bgman

The "other layout".....or should I say......Drewe Tor Sidings. I have made reference to the "other layout" in this thread and now it has now been named...... " Drewe Tor Sidings". This follows the ongoing proposed Edwardian themed GWR layout which is to be finescale 7mm and I decided to make use of some Peco track. May I explain the reasons as some will probably be wondering why I am doing it this way. In the interests of recycling I decided to make two baseboards from light-ply and a scrap insulation sheet all from stock. The Peco track and pointwork were bought several years ago when I changed to 7mm. I then tried hand built points which were very satisfying to make and as I progressed and discovered laser cut point kits that was a decider for me. This left me with a few Peco ** points which I had modified to be rid of the boxed area around the switch blades and a few weeks ago thought I would make a small, lightweight baseboard using what I had. (** nothing wrong with them just wouldn't be used on the main layout build ). I have also used some of the really nifty "Drop Stop" units in the frog areas to stop that annoying (to me anyway) wheel drop. This "layout" will be a general diorama type thingy for trying out kits and RTR loco's and stock which may also double up as a photo plank if I so wish. I want to keep it simple, nothing ground breaking but hopefully robust enough for the grandsons to play with when they're old enough ( under supervision of course - that'll be me not them ! ). . It will also serve as a trial for scenic work most of which is still in my head...... much like the track plan then ! OK it's probably not prototypical but I am not that bothered however it will also double up as something to play with. That's enough waffle, I know everybody likes to see pictures so here it is as of this afternoon..... So now you know....it's out there ! G

Yo ! Just keep waddling along at your own pace matey, you'll get there when it suits you .

Praise indeed and it is very much appreciated, I am also in awe of what you produce in your range ! The back-story for the above, many years ago a friend of mine was Head of Art and IT at a college here in Devon and he brought some samples of laser cut card to show me what can be achieved. After my excitement had come down to earth he asked if I wanted to use the software to "play with" ? Duly loaded onto the hard drive I started that very evening to see what i could do with it for the proposed Bath Spa Station build / details. It is a basic software ( sorry can't recall which one but issued to schools etc for them to use ). After a week of designing he said I was welcome to go to the college on a Friday afternoon when all the students had gone home at 14.00 hrs. He showed me the lasers in a craft room......Wow ! There were 3 very large beds which he said were ready for me to use......like a child in a sweet shop I plugged my dongle into the computer and marvelled at the shapes being produced. I came away with a full set of windows / doors etc and a trial arch for the bridge which I later built using the Silhouette cutter with plasticard as seen above. Thoughts of buying a laser cutter were very much in my mind when I retired but never got around to buying one, hey-ho ! G

Thank you, it just happened to be an accidental shot with my iPhone and the flash decided to do the clever stuff !

Made me laugh !

Hi Timo, I had visited since the original sidings etc were removed and have seen the "new areas" which despite best efforts by the architects don't quite do it for me. I understand why it has been done but "it's ruinzed it" ( as Gollum would say ) for me being an old traditionalist n all that. I was fortunate to speak to the architects involved and had a good insight as to the "inner workings" of the station from original Brunellian files / drawings so my views had been coloured somewhat. I agree with you about the new bridge, the original cast iron and timber one had more character going for it. G

While we're in Bath mode I did start the embryo of the "real" Bath Station some years ago but unfortunately it had to be scrapped when I moved. I had planned on a mixed gauge 4mm layout and was allowed to survey the whole station for the purpose of the proposed model. I know it has been shown in the past but just for some sort of continuity I thought I would show it on my own thread for anyone who may be vaguely interested.... All a distant memory now but if I had the room it would have been my final layout. G

Yo ! Morty, Thanks for posting that it made me think of happy days on Hartford Station as a young lad, just when they 'lectrics were coming in and the Class 37's etc. mixed with the last of the steam. Happy dayz ! G

In answer to your original question, I have done a few as and when time permits but not something I normally promote but thanks for asking the question. It really started when I took this on almost twenty years ago for a friends large S & D R layout, daunting but most enjoyable and I learnt quite a few things whilst making it.... Whether I've improved over the years I will leave for others to decide. G

Hi Rod, When I made my Greenwood points it was the first time in many years I had used Butanone. I hadn't realise how potent it was and each time I used it I wore a small mask with the window open. It certainly does the job but wish there was an odourless version of the same product. I've tried other adhesives but I find this to be the quickest to use. Great to see you've cracked it with the replacement crossover. G

I thought you were about as tall as me ?

Thank you, It hasn't all been plain sailing ( my problem due to deciding on a final finish ) but it helps that the kit is a top notch product in the first place. I would definitely recommend the kit and if i were to build another I would certainly look at your range. Regards, G p.s. apologies for the poor photographs !

Keep "plonking" !

Thankfully I "don't do" social media thereby not having to read all the negative comments on the programme. It provided a decent watch at the end of the day for me and I will certainly look forward to future episodes, I also hope that the curious viewer who doesn't model will be enthused and be encouraged to take up something constructive. G

No !

Getting back to modelling may I ask which grass applicator you are using please ? I noticed in one of your photographs there was a WWS bottle, I purchased one of Martyn's first applicator sets and have been really pleased with it over the years of using it together with his mini applicator too. G

Let me embellish, I was thinking of a small landscape photo book with a general text explaining how you achieve the weathered look. It could be sold at exhibitions and maybe give the proceeds to a charity of choice or for yourself to fund further work. Just a thought.

Crackin' stuff again Rob. ( Can't wait for the book to come out......why not ? )

That's a result, ready to play too....excellent ! Looking forward to more on this one. Erm....how did you manage to sneak it in passed the missus ?

Blimey Ade, your landscape modelling has come on leaps and bounds ! Enjoy the meal.

Ironically I took a ride out there this afternoon, no alcohol was consumed obviously. but a nice coffee was had whilst watching the world go by. Thank you that's very kind of you to say so.

Time well spent mate ! Plus your signature edge details which always looks tidy as a baseboard finish ( courtesy of Ikea) .

Told ya !