steveNCB7754
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Posts posted by steveNCB7754
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Not one to generally froth, but the B2 is an inspired choice by Hornby, and my slowly evolving "Twll Cach Exchange Sidings" set about 1970 can justify one of the numerous B2s that inhabited NCB installations hereabouts, why Mountain Ash had two, and Brynlliw's 1426 ran into the 70s, with an alleged cameo appearance in "Young Winston" and then made it into preservation.
Mountain Ash had two B2's?
Was only aware of 'The Earl' (W/No.1203 of 1910) and the only photo I have come across, is in the book 'Industrial Railways In Colour - South Wales' by Adrian Booth (P.31). This shows the old girl awaiting her scrapping fate outside the remains of the main shed on 19 May 1972 and possibly in a very, very faded light blue (but colour in such photos is very tricky). Anyone seen any photos of this (or the other B2) actually working at Mountain Ash, as I will definitely be getting one of these!
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Great photograph, especially being in colour.
There are some useful black and white shots of Baddesley Colliery's 'William Francis' from 1966, in the December 2018 edition of 'Railway Bylines'. Includes detail views of the 'Sterling' steam reversing gear and surrounding machinery, as well as of the valve gear on one of the units, the handbrake operating shaft and the ash pan area, plus a view into the cab from each side, showing glimpses of the backhead area.
Steve
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Have also been working on the flag issue.
Am fitting Velcro on the front of the baseboards across the joints between scenic boards 1/2 and 3/4. Have mounted the Velcro on MDF so it sits slightly forward so that the flag will drape nicely over the drape.
Here is a mock-up of the flag in flag although in reality it will go across the board joint.
Now this is REALLY OCD ...............
Spent the afternoon making a storage box for the flags so that they arrive at an exhibition nice and flat ...... this is the mark 4 version!!!
OCD or what?
That's not OCD - wait until you start on the container to put the box that keeps the flags flat in, in.
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Have been going back to detailing things.
Have returned to the hotel lobby area.
Bought some 3D printed sofas for the bar area.
But Preiser figures don't sit well on them ...
So I filed them down - the right hand one is lowered - REALLY!!
You can see the relief on the face of that Preiser figure, that you decided to file down the sofa, rather than, well, you know (the 'other' solution)
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Hi Steve, I PM'd Paul Ashton the other day telling him of my plans before anything was lifted. All the buildings have been very carefully removed and will be sent back when him next month when he is next in the UK.
The buildings were great and full of character, but the track layout was a disaster for Kadee couplings. Several things worked against it plus the widened baseboard left the shed very cramped.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
My query was obviously with my tongue firmly in my cheek. Mind you, as someone who has singularly failed (over a long period of time) to complete an actual model railway layout, to see one built to such a level, then modified beyond that and now returned to its former self, is both humbling and embarrassing in equal measure (LOL).
Keep up the good work and (as always), do what gives you the most pleasure.
Steve N
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The new yard has gaw'n. As soon as the baseboard extension was removed this afternoon, the shed was so light and airy again. This has put the station back at the front of the baseboard where it can be clearly seen, but so too is the months of neglect. The old yard behind the signalbox will be put back and I aim to use the pre-fabricated Provender store as a goods shed. No livestock pens this time. The other siding will be for coal. The field in front of the station will be put back, but it will be lower this time to make photography easier.
Err, dare one ask what became of that 'other' goods shed? You know, the big corrugated iron one that someone lavished a great deal of care and attention on during its design and construction (pauses to wipe a tear from his eye)
Steve N
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Live action in the new yard this afternoon with GWR 0-6-0 No.2538....
Hi Larry - what a superb video, very atmospheric. All it needed was the distant 'ting, ting' from the signal box before it set off 'on the main' (LOL).
For some reason (and I am obviously a neutral observer here, NOT!), I would really like to see it shunting into the Goods shed. Shipston would have had a 'Deans', but the only photos I have seen are those on specials ('2474' and '2538') and (at the end) the ubiquitous BR Std 78XX 2-6-0's (such as 78004, 78008 and 78009, the latter pulling the last train on the branch, in May 1960). We all had great expectations for this class in OO from Bachmann when they produced the LMS version - well we are still waiting all these years later and now I do not need one!
Steve N
EDIT!
Just posted this and realised that your 'Deans' is '2538'! Have a copy of the article from 'Railway Bylines' (December 2002) - in May 1953, the Oxford University Railway Society visited Shipston-on-Stour behind '2538', pulling a pair of brake vans coupled to the thrice weekly(!) branch goods train. Also says that '2538' was the last of its class to remain in active service, being withdrawn in May 1957 (when I was born - ARRRGH!) - it was just short of its 60th birthday and I have just had my 61st (doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself).
