Royal42

I thought that I would treat myself to a Fathers Day pressie as it is also Amazon Prime day. Being new to model railways I thought this might be a good opportunity to find a bargain train in the sale; unfortunately not. Daughter sent a nice card though, so I am still having a good Father Day. Mike

Thanks Ian, At the moment I am using my set squares as weights to hold rails down and in position after glueing. The problem is that I also need the set squares for something else at the same time. This is a non-running scratchbuild diorama in N Gauge/2mm cheers, Mike

Thanks Mondersson. Another question, I have seen people using rectangular metal straight edges, I think thats how to describe them, which look like the handle of a set square without the thin blade part. Anyone know what they are actually called and where to get them? Mike

I have a requirement to duplicate some of my modelling tools, as I now split my scratchbuilding between the mancave and the shed. I would normally go to a show and restock; however, that isnt possible at the moment; so, who is the go-to online supplier, for value and service, of items such as metal set squares, scalpel blades, hand drills and calipers etc? cheers, Mike

I would like to start painting up a couple of road vehicles in the BR red/cream of the 1950s and 60s and would like to know what the actual colours were for them. I use Vallejo acrylics and would appreciate it if the equivalents could be identified for them. Thanks in advance, Mike

Hi Kris, I didn't realise how expensive N gauge locos would be when I started this venture. I have been mainly concentrating on the ground and track work, with the intention of getting a loco when that was all completed. I shall have a go at scratch building a chassis, perhaps as a 3D print, and get the wheels from the 2mm Assoc. Apologies for the constant questions but does anyone know which wheels I would need to order? cheers. Mike

Thanks Phil, I shall try the Farish and Peters sites; I don't have facebook or use ebay. I have just joined the N Gauge Society, got my welcome pack this morning, so I could ask on there as you suggest. cheers, Mike

Thanks both, that is helpful. Is there a go-to supplier for these types of components? I know that the 2mm Assoc. does a Black 5 etched chassis but not sure that would be compatible. cheer, Mike

I have obtained a white metal upper body/boiler kit for a 3K Fairburn, by Skytrex Road 'N' Rail, and it needs a chassis and wheels etc. What type of chassis do I need for this kit and does anyone still produce them? If not, can anyone please help with plans and details for the chassis in order for me to try and scratchbuild one? cheers, Mike

Hi Simon, Yes, I did get my terminology all wrong, that's the problem with being a newbie to this. I have had a response back from 2mm and they sent me a photo of what I should have and, indeed, I do have everything. The problem hasn't gone away though and I now see what the issue is. A correctly drilled straight strip is as Andy described: five equally space holes to the left with more tightly spaced holes to the right, whereas the straight strip I have has five equally spaced holes to the left and to the right and; therefore, these do not align with the base plate when a template has been attached. Anyway, now that I know what the issue is, I have asked for a replacement straight strip as I am keen to get some practice done with these little toys. cheers, Mike

I think I understand what has happened. There were only two items in the packet, the template and a long straight piece with holes drilled into it. I had assumed that the long straight piece was also to act as a stop strip, hence trying to screw it to the end of the template. I shall go back to 2mm shop and ask for a stop strip. cheers, Mike

I could drill extra holes to fit; however, if I buy something new then I expect it to fit. Mike

In A Gadda Da Vida - Iron Butterfly 1968

I don't have any worry about that date as my diorama is of a section of New Street Station before it was rebuilt. As such, anything before 1963 qualifies, although I would probably focus on 1958 as that was the time I used to go train spotting there. These images are the only ones that I can find that show the area before much of it was demolished, so beggers cannot be choosers. cheers, Mike Edit: the subject header has be amended to include any vehicles to be found on British roads mid to late 1950's

I think I can get a Jaguar Mk. VII in 1:148 scale from Osbornes so, again, thank you for the identifications. How about these? This image was taken opposite the junction of the first photograph and is looking east into Queens Drive. This is a view from the other end of the drive, looking west. Mike

Thanks Phil, that is great. I would like to place as many vehicles that match those in view on my diorama, when I get to the roadway stage of building. Your identification has helped a great deal. Mike

I agree on lots of people wanting ex-WD stock and by the mid-1950's people were coming out of the austere period. This photo, which is the time frame and place my dio is based on, was taken in 1955 and most of the cars parked in the street are not austere types. As such, I would expect some owners, or their sons, would want to give their aging jeep a fresh look. Incidently, I would be grateful if anyone could tell me the make and version of those vehicles in view please. Mike

Can anyone please help with advice on the turnout kits supplied by 2mm Assoc? I have bought the set and downloaded the instructions; however, I cannot get the stop strip (the straight piece that comes with the base unit) to match the holes once the template has been attached. Here is a view of the B7 template, base and stop strip laid out on the instructions. As can be seen, the holes for the stop strip do not align with holes in the base once the template has been attached. I can't move the template any further to the left as there are no more holes for the screw. Any ideas where I am going wrong with this? cheers, Mike

The yellow one doesn't look very 1950's at all but that red would looks as if it wouldn't look out of place then. I think I shall go for that colour, thanks. Mike

Thanks all. I do have a model already. I am looking for an image of a jeep in civvy colours out and about on the streets of Britain in the 1950's. I realise that there weren't many colour photo's around in those days so black & white images would do, if you come across any. If not, then I shall probably paint mine either in light green or light blue although I think those were seen in the U.S. cheers, Mike

That's my point, a couple I know thought that, because they have the app, it will detect others around them for Covid even if those others haven't been tested. It took a while for it to sink in when I told them the app itself doesn't test the surroundings. Mike

I've heard quite a few blaming the failings of the Track and Trace system but I cannot understand why the are moaning about it. As I understand it, T&T won't identify anyone who has Covid but has not been tested for it, in other words they are not on record as being infected. Also, if a person has been tested and found positive then wouldn't they be isolating at home or in hospital? Mike

I wonder if he painted it up to match an actual version he had seen? I have a jeep model and I really would like to add it to my diorama, mid-1950's, but I've never seen a picture of a civilian one in other than the green/olive drab. Mike

I hope the title says it all as I am looking for details of any jeeps that might have found their way into civilian use, especially to be seen on British roads. Can anyone provide details and images please? I would like to add a civilian painted one to a diorama setting. cheers, Mike Edit: the header has been changed to include other road vehicles that can be found on British roads mid to late 1950's.

You don't have to be a baby to cry - the Caravelles 1963