Tony Teague

These two images were taken using my Olympus E-M1 set up for focus stacking. [taken on thegreenhowards 'Gresley Junction' layout] It is not true that post processing is then required, because the camera saves all 8 RAW files AND the merged .jpg file, so if you don't want to do any processing, you don't need to. [from my own workbench - more on my layout thread below] Conversely, you have the files available should you want to re-process outside of the camera; as yet, I have no idea if separate processing would give me a better result, because I have only just got this feature working, but I think the in-camera results are pretty reasonable. These images have had a small amount of post-processing, sharpening, cropping etc but nothing major. The image stacking expert is, of course, Andy York who would certainly be able to throw far more light on the subject. Tony Edited to indicate image locations.

Tony My very best to Mo for a speedy recovery! Hiding behind the anonymity of the web tends to bring out extremes - in real life a quick punch on the nose would soon put a stop to it [note that I do not advocate violence in any situation!]. There is a substantial thread on here about Basingstoke - and it is pretty impressive, but that is not an excuse for the absence of any humility - we are all here to learn from each other and our wide range of experiences. Tony

So are you suggesting that a modern image layout could not achieve Tony's criteria? "prototype-based and is very near scale. The tracks do not disappear on/off stage via ridiculously tight curves at the ends (not just common in N Gauge). All the signals (semaphores) work (uncommon in N Gauge, though not exclusively). It ran perfectly during the period(s) I observed it (until the pot was presented, then a train divided!). The overall standard of modelling was consistent (good), with a real homogeneous 'feel' to the whole presentation. Just about all the structures were scratch-built (out of necessity) and were the product of extensive research." Tony

Graham Here's one that certainly deserves adding to your list! http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/113725-basingstoke-1958-67-layout-and-stock/ Tony

So, remind me Dave, what proportion of kit parts - that were not already missing - actually fit and do not need re-making? Not many, I imagine! Tony

Andy Thanks for hosting my visit - a most enjoyable day! I especially liked the viaduct, your weathering of both wagons and locos, and your attention to detail in terms of correct train formations. (Should have asked you not to mention focus stacking in front of TW...) Tony

Here's one in olive green; it is all wrong for my layout - it would have been rebuilt by then - but it looks very chunky and powerful so I haven't got the will to dispose of it! It runs but I can't tell you much about the construction as I bought it 2nd hand a long time ago. There is another big chap behind - an LB&SCR J2 from an Ace Products kit. Tony

I took one of the same loco, same location a while back, but it was not so wet, and the train was shifting! Tunnel vision by Tony Teague, on Flickr

In my last post I mentioned the amount of time that had been diverted to the construction of Churminster Goods Shed. This is now nearing completion, although the roof and supporting timbers remain to be constructed, lighting to be installed, and there is more weathering to be done on the exterior before I will regard it as finished. So, subject to those caveats, here are the first pictures: From above: The small Goods Office sits at one end, whilst there is a small exterior platform at the other; I am thinking of mounting a yard crane on the platform, for unloading of the larger stuff. The building is not of a particular prototype, however, I researched a lot of goods shed, especially Southern, and then came up with a pastiche design which suits the available space and I hope, looks Southern Railway in character! The shell of the building was made from foam board, the exterior clad in Slaters brick plasticard, and the interior in Scalescenes white brick paper; the windows are by L-CUT Creative. It perhaps looks a bit too tidy inside! I'll post some further pics once it is a bit nearer to completed and 'planted' in its proper place. Tony

Have been making slow progress over recent weeks, in so far as I have been constructing a Goods Shed for Churminster. The site is dictated by the trackplan which has already been laid, within the goods yard and between Churminster Station and "Wadley's Brewery" - of which more in due course. Although I decided to scratch build the goods shed, the quality of Geoff Taylors' adjacent station building has filled me with some trepidation - which is why it is taking some time - however there will be some pictures very shortly. In the meantime... a while back I was asked to show some pictures of coaching stock - and I started but then got distracted! So to continue that theme, here now are some shots of sundry catering and non-passenger carrying stock: This is No.7850, a 57' ex-LSWR Ironclad Dining Saloon; built by Ian Willetts and beautifully painted & lined by Larry Goddard. Next up is No.7869, a 57' Maunsell Southern Railway Kitchen / Dining 1st, not built particularly well by me, from a Kirk kit; looks like the table lamps need straightening up! Then we have No.7848, an ex-LSWR 56' Dining Saloon by Northstar (Adrian Rowlands) Last in the dining vehicle sequence is a further 57' Ironclad Dining Saloon, this time in malachite, No.7854, from a Phoenix kit by Marc Models. Moving on, we have ex-LSWR 44' Full Brake No.227, built by Ian Willetts from a Roxey Mouldings kit And finally for this batch, Southern Railway 53' Scenery / Elephant van No.4601 built by Chris White from a kit by CRT Kits. Still more evidence that I have an awful lot of weathering to do! Tony

