LNER4479

Is it a sign of things to come perhaps? Great models!

Hi there, Your thread title caught my eye - then was flattered to discover that I'd got a mention! So thanks first of all to 70015 for that. More than that I have little to add. I think you've received some good advice here so far and have begun to get a more clearer focus for where you want to go. You can't beat playing about with actual bits of trackwork to get a feel for what works and what doesn't. You may find yourself having to have several 'goes' before you get something you like and which works so don't be afraid to do that - Peco track is fairly robust and - as has been pointed out - easy to alter and re-use. For what it's worth - I do all my layout planning with a pencil and a piece of graph paper! If you're planning on visiting Warley next weekend at all, I shall be manning one of the demo tables armed with a box of Peco points!

More progress - yay! Is there an expiry date on that fire fighting device thingy? Looks a bit owd!

Thanks Jamie! To be honest, I'm not sure. I suspect they were different but no harm in comparing notes so - yes - please do send us some pics if you are able.

Yes - it's called a 'loco'

Ballasted. On the 'to do' list!() Once inside the stage they were set into a level working surface (might have been steel plating) to facilitate easy moving round of them coal tubs

yes - but it spoilt the iambic pentameter

...but an SD-70 on double-stacks a-plenty - now there's a thing that excites me

Hi Dr G-F There were intermediate wheeled trolleys (tubs) that the contents of the coal wagons were emptied into. When a loco required coaling, it was these latter tubs that were then emptied into the tender via a counter-balanced ramp. So it was the coaling stage guys job to keep the tubs full so if there was a sudden convey of locos requiring coaling then they could be serviced quickly. Quite a common arrangement at many coal stages around the country. I'll try and find a pic... Here we are - a recreation at Diddlycot http://www.onlineweb.com/rail/photos/didcot_rly_centre_2010/mini-P1010399.JPG

In the 1930's? It's a fair comment and one I continually self-check myself on. All the research I've done points to a c-change regarding things like this following WWII. Up to that point, things were kept pretty well organised - even on loco depots. The piles of ash everywhere and general air of dereliction seems to have been very much a 1960's 'thing'. Yes, there would have been dirt and grime in the air - that was inevitable with the steam locomotive. But that's not the same as being uncared for. Pre-war, a depot like Grantham would have employed general cleaners (separate from loco cleaners) whose job it was to keep the place clean n tidy - a place for everything and everything in its place. Probably even a regular lick of paint round the place too. This in turn made for a safe and efficient working environment for both traincrew and depot fitting staff alike. But you're right in one way. Once everything has actually been made(!) then I intend to go round on a general 'blending in' exercise. But it will be muted and not overdone. Be interested to hear any other opinions on this topic?

Bit more progress to report on the coal stage. If you remember, last time we left it looking something like this: Nice stage; shame about the ramp. So out with the Slaters brick plasticard. The name's Bond - English Bond Basic covering done, leaving space for the arches and caves thereunder Now adding the detail. The real thing had storage rooms under the arches, where things such as loco fire irons were kept (apparently). Meanwhile, on top the first of the railing posts (Ratio) have appeared. Detailing work complete, now with first coal of blue brick added. The completed item. The left hand side is hidden behind the depot control panel hence lack of any detailing A closer view. I'm quite pleased at how this has worked out. Having given the brickwork a mortar wash, which has generally lightened the colour, I've painted on the darker areas beneath the railing posts. This is very evident in the photos and appears to be where concrete(?) blocks were added for the railings which obviously weathered with age. That's better! (compare with first picture in this posting). The bothy has now acquired its roof! I've tried to cluster some locos around to give an impression of the final overall scene. Apologies about the background looking a bit weird however - that's due to two of the boards being away at Ormesby for winter attention! I think I'll leave the coal stage for now (although windows / doors still need sorting). Time to turn attention to one of two other projects...

Just goes to show there's nothing new under the sun! I did think it up all by myself ... honest!

I have a lift-off piece of scenery at the north end of Grantham but it's probably not an ideal design for you. However, here's a thought. How about hinging something off the back? There looks to be a pretty substantial length of wood running the length of the back of the fiddle yard. If you were to attach a frame to that via hinges then I would guess you could lift it up to approx 45deg to provide access which should be ample to get at the stock behind the scenic section. Simples?

Hi Gordon, Just a quick thought that pops into my head re the storage of trains issue. Looking at your track plan, I'm struck by the sheer length of run of the return loop, from the moment it leaves the mainline to when it re-joins it again. Even allowing for the fact that the start and end of it might be part of a scenic section, I reckon you could easily get about 8 trains (possibly more), nose-to-tail along its hidden length. You could therefore operate using a 'shuffle up' system (automated perhaps?) that would negate the use of points n sidings altogether? (or at least reduce the number required) Just a thought!

Great excitement at having two trains running together - no wonder you posted it twice!!

Cut the handles off. Seriously. Have a look at any prototype photo and ask yourself if you can really see the handles above the lamps. Bit like telegraph wires vs poles. You'll be amazed at the visual difference just doing that makes to the model pictures.

What you really need is ......... INTERLOCKING!!

Aah - that's better! Somebody ought to have wound No.9 into mid-gear before attempting turning (sensible precaution). Suspect that might be owner John Cameron in the bobble-hat and hand on the buffer 'Dear Dad. For Christmas this year I would like: an A2 a V2 (or two)'

Well, before this thread becomes too one-sided, a plea for the steam locos to keep making appearances! Afterall A4s were seen in Aberdeen until 1966... The little cameos you have shown us so far look great and you've obviously taken some time painting your people - looks like some techniques at work there that them war-gaming folk are better known for using.

A track plan would be good too! (in your own time, of course)

Oh yes it is!! That is an absolute belter my friend - in fact I would go so far as to say one of the best ever on this thread (IMHO). The power of cropping. (I really can't concentrate on any 'quiz' - I'm just blown away by the image you have created) EDIT - Actually, I might have spotted it. Signal set for the 'main', contrary to how route is set for movement the J6 is making?

Like the viaduct (well, like it all actually!). A homage to Shankend perhaps? Look forward to seeing it finished ... one day!

Roy@34F was at Grantham 1957-1963 and I recall that he has told us that he was one of a number of men seconded to Top Shed during that time to provide cover whilst the Top Shed men were traction training on Deltics. 1959-1961 would probably cover that time period. So perhaps it was as simple as Grantham shed suddenly being very short of staff, hence loco cleaning would go out of the window?

Of course! (Shh! Keep your voice down - 'Sir' might be listening. I don't want to get lines again... )

Well, I did warn you when it was going 'in' for the last time, for keeps. Now permanently entombed by the ballast-meister. However, seeing as you asked so nicely, here are the earlier photos of it in its component form... Pay more attention at the back of the class there next time!! Anyone coming to Warley this year, I'll be sat behind a desk with a large box of Peco points to show anyone who's interested...