Dbr1295

Hi Andy,

How did you fare with Gabrielle? We had tree come down on the drive and there was a few trees down around the district but on the whole I think we missed the worst of it. Not much mention of Tauranga on the news so hopefully you came through OK. 

Not much happening here. I bought a couple of wagons at the show which I need to weather, been adding little bits of more foliage and made a cable drum to sit in the goods yard and that's about it. Been doing a little bit on the NZR stuff, currently have a Ur wagon under construction.

Enjoyed your video clips on Facebook the other day.

Enjoy the UK and the trip to Little Bytham.

Cheers, Les

Hi Andy,

Sorry I didn't have a chance to catch up with you at the Tauranga show. I saw you there, busy encouraging the next generation of operators!

What a good show this year, well done to the organizers.

Cheers, Les

There are metric coarse threads, M6 x 1.0 pitch if that's any help

19 hours ago, MrWolf said:

That helps put everything in perspective. Most layouts over 1.2m look huge when photographed from eye level. It just shows what can be achieved in the kind of space most people manage to find for a semi fixed layout. I actually thought that this was bigger than the scenic area I have because of the way you have created a sense of space in a small area.

You definitely can make a small layout look much bigger with careful photography. Though saying that, it can be difficult to achieve this at times without including too much distracting background.

I think when planning a small layout you do need to take into account how to make it appear larger. I did this by keeping the track plan simple and using small and few structures. Also, though the platform can accommodate a tender loco and 3 coach train limiting it to 2 coaches  helps the illusion of size, same with keeping the length of goods trains short, typically no more than 6 4 wheeled wagons plus van and loco. 

For those that are interested, here is an overall view of the layout, all 3.6 meters of it. It stands 1 meter high and the scenic section is 2.67 meters long. There is a 4 track traverser for  a fiddle yard. I do have some ply put aside to eventually add a facia to it to tidy it up.

Cheers, Les

Looks good Andy. Boat shed is  great idea.

Here's a pic of 4573 arriving with the pick up goods, taken from the field along side the station.

And a bit later in the day 5796 is seen sitting in the platform with a passenger plus attached van.

Today the stone train is in the hands of  a 2MT no. 41241. Not sure how it's ended up on the branch, but makes a change from the usual ex GW motive power.

Seen from the embankment as it's about to disappear under the road bridge and into the fiddle yard.

Thanks for looking

Les

20 hours ago, Andy R said:

Its been a while since I posted a photo or two on my layout topic. Now in mid winter here in NZ and so modelling in the 'mancave' is spasmodic, but things are getting done and train are running...

 

I am now working along the terminus board of Melcombe Regis after completing the terminus engine shed scenic treatment. Even the old PECO turntable works very slowly as required powered by a motor and low gearing made for me by a friend. 

 

Scenic treatment of the approaches to Melcombe Regis station is nearly complete, and I will post some photos of that soon. Im currently working on the new station building facade (which has been 3 D printed by another friend ). Im putting stone paper, roof and tiles etc on this building facade which will be low-relief at the end of the platforms. The existing train roof will be modified to attach to the station building facade. More pictures to come.

 

In the meantime a few train shots; busy times at Hawkinsfield Junction and a local goods passing the recently finished terminus engine shed facility.

 

cheers for now...Andy R

Hi Andy,

Looks good. I particularly like the last picture.

Keeping well I hope?

Cheers, Les

Thanks Mr Wolf. The strainers also serve a practical purpose like in the real world. As I use Ezline elastic cord for the wire and without the bracing the posts will pull over.

Cheers, Les

After shunting it's out bound train, 7754 waits in the loop as 9028 arrives with the midday passenger service.

7754 eventually departs with it's short train.

Thanks for looking.

Les

Pannier 7754 shunting a trio of vans into the goods yard for unloading at the warehouse.

And another view taken along the goods yard approach road.

Goods yard scene.

Grounded wagon body from a Ratio iron mink kit. Underframe bits hacked off and mounted on some strips of wood. The sacks are from a US brand, I can't remember who though. Stone wall Wills, as are the granite sets. Wheelbarrow and spade Cooper Craft.

A quite time at the engine shed. Lately it's always quite, apart from the bird song.

This was scratch built  back in the 90's from plans in an early edition of BRM (though I think the original may have been brick and had a water tank on top), way before the layout. It was a long time ago, but I think I decided to build this layout to put this shed on.

Construction is hardboard and cardboard, with scribed Das for the stonework. Roof tiles were cut from wall paper.

The original doors were card, but have since been replaced with ones made from plastic.

Cheers, Les

4573 has arrived at the end of the Wyd Valley branch with a very short daily goods. Does not bode well for future goods traffic on the branch.

On the platform there is a solitary passenger waiting.

11 hours ago, JustinDean said:

I’ve just discovered this thread and spent last night and this morning going through it from the start. What a lovely layout and great photos! 
Thanks for sharing - inspirational stuff. 
 

Jay

Thanks for the nice comment, I really appreciate it.

Cheers, Les

21 hours ago, Andy R said:

New year greetings to you Les from Tauranga. Wonderful weather to be on holiday and not really’ train shed’ weather for us. These photos are wonderful Les. I love the subtle colouring and blend of materials you’re getting. Screams little backwater BLT. Love it.

Unfortunately had to cancel the annual show here and will try for a weekend later in year. Hope we can catch up sometime at a show in our region. 
Regards Andy R

Happy new year Andy, I hope you're keeping well. Thanks for the positive comments, little backwater is what I am aiming for. Shame about the show, hopefully things will get back to normal sooner than later.

Cheers, Les

One thing that has been done in the past year has been to knock together this billboard from Evergreen plastic.

Posters are  from a 1970's Builder Plus sheet. No idea if they are appropriate to the time and location.

Cheers, Les

It may be of interest that the ITV item was on the news here in New Zealand last night.

Looking good Andy. Nice trackwork.

Great to see progress on Hawkinsfield.

Cheers, Les

I've always loved old Aussie cars. Owned several in my time, Falcons and Holdens, but not a Valiant. Many years ago I had a HQ Premier with the 253, certainly not a performance car by any means but lovely to drive. Even had a vinyl roof. Loved that car, really regret selling it now, especially seeing what they fetch these days. Later had a XD Falcon as well, ex traffic cop car with a 302. Went well but really sucked the gas and was difficult to stop.

Still drive a Falcon now, but a FG.

Cheers, Les