Fingers

Moxy,

Many thanks, it certainly helps.

I did a little more delving through an intruiging album on Flikr (Ernie's Railway Archive), and have come across pictures of Garelochhead in 1950/60's showing the painting 'standard' as dark brown/cream/white! As this is the intended period of my layout, I think that's the way it's going.

Cheers, Paul

I thought it would be quite straight forward to sort out some paint for Scottish railway buildings, but I seem to be struggling to find either a comprehensive list of colours or a colour chart. I'm building a layout based on Garelochhead circa 1960 and have colour photographs of buildings in green (woodwork) with off-white windows.

Can anyone give me a pointer toward the two colours, and also suggestions for a reddish lino floor and a generic 'concrete' colour.

Many thanks in advance.

Paul

Njee,

Thanks for the reply.

I'll blame having to learn the programme from ground up (very small steps!). Funnily enough I did find the reciprocal but used a wrong dimension, which is why I had the error. Taking a step back and recalculating, Eureka it works!

All I've got to do know is work through how to make multiple copies for an economical print. Also given force needed to remove a print from board tonight I'll need to learn how to lift prints off table on 'legs'.

Cheers,

Paul

Bill, Thanks for the prompt reply, although it's got me scratching my head. If I understood you correctly, you're drawing at 12mm = 1 foot, so 1/4" would be drawn at 0.25mm. I'm clearly missing something then as you'd need to reduce by 1/3 to give 4mm scale (and again 0.333 would give an error?

David, Thanks too for your reply. It somehow confirmed my thought that slicer software was just that!

Cheers,

Paul

I'd like to throw myself on the mercies of the assemvled throng please!

I'm (very) slowly learning my round Fusion 360 as a 3-D design programme, and have been drawing up some "small" items in 4mm (P4) that I'd like to print in resin. Historically, I used Turbocad and always drew at full size and then scaled to suit. I've kept this method of working with Fusion 360, but it throws a tantrum if one tries to scale at 1.76.2 - the decimal place gives an error and the closest I can get is 1.76, which gives an 18" long object a length of 5.941mm instead of 6mm.

1. How do other Fusion 360 users draw and scale? Is there a factor to give 4mm/ft that I'm missing?

2. Am I being pedantic about the error? However, this would translate into an error of 6mm in a 60 foot length.

3. I'm taking it for granted that you wouldn't rely on slicer programme for scaling?

Many thanks in advance for any assistance.

Cheers,

Paul

Young,

Many thanks for the lead. Agree with you unlikely to change by 1960 so have opened the purse to treat myself!

Paul

Just wondering whether anyone out there has, or knows where I can access, a working timetable for the West Highland Line [specifically Garelochead] preferably around 1960. Having been under the impression the route was relatively quiet and had developed thoughts on some services to suit how services might have worked, I've been surprised by just how busy it seems to have been!

All help duly welcomed.

Paul

You of course mean John Lewis International .You may find your way in after negotiating several barriers.Finding your way out is challenging.Finding a shop til you drop is the easy bit. Now finding a train.......you descend to the bowels of Hades...if you survive that long.

Of course, you mustn't forget that most people won't realise that if you choose the wrong stairs to change platforms, it's likely you'll need to leave "the station" through the barriers, do a lap of honour around the piazza (I was going to say concourse, but it's only a thoroughfare to the hops, innit!), and then re-enter "the station" through another set of barriers. Passenger friendly, errr, not really!

Paul

Hi all,

Thank you again for the info. Yes Glossop did have what looked like 2 crossovers but were in fact double slips. They were as said just in front of the bay platform and one leading into the inner road of the goods shed. I used to belong to the Glossop Model Railway Society and we had a 00 layout of the station. That was 15 years ago and I could not remember the details as I have since moved away from Glossop. I would like to incorporate a version of this track plan and the one for Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire into my next layout. I had already found the Mablethorpe trackplan but could not seem to find one for Glossop.

Again many thanks for the help

 

Cypherman

There was a series of articles in BRILL a few years ago on the Manchester - Sheffield electrification with lots of track plans (extracted from OS sources I think). I know Glossop was shown but can't recall which edition. When I've completed this mornings list of labours from the Management and probably walked the dogs I'll delve into the cupboard.

