MarshLane

Evening all, Day off today, and managed to spend most of it working on the shed building! Nothing really worth any images tonight, but have spent the day working on the electrics for the shed lighting, all lights are now fitted and tested and I'm in the process of wiring everything up properly. First of the pits has been but together as well and the pit lighting trial fitted. All seems to work quite well although I'm going to put a resister in the circuit so both the pit and overhead lighting is controlled by one feed, yet the pit lighting is dimmer. Also measured out the shed roof, so hopefully that will get cut tomorrow, then it's on to wall detailing! Just about decided on the depot layout trackplan, I've been tweaking, changing, starting from scratch, tweaking again etc etc etc for several weeks now, but I think I've got it nailed. A long term aim (part of an extension if I ever get the first bit built!) is to try and replicate the turntable at Old Oak Common, albeit in the North East! I like the photo opportunities for diesels sat around a turntable! Also decided that the depot will have been the BR 1980s equivalent to a Level 5 heavy repair shop so that opens the way to some odd traction for the north east and the next building to be built! Got some key ideas for that one, bigger, better, learn from the lessons of the first, and a more heavily detailed interior! More to come as they say! I'll try and follow up with some pics tomorrow! Rich

Just spent a very interesting (if somewhat depressing!) 20 minutes wandering through this thread. As many have commented, the changes at Crewe are unbelievable over the time, but I guess we should be satisfied that at least something of it still survives. I wonder if anything ever used the new track that was laid? Im guessing that is the main line connection into the works?? Rich

Jerry/Paul, Thanks guys. Looking forward to moving the layout forward, to do more pics of it!! Rich EDIT: That picture reminds me I really need to have a go at weathering those minerals! Anyone any suggestions on how to go about it, for a novice whose never weathered anything? Also, what's the best way of bringing transfers off?

Quick update - as i've found some time to work on the Depot Building tonight! Firstly, thanks to Les for the pointer about Severn Models and their range of brass desks, benches, tools, steps etc. They look superb in the pictures! I've always steered very clear of brass etches like these, but have decided to bite the bullet and order one to see how they come out. Secondly, the Blackpool - Marsh Lane parcels did indeed turn up a Class 25 working on Thursday, the shed master at Marsh Lane seems to have become somewhat keen on the loco and isn't all that happy on sending it back, so looks like its staying Standard out of the box 25 - I need to get the headcode boxes plated over, which is a task for the coming winter, probably when the DCC decoder goes in at the same time,then i can sort the lighting out. Tower Models have done a superb job of weathering it however, just wish their guys who do this would pay a little more attention to detail, as the cab side numbers are completely mis-aligned on one end. Silly little mistake, but one that could have been dealt with very quickly and simply. It will need changing at some point, as the data panel is in the wrong place for this loco, and in the early 1980s, it didn't have the derby works plate and the front connecting doors need plating over, as this view of it on Canton in 1983 shows. All the same, very nice, and a pleasant addition to Marsh Lane! When I've saved up the money to acquire it, Im looking for a second one of these, that will become 25035 with bodyside numbers! I can just hear them now 'tea-cuping' up the climb to Marsh Lane Depot! Hopefully an update later - maybe even a shed pic, if '048' makes it on Depot this evening! Rich

Hi Steve, I think you may have other arrangements, but just in case, have you thought of talking with Steve at Railtec Transfers? He's really good at what he does, the quality is some of the best around and they are all produced in house to completion. He also has a 3D way of printing now, which means he may be able to do the worksplates/shedplates as well. Sorry if it's too late, just thought I'd mention it! Rich EDIT: Correct company name!

Hi Martyn, Yes know what you mean! My idea for a small three road industrial yard has kind of grown since i first designed it ... I need to stop or it will need a Hall at the NEC to itself!! How's your control panel coming on? Rich

Hi Les Welcome along, thanks for your comments and for the website recommendation - I'll talk a look! Rich

Dave, When did you lose your British Rail lineside photographic pass? No way those are your model ... nice try tho hehehe Bloody brilliant! Rich

Thanks for the recommendation Chris, I'll have another wander through their website! Rich

In the words of Norman Clegg (of Last of the Summer Wine fame) "Typical! It's just one damn thing after another!"

Some phones you can get a tripod adapter for. I have one for my iPhone which I can use with a mini Gorilla pod to get it low and steady on the baseboard, but still pan for video. Just a thought. What the GoPro, depending on the model I may have an wide angle lens which distorts the image with barrel roll. Correctable in the GoPro edit software, but another step you have to do to get anything decent! Rich

Haha! Very good! Know the feeling, work does get in the way! With Marsh lane shed buildings, I found the encouragement of posting on here helped massively maintain my interest! Just remember little and often is better than non at all!! Keep going mate. Rich

Glad to see your progressing and your mojo has comeback. As a matter of interest, for next time, did you work out where you left it Rich

Looking good. The Welsh Colliery's do provide some fascinating views for modellers, and with employing some former GWR Panniers as well, some variety for the loco fleet. Like the stone setts, they look great. Rich

Hi Coachman. I've a Loksound in my Heljan 7mm 37 with SWD sound and that starts very slowly, but I know what you mean. The 20 seems to shoot off, but the Zimo chips are far better control in my view and I like the build in stay alive. The chips in my two 20s will both get changed for Zimo's early next year. Rich

