Neil Watson

More trees planted and another Dapol 68 in a proving run.

Little video of my 25 running

Had the first proper run on the club running night which was interesting as I had some constructive criticism and some good reactions to the layout.

Great news on this rails of Sheffield I will be putting in an order for more than one. I have several holidays in Aviemore each year and love this loco. If anyone has never been so far north to the very friendly strathspey railway or stayed in the cairngorm hotel then it is highly recommended. Is there a donation from this going towards the trust to help with its upcoming overhaul? Please can someone do one in n gauge next please too.

Aviemore is finally up in full again. Time to finish off a few details and the back scene. It is nice to finally have my stock going round in full, but this also shows up some weak areas where certain locos don’t like certain bits that were ballasted.

Well more has been done and a sign has been made for the layout. I am finding taking photos more and more of the layout as it progresses is a great tool to highlighting areas to improve on. The ballast will need toning down soon along with filling in gaps around the base of some of the buildings. Here are some more photos that I am taking to criticise the weak areas.

The signals

More signals in place with many thanks from mark Seward. His skills are out of this world and he saves me so much time and patience. The highland crane is in place and the grass has been put in place to blend in with the backscene. Just need to finish putting the backscene in place finish some fencing and put in a sleeper wall around the west end of the turntable. I am planning on finishing the ballasting once I have a day spare. Once I am happy with all those lovely jobs I shall be taking it to a room for it to be fully assembled again.

Well after the brother in law helped me to get the wood the correct size ready for the backscene I have finally started to see how it looks. It was not easy finding one that I would be happy with but it has left me with the job of getting the grass on the layout to be a lighter shade of green to match it. Also managed to fit some narrow crossings which have come up good.

Hello tommo To be totally honest it was straight forward and was a lot easier than actually converting the loco and painting it. It runs lovely and is just the the part. May need to do another.

A better photo

More scenery laid and preparation has begun for the backscene. I have also had a go at bashing a Dapol loco about to look similar to a Caledonian mckintosh. I have had a small mistake spraying primer over the body today so a repaint was needed and she is also now dcc fitted.

Just a little update I have been working with the loading dock that just needs its final dressing before the highland crane can be fitted. I have been busy laying down the foam and fine turf whilst waiting on my static grass order to appear. I will then be ready to fill the embankments with spruce and pine trees. A quick stock take was taken to make sure I have enough for the rakes needed for exhibiting in may. I may see if I get chance to get more weathered in time for may. I believe my controller woes maybe resolved tonight one way or another and shall soon be looking at fitted point rodding and finishing the ballasting so I can finally get this connected all together for a trial run. Here are just a few photos s you can get the feel of the layout. I am just slightly concerned in getting the shades right with the backscene I have sourced and making it look like it is located in the Scottish highlands.

The signals are now being tested to fit, more need to be done. More grass has been put down but I need to tone it down a bit and the loading platform at the rear of the siding needs to be finished so the highland crane can be fitted.

i too like your trees and have made many of my own but it is good to see some lovely pine trees.

Lovely start and well done, I shall look forward to seeing this progress. Can I ask where did you get the backscene?

Thankyou Malcom for the kind words, it’s getting there. Done a bit of modelling today building a highland crane.

Lovely trip to Aviemore today to spend time with the family on the Santa special. Worth every penny and completely knackered. Little ones loved it and even the driver etc blew the whistle as we passed them leaving which the kids loved the driver liked it more when we pooped our car horn back. (Two scoops)? Really wish you could get a model of 828 in n gauge.

cracking layout so far well done i hope my embankments come up to the same standard.

i will try and look out for you on the 23rd on the 11am train incase you are on it. 9im sure my wife would love to look on the footplate again at broomhill.

tommo I shall remind you and look up your thread. I have a barney loco that I am trying to make in n gauge but is proving tricky. once your model is done maybe give it a run on aviemore. neil

Hello tommo Hope you are enjoying retirement, kept it a little quiet then as it was still in its early days. I do like your signals they would find a nice place on Aviemore lol. If you get chance pop along to Ely model clubs exhibition in may share Aviemore has its first outing.

A little more progress done with the platforms, another layer of grass and starting the final base board. After advice on another site the loco shed has a base and the track has been sprayed with sleeper grime.

More progress has been made with landscaping and finishing the platforms. One important note is due to lack of space putting up the base boards is finding the scenery does not always match when working on them Independently.

hello twoscoops this is in n gauge but I will see what can be done for you. we are in aviemore 3-5 times per year and got married on the railway in 2016, also being up there at Christmas this year. what part are you volunteering at as I may be able to say hello.