jamesg

Two (or three) Voyagers passing near Eckington this evening. I was out to photograph an earlier train; it's lucky that these two trains arrived at the right moment, and just before the light failed completely. Though I got a frame moments before with the cabs virtually in line, I like the reflection of the rear light on the other unit.

Very clever photography, I like the lighting effect. That trestle bridge does look a bit precarious. Look forward to seeing more photographs of this layout. Do you have a track plan? It would be interesting to see how the components with different heights fit together.

Hi Paul, Excellent work as always. I especially like the two figures with the shovel and wheelbarrow. The dirt ballast looks well aged, along with the old-fashioned (gas?) lamps and cobbles I'd say this is a fairly early scene.

Those buffer stops are very finely detailed; I thought they were 3D-printed before you said otherwise.

The technicians looking at the relay cabinets seem to bring the layout to life. I especially like the way you've integrated the backscene with the row of trees on this layout; it looks very realistic for a very small depth. Out of interest, what type of lighting did you use above the layout?

I would nominate the new class 08 as one of the best models Hornby have made. It has the best running ability of any locomotive I've seen from Hornby or other manufacturers, crawling at a rate measured in millimetres per minute. The detailing is exceptional as well; it has details such as pipes running below the footplate where they can only be seen from a narrow angle and individual throttle levers in the cab, again difficult to see without close examination. Are Hornby using the same drive mechanism in more of their models now? I think it's similar to the J50 tank, but perhaps also the GW tanks.

I was fortunate to see one of these models running, and can say that it does run smoothly. Must be due in part to the die cast construction. Also, Chris Ward Railways will be producing a 3D printed replacement boiler front.

If developing film yourself, don't forget to put the light stopper into the tank. This was the best from that roll of film.

Nice class 04. The handrails look closer to scale than the Bachmann 04.