Paul

Here is an example of a converted Farish MK1, part of a 10  coach set for The Cornishman. It has had a respray on the roof and under frames, some weathering, coupling blocks and N gauge couplings removed and replaced with micro trains z scale knuckIMG_7088.JPGle couplings

Just picked up on this thread and am impressed by the improved look of the coach by taking couplings off bogie and body mounting. Which particular type of coupling did you use and is there a chance of a couple of photographs showing the underside. I dropped a PM but thought I'd cover bases.

Paul

John,

No problems with the slight hi-jack of thread, one persons pain is another's gain!

Back to the grindstone as they say, and if I've used my new fangled multi-meter correctly (I am passed out at wiring plugs and changing light bulbs only!) then I am pleased to announce the happy union of two chassis halves!

A further slight pause will now occur whilst I check if I ordered the 30:1 gear set. I'd also like to check from those with the knowledge about the 14/16 gears. I think I need the 3.0 (shop parts 3-385 & 3-386) rather than the 4.0 ones as one is out of stock at the moment.

Looking forward beyond putting the wheels on my wagon, I'm starting to think about the outside framing and details. There don't appear to be any axlebox/springs or sanding boxes. Not having made any effort to strip down the existing locomotive, an I missing something or does one re-use from locomotive?

Paul

For single layer etched frames, 7mm PCB is the usual choice. I think some of Chris's later chassis etches use double thickness frames (basically an extra 0.25mm later on the inside of each frame), and this is perhaps why 6.4mm PCB is mentioned in the instructions.

 

Andy

Ah, then might I risk the wrath of Chris by suggesting an error in section 6 of the generic instructions!

Just read it again to be certain and it says if building a loco with strengthening frames added 6mm PCB is required otherwise the 6.4mm PCB is used.

Many thanks for pointing out what is probably obvious to those with more experience than I. Roll on the next free time to see how easily I can melt PCB!

Cheers,

Paul

Me again! Had a little time spare this morning and thought about tackling the frame spacers and (hopefully) successfully joining said frames together. Got the remaining sections of frame folded to required shape and sat the two halves into the jig and have become slightly baffled, which isn't too difficult!

According to the instructions, the correct PCB frame spacer material should be 6.4mm, but this size seems to pull the ends of the frame together. I've measured the internal gap between frames and it's 7mm and 7mm PCB material fits comfortably and doesn't appear to bulge the frames.

On the basis that I'd really like to assemble the chassis in one go (am I mad!) could I ask the assembled throng for their opinion on which is the correct size PCB material

Ta in advance.

Paul

Rather than try fitting the bearing into the frame, with the frame flat on the work surface, fit the frame over the bearing with the latter sitting wide side down on the surface. That way the frame will hold the bearing secure while you apply the soldering iron to the front surface.

 

Jim

With many thanks to Jim for spotting the obvious solution (really must think harder!!!), managed to grab an hour today to get bushed! Not sure on building etiquette but with use of pliers and pointy objects to hold in place got gearbox folded and soldered.

As expected, the bushes needed attention from a broach to ensure clearance for axles. This was fun as it proved my fallable soldering when two bushes detached themselves on the broach (whoops!). Quick re-soldering and then off to the sink for a wash and rub down. Back in the box to steal myself for joining frames together - trepidation awaits!

Paul

Well, I had a spare hour this morning and so a start has been made!

First up was the chassis jig, which was removed from fret and cleaned with file. I then surprised myself that the sides were easily folded to shape by finger rather than tool, and then fingers used to hold the joints whilst soldering. Lesson one now under belt - heat does like to travel and ends of fingers did get a little warm  :senile:I must admit though for a first serious soldering effort that all went well (one small step forward!)

Second up the frames (apologies for the frames being a little fuzzy in the photograph. Again, duly released from fret and cleaned up. Discovered 0.3mm drills are very small and the pin drill I bought is too big to hold! Fingers to the rescue once again to twiddle the drill and check the holes for brakes and Simpson springs. Logical next step to fix the wheel & gear bushes, and discovered a new game - bush tiddlywinks! Oh my days! It was easy to get the bushes to sit in the frame holes but go near them with the soldering iron (even when holding with tweezers!) and p-yoing off to the carpet monster it would go!

