Signaller69

They were made on my PC and printed off on Crafty Computer Co transfer film, there is a bit more info on my workbench thread (see signature bar below). Basically you set the background to suit the loco colour as near as possible, and choose the appropriate font colour/style/size etc, print them on white or clear transfer film and then spray varnish to seal them. They need to be applied at the painting stage (over white paint if using clear film), then retouched around the lettering before varnishing the whole loco. Weathering helps mask any slight colour difference between the transfer background and the paint. I do chevron striping by the same method. HTH, Martyn.

Cheers Rich, like your good self I usually model diesels, used to be 80s but that was when it was almost still the "current scene"! Crinan is set c.1970 so have green and blue Scottish Type 1 & 2's for that. "Big Arch Shed" is also set around the same time so wagons at least are common apart from a few NCB internal users which I have yet to tackle. The shed was steam to the end c.1974; I have 3 of the 5 used there in latter years viz 7754, "EBBW" and "Islwyn", there was another J94, also AB 0-6-0st "Illtyd" which was Islwyn"s brother so may add these at some point. Visitors likely to include an old Kingdom Kits AB 0-4-0st and from Crinan, Hornby Sentinel 4w dh "Crinan Distillery no.2" and Heljan class 05 in use under "Special Modellers License rule no.1"!!!!

Likewise, currently the only new item I'm actually contemplating buying. They do seem to have been in a container on their way an awfully long time, not stuck on a Hanjin ship somewhere I hope. . . ;-)

Thanks Jon (& Stephen & Simon), I am familiar with Hobbyking and their different warehouses, having had people say much the same as you Jon! In reference to servo set up programming & driver boards, does this require DCC? As I have no intention (ie can't afford/justify) to move away from analogue control? Martyn.

Thanks Jon, it is something I will look into for future efforts, can I ask where you get yours and which servos and driver boards you recommend? As this is one aspect I am a complete novice at. Cheers, Martyn.

Bit more work done, having now completed the wiring (finally), today I have tackled the front facia boards which needed doing before I can start the scenic "greenery". Also a chance to test fit the low relief Wagon Works shed which is built up from Wills Arched Windows and corrugated sheets, and has had a base coat of car primer applied. More relief would have been preferable but I'm stuck with the space available. The keen eyed will notice the semi-circular profile smoke outlet on the loco shed roof; I had been looking for something to replicate this feature and a card tube was found to be ideal, it formerly held sparklers! Cut down each side the thickness of the tube means it keeps its shape and the plastic end stoppers are used with a notch to accomodate the apex of the roof. It will be covered either with strips of masking tape or, less likely, thin plasticard, prior to painting. Not had chance to do any further work on the backscene, it won't be so garish when finished! Martyn.

Hi Rich,Sorry, only just picked up your reply! Yes I think we all could use "a little more space" sometimes! I'm having to bite the bullet and keep this project minimal, effectively its a test track for my growing fleet of Industrial & other shunting locos, with the ability to test the "Crinan" fleet too if need be (as that resides at my local Model Railway Club. The control panel is fittingly simple and today has had the last 2 switches fitted (centre off SPDT's for the shed isolating sections). Track power will be from an old Gaugemaster Single Track with "Brake simulator" panel version which has been in a drawer for years, though I may add in a socket for a Handheld Feedback controller via a DPDT switch too. Not quite in the same league as Marsh Lane Depot I'm afraid, your locos really do look the business! Martyn.

Yes, from the sparking which occurred you'd think I hooked it up direct to the mains! Traditional model railway wiring I can do, and even understand, so I will stick with that! I usually use Fulgurex/Lemaco slow action motors for signals but space precludes them for this job. The cranks fitted to the base of the signal allow for a much greater input movement than signal movement so hopefully all will be well. . . ! Cheers, Martyn

Hi, having followed the Northgate thread and living not far from Chester (Flint) I have only just caught up with this project, amazing what you have achieved in less than a month! Looks to be some good operating potential too. I also read the Hornby Mag article regarding that cassette fiddle yard design and may look at using the system in future, my only concerns being my ham fisted-ness when turning them to get the loco at the right end, and avoiding damaging the "pins" in transit etc . . . so it will be interesting to know how you get on as it looks a very versatile system. Looking forward to further instalments! Martyn.

