Les Johnson

So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I’ve been communicating on here with him since I first came across his Arbroath layout and he very generously sent me photos and plans of Arbroath shed which I was just starting to build in O gauge.

Like JohnR I hope something can be done to preserve his legacy.

Condolences to all his family and friends.

with great sadness Les

Hi Paul, depots coming on a treat. Can’t believe you’ve been seduced by kettles! I’ve gone the other way, from OGAUGE kettles to OO green diesels with sound! Ha,ha.

changing the subject slightly, have you seen ‘ une nuit au depot de Poinzeraut’ on YouTube. All in French but you can change language. The whole blog is 294 pages with several vids including the above. Well worth a visit.

Hope you’re well

Les

Paul, looking at your blue grungy 08 there. Have you still got an even grungier green 08 that you don’t want?
Les

Paul, all looking quite excellent as always. I’ve just left a few questions on Dirty Diesels thread if you’ve still got access? If not let me know and I’ll put them here.

many thanks Les

Hi Paul just been through’Dirty Diesels’ and love the OO gauge O8’s, especially the heavily weathered green one. Can I ask which of the 08’s from the various manufacturers is the best runner/best detailed, Best Buy generally.

also I don’t know if you’ve mentioned it elsewhere but what controller are you using for dcc?

many thanks Les

Yes, that’s the one. I am assuming that you actually have one and it’s not just a picture of something that you want? If it is just a pic can you tell me what make it is?

many thanks again

Les

Love all your work Sheepman (I’ll have to start calling you Glen  (Ford)! From the weathering, the buildings, to the landscaping , all brilliant, especially Sheep Dip, with all the slate buildings etc.

Anyway enough of the flannel, joke! Can you give me the dimensions of the cream and brown timber station building. Length, depth and height to end gable will do.

Many thanks in advance

Les

Nice gardening there Ken. Some great railway shots too. 
Hope you all had a great Xmas, however restricted. We were very naughty and basically did what we normally do with our children!

 I’m trying to add a photo so bear with me. This is my extension past St.Vigeans. Unfortunately since this was taken, we decided to move house and the extension bit was demolished. Then I had a TIA and plans changed, so I could have left it where it was! Anyway I’m OK now and we have decided to stay here a bit longer, so I’ll probably rebuild it. Treated myself to a Dapol 08 for Xmas. Very pleased with it. My reasoning, apart from rule 1 was that it’s on loan from Hurlford shed. Have to go now so all the best for New Year. Take care
 

Les

Thanks guys for your replies. Got my black one today, but hidden at my sons TIL I can smuggle it on board! Saw further back on rail-online my preferred no. 13008, which doesn’t have wipers, so saved a few bob there, but where can I get numbering sheet to match? Railtec? Does anyone think buffer housings are easy to remove? Anyone tried it?

Les

Sorry if someone has already asked/answered this but is there any great difference between early and more recent batches regarding build quality (ie. windscreen wipers and removal of brass bush on conn rods) and running quality (ie. is same motor and gearbox etc). If there is how can I be sure to get one from an updated batch? Are they serial numbered?

many thanks in anticipation

Les

Simon, just looked back over90% of this to find brass ferns but can’t see what make. Are they Scalelink or what? Can you remember?

many thanks Les

Yes Paul, welcome back. That water tower is amazing, as I’m sure the rest of the layout will be. What you’ve done with that grubby bit of track is something else!!

Les

Thanks so much. Do you happen to have a 3M reference no for your scotchlocks

Les

Getting even better by the day! Meant to ask you the other day, what size cable do you use for droppers and bus bar, and how do you find the suitcase connectors with regard to conductivity and ease of use?

regrds Les

Absolutely awesome as everyone has already said, tenfold! The vision, the skill, the commitment, perseverance.........words fail me. Can’t wait to see more. Just a shame lockdown has prevented money recouping business, but at least you can get it to the next stage.

Les

Thanks Duncan

Les

Will you stop posting real pictures and pretending it’s all your own work! (ie.J36 with coal wagons)

Les

Ken, just a general question. Would the ballast in steam days have been darker, greyer, blacker on main running linesthan it is today, which seems a more brake dust colour?
Les

Hope you’re all well

Just caught up! Almost prefer the platform ‘before’ you wiped off the weathering powders .

Les

Brilliant buildings and weathering Duncan. Sorry if I’ve missed this previously but what size strip did you use for the sash windows on the extension?

Les

Hi Aard, not an expert or anything, just interested in your Scottish project. I’m doing Arbroath shed and environs, but I’m not on here. Just a thought about your ballast. The crushed ‘stone’ Looks OK for the mainline, but if you haven’t already, have a look at Steve Fays Cardiff Canton, or his Smoke Ash and Steam for the shed areas. To me, they’re the definitive ways to do it. Keep up the good work
cheers Les

Can we see inside the box please.?

thanks Les

What can I say! Absolutely amazing! I haven’t even picked up my Stanley knife in anger yet! I’ve been trying(?) to extend my baseboards past the box and onwards towards the stone/brick bridge over Brothock water. Think I’ve finally cracked the actual structure, now I just need to lay the track, landscape it,etc, etc, etc.

Is your box all plasticard and strip? Also meant to ask you earlier, is it only the outer two front windows that are ‘sash’?

Still can’t believe you’ve finished it. So much for lockdown!

cheers Les

Hi Al, caught up with this just recently and I have to say it’s amazing, but if I can just throw in my three pennethworth on the hole in the wall (or the elephant in the room), why not just build up the field at the back and put in an overgrown occupation crossing and add a few sheep instead of a double decker bus. Whatever else you do the hole is still visible!

cheers Les

Ken, what are you doing to me now I’ve just nearly finished my signal box? I was going to say rule one applies cause I didn’t know if any pics existed apart from that long distance one you sent me previously, but now I can’t! Never mind. Just today received the printed sign from my brother in law. I’ll post it to you as soon as I can get to the postbox!!

This new pic, can’t you take a screen shot with your iPad/iPhone?

cheers again Les