Ian Blenk

An inspiration!

I need to move the buffers further inboard and add a couple of other things. I wasn't going to but one as I have two kits in the 'to do' draw, but there you go, it runs quite well, I must investigate the bogie for possible use in Harton No.3, but next thing is to finish the two replacement signals.

Seen at Tynebank today; The sevens on a Sunderland (via Boldon) Parcels Plated Ruston collecting Tanks for Velva Liquids. Internal user 3 planker being used as a barrier wagon. The Ruston will eventually be butchered to represent the one from South Shields block yard

I have a love/hate relationship with it!

Well, ran a few trains on the higher level to check clearances etc. I need to adjust the pan on the EE so it will contact the wire. Next is to complete the replacement signals, one of which can be seen in the b/w snap. Fortunately some years ago I made a 'sig-jig' which holds things in place quite nicely. The main problem is finding space under the baseboard for the servos

I wasn't happy with how slack the overhead was , so made this rather Heath Robinson device to keep tension in the wire whilst being soldered, so far it seems to have done the trick, but as I said before not the thing to do retrospectively at the back of the layout!

Overhead in place, boy that was fiddly doing it retrospectively. The Harton line will be an exchange with B.R. I hope! The parcels van is waiting for the peg to run on to South Shields station. Second photo shows the start of the replacement signals, the pipe on the bridge needs to be stuck down!

Trying out some different traffic flows, here is Tyne Dock O1 on wagon freight, going to who knows where art the minute. The next operational task is to decide on a practical sequence display and format, the one I have is too complicated and certainly couldn't be used if the layout was exhibited. I have one of the rare unsigned copies of Martin Neild's book on operation in which Steve Hall gives some useful ideas. Must straighten that finial

Leaving the riverside branch and running on third rail

I've tried a couple of combos. it now has a Beetle and a ton of lead, I think it's the beetle, but I'm not paying £80 for a new one!

For the first time in a while have been playing trains to see if the new arrangements are going to work. Things seem to be OK, but I have reduced the sequence to only 15 different arrivals. Some snaps taken to day; 1) ES1 has been towed to it's work place and will be propelled to the Riverside Exchange sidings (off stage) In truth I have not been pleased with the running of the ES1 2) Q6 mineral leading with power coal bound for the London River via the Stanhope drops and a Stevie Clarke's collier. 3) The staith pilot waits the next move. I know , no J77s south of the river in this time frame, but I do like the prototype and enjoyed building the kit back in the day.

I have been making a few changes to Tynebank to try and improve photo ops and ease of operation. One of the main problems I had, was that the o'head at the front was easily damaged, so I have changed the designation of some of the lines. The Harton line is now on the upper level and it's place has been taken with the Riverside branch. The front line is now the exchange siding for Stanhope drops. Here are a few snaps, I still have to put up the over heads, I have also done some work to the footbridge and Mile End cabin, I intend to change some of the signals

Just a quick post to say how sorry I was to hear of the sudden passing of Les Paul, who had owned and shown Marine Park over the past 5 years. A true gent and a very genuine guy. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and many friends Ian B

A Hatton's rebuild. It has a new cab with the small bunker and dumb buffers on the front, plus a few other bits and pieces. It's close enough. I have only been able to turn up about 4 snaps of the loco, both as No6 and No3

Naworth No. 6 at Hallbankgate shed

Time to show HBG some attention, finally got the correct name plates for No.6, which I have temp. placed with blutac to make sure they are OK. Will press on and complete buildings in tandem with doing some work on Tynebank

Bronzino waits to take the east bound 'Shieldsman' After a few (quite a few) months of being neglected I decide to brush off Tynebank and make a few changes before I have to take it out in March. I have decided to change the triple semaphore it's empty space can be seen foreground, there are a couple of tweaks to the OHE I will probably change the wire for a smaller swg (Larger diameter) and have a careful look at the third rail, I'm not entirely happy with clearances for all stock. I was happy with the couplings on S.G. last weekend and will continue to use these on T.B.

No pressure then!!

Had a very enjoyable weekend at the Solrail exhibition in Workington. I was pleased with the way the railway ran, no stalls or derailments. Thanks to Mrs Me for helping out. Next outing is Tynebank at Birtley in March, no rush then!

Hi All, Any recommendations to have some custom decals produced? Thanks Ian B

Hmm, getting ready for the gig this weekend at Workington, first time I've been out since 2014. I don't usually go to such lengths to ensure good running etc. but here we go. The exhibition is at Energus Lillyhall CA14 4LW, say 'Hi' if you're there.

Are you making the overlays out of plasticard, I did p.card ones for the back end of Tindale, seem to be OK once painted. I wish I had overlaid the whole chassis

This is unbelievable, what a fantastic piece of modelling, I don't have enough superlatives to describe it. Hope you had a great birthday. Regards from wet Cumbria Ian B

Hi Ray, Thank-you very much for the kind comments. Deptford Wharf and it's associated railways are very interesting and as you say would make a good model. I am pushed for space (aren't we all?) and as much as I would like to expand S.G. it is not possible. I have a few other layouts which also take up room. I was in the Merchant Navy in the collier trade for quite a number of years, running coal from N.E. ports down to the London River and the South Coast in general. We never got to Deptford Wharf, most of the household coal we shipped went over to Ireland. I did get to Deptford Power Station, which as I understand it had changed from oil fired back to coal fired albeit for a short period. Another tramway that I have long been interested in is North of the river at Silver Town, Another company I worked for were frequent visitors there with sugar for Tate & Lyle. I'd love to see a track plan of Deptford Wharf as a model. Speak soon Ian B