drduncan

My word, what is the MRJ coming to? At this rate issue 300 will be on sale in every newsagent across the realm on the date printed in issue 299!!!! D

As 24hrs have now passed since the nominal publication date of MRJ 277, it is now officially open season for issue spotters or those running books on the actual publication date. For those of us, like me, who just want their finescale fix, anticipation is all very well but nothing like as good as getting hold of the product. MRJ is anything but ‘design clever’ - although it is often full of clever designs, solutions and above all inspiration! DrDuncan

It’s a variant of the Broad Gauge Ceaser 0-6-0 goods loco. Europa lasted until 1892 and the end of BG. D

Wrong Europa! I got all excited too... Duncan

It looks like the sole bars increase in thickness at the W irons to be flush with the wagon sides. Is that your interpretation of your composite image? Duncan

For nine read non - auto correct tribulations

I’m experimenting (at work so there is a hiatus for half term) on doing the planks by having a 0.25mm rectangle for the gap between planks that I can intrude into the side perhaps 0.25mm. Still at the drawing stage - one side of the unique BG convertible 4 plank prototype with its nine standard dimensions and wheel base - and the end to do. Then more trawling of fusion tutorials to see if there is an easy way to duplicate completed faces onto new sides/ends. I’ll let you know how it goes! ....

What’s your plan for the ends? Duncan

Mike, A very nice looking waggon side. Excellent work! Duncan

Any updates on new products by Union Mills? drduncan

Very nice! Duncan

Old or new production would be considered Duncan

I’m after a Graham Farish n gauge GWR castle class chassis, working or non working.

How did you make that fantastic sign? DrDuncan

I was thinking it had an L & Y tin tab feel to it. DrDuncan

Thanks. D

Chaps, thanks for the advice. My thinking is moving towards a Cricut maker (price difference). Regards Duncan

I see that the Silhouette range of cutting machines are popular and there are some users of Cricut products on RM Web too, but does anyone have any experience of using the Brother Scan n Cut range to cut plasticard or other modelling materials? drduncan

I see that the Silhouette range of cutting machines are popular and there are some users of Cricut products on RM Web too, but does anyone have any experience of using the Brother Scan n Cut range to cut plasticard or other modelling materials? drduncan

Did you cut away the excess white metal and put in the lower part of the boiler to get some daylight under there? drduncan

Mine’s a roadster so even less practical, especially for moving a 4mm mixed gauge layout ‘Nampara’ (when it’s finished). Regarding building your own track - go for it. It’s easier than you think. My current foray into track building involved a mixed gauge diamond crossing and the requirement to make gauges too. (Never done mixed gauge before - it’s an interesting experience) Its all in the gauges, you’ll need a couple (or more ) of triangular or 3 point gauges, a pair of check gauges (to set the check rails- don’t use a combined roller/check gauge) and a flange way gauge (a strip of metal the thickness of the flange way (1mm in EM). With these almost any formation is possible. Perhaps the biggest decision is whether to use copper clad sleepers and solder it together or ply/plastic sleeper with chairs glued to them (use the exactoscale ones as they are excellent quality if working in 4mm) I’m assuming 4mm but if ‘n’ there are kits available that can be modified. If 2mm get the excellent book on track by the 2mm society. Anyway, it’s worth having a crack at it. drduncan

Although it pains me to suggest aping anything the so called premier line did, why not use this as your exemplar? Yes its awkward for passengers, but, well, the real thing could be like that. For a minor railway network like that of Castle Aching the cost of rebuilding platforms might mean it was well down the list of priorities unless compelled by legislation. Regards Duncan

Actually it’s from Norfolk UK not VA. The Americans use ‘Derby’ Given the billycock’s agricultural and top hat roots it often seems (at least to my eye) to have a higher crown than the bowler.

It’s looks more of a Billycock than a Bowler... DrD

Dave, Very nice! And merry Xmas to you too. Drduncan