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Fancy a bit of narrow gauge at Carrog Road Larry ? (Silly question, I know the answer to that !)
Actually, it's a little known fact that there are seams of very poor quality 'Jam Butty' in the hills near Carrog, and some of these seams were drift-mined during the 19th century. Sadly, this was only transported via pack horse back then, but if you pretended that the quality was more akin to that nearer to Knotty Ash, then a small narrow gauge line into Carrog could be justified.
[Geology Notes: The Carrog 'Butty' seams were relatively late deposits, laid down in the late Cretinous Period (c50 – 100 Million Years B.K. [ Before Ken]). Friable and coarse-grained, they are unsuitable for use directly as Jam Butty, however, if compressed into briquettes, these have numerous uses such as in the construction field, or for the manufacture of mourning jewelry. The material keeps well for long periods of time and in extremis, can be eaten if soaked in a mug of piping hot tea (usually for around 3 hours). Whilst this characteristic may be an asset, it is no substitute for Kendal Mint Cake, since it has neither the taste, texture or (indeed) the nutritional value of that product.]
Apologies, I obviously have too much spare time on my hands this morning (LOL).
Steve N
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Looks a little moist Steve.
Well here are a couple of shots on a slightly better day - 'Steel Steam & Stars IV' on 6 March 2015 ...
Steve N
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Was it common to have an unpenned area for loading horses?
Hi Brassey,
My understanding, is that these would be the horses of passengers arriving to take the train (in the early days) to places further afield and so would be led up the ramp and into waiting horse box wagon(s) (perhaps to Dia, N1?) when the time came. This same ramp would also be used to load the passenger's associated horse-drawn vehicle (trap, gig, etc.) if they had one, onto a suitable 'brown vehicle' carriage truck - probably a single-plank open wagon and from the side, as I think the closed versions were end-loaded (but I could be wrong on that point). BTW, the end-loading dock at Shipston (near the entrance to the station yard, at the end of the engine run-round loop) was only added during the First World War for the loading of materials and equipment.
Presumably, even after passenger services stopped on the Shipston branch (8 July 1929), those who could afford to do so could still send horses by the remaining goods service, even if they themselves traveled by other means (whilst their grooms traveled with the horse(s) in the vestibule provided in the horse box wagon).
HTH
Steve N
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... I see you are interested in NCB workings the same as my good friend and near-neighbor PGH of this forum.
Yes. His posting of many excellent photographs has been an inspiration along the way. Due to personal circumstances, my own modelling has been put on hold for the moment, but it is great to watch you guys making such great progress with your layouts.
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Steve Naylors magnificent 4mm replicas of buildings at Shipston-On-Stour station (GWR) arrived today from fellow member Paul Ashton, for which I am eternally grateful. I will do my best to do them justice....
View through the doorway....
Weightbridge. All the buildings are constructed on a plywood base. Each will have to be sunk into the baseboard....
WEB Steve Naylors weightbridge 2.jpgA triangular baseboard will be added to the side of the station some 6' X 2' wide narrowing to a point. Further thoughts on yard access will mean an entrance off the lane that runs over the station, a level crossing by the signalbox proving to be out of the question.
Hi Larry,
Thanks for your compliments - now I am blushing.
As you have no doubt seen, there is also a scale weigh machine inside the weighbridge building and a hole in the base of the building to allow an LED or similar bulb to be inserted from below to illuminate the inside. Incidentally, the weighbridge office is now the only original building still extant on site, as it was used as the yard office of the local coalman (Mr Compton), who eventually had a bungalow built in that corner of the Goods Yard and it remained within the curtilage of that property to the present day.
Steve N
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Fireman Efynn Blyndir is admiring the flat bottom....
Surely (at least I think that's her name), surely there should be a canvas sheet from the cab roof to the tender? Obviously to keep the inevitable rain off, but also to protect the regular crews, who understandably would have no acquired resilience against the sun, should it ever come out.
Steve N
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Just to let you all know I've just had confirmation that 59th and Rust will be in Model railroader, not sure what month, will let you know when I know.
Fully deserved Ray.
Just one thing - does this mean that the rodents apparently infesting your yard will need further weathering, in order to turn them into 'doity rats' for the US audience?
Steve N
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Hi Steve, no need to worry Re the Morrisons parking it is the agreed overflow parking for Lysaght institute.
Fred
Hi Fred,
Thanks for the information - much appreciated. Assuming I do go, I'll probably do my weekend shopping there anyway.
Steve N
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An operator training session of Biejiao today ahead of the Bristol show in May.
Really looking forward to finally seeing this in the flesh. Will be there on the Friday.
