Andy R
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Posts posted by Andy R
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Following on from last Sundays pics of the auto train, here's some photos of 5819 following it with the branch goods.
Cheers, Les
great stuff again Les.
And thanks for your help last Saturday. Hope you enjoyed the fun.
Time to get into upgrading those kadees!
regards Andy R
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Possible change of direction. Kingsbridge is almost finished. I need to populate a couple of areas and perhaps some more Dockside clutter. Whilst I'm pretty pleased with the way its gone and the look of the thing, there is something at the back of my head saying you need a change. I have often said when commenting on more urban threads that I do like some urban grime (or words to that effect).
I perhaps have made the mistake of not only buying and devouring Mr. Rice's Cameo Layouts book I have also re read his other books and my thoughts are turning towards something smaller, say some 6ft + fiddle yard, in the cameo style with proscenium arch etc.
An idea came to me whilst reading Model railway, PLANNING and DESIGN, a layout called Capital Yard took my eye. Playing about with it on my computer I realised that I could cut the Diesel Stabling yard own to 6ft and have a raised parcels siding and platform behind it, (another of Mr. Rice's ideas--Bitsa stations) Possibly even a the terminus end of a platform so that you only ever see a loco and 2 coaches That will have to wait until proper planning ie on wallpaper backing paper.
This is what I've messed about with from the original design by Neil Ripley
Unfortunately I do not have the space to keep Kingsbridge so if I do go down the cameo road it will have to go. It does mean there will be far more space in the railway room. My wife even suggested a sofa. It would also mean a better book and magazine storage.
You never know it might not happen, but this idea has been burrowing away for a year or two now and I think Iain Rice's book has brought it to the fore. if it does go ahead it will be at least several months before anything happens and I will have one big photo shoot before Kingsbridge goes.
Hi Alan.
Interesting to see your thoughts on changing tack and going into smaller compact layout territory. I also have experience with a continous layout build with my Hawkinsfield project, not unlike your original Wencombe in theory, (which I continue to work on at snails pace!), and a small BLT type layout which I exhibit (Stackton Magna). Having just come back from 2 1/2 days of operating the small BLT have have to say I have a love/hate relationship with this type of layout as time goes very slowly with its limited operational scope.
The absolute key to getting real enjoyment from such a design IMHO (again drawing from this last weekend) is to have an automatic coupling system that allows maximum stock movement and complex moves with minimum stock handling and hesidence...in other words smooth running all the time. Like many others on this forum I have invested in Kadee couplers for this layout and I plan to improve the running further by fine-tuning the stock and locos with refitting some of the kadees which in my initial 'rush' to get operating I did not set up properly. (wraps here for people like Andy P and John Flann who seem to get these things just right and then enjoy the operational benefits -another example being Much Markle with the DG's). If set up properly (whatever system you might choose) it should will pay you back in spades of operational enjoyment in my view. Otherwise, I cannot see real benefit in changng your layout design approach after the two magnificant layouts I have seen from you on this forum.
Could you not have both types with the smaller one stored under the other Kingsbridge and erected when you want to 'have a play'?
Anyway, just my thoughts on getting operational fun from a small layout without going completely mad!
John Flann is very wise on this stuff with his Hintock/Port Bedy series.
regards Andy R
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These are the ones you see on Trewithen.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152076855191?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Thanks Andy - I have the specs and cannot use ebay postage here to NZ- but I can find locally I hope.
regards Andy R
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Hi Andy, there little Neo Magnets under each side of the Track, TBH they didn't work as well as the ones on Pencarne, (different supplier from China) so I've added extra small round magnets for extra pull.
That was quick!!!!
Thanks for that idea- I have seen articles in MOdel Railroader on a similar approach. I guess just a case of finding the right size magnet?
Do you have any advice on the magnet specs please Andy ?
regards Andy R
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Thanks Martin, I did have another little run earlier, mainly to test the Kadee Magnets and ensure the Points were all o.k. after the Ballasting.
Andy P -what type of Kadee magnets do you use? The ramp type or below track magnets?
Amazing progress with yet another layout- I dont know where you find the time
regards Andy R
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For sure Andy.
Will you have Stackton Magna on display?
Hi Les- yes I will have the little BLT- set up Friday and two days of playing in front of public...will I still be sane at the end?
C u sometime over weekend I hope
Regards Andy R
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Well done Les.
See u at Morrinsville and catch up with a chat-
Andy R
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Love that last photo - ( and the others).
Regards Andy R
It is early after noon and the bubble car arrives from Slapton with its once a day round trip.
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Thanks for all the great photos Robin, good to see you yesterday. We had a fantastic weekend at Leamington which was a well organised show despite the enforced rambling nature of the venue. We received many really nice comments about Much Murkle. If you are reading this and are one of those people who did so, then thanks, it is appreciated.
