mullie

Not been on here for a while, not had much to show though a few projects have been progressing very slowly. Also been away to somewhere warm, very nice it was too. This has been a frustrating winter as it has been difficult to get anything finished due to the low temperatures in the garage, with things slightly less artic progress is being made to finish things. The class 24 is the first project to be completed, Silver Tay headcode discs, Brassmasters handrails, @railtec-models custom transfers and an A1 models etched fan. The roof still isn't right, and I've been unable to find definitive photos of the roof at the non fan end to change things, though that could change.. The loco was gloss finished, decals applied, then treated with Klear to represent D5045 in a slightly work stained way. I have a photo of it working on a P way train south of Yarmouth when it wasn't looking too scruffy. The loco is around 25 years old and a favourite of mine. This is one of the things I will have with me at the SWAG event where I will be happy to talk about the way I splosh paint about and will have Upbech St Mary with me. Please say hello if you are passing.

Other bridges are available please don't let Clive try this on anyone's layout!

The J17 and an E4 are both on my shopping list. I'm wondering if there might be a J17 to view at Expo EM on the Brassmasters stand in May. Martyn

The loco shed hosted WDs, even a Q1 during steam days and you had boat trains hauled by 4fs and large tank engines. I lived a few miles away from 1994 to 2004 and had visited the area since the early 1970s mainly to view the ships. A fascinating area.

More shots of 4mts always appreciated here. Martyn

My split chassis J39 ran superbly right up to the point where it had a Comet chassis in EM. I even had it converted to DCC with its original chassis. Martyn

By all accounts it was rarely busy even in its heyday, dictated by the boat traffic. It was a strange station to walk around as it was usually deserted, Broad Street was similar even in the 80s. The decay made both fascinating places to visit. Martyn

I've just used a @railtec-models pack to upgrade a Bachmann class 24. So long as you follow the instructions this is an excellent product. I'm used to piecing things together from HMRS sheets, this is so much better. Martyn

The 5 minute rule at parents evening doesn't work, that is why many staff are there long after closing time. Fortunately, no longer my problem........usually! Martyn

Looks superb Alex, will enjoy seeing it at SWAG. Martyn

The J15 pulls in with a pair of ex GE six wheelers, no more Ratio bodges! This was quite a difficult shot to get as the carriages are longer than the ex GWR hacks used previously.

Last night I found the videos on detailing rtr coaches, in my case how to fit etched sides to the slab sided Hornby models. I have two to do and the videos will make it so much easier. These are an excellent series too, delivered in your unique style. I will watch the rest later. I did watch them late at night with a glass of whiskey or 'Dad's patent cold repellent' as it is known in our house, and yes I did sleep well. Thanks Tony

The chassis building video is how I built my first successful Comet chassis, when I tackle a full kit I will certainly be coming back to this series, they are excellent. Martyn

Last of the 1960s photos for a while before I put the steamers back on. Nothing exciting, just that class 10 shunter again, no excitement for any local spotters if any could be bothered.

My East Anglian Upbech saga is three connected micro layouts that do go out to exhibitions once or twice a year and fit into my small hatchback. Everything is easily handled as I usually do exhibitions on my own, I haven't belonged to a club since I was 16, around 44 years ago. I did it all and everything is either kit, scratch built or modified rtr in EM. It's all my fault! Martyn

And I need to go on an LNER BG recognition course. Thinking @31As superb modelling was a Bachmann model. I've put myself in detention, my mum will be phoned and I will write 100 lines! Martyn

I too have photos of Siphons on the M&GN. Is that A Bachmann Thompson full brake, I have one in blue and am not sure how good a model it is? Mine is in BR blue so might be worth revamping? Martyn

I third it and am planning to do something about that later this year. I spoke to Colin at Gibsons a while ago, no 4mm E4 kits are likely so it will have to be a whitemetal kit. Martyn

The steam period is roughly 1946 - 1951 meaning the six wheelers are valid and the layout could be visited by my M&GN 4mts once converted to EM. The two eras are so different I prefer not to mix them. However both can be seen among the traditional infrastructure.

By around 1963 East Anglia was dieselised, it is a fascinating period when early diesels were operating and breaking down amongst victorian architecture.

I didn't intend to keep the 1960s stock on the layout so long. A combination of low temperatures and being away a few times since Christmas means stock hasn't been swapped. This means the six wheelers finished at the end of last year haven't been seen.

Look what turned up at Drove station, that shunter again. Used to be much more interesting.

Great modelling Mikkel, truly inspiring. I've looked at the John Day ranges before but never been quite sure about them, perhaps time for another look. Martyn

There has been quite a discussion on Tony Wright's thread about how much secondhand kits are worth, especially when a rtr model becomes available. I suppose this one is worth more because there is no rtr model and it is built even if it doesn't work properly? Perhaps this belongs on the Ebay madness thread! Martyn

Very nice. Martyn