Steve N
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Hi,
Apologies, but earlier today I posted a question here about the parking situation and then realised just now, that since nobody was actually 'following' the topic, none of the existing 'posters' would be aware. So if you get a chance to look at it, I would be interested in your thoughts.
Thanks in advance.
Steve N
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.... Even on stopping trains, why would a fireman stand five minutes looking into the firehole....?
Oh, I know this!
To make sure the bacon and sausages don't burn'
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Hi,
For those that have been before, what is the parking situation at this event? The leaflet says 'Ample Parking' and on the reverse of the one I have, the route map points to the Institute itself and then further on to Morrisons supermarket car park. Since a Google Earth/Maps satellite view shows relatively few parking spaces actually at the Institute, I guess most people will have to park at Morrisons - presumably this is allowed (as a non-customer)?
Just want to be sure, as if I do go (for the first time), I will be coming from Dorset and I do not see any other obvious 'official' parking nearby, unless you cross the river into Newport itself. The sign into Morrisons car park (in 'Street View') just gives opening times, so I do not see any restrictions, but supermarkets vary - some are OK with it and some are 'Customer Only'. Just checking.
Steve N
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Been off the forum for a long time so time for a wee update.
While I've had great fun with the layout a lack of future show invitations and the need for space for new projects means that Hacienda Ave will have its last outing under my ownership next month before being passed on to a new owner.
Thanks for the comments either on line or if you happened to see it at one of its outings
Cheers
Dan
Hi Dan,
Had the privilege of seeing your layout and speaking to you at Alexandra Palace in 2015. Very inspirational and best wishes for future projects.
Regards
Steve N
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A new small project will be to finish a Minerva 57XX 0-6-0PT as 7788 shown here still with GWR insignia in 1961 at Ashchurch on the Upton-on-Severn branch train. She was allocated to 81D Reading at the time so doesn't really fit into Cwm Bach. However, if 7788 could be detached to run on an ex-Midland Railway branch a long way from her home shed, then it takes only the stroke of my special "Rule One" pen to reallocate her to 86J Aberdare. The fortunate absence of the shedcode plate will help to maintain the fiction. I expect work to progress slowly.
Regards,
Chris
Will also need the front tank steps and a whistle guard by the look of it.
Steve N
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Not alot of work done on this over the past few days - teaching most of the weekend and sunday afternoon was spent splitting logs for the fire place. I now hurt lots! Still the cats will be pleased, espescially with the onset of winter. If nothing else it will keep them from trying to get on my lap whilst at the workbench........
3Cats by Phil Mortimer, on FlickrI did get a couple of hours to polish, blacken and oil the remaining wheels on saturday evening. So that job (which i truly detest) is now done and the wheels are stored safeley reay for refitting. Now I will crack on with trying to fininish the frames. Diane is away for much of this week, so I hope to get a few hours each evening.
Ahh, my favourite - roast cat!! (LOL) :-)
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"Are you sure?"... no, I believe that the Suit has gone to see about the arrangements for the next installment of Peppa Pig and Pals visit Tonfanau for lunch at the local cafe.
NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!!
;-)
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The tall building at Beynon Colliery is the outward traffic weighbridge.Once the wagons had been filled they were gross weighed and from the tare painted on the wagon it was possible to calculated the weight of the coal inside the wagon.The weighbridge had the dials in the building and these were connected by rods to the weighbridge plate on which the wagon ran.The weighman would then make out the wagon labels and invoices in this building.Coal from this colliery went for washing at either Abertillery or Hafodyrynys with a small amount going to local merchants
Well thank you Phil (I assume its Phil?)
Blimey, I've just realised it is nearly a year since I originally posed the question - doesn't time fly when you're failing to get any modelling done! Useful information though and one less topic to track information down on.
Regards
Steve
[Edit 1 = corrected spelling!]
The R & J Colliery Ltd. 130x45cm cabinet.
in Layout topics
Posted · Edited by steveNCB7754
Great progress Jan.
Assuming it is not already too late (and you may be doing this anyway of course), but Lance Mindheim (the doyen of US layout design and building) has a useful tip in the January newsletter I have just received.
He says that when you run your main power bus (he usually does that first), you solder your droppers to the rails (as you have done) as you install the points, but DON'T yet solder those droppers to the bus wires. Then, connect-up the bus to your DCC booster/power supply, connecting each feeder set to the bus and immediately checking that a loco runs OK each time. Continue connecting each pair of feeders and testing each time, repeating until they are all done. That way, you will know which one is causing a problem (such as a short), whereas if you solder them all to the bus and then start testing, you will have no idea which one(s) is causing the problem.
Probably well known, but I know I would probably get on and do all the soldering first (LOL).
HTH