End result is three bushes attached with enough solder to sink the Bismark I fear (my excuse is that I've tinned the frame ready for a spacer - no, I didn't think so 

As a result my soldering skills have taken the obligatory two steps back and I may have to ponder how to stop tiddlywinks from becoming popular.

More as and when it happens

Paul

In etched kit construction, the fold line will be on the inside of the fold, provided the fold is of the normal 90 degree sort.

 

In the case of a 180 degree fold where an item folds completely back on itself, for example the coupling rods in this kit, then the fold line will be on the outside of the fold.

 

Once you have folded parts up, it often becomes more obvious how they fit. For example on those parts for the trailing axle.

 

Chris

Chris,

Many thanks for the information, will save me the embarrassment of failure opening the box! Hoping to cut metal and get the big hammer out this week and will post my efforts.

Cheers,

Paul

You'd have to ask the person who started this thread. I was only replying to a fellow forum member who was confused about the scale, so was I to begin with.

Apologies, my excuse is that I was only ever dragged up knowing "N" gauge and it's a bit like a (H)hoover or (S)Sellotape the name sticks. Bad Dobbie will try to call it 2mm in future!

Cheers,

Paul

Ooooh, didn't mean to cause ructions!

Nig H - I did look briefly at these and have looked again. Together with Chris's blog hopefully the light is at the end of the tunnel!

Chris - Will read your blog with interest.

Crossing fingers a start might be made next week - watch this space.....

Paul

As there's nothing better than jumping off the deep end, I thought my first brass kit building effort should be the 14xx replacement chassis having won the loco on Ebay. I'll hopefully take a few photographs to show how things go, but I've a couple of questions before I start as there don't seem to be any specific instructions for this loco type.

1 - I'm assuming the 'right way up' for the fret is to have the writing upwards.

2 - Having cut out the chassis jig, correct folding is upwards [i.e. lifting edges off the table].

3 - How do the etches for the trailing wheel fold and fix?

4 - Having solved the trailing wheel problem and not having as yet stripped the body from the existing chassis, do I need to get cast axle box/springs as there's nothing apparent on the etch?

5 - If the answer to 4 is yes, what part number do I need to order.

Apologies for possibly being extremely dense, and advance thanks for answers.

Cheers,

Paul

I've just managed to bag a 14xx tank on Ebay and intend (hope) to fit finescale chassis kit from 2mm Association. I'd like to ask the assembled throng for thoughts on the best motor to use, and possible pitfalls using the 2mm chassis kit. I did come across part of a thread and recall a Farish (?) 7mm motor being mentioned. If this prevails, could I have the relevant part number - I looked at BR Lines and got confused!!

Cheers,

Paul

Hiya,

 

Nothing new, announcement wise, for 2 years I'm afraid, sorry.

I have to clear the backlog first.

 

Cheers

Dave

Just wondering whether there has been any progress on the mogul. I'm newly back into 2mm and layout in mind could do with a few!

Phil,

 

Oh bu**er it!

 

Just looked at the 1948 6" map and lo, it seems what I thought might be the brickworks is in fact a second "HMG" depot. If you look at the map https://maps.nls.uk/view/101593663 you can see both sites are almost identical! So, the search goes on for the brickworks.

 

Paul

Phil,

Well, double bu**er it!

Just goes to show that you really should read more! Having wondered whether the working timetable I have might show the sidings, it transpires that the sidings were 3/4 from Ellesmere on the Wrexham line just short of "Elson Halt". Looking at the various maps for the area (1961 1" OS), I found the halt by the B5069 bridge but scale is too small to show sidings. It did however yield a single large building (which I now think would have been the brickworks - https://maps.nls.uk/view/91576784)between the halt and the next bridge toward Ellesmere,

Interestingly the map also shows the HMG factory on the disused triangle but not the similar factory just further along (which showed on the 1948 6" map).

Fascinating how such a rural place can throw up so many questions!

Paul

Phil,

 

Many thanks for the reply, looks like the magnifying glass is going to have to come out!

 

Elson sidings is becoming quite a conundrum for a location meriting two trains a day (OK trains might be labouring the point!)! Agree that the triangle was abandoned many years ago, I was looking at the 25 inch 1920's map which clearly show the earthworks and the access to the "factory" crossing nearer the Welshpool line end of the triangle. Starting to look a little further away (like the next two sheets) success - I hope!

