Neils WRX

The layout now has its front boards fitted in my “corporate colours”. i think it sets the layout off nicely. The goodshed has also had a wash of dark brown, needs weathering and a bit of graffiti. Thanks, Neil

I had an invite to a show in Belgium this year but kindly declined as it seemed I need to document everything and it just seemed too much paperwork and hassle which was a shame. I was going to hire a van rather than use the family car. The view was using a car you’d be unlikely to get stopped but a van you might have issues. Thanks, Neil

Nick, Lol… They can actually be quite clean, agree it could do with a bit of weathering in places. I try to not pack the layout with engines which is where I personally feel sometimes people go little wrong…. Cheers, Neil

Oh well a foreign depot I’m doomed then…. Neil

Photos Just a few pictures for this update. 9101 on 3 x4 wheel tankers 5505 on the Fuel point Green diesels by BBC a Roco Finally I’ve printed the magazine cover off and it’s on the wall!! Hopefully next update something will have happened!! Thanks, Neil

I remember a visit to the chocolate factory and the unlimited amount of chocolate you could eat… Will follow this thread with interest. Thanks, Neil

Really interesting thread, I like something different when I’m at an exhibition. Hence why I helped out with the Chinese layout in Glasgow despite never been to China myself. Being based in Scotland every other exhibition layout feels like it features a blue / large logo 37. The layouts are all great by the way. My something different is a Belgian depot and a Czech through station. I have had “oh it’s foreign “ several times, but I’ve also had loads of great chats with people that understand the prototype or can relate to it in some way. On the Belgian layout I often leave a 66 stabled as everybody has seen one of those but in different colours so people can relate to it. Thanks, Neil

Thanks, from looking on line there didn’t seem to be a “rule” will go with what looks right!! It was looking at pictures of Dobris that gave me the idea of using the DCConcepts ground signals. Still getting my head around “signals on the right hand side”. First one down. Thanks, Neil

I do like the idea of working point indicators however I have chickened out and gone with Auhagen dummy ones. Out of interest is there a rule on placement left or right ? I’ve also fitted some DCConcepts Ground signals (I know they are red/green as opposed blue/white) but they are a great product. At some point I will get some main aspect signals. I’ve fitted a couple more uncoupling magnets, I purchased some more cubed ones on EBay which came from China, unfortunately they weren’t strong enough so I purchased replacements from elsewhere. Couple of new additions 749257 from Roco which I’ve fitted with a ESU Loksound chip. CD Cargo 751176 again by Roco. Thanks, Neil

Bit of a personal wallet warning…. (B Models) https://www.trainsdepot.org/manufacturers/pdfs/download/1323/b_models_novelties_2024_pdf

I had a measure twice cut once moment at B&Q this morning. Got home to find my cut timber was 20mm to short as I’d written the measurements down wrong….

Magazine Arrives Train Miniature Magazine has arrived :-) Really impressed with how my little layout looks. Thanks, Neil

All I can say is excellent modelling!! Looking forward to watching this thread develop. Thanks, Neil

Just come across this thread I use a similar building to B on my Czech Layout. So definitely useable in Europe. Thanks, Neil

That’s a grey “Hilton” hotel!!!

I know really chuffed!!!! :-) :-)

Thanks for that. I think the Auhagen dummy ones are best option and just ignore the fact that they don’t work. I will order some and make the brass wire modification you suggest. Thanks, Neil

Viessmann - Kibri etc https://www.moba-deutschland.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/8992_Neuheiten_2024.pdf

Lemke, Hobbytrain etc https://lemkecollection.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lemke-Neuheiten-2024.pdf

As the weather was rubbish yesterday I spent some time running trains and listing jobs I need to do prior to December’s exhibition. One thing I ignored previously was point indicators, does anyone make DCC ones? Failing that I think I’ll go with Auhagen dummy ones. Also does anyone produce the limit of clearance / fouling point indicators that are on the ground. If there aren’t any ready to run ones I’ll just make some out of plasticard. These pictures seem to be very popular on FB. 751229 now with blue suspension parts as per the prototype. Must have been a failure for the 781 to appear on passenger. Thanks, Neil

Agree re the prices of stuff, Czech 781’s in CD Liveries often seem to go for silly money on auction sites, as do some of the 751’s and Goggles. The Belgian modellers are moaning about the complete lack of models, with a couple of minor livery items and that’s it. Again the previous models do go for silly money. I’m sure Roco used to produce a lot of models in Slovakia, and that was one of the reasons for the healthy range of CD/ZSR/CSD models. I think a lot now comes Vietnam. Thanks, Neil

Added another 010 trailer to the fleet, I’m going to have to sort these pickups out as my MTB 842 DMU can’t manage 3 together….. The 714 arrives on trailers. Looking online, it seems a 810 can tow a maximum of 2 010 trailers (which it can just about do). i was quite disappointed that Roco have gone for another CSD liveried 810 in there 2024 releases. But I will be getting the 742’s, hopefully the red one won’t be a duplicate of the MTB numbered one. I’m starting to think about the exhibition in December I’m in touch with a signal manufacturer and awaiting a quote for 4 DCC ones. I’m also wondering about changing the fiddle yard for a traverser (that I have in stock) but I’ll need a 1foot transition board (which I don’t have). As it would enable more stock to be in use at the show. Current Fiddle Yard Which is fine for home operation, but does limit the number of trains. Thanks, Neil

There does seem to be quite a market for CSD stuff. Guess it’s what the local modellers want.

Looking forward to seeing it up the road in Glasgow!! Neil

The other odd Czech choice is another 810 in CSD livery, why not do the CSD colours but with CD markings? Less bothered about 781’s I’ve got 2 yellow stripe ones and a white one as well. But if they did one with flashes on the side I might get tempted….