SJS

Speechless!!!

Can I just support what Podhunter says - I don't know the specific application here but using a relational db for timetable display would seen overkill and as stated it is hard to see where excel won't do the job required. If you really want to go down the route of a relational database, know how to use it and can't afford Access AND you are into programming then you can try mySQL - which is free as it's open-source....but take a deep breath before entering this world...

Tack så mycket Mikkel. I like the dumb barge on their webpage.

Thanks Paul!

Thanks will take a look

Just one more picture that might be useful Shows some nice setts in a fan fashion and some various piles..... love the baskets as well

Thanks for the comments - I had been looking at the diorama guys on the web so will take a look at his. As I mentioned earlier a lot seem to use the commercially available "mud"

Good point - yes it does seem to be the case. I was kind of hoping not to go with setts as they can be a pain to model...but hey ho....

Sorry I should have posted the location. It is indeed the entrance to the Midland Railway at Poplar dock. There was also GNR and GWR presence at the dock. I hadn't really thought about what was underneath - I did read that there were a variety of surfaces - including setts as in the side road/entrance and even wooden setts! Other than spreading horse muck over my layout - anyone modelled something like this. I wondered about the "mud" that is used in wargaming diaromas. Spread thiny and then ruts added? Or do you think it more likely as in this photo that the railway area would be much clearer of muck?

Yes, it certainly can be! I hope some weathering and all the extras will hide the deficiencies in my capabilities. I'm not sure about a fleet! I have been looking for something to use as a basis for these types of barges but haven't found anything yet.

I have finally made some more progress. A while ago I came across this photo of the GWR facility at Poplar Dock and so I thought I would try and recreate it. Let me say that I never tried to make an exact copy but to get something similar to the original. I also tried using card kits and papers frpm Scalscenes - this was my first attmept at a major building wiht them. It still needs some work but here it is in situ. Please ignore the surroundings.....WIP. Is it me or do things look a lot worse in a photo!!!

Hi All - I am sure there must be some of you out there who have modelled Edwardian roads. This photo gives a good example. I was thinking on the lines of dark earth ground cover pressed onto a dark painted surface....

Love it....luckily we don't model smells....

I would just like to say that I had an issue in placing an order as I live abroad. But after one phone call the items were quickly dispatched and arrived safely. Just the kind of customer service I like. Thanks!!!

thanks Stationmaster - I think I can stretch belief a year or so if required.

Thanks to both posters - much appreciated. Just to complete the information I am modelling Edwardian GWR (C. 1912)

Hi all - my understanding of the GWR handbook is that a purely shunting engine confined to a yard only carries lamps if its foggy, dark etc. The first question I have is where as the handbook doesn't seem to say anything. The second part of my question is let's say you have an engine that is doing some shunting in the yard after bringing say a local freight into the yard. Does it keep its "local" lamps (i.e., one over right buffer beam) or does it change state to become a "shunting engine"? Thanks.

OK so this list is as much a reminder to me as to anyone else of stupid things not to do when doing any work on the railway- if you ever see me doing any of these things please SHOUT at me before I damage something or someone: 1. Don't do anything when in a hurry or tired - if you do then one of the other things listed below will happen 2. Paint must dry before you touch it - unless you like fingerprints everywhere 3. Pressfix transfers are sticky and amazingly they stick to each other if you pull them off the backing sheet to "take a look" 4. Glue sticks things together even if you don't want them to so be careful where you put it 5. Conductive materials conduct electricity so don't use them as insulators 6. ....and of course insulators don't conduct electricity 7. Whitemetal bends and breaks easily and doesn't like a hot soldering iron 8. Metal gets hot when you put a soldering iron on it so be careful what is touching the other end 9. Sharp knives are sharp and cut through skin - the resulting blood spill rarely looks good on models and even less so on the kitchen floor and finally 10. Always put your glasses on - your too old not to! Sigh.... Oh..my wife has told me to add 11. Read the instructions BEFORE attempting anything

Well...at least the first train to run. Here is my 517 class now numbered 572 in the "as yet to be finished yard". 572 still needs a little work but is nearing completion.... Don't close ups show errors! Soft focus next time....lol

I have also started on a a Dean Goods. I got on ebay a partly build K's whitemetal kit. I had to dismantle it as nothing was straight. I soon learnt that whitemetal can be easily bent and broken......ah well. In addition, the motor was fried and I had to convert the chassis to EM. At the moment I am working out how to fit a Hilevel gearbox and motor in it. But at least the body is making progress. I have put on the first coat of green only.

OK so here is the latest of my 517. A reminder that the body is a shortened 14xx and fitted onto a hacked Hilevel 14xx chassis. This is the first time attempt at this kind of build and my first paint job. Clearly it needs the chimney etc...etc.. but I am pleased with it so far. I have learnt so much!

Well I note its 2 years since I posted anything. I do, sadly have an excuse of both my wife and I being seriously ill one after the other. I guess life gets in the way. However, we are both on then mend and have finally got round to some modelling again. I will post some pictures in the next few days and will start catching up on a lot of reading!! Its good to be back

Thanks Mike - I will give it a go after I have completed the 517...and the 2721 conversion...oh and the Dean Goods......

Hi Mike - I can't tell you how much an inspiration you and Mikkel have been. To be honest without seeing your work I would never have tried anything like this. You are right I am rather scared of metal! What thickness sheet do you normally work with? I am not too bad at soldering and doing the High Level Chassis for the 517 has taught me a lot. Look forward to seeing your rebuild....by then there should be little left of the original!

Thanks Mikkel, the bunker is awkward. I initially tried to bend it in hot water but that failed and I made it in pieces. To be honest I stole the mix and match idea off of you and MikeOxon. So its all your fault :-) Thanks for the link- I like the idea of a non-belpaire version!