CourthsVeil

Very good, Chaz, so convincing. I prefer this much over the denser ones; which tend to look too easily too clumsy, imho. ImhO unnatural. I am enjoying your thread so keep up the good work. Regards Armin

Chaz, fluorescent light has been a problem for colour photography since its invention. Thus it isn't the fault of your camera or white balance setting. The only solution is: use a conventional light source (bulb, daylight). Armin

I think it is quite unfortunate that this thread full of helpful ideas has been hiding in the depths of this forum. It should be revitalized. Protective Jaws Another simple helper from my workshop: one of my bench vises has rather rough jaws (don’t know why). Thus the grip at smaller workpieces is sometimes unsecure. By adding aluminum angles this problem was easily resolved. Now for delicate workpieces: I glued some suede to them and thus made them quite nice to sensitive things: Hope this inspires someone... Armin

Well done, Chaz! Very promising - I'm following with much interest. Regards Armin

Very nice, so atmospheric! Thanks Armin

This layout becomes better every day, Jimmy ! It is really interesting. Especially the addition of the sub. However, if I may, the low loader appears rather more than "weedy" for the purpose. It was by chance that I today (yes!) came across a project of a German modeler: klick! And the next post in this thread links to a clip where the transport of an old sub along the Rhine river to a Technik Museum in Speyer can be followed (starting 1:36). A bit hefty the vehicles they had to use on the ride from river to its final location... (Please don't tell me "Those Germans always overdo it" - I think, Revell underdid it.) Of course, you should use only what really fits onto your layout. Not only that it is your layout, important also that imagination often is more relevant than meticulosity. All the best Armin

Pete, I would search for a rake of well worn but cheap wagons, just usable for trying out and not fearing to lose much (£ or €...) if mistakes are made. This is what I did, and it worked. We learn only from our mistakes! Regards Armin

Hi Chris, just looking if there is any update on this layout. Have been looking out for news for a while. Hope everything is still going OK. Regards Armin

Stu, sorry to read about your faults! In post #53 above I wrote: "… it appears to me to be very difficult to adjust the length of the magnet line to the distance of the reed sensors. Not the physical length, rather the range of its effect…" That's the reason why (in my experimental setup) I used a single magnet plus a relay – instead of a line of magnets. Best wishes still Armin

Full agreement! Something alike happened to me several years ago: I was deeply involved in designing and making Travelscopes, and was quite successful with this activity. But suddenly (i.e. within a single week !! ) I completely lost my interest in astronomy in general and specifically in making telescopes. What should I do? Sit down and weep?? Not at all !! As time went by I started reading novels, later I delved into simple electronic circuits which led me to Model Railroads. Where I still am... Follow your interest - it's your life! Regards Armin Travelscopes are astronomical telescopes designed to fit into a rucksack (or so) and be brought by a single person to a suitable observing site - see for example this description.

Hairspray !

Chaz, the application of this fibrous stuff is - in my opinion - the most difficult part of tree making and gives rise to the wildest surprises in the end product(s). It's so "easy" to make the canopies clumpy or too lofty... I found out I get satisfying results with cut down (6-15mm) Sisal fibres. Also mixing of colours (and of differing grades) is a good advice. Looks promising what you do! Regards Armin

edit: was a bit hastily, my post…

Mullie, I think these buildings are fine, I would keep them. But, if you really want a change, in my humble opinion a cutting would be better. Regards Armin

Do they include Reed switches ? Else… Armin

Well done, Ray. That's how I would like to see my own freight cars. Must try harder – a little bit at least Armin

Sure it has been worth, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing and pls enjoy us with further updates. Regards Armin

What a nice stack! Use Smarties: flatten them by cutting them in half, then paint dung colour… Armin

Clear gloss varnish is good ! Recommended. You know I'm following this thread with MUCH interest. Armin

Same happened to me ! Thanks for sharing. Armin

That's good. Really good! Armin

Marc, I think you should stick to the idea of a COAL yard, they are rarer than scrap yards. And sooo dirty too… "… I'm fancying building a low-relief small overhead crane on that end of the layout" Would it not be possible to incorporate one in a coal yard? "Room for a mirror too, maybe?" YES ! ! ! please. I'll be following along to see the progress you make. Keep us posted, please. Regards Armin

Now, where's this EXCELLENT button ??? Armin

"…the quality isn't great…", maybe, but the pictures ooze atmosphere, which is rare, Mike! Well done, thanks. Armin

Wish the very best to you, Adrian, have a fruitful new Year. Armin