BobM

Evening guys, Hope all is well? Where it is the intention to have an ash covering to rail height, I have set down pieces of balsa wood to save on scatter and potential spread problems? These sections have been covered with pva to seal and reduce the absorption of any paint undercoat, and then layers of ash/ silver sand and rubbed in Das clay, before being coloured? Further cork has been removed prior to undercoating and subsequent ballasting. Will let you know how this progresses, I have used similar techniques on the coal yard previously. Regards always Bob

Evening Have removed the coal stage, replaced with good/ barrels and repositioning where the intended loading gauge will be sited. Regards Bob

Cheers Roja Bob

A closing thought for tonight, I’m considering constructing (over time) the Metcalf two road engine shed kit that I have spirited away, to replace the existing rather ‘chunky’ resign Hornby one currently in position? Will obviously post if completed? Regards and night all! Bob

Hi All, With regards to the Metcalf kit in the above posting, has any one experience of weathering cardboard kits as I don’t want to ruin it now, with ink running, I’ve heard using dry weather powders then a light spray of varnish works? Cheers Bob

Afternoon, Hope all are well? Have made a couple of tentative tweaks to both the goods/ coal yards and the provision of a signal box at the junction of the mpd spur, which I think look somewhat better and perhaps more in keeping with the style of the layout, more over I feel happy with the alternatives? Comments as always greatly appreciated guys. Firstly have change the goods shed completely to a Metcalf construction, which seems less overpowering than the previous? Requires weathering at a later stage. Have initially rearranged the coal merchant yard too to balance the over all look, but may require further tweaking? A more appropriate signal box has been placed into its intended position to control both the junction and access into the loco yard. The next scenic section of the loco yard I intend to attempt is the hard standing stabling three roads. These are intended to be ash, filled to rail height. The process I have used on previous areas is to fill the track gaps with thin balsa wood stuck to the base boards, this has reduced both weight and ‘spillage’ problems when covering with a mix of silver sand and ‘Arley loco coal yard ash’ which is then weathered down. Will keep you good guys appraised. Regards always, Bob

For reference colours of rail and grass in unused siding

Good example of the depth of a pit, guy cleaning out the ash pan I believe with a hose? Nice view too if 4930 Hagley Hall.

Taking a trip ‘up’ to Kidderminster for a visit to Footplate Model Shop, this morning, but whilst waiting the service train, taking time to view the locos stabled in the yard. Stanier Mogul 13268 recently repainted and returned to service, receiving maintenance over the new pit at Bridgnorth. Looking superb !

Evening, Have applied a preliminary, light, wash of diluted brown across the area and sleepers, will allow this to soak in and dry, revisit and reapply a further wash. Will post when undertaken. Regards always, Bob

Afternoon (or Evening) ! Section of ballasted track has set and dried sufficiently to progress, so will retouch where necessary and weather the ballast next and move on to the next area hopefully soon. Regards always, Bob

Evening guys, Hope all are well and dry! Here in the part of the western midlands were I am it’s been a thoroughly wet and cold spring day, feeling raw and flipping freezing! Any road -up, have eased my way back into ballasting and weathering track by testing on a short siding in the mpd area. Over the last week preliminary weathering was done with the sleepers with a grey undercoat followed by a base brown, the sides of the rails and chairs with a mix of brown and rusty brown ahead of spreading the ballast. This evening have applied the standard 50 water/ 50 pva ratio mix to fix the ballast, allowing this to set before returning to see what has transpired! Will let you know when set, cheers. Regards always Bob

Circle of Life - Elton John

Hi It’s my intention now to do a bit of scenic work, including track painting, ballasting etc across this section. Regards always, Bob

Evening I’m happy to report that the siding were 2217 is shown sitting, has too been included in the ‘planned’ wired and switched track work, the head shunt housing the pannier is not at the moment ‘switched, as I’ve found it’s not necessary to be so as it’s in constant use, the remaining isolated when required? I’m amazed that as yet, I’ve done this, as my personal confidence lately had hit rock bottom and I was hesitant at even continuing to work on the layout. Regards always guys, Bob

Evening all, By way of an update posting these images to show that I have wired up and switched the following sidings were - 2217 sits and the also where the four locos are also stabled. So some progress eh? Regards always, Bob

I’ll Never Find Another You- The Seekers

Big Girls Don’t Cry - Four Seasons

A World Without Love - Peter and Gordon

Evening! I think this is going to be a long job, however I’ve successfully wired and switched the adjoining siding running through the left point too, where 9735 is sited, so there’s some hope for me yet! I won’t bore you good guys with each section wired up (promise), but will keep you appraise of progress when required! Regards always Bob

This is the short section that’s been wired and switched. Bob

Evening, Well, it may only be a short length of track, however I’m so happy that I have, after a long period of time not forgotten the principles of basic wiring and switches! This evening have managed to indeed to wire and section switch this short siding. One thing it has highlighted is the fact that I’m not so supple as I was beneath the boards and my eyesight is shot😀! Regards Bob

Happy Easter everyone, stay safe! 🐣 Bob

I’m Your Man! - Wham