DKGL

I'm still running an old Mainline GWR Mogul, but I've swapped the tender for one of the current Hornby County ones. As this has pick ups already wired in, it's not dependent on the Loco wheels, picking up current.

The Dome is the original Dapol one, and the Chimney & safety Valve cover, were from an old K's kit, and just shortened the handrails. Buffers were from the spares box again, and I think that's all I replaced. It was originally meant for a 0-16.5 loco I was building, but never finished.

Found an old Dapol Pug in the spares box. Thought it would look better in Green !!!!

Recently, I decided to build a small extension to my Brislington layout (not that it's much bigger), and decided to add a section of narrow gauge, as I had some stock from the 80's, and a more recent Bachmann Baldwin. The Peco Track I had, was from the same era, but unused. The Crazy track sections were available then in 18" lengths, and I had 3 unopened box es in stock as well as a number of 12" & Y points. The Baldwin didn't run too well through the points, so I purchased 2 of the newer 18" Mainline ones. Glad I decided not to use the old ones now. Still more to do on the new section (mainly ballasting & some more buildings), but I'm getting there. I wouldn't worry about mixing the Crazy & Mainline types.

Due to the good weather, was able to set up over the weekend. Dean goods arriving with a mixed freight.Also, did some work on the new section, finished Roofs & some more detailing. Should make a nice photo plank !!! 64XX and Auto Coach en route to Brislington

Must take a few more so. Quite a small layout, set at the beginning of WW2.

Re-painted the buildings. Pleased with the finish now. Just have to complete the roofs & chimneys. Also, the Dairy siding is nearly complete. Just have to add the pipework, roof & railings on the wall. Need to then start on the ballasting. I always leave until most of the groundwork has been done. All this came about from a post last year, re the morning milk train. I realised it didn't have anywhere to originate from, or return to. So, with the enforced recent working from home, this is the point I'm at now. This is the original photo from last year.

Just some of the unfinished buildings and some narrow gauge rolling stock on this section.

Brislington is a small GWR branch line, measuring approx 240 X 40 cm, plus a fiddle yard around a further 90 cm. There is already a Cider siding, but I thought about adding a further one, a small dairy for milk traffic. As I haven't enough space to set up a longer layout at home, I though about a self contained one, which would be separate, but could be attached to the Brislington boards, which could be set up outside. I would normally build the complete baseboard, including the back-scene first, but as the DIY stores are now closed, had to work with what I had available, so just started with the base board. This is where I am at the moment. The extension also includes a narrow gauge station.

I use a mixture of both Spratt & Winkle, and 3 link / screw. All locos have a "goalpost" wire fitted both ends, between the buffers. The early milk train below, has been fitted with the standard 4mm S&W coupling.

Had some spare Ratio sides from an earlier 009 project. Cobbled together the attached. Not exactly correct.

I purchased one of the plain black ones in December last, with the intention of re-painting in GWR Green. I had already completed the tender, before noticing the missing Flywheel. The following is what I received back from Oxford Rail: Good Afternoon Dermot This is a new motor compared to the original Dean Goods and only required 1 fly wheel compared to the original model we released which had 2. Hope this helps. Kind Regards Scott As I only operate a small branch-line, it's sufficient to pull the type of loads required. However, I am looking at adding some extra weight. Dermot

Just to be clear, the chassis is metal. The keeper plate (?) is plastic. What you have to file are the channels in the metal chassis. Hope this explains all.

Could be. But another thing I noticed, is if you were to remove too much of the channel, and then the rear wheels run too high, with the footplate level being affected, there seems to be space to fit some sort of spring, not a coil one, but maybe like one of the old Lima pick up plates, between the axle and chassis, which would bear down on the wheels. These are still available from Peters Spares.

Having purchased and just tried on a test track that the chassis worked, I went about and detailed the body, so no chance of returning. I then had a look at what needed to be rectified, in order that the center wheels made contact with the track. I opted for option 1 above, but only on the rear wheels. Only requires a small amount of filing. I used a round needle file, and had to reassemble a few times until the fit was correct. Also shortened the pick ups on the back wheels. The other ones only need to be slightly bent forward. Make sure all of these are forced outward, to make good contact with wheel backs. Now, for €50, another addition to the fleet. Should I have to do it ? NO, but as I was unable to return it, was left with no option. Now it runs like a dream. I have 2 of the Airfix 14XX's, from the 80's. I have had to remove the motor from one, which now runs attached to an Autocoach, fitted with a Tenshodo bogie. The second one, is still running perfectly. Also, both had the wheel sets (with traction tyres) replaced. Anyway, just found my Xmas prezzie, hidden in a wardrobe. Hattons 48XX !!!! Better not say I found it. Might get returned.

With Locos, I generally use one for each duty, with the correct lamps fitted front and back, so it makes no difference which way it's travelling. Likewise, coaching stock are fixed in rakes, with tail lamps at each end. With goods stock, the brake van again fitted with tail lamps both ends.

Photo attached now. Really just DIY washers.

Regarding the side play on the bogie wheels, following a post I read some time back, I used small slices of a used Biro tube, fitted to the axle, both sides, between the bogie and the wheel. A bit of trial and error, but works. You need to remove one of the wheels from the axle to do this. I'll try and take a photo later. My problem was with the Prairie bogie lifting on points, and derailing. I use S & W couplings, so just a wire bar is required, on the Loco.

Regarding the above, I've just found these photos.

I've used the Smiths tarpaulins. Mine must be the older type ( 28 + years since I purchased them). Anyway, I went the crumpling route, then fold before applying to the wagons. I'll post some photos shortly. One thing about the older type, is they seem to "age", and take on different shades. Not sure about current ones.