CazRail

Something a little different on my workbench tonight, a signal box! I've been working on a representation (rather than an accurate model) of Mostyn signal box, in keeping with my north Wales coast theme. Made using various plastic sheets, I'm waiting on a few styrene bits to arrive before I can move on with the build. Here's the progress so far, with the main walls of the interlocking room cut out. Still to do on this level are the inset parts of the walls(each with 4 windows cut into), paint the inside off-white, windows and doors. Im leaving the up side wall off until everything else is done. Ive started the lower parts of the operating room, which is my next focus of the build. The next bits to be added is the glazing sheets, off which the rest of the cabin will be built off. Of course, not much to show just yet, but Im hoping to make steady progress on this during the dark evenings of the next two or three months. I have a Wills signal box interior kit on order for this, which I will use the bits to make it a fair representation of the real thing. Only thing with it the lever frame isnt the LNWR tumbler frame of the real box, but it'll do. I'm still debating whether to install a representation of the interlocking under the box, as there is 8 windows per side. To add to this, I'm planning on lighting the box, definitely the operating room, but also the interlocking room, and maybe provide exterior lighting around the steps.

The HST looks great!

She took to it very well, even if the box got sat on half way through boxing day! I haven't tried running it on my layout yet...

After spending a few minutes looking at photos of Penmaenmawr, I suggest the Railtrack green JNA wagons...

Well my little one will receive her Playtrains set later today, I'll let her to decide if it's any good! Merry Christmas all.

Great pair of 37s! Love the EWS livery, and looking to make a 37670, in its faded condition after it's DB revival before DB paint.

For me, a North Western Trains 153(although I'm aware they've done the livery twice, one with the branding would be good) and a Transrail 60. I also wouldn't mind some FGW fag packet Mk2 coaches. As for new tool, I reckon we'll see a couple of new steam locos(maybe the LMS Turbomotive as they've done some LNER experimentals?), possibly a shunter of sorts. New mk3s would be good(and logical).

Can't wait for mine to arrive when they do. They'll go straight on the layout! Thanks for keeping us updated @Revolution Mike

Got my GMPTE version the other week, very happy with it. I have a question though. In First North Western days, did they get FNW's branding? I can't find any photos, however I might not be looking in the right places. Thanks Carwyn.

Done some more, mostly on 37055. Ive used the white Oilbrusher by Ammo Mig to fade the rood and the bodysides on this one. In the previous post, 37114 got a much lighter treatment on it's roof only. The aim is a work worn, rainlashed finish... The Oilbrusher is dotted strategically around the roof, then I used this to fade the bonnet tops, roof and bodysides. I'm quite pleased with the finish. Next is a wash in the nooks and crannys to represent ingrained dirt, then it's airbrush. The tricky bit is getting the right amount of fade withou making it look like it's had a disagreement with an aggregates loader.

Following hot on the heals of the Tugs are a pair of Bachmann 37/0s being 37055 and 37114. The plan is to weather them to 2004-ish condition, with some faded paintwork, a touch of bodywork damage, and a general weathering. Ive started with 114, on which Ive used white Oilbrusher paint on the roof and bonnet tops to fade, the bodysides remained fairly un-faded(for want of a better word). Ive then used Tamiya black panel line wash to represent ingrained dirt in all the nooks and crannys. Next is the airbrush for this one, and some etched nameplates in the new year. (For whatever reason, Im having issues with images loading up to RMweb upside down) As far as 37055 goes, it will too have faded paintwork, but will be a little less subtle on this to reflect it's older paint job. As per the original itll also loose it's nameplates, replaced with a blue patch-up. It'll also need replacement OHLE warning signs to the late 90s-2000s style.

Been lucky enough to see this layout in the flesh when it was at Llanberis slate museum one year. I must have been about 13, and was stood there for a good hour just admiring it and enjoying the trains running past. Seeing it here brings back some great memories, not just of GTD but Peter's other masterpieces such as Porth Eithin. Looking forward too see further developments.

It has indeed been too long! A trip to Yorkshire is definitely on the cards.

Platforms looking beautiful, Jack! Its definitely given me inspiration, although I have no Platforms on my layout, which could always change, of course.

Both 60065 and 60081 have now been weathered... Very pleased with these locos. Both have had fan room lights fitted and the obstacle deflectors painted yellow, and they look just as I aimed. Next project? God knows...

Grabbed myself a bargain 60081 on a popular auction site this week, and decided to paint its, and 60065's obstacle deflectors yellow as per the real things... I used Railmatch warning yellow with a dash of EWS gold and a couple of drops of white, and got a fair result. 60065 has had a black wash on the panel lines, which itself makes a difference, and 60081 will be similarly treated, before both are suitably weathered. 60081 has also had a Zimo MX600R decoder fitted and a warm white LED in the fan room, with a 2K2 resistor rather than the 1K currently fitted in 60065, which I'm planning to swap out.

Another EWS/DB themed re-number this evening, turning a standard Hornby 60026 into a DB-branded 60065. Very happy with this one as I didn't need to re-spray the gold band, due to some careful removing of the numbers/lettering. Transfers once again from Railtec, and are of superb quality, as always. This one will be next up to be weathered in due course.

This was one I seem to remember, which is one I got around 2005/06. R1045 Night Mail Express

On the older 60s that use the contact and spring between the chassis and body, I just put a piece of insulation tape over the relevant contact to put the tail light off. Not so easy on the newer wired version. Cant remember the config on the 67s.

That is a brilliant photo. Wouldnt be complete without the cant.

Have you put the decoder on top of the loco's PCB? Sounds to me as if its too high not allowing the body to seat properly. I place my decders on a piece of plastic that I fit into the recesses at the 'empty' end of the chassis. This stops the decoder and harness from fouling the cardan shaft below, as well as providing an ideal place to fit your decoder loose or secured.

Looks like Rhyl, how the place has changed...

Can't wait to get my hands on my 8. Is there any updates on these?

Really looking forwards to these. Got the EWS and Loadhaul on order.

Exciting announcements again! Interested in the CDAs and MHAs. Maybe some coal wagons in time, also.