fishytrains

Sounds like an interesting project, that I will be following with interest.

Mike

To my untrained eye, the weathering looks pretty good. I might have to follow suit at some point in terms of converting to Kadee couplers and having a period of mixed coupling types.

Mike

Final update for the summer. I managed to complete the wiring of the return loop and run Class 20's round it. After such a long time, it was very satisfying to finally see a train running round this section of the layout. Unfortunately this was finally achieved late on Monday evening and I left the country early on Tuesday morning, so did not have time to take a video. Maybe when I am next home that will happen. The sense of achievement after all this time is palpable. The next major task is to complete the re-build of the mainline section, but that will be next summer at the earliest!

Mike

Enjoyed the videos.

Mike

Some further progress. I am now at the point where I can start the wiring of the second return loop. I have ordered a reverse loop module as the one I had is no longer functioning. I have also included some photos of some of the changes to the layout. First up is the girder bridge for the main line crossing over the branch at Walnut Grove. At present the bridge is just loosely attached to try for size. It will be glued and painted in time.

The second image shows a pair of class 20's on an empty MOD train.

The final image shows the Warwell wagons from Hattons. At some point these will be adorned with tanks and other military vehicles. Once the wiring is complete this will be the test train for the layout so far.

A little more progress. I have now installed nine point motors. I have completed some Metcalfe mini kits, station benches, picnic tables, bookstore and station clocks. I am mid way through the stable block as well. I have added some more stock to the layout, the Hattons war well wagons. Still need to complete the wiring, but keep putting that off! At some point I will take some more photos and post them up here.

Mike

It would appear that my photos are no longer available. I will not be upgrading the Photobucket account, so when I have some time, I might try to replace the photos already on here. No new photos at the moment, as I have been having problems with control on the layout, which has demoralised me somewhat and means very little progress has been happening, not that I have had much opportunity any way! The control problem has been resolved thanks to various email conversations with the UK based operation of DCC Concepts, who I have found to be extremely helpful. Now I just need to find the time to get back into the loft. Not easy as the rest of the family are out on a regular basis and I have to stay downstairs looking after the two dogs and new puppy, which is a pain. Not helped by the knowledge that I only have two more full weeks at home before I go back to work in Kuwait until Christmas. What I really need is to get a new job in this country, not sure that is going to happen either, partly because I am looking for a change, but don't have any real ideas of what to do instead of teaching!

Mike

I like your attention to detail. 

Mike

Great work, I look forward to seeing more of this.

Mike

Slow progress due to a variety of other things and warm weather, making it too warm for the loft! Six point motors now installed. Wiring of the fiddle yard completed. I have also assembled three of the Metcalfe mini kits, but the items assembled haven't been positioned so no photos as yet. Hopefully some more progress on Thursday, weather permitting.

Mike

Source for screws found, although in a small pack with other things! Two more point motors fitted and working. Now need to sort out some wiring on this section of the layout. Did try running a train from on e power district to another, but once on the second power district found I could not control the train! Need to find out what I am doing wrong, which is difficult for today and tomorrow as I have University visits with my son. So no further work on the layout, but some research time to sort out the problem, I hope.

Mike

Two out of the three points motors were fitted today, amongst much swearing, mainly because of trying to attach the point motors to the underside of the baseboard in an awkward place and dropping a tiny screw that holds the moving arm in place and losing it amongst the detritus (sorry stored items) on the loft floor!). I also had to completely replace one of the points. Still they are fitted and they work. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to progress further. Also need to try and source some very small screws, as I am likely to lose more knowing me! No photos as yet, as it is not particularly exciting!

Mike

I have been back two weeks, and this week the weather has finally been cool enough to venture into the loft. So far, I have replaced some lights with the LED strip lights, much brighter and less likely to hit my head on. I have also taken up three points, ready to drill holes to fit point motors, which hopefully I will be able to do tomorrow. Then it is a case of soldering more dropper wires and then maybe a chance to test part of the layout. Still a lot of sorting out with track and points and point motors to do, before the whole layout will be up and running fully once again. in the meantime I might also make a start on some more of the scenery!

Mike

The back scene looks fantastic. 

Mike

To my eye that looks just about right. It also looks a lot of fun.

Mike

Looking good.

Mike

Looking pretty good despite the long storage.

Mike

Nice to see the progress you have made and I am interested in the video footage you have shown.

Mike

That is a good lot of progress you have made there. I do like that backdrop section, it really conveys the setting of the railway in the scene.

Mike

I do look forward to seeing your pictures of Dent. Very inspiring.

Mike

Looks like it will be an interesting one to watch.

Mike

I rather like that last version. Has variety in it.

Mike

Glad to see that I will be able to take more inspiration from your work.

Mike

Train tech do some signals that can be linked together and change automatically. I purchased some whilst at Ally Pally  couple of weeks ago. Haven't installed them on my layout yet, and won't be able to until I get home again in a couple of months. They certainly looked good. I also have a couple of Berko signals to install as well.

Mike

How did you find the assembly of the OHLE? - it looks pretty good.

Mike