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Right, I think I've found the problem. Turns out that the motor has failed so I'll have to get another one ordered to replace this one so that I can carry out the test again. This one has been giving me some troubles for sometime but I'll keep it incase it can be salvaged at some point but for now I'll sort out a spare one.

Well the idea that I thought was how it was done was having the pick up side with insulated wheels and the other with live ones. Could this be it? The side rods haven't ben fitted yet so it can't be them.

A while ago i mentioned that I was converting an old Tri-ang Hornby Loco (a Class E2) to be fitted with Romford wheels to run better on my layout. After looking at a few posts here I got a rough idea as to how the conversion is done. Simply take the wheels off the model and take the axles out with the aid of a wheel/gear puller. Some new wheels and axles were bought and were fitted on. Some fibre washers were added to areas to prevent any shorts from the wheels touching the chassis block. But when the model went through testing something went wrong. Somehow a short has developed and theres no way of knowing what has caused it or what went wrong during the conversion. Would anyone here know where I went wrong, please? Thank you. The type of chassis that is being converted is the one with the X03 motor geared to the front axle with slotted prong pick ups on the right hand side.

There are some modellers whom I have met sometimes store their modelling tools in large tool boxes, others would use a handy biscuit tin. Some would spend a bit of money and would often buy those small set of drawer dividers to keep any small items such as crank pins, screws etc. For my tools, I find an Ikea Drawer cabinet to be quite suitable. Easy to put together, this unit can be very useful and a good edition for any modeller's workbench. As you can see, the drawer units have a good deal of space to store all my equipment as well as my paints. To give the cabinet a good workshop look to it, I gave it a coat of 'Antique Pine' wood stain and finished it off with some embossed labels (Not Pictured). I might also fit a handle on top so that the unit can be taken to exhibitions so that all my modelling tools are ready at hand and can be easily packed away. On the mention of exhibitions, I have also made up a tool kit for whenever I take my layout to any events. Available from places such as Poundland or Homebase, these little storage sorting boxes come in handy whoever you want to keep any locomotive parts or small tools at the ready. they can also be used for when servicing a locomotive takes place and you need somewhere to store all the bits. Pictured here is when I was giving my model of Daisy a servicing using Chamb123's guide on servicing the Tri-ang motor bogies. You can see how handy the divided section were to keep everything in it's place. So above all these two items could be useful for any beginners workbench. Running at a RRP of £20- drawers & £1/2.99 - mini storage boxes, it would be a wise investment to get started in your modelling experience.

As mentioned in my last entry I have been thinking of how the conversion of Tri-ang Locomotive wheels to Markits type could go ahead. I have taken a look at some topics on here that share info on the conversion but often left puzzled by not knowing exactly what items were used. So it was really down to instinct, trial and error and this is how, using what information I could find, the process of converting a simple Tri-ang model, say a Jinty for example, could go about. First, I remove the side rods from the model before removing the wheels using a wheel puller. I change the axles of the Tri-ang model to the RMA165HK & RMA165HP axles. Then put fibre washers on the outside of the axles so the wheels don't short against the chassis. I also read that bearings could also be used but wasn't sure. ​Then attach the wheels to the axles and quartering them accordingly before fixing them in place using the screws on the axles. Then finally screw the Tri-ang side rods to the wheels. So that's roughly how I think the process goes but if there is something I've missed out please be sure to inform me. This is a method that I, and I'm sure many other modellers here would like to learn so that their Tri-ang models can still be used on modern track.

Ok, I have been thinking about it for a while and I think I have a rough idea on how the conversion to Romford/Markits wheels can be done to get my Tri-ang Jinty 'Thomas' as well as my Nellie 'Percy' running. Correct me if I've gotten this wrong. I change the axles of the Tri-ang model to the RMA165HK & RMA165HP axles. Then put fibre washers on the outside of the axles so the wheels don't short against the chassis. (Or should I put bearings in instead?) ​Then attach the wheels to the axles and quartering them accordingly before fixing them in place using the screws on the axles. Then finally screw the Tri-ang side rods to the wheels. That's roughly how I think the process goes but as I said before please correct me if I've gotten it wrong. This is a method that I really need to learn properly so that my replicas are accurate to their original counterparts.

I've laid my track with this stuff but knowing that it crumbles away after a time of 10 years, I didn't glue the track to the foam as recommended by PECO. That way I can simply removed the foam and either choose to put in fresh underlay or ballast the track using balsa wood and granite chippings. It's really a matter of choice of what works best and trying out different things.

