fishytrains

Just being catching up again. I particularly like the black and white photos. They evoke such nostalgia of the period. All the photos are very good in my opinionated show off the quality of the model. Mike

Fantastic photos. The one of the 4F leaving Rise Hill Tunnel is soooooo realistic, unbelievable modelling. Mike

The photo across the tracks to the goods area is superb, even if all the work is still to be finished. Mike

Great to see the progress you are making, and the planning you are doing to ensure that things do work. Mike

I really like that last set of photos Neil. Very atmospheric. Mike

Whilst on my enforced break from the layout I have been mulling over the original return loop and possible fiddle yard. The plan I had thought of I feel is too complex and will require too much construction work, plus the fact that there would have to be changes in level which would be hidden. Overall, I am not sure this is a sensible option. So I had a look at one of my old photos of that corner and it might be possible to create two or possibly three sidings for a mini fiddle yard in this area. As I need to re-lay the track in this area to improve the running, I will look at this properly at that time. When I am at home at Easter I will take a brief look to see what is possible then. Mike

Looking forward to seeing the next step. Mike

The ironstone is certainly in keeping with this layout and you could integrate the two once you have your train shed! Mike

I will be following your progress with interest, whatever you decide to do. Mike

Fantastic update, the whole vista is looking superb. Thanks for sharing. Mike

Absolutely adore that last picture GN, so realistic, especially in black and white. Can't wait for more, but I will do my best to be patient! Mike

I also like the latest batch of pictures. In particular the black and white one with the sun behind. To me it speaks of pure nostalgia and atmosphere. Unfortunately the current Peterborough station does not match this, although the station hotel does. I was sat in the car park over New Year, the car park was parcels siding and the glimpse of the hotel was just like looking at your photos. Mike

I understand your frustration, for the past three years I have been working away from home as so progress is very slow. That said, when something does happen, it does make it feel worthwhile. As and when is fine with me! Mike

Love the update, particularly like the last photo in your final post, the realism is spine tinglingly good! Mike

Finally managed to complete the soldering for the droppers to the fiddle yard today. No photos of that, but ran a train throughout and all worked well. I also managed to build the frames for the approach line to the fiddle yard and the line leaving the return loop from the fiddle yard. Still a lot of work to do with this, but I am pleased with the basic structure. This second shot shows where another possible stream/river/canal will be able to be completed at some point way in the future. I am unlikely to complete any more work on the layout now until I am next home, which may be Easter, or not until the summer, still to be decided. All the best for the New Year and thank you for following my limited efforts. Mike

Managed to spend a bit more time on the layout today. Another couple of sections of track wired up to the track bus. I find it is better to do a little at a time, rather than a lot in one go. It seems to be more successful this way. I have also constructed the approach track bridges to the fiddle yard. Well the shells, still need to laminate with brick sheet and fix in place. I have managed to run a train over the bridge to make sure it all works, which it does. No pictures today, but hopefully some soon, before the next gap in work! Mike

Looking very nice. Mike

Back home for Christmas. Managed to get up for a brief time today, long enough to pose my two advent additions behind the Class 24. The loco will be repainted at some point, not sure when yet though! These are my first Blue & Grey coaches and already they bring back lots of childhood memories! I quite like the second image, even though it does show the work I still have to do, in terms of the back scene and tidying up the foreground. Hopefully I will be able to get some more wiring done over the next few days, and maybe some other work too. Mike

Those photos for me really capture the feel of the steam era and the nostalgia. Just what Peterborough North is all about! Mike

Fantastic set of photos, yet you call that making a start! For me a start would be one of the many things you have completed there! Mike

I like what you have done and agree that th contrast of brick and stone looks good. Mike

The black and white photo looks superb to me. Sets in the right time frame too! Mike

Lovely pictures and thanks for the update. Hope all goes well at Warley for you, wish I could attend, but no chance of that - too far to travel at the moment. Mike

Lights look good. Looking forward to seeing the rings in use as well. Mike

Lovely set of photos,d espite your lighting issues. Also enjoyable to read the technical info, as it gives a better idea of the issues, to those of us who didn't live through that time frame. Mike