Andy R

Fine-tuning Stackton Magna and stock for weekend. Older Bachmann pannier tank has been given kadees to assist some basic shunting of small local goods. See photos...

Andrew- I took out the dremel and slaughtered off the old Bachmann tension couplers of the 56xx class tank and then fitted two kadee number 32 types with middle length shank glued rigid, to each end using the existing screw holes that held tension couplers. It works to a ponit where I can at least shunt some stock around with this engine and once I get the uncoupler magnets (horrible black peices of metal) into the right places in what is a very short set of sidings, I will be able to play a little between driving another pannier with auto coach and the old Lima railcar in and out for passenger services. Enough to get on with and get me through the weekend, semi-sane! The layout only has small radius PECO points which are a real negative but that is how it was originally built before I took it over. They make any shunting very challenging and obviously not the same issue on Hawkinsfield itself. I might think of replacing the small pints with meduim to large on Stackton Magna if it gets further show invits as this would help its operation. Anyway, I will take a photo of the pannier with its new kadees and post seperately... also acknowledging and thanking John Flann for his advice back via PM. Cheers guys- Andy R

You must have a newer one. Mines over 10 years old hence the head scratching on what one to use. Thanks Andrew.

AndrewP and John F Thanks again. I am endeavouring to put kadees on a Bachman 57xx class loco which does not have NEM pockets and needs a small kadee to fit under buffer beam at correct height. Needed to cut plastic of tension coupling away. Then I find so many choices in reading literature on line it just gets confusing. That's when I ask for help on the web. Anyway I will keep experimenting. Regards Andy R

Update on Stackton Magna layout I have spent recent days working on the small GWR branch terminus layout Stackton Magna. This has involved constructing a small 3-track rotating storage yard to assist train turning at one end, cleaning track and adding extra power feeds to assist running and constructing a lighting gantry to get better light onto the layout. I also want to acknowledge and thank Andrew P for giving me some advice on how he fixes kadees onto his stock, which I am finding challenging for the locos; a work in progress. The attached photo hopefully give some idea of progress. regards Andy R

Thanks- I will try to do some photos in the daylight tomorrow and PM to you perhaps Andy R

Cheers Andrew. I have a height gauge that I've had for years and used number 5s before. But as you know they can't fit onto all stock. I am finding locos the challenge at present. Regards Andy R Cheers Andrew. I have a height gauge that I've had for years and used number 5s before. But as you know they can't fit onto all stock. I am finding locos the challenge at present. Regards Andy R Cheers Andrew. I have a height gauge that I've had for years and used number 5s before. But as you know they can't fit onto all stock. I am finding locos the challenge at present. Regards Andy R

Andrew. Thanks. You are right there are dozens of comments in other parts of forum but I like to get from someone who is really working them on uk stock all the time and current. Are you saying you only use NEM based wagons/stock? What when there are no NEM couplers? Thanks, Andy R

Hi Andy Great photos again. Can I just ask about what number of kadees do use use on your goods stock and then your locos? You seem to attach them with ease, but I find my testing of some of my stock with trying to put on kadees rather challenging - particularly the locos. Your advice phrase. Regards Andy R

Hi Andrew P- thanks for your comments and support. Lets see how the two days unfold, as I normally operate the O gauge layout that has more challenges for the day (three link couplers, stock to shunt around etc etc.. Loved your recent pictures of Pencare...is that sold? Andy R

John: as usual a dose of common sense and wisdom. The boredom just comes from the limited operational potential of the layout. But, I will do my best. I see from your hintock thread that you have been travelling. Good stuff and hope you enjoyed it ( you didn't fit in Buckingham?) Thanks for your continued support to my meagre endeavours. Regards Andy

Hi Les: wondered where you were. I think I sent you a PM re Hamilton show. But thanks for your comment on my old layout Stackton Magna. It's around 12 inch wide and about 13 foot long with new train turntable at the tunnel end. It's a very simple layout and boring... But I said I would help Tauranga club out on 1-2 October so I am happy to refresh it. How's your little gem going? Regards Andy R

yes I thought so too.. It takes two sides to make a game. To be fair I did only use the word 'demolish' rather than "crushed"...! It was nice to be a kiwi in Sydney last weekend! Lets see what this Saturday brings. And I must try to focus on my modelling. regards Andy R