What kind of phone do you have Jinty? Have you thought about a handheld gimbal? Amazon is your friend, not too expensive if your going to be doing videos, and dead easy to use! Would also work with your son's GoPro! Rich

Evening Jinty, Hmm very nice! Wrong shade of blue, but very nice!! Mine arrives tomorrow hopefully! Will have to take note of your DCC install, although I'm using Zimo chips. At least we know where Nigel Mansell was employed before Formula 1, obviously a driver at Talyllyn Junction!!!! Rich

Its ok Lee, honestly! No need to reach for the pills yet! Its at the outer edges of the modelling period for Marsh Lane (to everyone else, don't let on about the 60s earlier in this thread .... Lee will need a double dose of the medicine tonight ) so your ok - plenty of space for blue 37s, 47s and 40s You'll like Friday's update ... nice blue Sulzer Type 2 booked on shed Rich

Hi Richard, Looking good - shall be following along. I started with building the depot building (not Shirebrook I hasten to add!) for my layout as I thought once i get into trackwork and scenery i'll never come back to it! Hope you've got a big area for the man cave! If you decide a Bone might need to make an appearance, drop me a message and i'll pop over with my 7mm one - seen here inside my shed! 1970s-1980s is great period to model, i've gone a little wider late 70s-late 1980s/early 1990s - concluding with the introduction of the 60s! Rich

Hehe, just good timing I think. It was about 1020 when I got through the door, although I did head straight for that stand! Should be a photo update on Friday, I'm told my 25 is allocated to the overnight Blackpool to Marsh Lane parcels tomorrow night!!! Shame I'm not around to unpack it on Thursday! Last of my buying spree! All down to layout building now! Rich

Hi Brian, Hehe - well I did keep it short and sweet with the kettle to avoid people getting too warm Yes I believe the 58 is a PRMRP - or one of the earlier owners of said firm. I acquired it from the Bring & Buy stand at Guildex a couple of weeks back, superb model. Its lacking some details, such as air pipes on each end, and there's no interior cab at all - but both should be rectifiable. It runs nicely, and given I'm no brass builder, was just too nice a model to let go! The price was also attractive! Its got Delrin chain drive on one end, but feels like it would pull the house down! Should be a suitable candidate for the Dapol HAAs when they arrive! Don't think I posted this picture the other night. The paint job on it is superb too - don't know who built it, but they did well ... would have been better as 58020 Doncaster Works but you can't have everything, and it could always be renamed/numbered in the future! Rich

Thanks Simon, Yes Paul Chetter that was the name I was trying to think of! Very impressed with it. Peter: Thanks for your kind comments. Im pleased with how its coming along. Thanks for the recommendation of Narrow Planet and Severn Mill - those look nice. Im thinking that the plate should be an old style one, perhaps a touch of GWR letter style perhaps? Might have a word with Chris at Severn Mill. Cheers Rich

Evening all, No actual modelling done yet, just a quick photo session this evening! A new addition to the layout arrived this afternoon, in the form of a Minerva Peckett (the diesel guys, hang in there - yours is coming in a min!). Given that I'm thinking the portable layout will represent a steelworks exchange sidings and i have one of Minerva Kerr Stuart's on order as they are just too superb not to, I decided it needed a little yard shunter for use when running in the 1960s period. Hence welcome to Iron Works No. 1 ... This is one of the sound fitted variety from NG Trains, and while it needs some weathering yet, does look superb. I must also add congratulations to the guy thats done their DCC sounds (I forget his name?) and Minerva as this has to be one of the most controllable and realistic steam sounds I've heard yet. DCC sound on the diesels has always impressed me, but the steam has lacked reality in my mind. This isn't perfect, the 'chuffs' are not in time with the wheel revolutions, but at the end of the day its not the real thing, its a model - and a very good one at that. Well worth the decision to go for it! You may also like to take a look at the pic i've posted in the Peckett on show thread it seems to have found its way into the shed! Does anyone know if its possible to have 7mm steam era nameplates made?? Now for the diesel guys, I happened to be wandering past the shed this evening on the way home from the pub, as one does, and by total coincidence, I happened to have a camera with me. A nice surprise was to find 58039 in the shed being fuelled, certainly a stranger round these parts! This is a pre-built brass kit I acquired from Guidex this year, the guy on the stand said I just beat somebody else, so if your on here apologies, but its a lovely model! Lacking some detail that needs adding but nothing much. Hope you enjoy! Rich

Well I took the plunge, with a Kerr Stuart on order for later in the year, I acquired its stablemate last week from NG Trains, a DCC Sound equipped Peckett. Full marks to Minerva the model is superb and to Paul at NG Trains, the DCC sound is some of the best i've heard for steam - yes I can pick holes if i really really wanted to - but it really is superb and very realistic. Also very controllable, more so than anything else i've come across so 9.9 out of 10 to both! Thought i'd post a pic of the new arrival sat in my part-built shed this evening. It was simmering away, but the photo doesn't quite convey that! Looking forward to its stablemate appearing alongside!

Thanks for your comment - yes the building is only about 45% finished yet - no pits in, no detail on the walls, lights are only temporarily fitted and there's actually no roof at present! So plenty still to do! Rich