MarshLane

The LNWR wagon set, not to mention the private owner wagons are exquisite. Looking forward to seeing those at Laurie's on Thursday, during Kevin's 'World Tour'. Glad to also see that the layout hasn't suffered with your recent upgrades Jerry! Rich

Thanks Simon, Thats great, thanks for that. 11 inch radius (22 inch diameter) is tighter than I am expecting I can achieve, so should be fine on that premise! Cheers Rich

Hi Simon, Quick question, going back to your first post - how have you found the 180 degree curves on the layout, especially when running at speed. Being 3ft diameter, have they caused any issues with running or derailing at all? Rich

Have passed onto a couple of friends who have social media accounts and they are going to repost with a link to this thread. Truly awful news, lets hope some positive outcome can be achieved - despite the current feelings I hope it does not dampen the enthusiast of Les and the team behind the layout, they have achieved amazing things with Lime Street. Rich

Yes, it would make sense from a space point of view, given the image size that they are being shown at, to auto resave them to something like JPG level 7 or 8, just to compress the file size, but as you say, it should not visually affect the quality. To be honest Andy, I am struggling to see much difference on that 25 picture. I think the rmWeb version may have some slight smoothing, look at the fence edges, the brush marks in the field below the trees, the coach window edges, but I am being VERY VERY picky there! This is how they appear to me. As you say, close-ups may be more noticeable as it is likely that either your taking them on a higher ISO setting (which would cause more noise) or the light level is lower. Have you tried using a small portable desk lamp to shine some light on the area you are photographing, when doing a close-up?

Absolutely wonderful Peter. Not only the outcome and detail, but the speed that you have achieved it. Rich

Hi Andy, I have compared your pic here with that on WT and I agree there does seems to be a slightly smoother, sharper image on WT. Assuming your using the same files on each site (the method of upload cannot change the file at all) then I would suggest that there is some work being done by the forum software - either here or at WT. Once a file is uploaded to a web server, that server can be set to do a number of things. I have set up photo websites before where I have programmed it to resize the image, apply a smoothing filter, sharpen the edges slightly and do a range of other things. The users are unaware but set up correctly it can present better images. So it is quiet feasible that one (or even both) of the forums are doing different things to the images that we are not normally aware of. Alternatively one might be and one might not! When you do your next image uploads, try putting exactly the same file on here and WT and let us have the link. Might give us some clues. Rich PS love that 2-8-0 Western tank model .. I am assuming its a Bachmann? Not up on 4mm steam models, but they really have captured the essence of the loco!

Hi Andy, Yet to watch the latest video, but the latest photos on here are looking good. Amazing to think you've gone from nothing to this in less than eight weeks. I am struggling to find eight minutes to get my ba*kside in gear and do something at the moment! Always enjoy your hints and tips and sometime (I promise) I'll make use of them! Rich

Ian, your progress with this project is wonderful, but as far as the motion on that Railmotor goes I am sorry, there is only one word to describe it ... STUNNING! Absolutely amazing given the size and scale, the 'round of applause' button really isn't enough! Rich

Dont tell him that @Jazzer it only encourages him!! Looking good tho Andy - I must say I think the Provender Store looks just right there - not too big, not too small, and seem to suit the scene well. Rich

Thanks Ian, I'll have a search around the rainforest! Cheers William, now that is interesting, because although the temperature controlled box part of it is different, the iron in the picture has the same style screw tips as mine. Might be worth investigating further. Rich

Chaps, Thanks very much for your replies. I'll have to have another dig around on the case of mine as I dont think could find a manufacturers name last time I looked, which didn't help getting spares. However as Ian has said, he's got them direct from Japan, I'll take another look. Failing that, the general comments of Antex sounds like that is a good direction to head. Thanks guys. Rich