I can only say that I admire your skills and tenacity! Tony

So if it has a new chassis, new cab front, sides & splashers, what exactly is left of the "kit"??? Tony

Hi Tony Where did you source the plastic roof tank mouldings please? Incidentally, I believe that Marc Models has a moulding for the large central air cylinders that you have been discussing. (call Mike Radford 0208 440 5918, 9-5). Tony

Or try Marc Models since he makes 4mm models of most early SR EMU's. (Ring 0208 440 5918 between 9 & 5pm) Tony

Tony You have not mentioned Geoff Taylor's Penmaenpool / Barmouth Junction layout, which I feel displays two great backscene characteristics; first, it is minimalistic in so far as the scenery does more of the job than the backscene: (I added the sky, but the hills / mountains are on the backscene) Secondly, it complements the scene in front of it in that it is understated and there is nothing in the backscene that pulls your eye away from the model: (no sky this time!) Tony

Great discussion on backscenes Tony; convinces me of what I already know, that one part of mine - the first area that was painted - is way too bright and must be toned down. Like Andy / thegreenhowards, my favourites were Annan Road and Totnes, plus Pendon, although having photographed the latter myself, I found the ceiling panels a massive distraction that really have to be taken out to do justice to the excellence of the layout. Taking these 'favourites' into account, I consider that your point, that "the eye is not sure exactly where the 3D work ends and the backscene begins" is critical, plus a palette that matches the 3-D part of the layout is very important. Overall I feel that backscenes are of great benefit; if well done they can add huge depth to the 3D layout. Tony PS. Well done on your sudden health kick; I am feeling guilty and inadequate!

Sounds like something by E.S. Posthumus (or similar) but I can't identify the track (E.g. see: )

Many congratulations! You're going to find yourself busy now!! (Speaking as an already retired person). Tony

What an interesting thread Andy, and such an eclectic mix of other hobbies! Mine seem relatively tame by comparison with some, but I have been researching my family history for many years - its not the basic logic and data of the tree, but the stories that go with it that fascinate me; I am back to around 1630 on many of my lines and in touch with many distant 'rellies' in far flung parts - including those descended from one ancestor who was sent to Australia compulsorily and on a one way ticket! At present genealogy is probably in third place to photography in 2nd - I have some lineside passes and do a lot of steam charters: as well as landscapes [more on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/97159430@N05/ Since retirement, the model railway is probably at No.1. Tony

I think Phoenix Precision now have the ex-Kirk Maunsell's; they are selling sides and other parts separately as well as full kits. Tony

I may have missed this, but what did you use for water, and how did you make it look cloudy? Tony

I was intrigued to see that you had built a 6-car Bulleid Bournemouth Dining Set, as I was not aware that Comet had produced the longer sides that came down to cover parts of the solebar; do they in fact do these, or did you find a way to extend the sides? In any event, I'd certainly be interested in your sriting up the Bulleid 2-car build as I have one waiting in a drawer! Tony

There is a pretty full listing of these Engine Working numbers in "Southern Region Engine Workings" by C.J. Gammell (OPC) ISBN 0-86093-510-8; it is long out of print but good copies are easily obtainable. In addition many of the appropriate EW numbers and duties are listed within various volumes of the Irwell Press Main Line to the West series. (However, neither of these has served to ensure that my locos carry the correct numbers - or any numbers for the most part ! - A job for the roundtuit list). Tony

Over breakfast, the other half mentioned that she would really like to be doing some gardening, but since it was freezing and there was snow on the ground, that was not possible. Seizing the opportunity, and knowing that I had the materials to hand, I cunningly mentioned that the Station Master at Churminster needed his garden laying out, and that this could be done in the warmth of the kitchen - or indeed the railway room. So after about 4 or 5 hours work, I was presented this afternoon with the completed garden with which I am certain the Station Master (as yet, he has no name!) will be very happy! It looks pretty good to me, especially for a very first attempt at any 4mm modelling. The garden occupies a very odd shaped plot alongside the station, and is completely enclosed between a substantial retaining wall, the forecourt car park, and the rear of platform 2: I will post some further pictures just as soon as it installed in its proper location. Tony

Taken during coal-burning trials of the '80's... (seemed to fit here!) Tony