We were in a small college classroom with just Talyllyn Railway Society stand for company but had lots of footfall to our room throughout the weekend. Because it was so cosy everyone seemed to stay watching for much longer than at other shows. Sometimes we had in excess of a dozen people watching and you could hear a pin drop, everyone was concentrating so much on what was happening. quite surreal when we are used to the hub-bub of exhibition halls.
Roll on Alexandra Palace in three weeks time.
Nick -well derserved comments and feedback on the layout and exhibition- clearly people know quality when they see it. The automatic coupling and flawless running does you credit and must also help with the enjoyment for the operators and the customers.
As John Flann has said above- nice to see wonderful photos when we cannot all just 'fly' over for the weekend!
regards Andy R
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Finally took those photos from the balcony of the Sea view Hotel.
now photo shopped to get rid of the baseboard edge.
Looking over the platform canopy
and lastly looking the other way at the end of the platform and the bridge.
Alan- another question if you dont mind- what make are the platform gas lamps please. I am trying to find a solid set of these for my Hawkinsfield Junction platforms and wonder what you might recommend?
Like many others I just love the atmosphere you have created with the layout- masterful and so educative..
regards Andy R
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Alan: that last photo sums up the layouts exquisite modelling scene beautifully. Once you put in general clutter and soft weathering in and around the quayside it will be superb.
How are you finding the BLT operation compared to the former junction of wencombe? More or less enjoyable?
I think some of us would be interested in your experiences on this as I think this is an area of modelling that is not often commented on.
Regards Andy R
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Love the first photo in that last set.
Cheers, Les
Love the first photo in that last set.
I agree Les. This layout superb.
Andy R
Cheers, Les
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Yep. And kadees to assist shunting.
How could you resist!
See u there sometime
Andy R
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Les. The word is that my little BLT Dymstock will be asked but haven't heard officially. If so then its three days... groan)
Maybe join me for a little time operating?
Regards Andy R
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Wonderful to see you back in the groove Les: a weathering lesson for those of us reluctant to ' jump ' into that space without courage.
Love the station building too- truely a nice piece of individual modelling.
Catch you maybe at Morrinsville in early April?
Andy R
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Hi All,
I thought I would share this picture with you as it shows close to 3/4's of the layout, so it will give some idea of how it's all laid out and of the state of construction.
Along the back of the layout is fairly well coming along but there's still work to be done along the front. And the signal box needs finishing. I started this ages ago, but just can't seem to get enthused into finishing it. Currently doing the interior. Also, I need to complete the platform surface. I just haven't been able to come up with a way that I'm happy with. The texture is either too smooth (and paint like) or too coarse, I just can't seem to find a happy medium. And I've yet to be able to create a colour I'm happy with. I will continue my experimenting.
Finally, a picture of the same train passing the loco shed on its journey up the branch.
Cheers, Les
Hi Les- and happy new year to you. Everything you are doing on this layout continues to impress- look at the many likes from some really good modellers on the RMWeb.
Our small, local Tauranga show has been and gone at Mount College and now I am thinking ahead with my small GWR BLT likely to be going to Morrinsville show early April (8/9 from memory). Hope we can see you there.
Also, just to renew my open invitation to pop into Hawkinsfield any time you have time in Tauranga. Not much work done on Hawkinsfield with xmas, new year and the full on cruise ship tours over summer. A little bit of work done on revamping scenery on a small N gauge layout in the Clubrooms slowly to improve its look and maybe get up to exhibition standard for future.
So, catch up hopefully soon.
reagrds Andy R
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Thanks Andy, strange that only this yesterday morning in clearing space in the model railway room and particularly the magazine section I cut out the articles on Wencombe, Doing the timetable for Wencombe and converting the restaurant car so as to throw the rest of the magazines away.
Alan/Andy P -funny coincidence. as last week I grapped a couple of RMs from our local model club to read over christmas and one had the Wencombe article as well. Enjoyed reading it and looking at the photos, as the layout was one of the nicest GWR essays on the RMweb in my humble opinion.
regards for the new year from 'downunder'...Andy R
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Hi Tony. Pleased to hear things are ok in the operating sphere. Buckingham needs several good operators to make it hum along.
I would love to see any wonderful layouts we can fit in tony . See how our itinerary unfolds.
Regards abdy happy operating
Andy R
Hello Andy,
You are most welcome any time you can get here.
Although the other Tony is moving away soon, I have a couple of other regulars on a Tuesday and a Friday, so our regular running sessions should be OK.
If we can make time, we should see if we can arrange for you to see the layout I mention above, with the 5 stations. It is like Buckingham with an extra through station after Grandborough and the fiddle yard modelled as another terminus.
Tony
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Many thanks for the kind words!
In theory, it would be possible for me to borrow the original Tickhill & Wadworth stock from Malcolm Crawley's family and put the layout out again. About 40% of it was mine anyway and as some of the locos have passed to me now, we could probably manage with what we have.
But it is most unlikely to happen, at least while I have the layout.