 

If you look toward the right hand side of this sheet https://maps.nls.uk/view/121148207 you'll note what is (hopefully) the brickworks with sidings. There is what appears to be a run round ability making the shunting move rather odd but possibly there wasn't room for more modern motive power?

 

Only downside is that the site seems to have been in the midst of nowhere and I can't trace any road names. Also there is absolutely no trace on Google as site seems to have been ploughed back to fields.  

 

Interesting additional detail on the crane "problem", a case of getting a bigger hammer methinks :-) 

 

Paul

Phil,

Oh bu**er it!

Just looked at the 1948 6" map and lo, it seems what I thought might be the brickworks is in fact a second "HMG" depot. If you look at the map https://maps.nls.uk/view/101593663 you can see both sites are almost identical! So, the search goes on for the brickworks.

Paul

Hi Paul and Brian

 

I have pondered over Elson Siding. I thought like you that it was off the Oswestry line at the west junction of the triangle.  But the triangle was taken out of use a long time ago whereas the WTT shows a morning and afternoon 'pilot' shunt to Elson Siding as late as 1962.  Having just googled Elson I noticed a reference to a wharf and siding for Elson Brick Works (Duddleston Road) in the National Archive.  Don't know what that was or when! I did wonder about including the moves in my operating sequence but decided it was a complication too far for my operators. As far as I know the loco propelled the vehicles with a brake van at the front. I planned to send a couple of vans in the morning and bring them back in the afternoon.

 

As far as buildings are concerned - I based my Goods shed on the ones at Bettisfield and Llanfyllin which were very similar and are still standing.  My signal box is adapted from measurements and brick counts of Pwllheli box and photos of Ellesmere box.  The stable and weigh office are based on the photos in Derek Lowe's book (not always easy to count bricks from a black and white photo!) whilst everything else is guesswork.  I think my Up platform shelter is a bit on the small side in retrospect.

 

Hope that's useful.

 

Phil

Phil,

Many thanks for the reply, looks like the magnifying glass is going to have to come out!

Elson sidings is becoming quite a conundrum for a location meriting two trains a day (OK trains might be labouring the point!)! Agree that the triangle was abandoned many years ago, I was looking at the 25 inch 1920's map which clearly show the earthworks and the access to the "factory" crossing nearer the Welshpool line end of the triangle. Starting to look a little further away (like the next two sheets) success - I hope!

If you look toward the right hand side of this sheet https://maps.nls.uk/view/121148207 you'll note what is (hopefully) the brickworks with sidings. There is what appears to be a run round ability making the shunting move rather odd but possibly there wasn't room for more modern motive power?

Only downside is that the site seems to have been in the midst of nowhere and I can't trace any road names. Also there is absolutely no trace on Google as site seems to have been ploughed back to fields.  

Interesting additional detail on the crane "problem", a case of getting a bigger hammer methinks :-) 

Paul

Forgive me for joining in. During WW2, Elson had been home to a factory making all sorts of fabric goods for the Forces. Apparently, they also supplied some to the USSR, and the Russians had personnel based there. My source was a piece on the BBC site that dealt with eye-witness accounts of the 'Home Front'- I just Googled 'Elson' and went from there.

I had hoped these had been 'Molar Products' factory, but that was nearer Wrexham; into the 1980s, they received wagon-loads of china clay to make false teeth...

Elson had also been the site of a fatal rail accident in 1954; looks as though it was due to a crane overbalancing.

Mmm, had a couple of minutes to look and the best I could find was that Elson Halt was closed during the war because of an army depot nearby. I came across the fatal accident and some photographs, which were interesting because the crane in question was a road crane and was being recovered by the railway breakdown crane! Trying to decipher the photographs, it seemed as though the road crane was loading a skip with bricks. You can see location is where two tracks joint into single line with trap (or lifted connection beyond) Curious why a road crane would have been where it was as no roads nearby, and loaded with bricks (demolition of signal box, P.Way cabin, platform? Link to photographs - http://search.digido.org.uk/?id=llgc-id%3a1467992&query=elson&query_type=full_text&page=1&img_id=4

Haven't come across anything on the fabric goods as yet but it'll not help those in charge saying it was an army depot! Must dig a little further while waiting for Phil to return from holiday.