Little update from the Ffarquhar Branch. With most of my time being taken up with University, the layout wasn't used that often except for the odd stress relief. Since I first exhibited the layout in November last year, the layout will need to go through a small bit of maintenance; mostly the rewiring of the points. Underneath the layout is a spider web of wires, each one leading to a point motor around the station area. Among them are the signal operation strings which also need to be handled carefully when it comes to the rewiring of the points. Because this layout is designed to be shown at exhibitions, I have to ensure that the layout is ready to run and without faults. One of these faults is stalls on points or along the sidings. These are not common but can be an issue when carrying out shunting manoeuvres with Percy's small wheelbase. I am interested on getting the Gaugemaster HF1 Electric track cleaner as I have read some very good reviews of it's performance and reliability when it comes to locos staling on insult-frog turnouts. Now as I've mentioned before, because I'm replicating an original layout I'm also replicating the original locos & rolling stock. The main locos of the Branch have been modelled with Toby and Duck still left to do but there will come a time when one of them should fail. This too happened with the original locos so spare models were made for back up. Thomas and Percy's spare models were made from Tri-ang locomotives, a repainted Jinty and a modified Nellie (Saddle tank from a Kitmaster J94 kit, Cylinders from a Pug Kit and valve gear from a Tri-ang Princess) To help the locos run smoothly on the fine scale layout, Romford wheels were fitted in place of the largely flanged & 'Clumsy' Tri-ang ones which is where I've hit a small snag with this task. I have read a few posts on here about re-wheeling Tri-ang stock but I'm still puzzled on how to do it and what items I should get. There haven't been any videos or magazine guides on how to do it which has left me stumped. Would someone here provide me with a basic guide on how I could do that, please? I would be most grateful.

During my time modelling the Ffarquhar Branch, I have been looking at he ways some of the rolling stock and engines are built and how one could do this if he'd have the chance. One engine which I'd like to have a go at, to use as a spare engine during shows, is the Third model of Thomas made from a Hornby E2. The conversion of this model to make it into Thomas is quite simple but one issue has been troubling me. The wheels. The Rev Awdry replaced a number of the wheels on his models with Romford ones so that they would perform smoothly on his layouts but after looking at some posts on line about fitting them on Triang locos, I'm still left puzzled on how the process can be done. Truth be told I tend to understand these methods by seeing a visual guide but I haven't seen one done before online in regard to this type of conversion. Most of them would just show the finished product. If some one here were to take the time to provide a step by step visual guide to the process of this conversion I would be most grateful. It may sound silly but I find this helps a lot in my opinion. It's best that I ask now before I go and buy the needed items only to find that I bought the wrong ones.

Sorry I'm behind with this reply. The wiki note isn't completely true. When I was building my Ffarquhar branch, I researched the making of the original locos with a friend of mine. We came across an old advertisement on here for Larko's kits and there was a dockland loco kit shown which matched the features the original model had. it was mentioned somewhere that Percy was made from a kit with extra brass added. You can find that advert here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/76328-in-praise-of-industrials/page-3 The model only had to have the boiler shortened to get the smokebox to fit and then fitted with the chassis from SR. If you want I can message you some photos of the original model for you to compare. The second model only had the cylinders from the pug kit and the basic Triang valve gear but the boiler was from the Kitmaster J94 as the Pug's one was too small. Again, sorry for the late reply.

This model is my attempt at recreating the original model of The Rev W Awdry's first model of Percy which was made from a LARKO kit. Basically the chassis is from a modified Bachmann 0-4-0 model with Hornby and Tri-ang smokebox and boiler. The cab is scratch built using Plasticard and dome and chimney were made for me by a friend using turned steel bar. The extra weight helps to provide traction and smooth running to the model. Mind you, the chimney doesn't really look that right so I might see about getting a different one that looks more closer to the original one instead. It still requires some attention but it's the best I can during what time I had free. I might look into it again during the summer and see what I can do.

It would be fitting seeing as Wisbech was also where the layout was created at the time. Maybe someday Ffarquhar might make an appearance at a model railway exhibition.

When I began my modelling of this Branch I met Mr Awdry at Pecorama doing a book signing. He was just setting up when I arrived and so we had a small chat. I mentioned my project to him and asked if it was ok to replicate his father's layout. He was very pleased to hear of it and wished me the very best in my course of the project. That was in July 2008. During this Summer, I received a card from Mr Awdry wishing me the very best with The Ffarquhar Branch's first exhibit and to thank me for a gift that I had sent to him which was a replica of his original wooden Thomas loco, which he sadly lost when visiting America. So I think that answers that question.