The main factor is that out of the group of people who took the layout out with me, several are no longer with us and those that are have lost their enthusiasm for the work involved in preparing, transporting and exhibiting such a layout. That includes me to some extent. I have just spent the whole day trying to find all the bits that we need to take "Church Warsop" out this weekend. So many bits get used on other layouts that they get spread all over the place and it has been an all day job and I still need to find some more bits, set it up, clean and test it, service the stock and locos and pack it up.
It is much more fun to walk down to the shed, open the door, flick a switch on and play trains!
Tickhill & Wadworth still exists, stored in my garage, which won't be doing it a lot of good. Negotiations are in hand for it to go to a new home, where it will have a new lease of life.
In truth, it was an enjoyable project but although it was possible to operate it just like the real place, it was the sort of place where not too much happened. I always found that a weekend operating it a couple of times a year was enough and even when I cleared the garage to get it set up, I never bothered as it would never sustain operational interest for me as a home layout.
I guess that I am spoiled now. I have what is possibly the best layout that I have ever operated at my place, along with friends who come around twice a week to drink tea, talk trains and operate. It has certainly changed my hobby completely and my exhibition involvement, while I would never want it to stop completely, will be very much reduced from now on.
I had pretty much decided that I wouldn't build any new layouts as I have plenty to keep me busy but I couldn't resist just one more, which is ready for work to start any time now.
Tony- so pleased to see you are still getting so much enjoyment from the lovely, iconic layout in your shed...I have certainly enjoyed my visits to Buckingham thanks to your patient guidance as I stumbled through the timetable moves.
With a bit of luck and your support I might be able to squeeze in another visit late in 2017...will PM on that early next year.
How is the recruitment of additional operators going? Hopefully you have several experienced lads that make the operating sessions hum?
regars and best wishes, Andy R
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It must be fulfilling to pass on your scenic skills to youngsters at Pendon. What a venue.
I managed a revisit there after 30 years since first visit in 1981 and had to be dragged out at 4pm! Had the rare privilege of going inside the glass walls of Madder Valley on a running trial which I will never forget.
Keep up the good work Nick. Much Murkle one of my absolute favourites on here.
Regards Andy R
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Les. Worth exploring that for crane site but would need to alter plinth, which is possible. I think it important to have the crane if I can.
See you at Hamilton.
Regards Andy R
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Thanks Andrew. Should be straight forward. Small job compared with the conversation on Coachmans thread about changing to O gauge... he makes it look so easy! Lovely track work there one day then gone the next. How does he do it???
Regards Andy R
Thanks Andrew. Should be straight forward. Small job compared with the conversation on Coachmans thread about changing to O gauge... he makes it look so easy! Lovely track work there one day then gone the next. How does he do it???That's looking very good Andy, hope it all works out O.K. in the end mate.
Regards Andy R
That's looking very good Andy, hope it all works out O.K. in the end mate.
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Today I have finally had some time (who said retirement was slow paced?) to spend in the man-cave and work on the refinement of the station loop of Stackton Magna, with the removal of some of the loop track and placement of a small PECO point to provide a small siding off the loop- as outlined in thread posts above. I get at least 3 small wagons or one plus guards/brake van in the new siding, so it will assist operational shunting in the small goods yard. This refinement, based on my learnings from the two days of operating the layot 2 weekends ago.
Point and siding now in place and track painted before ballasting next session in normal manner with diluted PVA over spread ballast, moistened with a little water/washing up liquid.
Several photos below show the steps today, with some track isolating gaps filled in with super- glued plasticard for overnight hardening. I will file their profile next time and then start ballasting, and filling in ash/ballast also between the tracks. Then flip layout onto side and install the new PECO point motor and wire into the control panel. This layout simply uses the 16 volt AC poer outlet from a old triang controller that sits under the layout at showtime.
The one casualty in this change is the lovely Mikes Model yard crane- there is simply not enough room to relocate it within the tight yard. Further thinking required on this -can I locate elsewhere???? (the photos will suggest no easy answer to this as can be seen by the small space in the yard now)
Regards Andy R
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Hahah 8.40 am having breakfast with the Flip Flop on my knee, and a stinking cold.
Sorry to hear you are poorly, but RM web will make you better...lots to see and comment on if you want. I have the laptop on my knee and watching Rick Stein eating and cooking through the Med and also the NZ cricket team collapsing again in India-those indian spinners are nearly unplayable on day three!
Andy R
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Somewhere out west
in Layout topics
Posted
Hey Les -how have you made the fence posts? They look really good.
About to depart for the south island road trip for a month. Will catch up on RM forum end of May. I have drawn up the proposed new terminus we talked about at the show full size on a length of paper and with a few tweaks it seems to work out ok -all within 12 inch width of baseboard. Just have to draw out the possible train (Peter Denny type) storage yard for the centre of the layout room. Hope that works as that is central to the concept working.
regards Andy R