Thanks Jon, had a play around with the servos at Club the other night but have a slight issue in that they are digital so may need a more specific controller (think I may have killed one when testing with a 4.8v DC supply) so they have been put aside for now. Instead I am going to try some simple Hattons solenoid point motors (which have an actuating arm attachment) as my signals have cranks fitted so need a horizontal input. No slow action of course but should be easy enough to fit, I hope! Enjoy the K&WVR weekend. Martyn.

W&H Models of New Cavendish St, London. Their catalogue was about all you needed at one time as they seemed to stock everything made by everyone at the time. Only visited their shop once for some MTK parts, surprisingly small given their standing in the Model Railway world (nearest comparison I can think of is Walthers in the USA), they were a wholesaler much more than a retailer though. Ceased trading late 80s or early 90s iirc. As already mentioned Mainly Trains used to be my source of most bits. It seems the case nowadays that many of the small, low volume kits & bits suppliers are limited largely to direct advertising and selling which may well keep the prices reasonable but limits their exposure possibly.

Very nice and spacious looking layout Neil, always nice to see semaphores too! Martyn.

Thanks, some useful pics there, also some good ones of the preserved class 306 in the second link. The 303 Motor Brake bogies look to be similar to those on the 304/305 (being a standard design presumably).

Just rang and had a chat with Charlie at DC Kits, as Scottish Modeller says this kit is not available (due to component availability) although he did mention he thinks he has bodyshells somewhere when he can find time to dig them out so this looks like it may be the only route in the short term future.

Ah, I got the impression from the DC Kits website they were available from stock: http://www.dckits-devideos.co.uk/shop/kits_modelling/plastic_dmu_emu_coaching_stock_kits_from_dc_kits_incudes_locomotives_/non_southern_electric_multiple_units/class_303_scottish_region_25kv_multiple_unit_3_car_unit_.php I take from your comments this isn't the case then? Yes I am familiar with the Eastbank website, it is brilliant, and indeed is the inspiration for putting a 303 on the to do list for a "maybe one day" layout I am daydreaming about! :-)

Thanks Gordon, yes I was aware the kit is plastic so I'm guessing flush glazing would be a difficult and time consuming prospect. I did do an image search on Google after searching Rmweb for "class 303", annoyingly I find Google often finds Rmweb photos and threads that searching Rmweb doesn't find! But I digress. There are some very good images on Google, although I've yet to find the detail shots you refer to. I did find this whilst trawling Google, and from this parish to boot: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/gallery/image/33536-craigendoran-303043-helensburgh-to-airdrie-july-73-c1353/ which is the style/livery I anticipate mine would be, c. early 70s BR blue. I suspect the bogies referred to had roller bearings but I'm not sure if this was "as built" condition. Cheers, Martyn.

Hope its ok to resurrect this thread. Thinking of buying one of the DC Class 303 kits to build at a later date, having built many kits in plastic/brass/aluminium etc, having looked at the DC website my only concern is around the glazing, or more precisely is flush glazing available or possible? Or are the sides sufficiently thin to compromise this need? Secondly I would consider using Bachmann LNER coach bogies on the non powered vehicles, are these correct for the 303 (thinking particularly around the axle boxes)? Would appreciate any pointers and be interested to see photos of completed models from anyone who has built one? Cheers, Martyn.

Just when I think the realism of your photos can't be improved you go and prove me wrong! Very impressive doesn't cover it. Fantastic shots Dave!

More bits picked up at Wigan show to add to the "to do" list. . .

Ah well, maybe next time! Edit: forgot to add, nice pics!

Latest 2-12-2 Saddle tank then. . . ;-)

025 looked mighty nice through the Down loop at Holywell Jct today, didn't realise it was you when you rang from Crewe. Martyn.

Very nice layout, I really like the variety and arrangement of buildings along the back, super job. Martyn.

Thanks Marcus, much appreciated.

A few more phone pics taken before I start some more wiring work to get the new signal, and hopefully the swing bridge mechanism, wired up and working. Martyn.