I do not wish to open a can of worms and appreciate that this could be a personal preference situation, but what would people recommend, soldering iron wise for etched brass/nickle silver kit/scratchbuilding in 2FS? I have a temperature controlled iron, which works well that I acquired during the Maplin close-down at a heavily discounted rate, but am struggling to find any retail outlets that can supply different 'tips' for it. These are a push on and screw down type, which no-one seems to sell in the right size. I am thinking therefore that the best way forward would be to keep that iron as it is for doing track work, and purchase a new temperature controlled iron with a spare set of different tips (chistle/pin head etc..) for working with models and kits. Is it better (or even possible?) to get a temperature control unit and a separate iron? Ive not built any etched brass/nickle silver kits in 2mm yet - have done in 7mm - but 2mm is a very different challenge! Any comments on suitable models or makes would be welcome. What are people using? Given the couple of upcoming little projects I'll be working with a couple of different temperatures of solder, and some very fiddly bits, so maximum flexibility is key, but also not spending way too much! Any thoughts/views? Rich

The progress your making on this really does look good Dave - keep going! Rich

Sorry to hear of your problems Simon, but glad to hear your on the mend. Take it steady and enjoy the model making. Rich

Thanks Peter, I know Andy has said the ones from May last year won't be restored as they dont have them, it was those I was hoping for - everything prior to May should come back .. but yes appreciate the time! Richard

Peter, Is there any chance of reading the pictures from May last year to this thread? Its such an amazing project, and your work is wonderful to see, it is a shame to have lost it all. I know pre-May 2021 should eventually come back, but if you still have the images, it would be great if your able to? Rich

Thats going to take a bit of time sending the cheques out to those 28 you convinced to click 'subscribe' Andy ... and as its over 20 there will need to be the regulation tea-break with cake half way thought ... god its been an expensive month hasn't it? 😆 Enjoying the progress in the background here 😀 Rich

HI Andy, Glad to see your making good progress with the layout, has all the hallmarks of being on your best! Take care - keep on with the videos … i do watch them when i get chance! Rich

Hi Paul, Could it be cached on your system? Clicking on your link just gives me : Tried on both Safari and Firefox Rich Edit: In case anyone is reading this in the future and gets worried. It must have been a domain issue or server transfer problem, as the site returned two days later.

Not really 'on my workbench' but more a 'hoped it maybe' ... Ive just gone to look up what 2mm GWR coaches on the Worsley Works website to discover the whole site has gone. It may just be an issue over a forgotten renewal or domain name move of course, just wondered if anyone knew anything - would have emailed them direct, but cannot currently find their email address! Rich

Hawk, Not wishing to deviate from the modelling topic (which is superb btw!) but there would be nothing stopping you adding an SSL certificate to your current server and using a .htaccess file to redirect any http requests to https - thereby providing a secure link, not breaking any existing links and not needing to change server.

Morning all, This one of the things I love above rmWeb, is that a thread runs, some fascinating information comes out and then it naturally peters out, then out of the blue, bursts back into life again and more info comes out. Thanks to all for your input over the years, its a fascinating input and thanks to @chris p bacon for the heads up on the Farringdon book. Worth joining the society just for that I think! Rich

Afternoon guys, @Nick C: Yes the plan is for the magnets to be mounted on the table and CBUS controlled as well. My thought against permanent fixed magnets being that you may not wish to uncouple every train (it auto trains, freights that keep the same engine etc..) so servo-controlled magnets or electro-magnets gives flexibility, but all within the same control system. I like the idea of brushes or plungers running on four O rings, with the DCC track power only being in contact when the table is aligned between the first and last sidings. That I had not even thought about but is ingenious - solving two problems in one go. Hmm, need to investigate that one further I think, thank you! @Dave John Yes that's a valid point too. I suppose we think that things always go the same way, but there isn't actually any need to do so. The software on the Arduino could control which way it swings next and Nick's suggestion about the wipers/brushes/plungers could still work that way too. Having said that, just off the top of my head I wonder if a semi-circle complicates things and means more work (programming/set up etc) than a full 360. But again its a valid point and worthy of more thought. Thanks. Rich

Good god Andy .. I saw this and thought blimey! AP is working faster than ever, he's nearly finished! Then I went back and did what I should have to start with and read the post ... and realised this was a Blue Peter post ... here's one I did earlier! Following along with interest Andy ... might even have something of mine for you to follow shortly!!! You know a world without AP building a branch line layout just doesn't feel right somehow, so glad your back into your normal swing of things! Rich