one, as other things to make sure are paid for first before I can go get stuff. But in the next few weeks or so perhaps.

I was thinking of a bit of ply to strengthen the base, but till I see the finished thing I can't be sure. As I'm going to be having a retaining wall to depict where the district line would be below (and under the bridge) i'll likely be raising the height a little, so a bit of strengthening should be possible with that in mind.

That sounds like quite an eclectic mix of stock!Dave

Yes, I guess it does a bit. But there were engineers trains and LT steam at Lillie Bridge in the 50s and 60s, so it s feasable. Partly depends what stock is available really and what I feel like trying to scratchbuild.

It isn't going to be a very big layout, so whilst I've highlighted a range of stock, not all of it will likely get used much i suspect. The layout is planned to use 2 IKEA APA boxes and a 3rd as a fiddle yard. Though I'm thinking of using cassettes with set formations of the ballast/engineering trains.

One day I may attempt to make my own track/turnouts... good work

Get some photos of the dismembered Southern engines that were at Dai Woodhams' yard and work from there. You'll have great fun trying to weather the kind of decrepidation (is this a word?) that grew into these fine beasts. There is also a cracking diorama of a 9f somewhere on the forum, being shown with all it's 'inards' to the world. Worth looking at for further ideas.Found it...DOH!http://www.rmweb.co....ores-scrapyard/

Thanks for that.

Yes I saw the pictures of it when it was in MR. Cracking work. Perhaps a bit beyond my abilities at present I think. But certainly inspirational!

Scroll down a bit and you'll find some useful hints and tips to get the best from Airfix wagon kits from George Dent.http://www.georgeden...r.blogspot.com/Carl

Thanks, will have a look.

Good luck with it, am sure it will be lots of fun.

That 9F is looking very nice

Looking rather good

The best thing to do with the old Airfix/Dapol wagon kits is to build them! With a bit of detailing, and decent wheels and buffers the end result is pretty good.

Oh I plan to build them. Its more wondering what to do with the loco kits really.

Interestingly, D827, which I intend to model, seems was named after HMS Kelly (itself named after Admiral Kelly). HMS Kelly only survived '37-'41, so even shorter life to name a loco after.

However, the reason they chose it might have to do with Lord Mountbatten serving on her perhaps.

Am rather liking the look of the etches, will be getting a couple of sets sometime I think. I spoke with Shawplan at the Leamington show and he said there are plans for the side louves and glazing at some stage (two of the biggest other areas i dislike about the body).

It does make a huge difference to some already outstanding models

Looks really nice I've an old Mainline one I need to get around to redoing as one of the LU L9x ones sometime.

Gabapentin at 900mg/day can have some side effects, suicidal thoughts and a general downer on mood. MrsB often asks why am I here etc she has her's three times a day but could do with the ability to take some before she wakes up.

Yes it does make me sleep longer, but logner I'm on it, seems to wear off a bit more. I'm prone to severe depression and suicidal thoughts in recent years geneally anyhow, so hard to tell if the Gabapentin is causing that or the fibromyalgia is. Part of the trouble with complex conditions, never know sometimes whether side effects or symptom!

I've been gradually slowly increasing the dosage over time sicne November however, so it may be that thats eased some of the side effects. Likelihood is that the dosage will continue to increase over time till it gets to the point it doesn't work. Then I'll have to pester my GP for Lyrica.

Kelly i hope your condition improves sooner than later i never like to think of any one in pain . even less so than fellow modeler

By trying to take it easier atm, I'm hoping the current 'flare' will ease a bit and I'll be in less pain. But new medications and better management (and trying to sleep better too) alll help. It is unfortuately a difficult balance to get right.

Thanks Ian, will investigate one when time/funds permit. Could just be the right size for West Cromwell Road, and a cheap starting option.

Whats the weight like btw?

HiSorry to hear about your health, as a fellow sufferer I know what it can be like. I have another appointment with the Rheumatologist soon as things had got worse for me.I hope you find the motivation to to get on with you kits and layout building and keep us updated.All the best Jim

I'm currently trying Gabapentin at 900mg/day, which seems to help. But gotta give tramadol a try before my GP will refer me to a pain clinic, and so far they don't seem to do much.

Taking some time to rest and not go out during this cold period is helping too after over doing it so much in the last 6 months.

I certainly have a few items on my 'to build' list, which I want to get on with, just gotta feel able to... and tidy the office so I can find some desk space...

Liking the progress so far.

How are you finding the APA box? did you do much to it in terms of support/base for track etc? I ask as I'm considering getting one to use for West Cromwell Road that I'm planning.