Andy P - I have now and see another classic emerging. What I cannot get from looking up north from down here in the south is how you have the space to store and construct all these layouts Andy??? Your work rate astounds me...I am very much a plodder in the layout building department by comparison. You may have noted my latest deviation on my Hawkinsfield Junction thread into restoring my old GWR BLT layout for the next local club show. Even this small project is taking hours/days because of many other things going on (like a quick trip over to Sydney to see the All Blacks demolish the Wallabies last weekend!). Of well...maybe some modelling time this afternoon? regards Andy R

Hi Andy P -if this layout is finding a new home what is your next project? We like to follow the rapid construction of your excellent layouts...whats in store for us next time... regards, Andy R

Hi John; wherever it ends up in the rmweb I am sure it will be a good journey for those of us enjoying your modelling skills and the way you let the storey unfold during construction. I look forward to following it John. regards Andy R

And a couple of other photos of Stackton Magna taken today....

Diversion from Hawkinsfield layout...again! It is a while since I have posted anything as things have been slow in the layout room since arriving back from the trip to UK (and visit to Buckingham Branch as outlined in an earlier post). One of the reasons is that I agreed to resurrect my old GWR branch line terminus Stackton Magna, and get it ready for a local model railway club open day in early October. The layout has come out of 'mothballs' (covered in sheets and living below parts of Hawkinsfield) and damaged structures, scenery etc.. is being worked on to get it back to reasonable exhibition shape. I also need to check/improve electronics and build a new removable control panel and rotating fiddle yard (three lines) so that train formations don't have to be handled much during exhibition. At this time this layout is DC operated (Hawkinsfield is DCC) so out will come my stock of older locos suitable for this small GWR branch. Those RM webber's that have built and operated small BLT's may have empathy with my past experience that operating this type of layout over a 2 day exhibition is bl....dy hard work! Particularly if you don't have much assistance. But, the show must go on as they say... With these thoughts I attach below several photos of Stackton Magna as it evolves towards its new exhibition. regards Andy R

John -nice work shown well with your photos. I too am enjoying your thread and have empathy with your commentary about the "...loneliness of a lone modeller...". I am only 12000 miles away in NZ, and also a lone-wolf modeller plugging away at my layout Hawkinsfield as and when I can. I enjoy reading the RM web and posting updates when I can and seeking feedback/guidance. Regards Andy R

Hi John - these recent photos lead me to ask what the make of your figures are. They are beautifully painted and natural poses. Also, while I'm on the site, what is your techniques for making your trees? Many thanks and regards, Andy R

Hi Les- nice to catch up with your latest work on a cold, wet and wintery day here in NZ. Looking very good as ever. We are back from overseas and you may have noted in passing my quick comment about the wonderful operating day at Buckingham. I will copy a PM I sent to John Flann on this experience and send to you if you were interested. Operating such a splendid layout makes one pause and think about what one is trying to achieve, but that thinking for another day I reckon. Keep up the splendid work. regards, Andy R

AndrewP: very nice end to another layout essay which I really enjoyed following. I like the small quayside concept that you explored ( as are one or two others on the forum. Look forward to what you contour up next. I am still basking in the experience of 5-6 hours operating Buckingham several weeks ago. It makes one think seriously on how to design a layout with real operational/ timetable scope to max future fun. Regards Andy R

Oops; I meant to say it takes modelling enjoyment to a new level... The I phone typing has it challenges... Andy R

Reinspired by Buckingham visit and operation! I had the absolute privilege of visiting Tony Gee and his reinstatement of Rev Peter Denny's iconic Buckingham Branch layout 2 weeks ago. It was my third visit from NZ and what a great 5-6 hours of fun/ concentration/ inspiration was had. I can only reiterate what I and others have said on the RM web and elsewhere: it is a remarkable layout and what an experience to get immersed in its operation. Now this is how a model railway layout should be run and it just takes the enjoyment ( with a steep learning curve- no dcc here!!!). As Tony Gee ( a modeller of many years) says: it's by far the most enjoyment he has had in model railways. That's praise indeed given his experience and expertise. I want to acknowledge Tony's generousity in welcoming me into the shed to play for most of the day and for picking me up and back to Doncaster station. But, when you get to operate like this it plays on your mind and makes one rethink your own layout thoughts and priorities. I have been stewing with my own design and progress ever since!!! Time to reflect the real potential for operation of my little corner of the GWR.... Is there a better way to gain real operational enjoyment long term?? Such questions to be addressed before any more wood/screws/track is played with!!! Regards Andy R

John: just noticed this new topic...wow this is great modelling indeed sir. Look forward to more pictures and a track plan. Regards Andy R