tom shaw

Best in show, in my eyes Tom

Both ends of South Shields Victoria station building and train shed. Not yet finished (of course) Tom

An 'O' gauge pig with a 'OO' gauge mermaid - ridiculous !

Best crud I've seen Tom

Many thanks to Martin and John for the behind the scenes glimpse of this exceptional, inspirational layout yesterday. Tom

Q6 63387 under the Harton system wires

Well done Ian, I'm mad I wasn't able to make Birtley but you seem to have enjoyed it and the comments are all very favourable. Tom

Very nice Ian, I hope to get to Birtley to see this. Tom

Yes, I've watched Tony's videos on youtube for some time now but I will be following here. Superb. Tom

Cut vertically through the backing card at regular intervals (1/2" or so), bend to shape, stick on the brickpaper then stick a layer of thin card to the back. Tom

Some ballast and a third rail. The EPB needs the number changing and some work on the front. The gap between the rail and the collector won't be as bad once the rail is painted. Tom

Train shed removed and ballasting underway.

Like this...

Ian, I was thinking about using brass 'H' section for most with the odd lattice here and there. I was going to buy a plastruct 3.5mm lattice girder to see if that would work but other than that I haven't given it any more thought. I wouldn't want to solder one up. 3D printing might be an alternative to etches. Something like this for the low level yard (apologies if copyright is infringed, I will take down if so) Cheers Tom

Thanks Ian, yes the goods shed is based on Monkwearmouth with a couple of bays knocked off. I will certainly be doing some third rail, so I can run my Bachmann electric set. I'm thinking of adding a third rail to platform 3, the one outside the train shed, having platform 1 (the longest one) for mainline trains and platform 2 for Sunderland/Middlesbrough etc. The low level sidings at the front of the layout will have the overhead electrified lines of the Harton system. Hope you're feeling well. Tom

OK Ian, you asked for it ! Some photos below of progress. In my usual style, I move many things along at the same time so never seem to finish anything. I made the station lamps from some 4mm square brass, filed to 3mm square at the top and some wire added for the conduit to the lamp. The lamps and shades are , I think, Ratio from the spares box. I'm not sure if they should be blue or white. I have flocked the embankment today and is still wet. I'm thinking that this will be a base for static grass which I have in various lengths and colours. The old queen (Gawd bless 'er). Building still in progress. The footbridge is from a Bob Jones etched kit and is a short cut to the beach. There will be buildings at low level behind the wall. I really should ballast the track before I go much further but it's one of the things I don't like doing. The whole station building lifts off so access won't be as bad as it looks. A much reduced version of Monkwearmouth goods shed. Concrete needs painting and weathering. I must post more often. Tom

Love it Tom

Would be interesting as a static modelled, or pulled around "dead" by another.

I look forward to seeing them finished Ian. No. 9 is a bit of an ugly duckling but would make a fantastic model. I've sent for two of these from LocoNstuff at £55 each: so I'll report back when I get them. Tom

No. 1 is looking good, as for a bogie have a look at this site: https://www.locosnstuff.com/Motor-Bogie-and-Chassis-kits.php Wheelbase down to 16mm but using an 'O' ring transmission. I've not used them so can't comment but I think I'll try a couple for my Harton Bo-Bo. Tom

This is all very useful Brian, I have had the same problem and will look to follow your lead. Christmas is too far away so I may need to spend some money. Tom

It's a great thing when you know where you are in the country without any stock on the layout to give the game away and the top photo illustrates this perfectly. Another example of this, for me, is Chris Pendlenton's North Shields but I put this layout in the same mould. Superb models, layout and photography. Tom

I believe Peaks were tried and I know EE type 4s worked as bankers. Wonderful layout and pictures. Tom

Yes, good spot. I thought that would fit in well with the roof Tom

Thanks Brian, yes the site of the old South Shields station became a Metro bus stop but my station remains open, possibly as one end of a heritage line !