Hello everyone My apologies for not keeping you all updated but a lot has been happening, mainly work for university. During the summer I was kept busy on getting my layout ready in time for it's first exhibition in November this year. Because this layout was designed to operate a working timetable, it was essential that all necessary items that play part in it worked with no faults. The main pain was the signalling. On the original layout, the signals were all square post upper quadrant type so it was important that for this replica the would be too. Although it's funny how in the original books the signals were lower quadrant. Strange. My signals are made using the Ratio Easy Assembly kits, modified to have LMS arms work on them. It took some jigging around, bending wire to a workable length and ensure that it works well. They often stuck when setting to DANGER so to ensure they do so I stuck some bent brass behind the arms. Now they all work properly and quite reliable too. After that it was sorting out the last bits of track work so that each rolling stock can be stored and uncoupled and have enough room to be coupled together again. At first I used the delay version of the S&W couplings but this made collecting wagons a problem. When I went to Wales to see the original models of Thomas and his Friends I found that the Rev Awdry used the MRK1 type for all his rolling stock, and had a very good and very easy method on fitting them. But some tricks of the modeller are best kept quiet so I'm afraid I can't explain on how they were fitted. Sorry. After getting a supply of the MRK 1 couplings I spent sometime fitting them to my coaches and wagons and I'm very pleased on how well they performed. Once all the problems were fixed, Final bits of scenery and station details were completed. The final item to be added to the layout was a Station Totem sign. On 11th of November, my Dad haired a van and we packed the layout up and transported it to where it's first exhibition was to take place. The following morning, 'The Ffarquhar Branch' was first exhibited at the Friends of Cultra Model Railway Day. Here are some photos of the layout once it was set up. The day of the show went so fast I couldn't remember much as what happened. But for you, my dear reader, I'll do my best to reflect on the day's events. Many people came to the show and many found their way to my layout. Most of them were older gentlemen while a few were little ones. A few old friends came by, one whom had taken a liken to my Toby model and requested him to come out for a photo. But in-between the operation of my layout, I took the odd 10min break to wonder around and to take some inspiration from some of the other layouts that took part in the show. For my next Vlog it was important that I took a video or photograph of them so that I didn't leave any of them out. I did managed to video all of them and many were very well made. Out of the lot I'd say my favourites would have to be one called 'Scouts' day Out' & the Hornby Dublo shop display layout. I also made a quick trip to the museum's gift shop to buy some sweets to keep me going. Among the items there were Railway themed Teddy Bears, station master ones was all they had for the time being. I couldn't help but buy one as a sort of good luck charm for me when I take the layout to show. I named him 'Wilbeart' and pinned a badge that I had made with the Railway Series' logo on it's waistcoat. Back to my layout again and I couldn't help overhearing some of the comments that my layout was getting. I don't know what it was but there was something about the way I built the layout that interested the public. Was because it was a Thomas themed layout or was it something different all together? One comment, I think, was to do with the buildings and the backgrounds blending in together so well. Well they were from the same manufacture so who could blame them? Among the many that came to the show, I was surprised that I was recognised by a few Thomas YouTubers who dropped by to say hi and to ask a few questions about the layout. So that was a nice addition to the day But the feedback from the visitors was good none the less. But one issue I had during the day was Thomas' motor. Because I was still using the original motor, it often played up on me as if it refused to cooperate with the operation of the layout. It was a pity I hadn't Duck or my spare Thomas handy but everyone wanted to see Thomas and so thats how it stayed. Come 16:50 everyone was getting themselves backed up and so another day came to a close. I must confess, the day went by a lot quicker than I thought. 2 years getting gate layout ready only to have the main day go so fast you don't know if it was worth it or not. But it was. To see the layout perform at the show, here is a video that I made the day after the show. 2017 will mark 10 years since I first began modelling the Ffarquhar branch as a return to the hobby. During then I've always wanted to capture the original layout, so I just hope this final attempt has made that aim possible. For anyone here who has seen the original Ffarquhar Branch Layout in person, Do you think it's a close resemblance?

So recently the Ffarquhar branch has been having some new items in place. the New back scene is now glued into place and just needs the other end of it screwed into place for security. The retaining walls at the station end are now also glued into place and are awaiting for the last bits of hillside to be placed on top before the construction of the station platform could commence. You can see the installation in the following video I also took some time one evening making a tutorial on how to make model trees, using methods from the RM article and also the 70's programme 'Model World'. I find these methods cheap and easy to use to make some fantastic model trees. Some new rolling stock is also in the works. The first being 1of 3 wagons for The Ffarquhar Quarry Company LTD, made using the Ratio 3 plank wagon. Progress on my model of Toby is coming along well too, just needs the rest of the framing at the front to be made and needs a roof made. Finally my Reidpath model for Thomas has now recently been stripped down from it's black livery by using the method of bathing it in Detol for 24hrs and with the aid of an old toothbrush and cocktail stick, was able to get all the paint off ready for it's new livery. A new Chimney from an old Hornby Thomas, which will be getting a new chimney anyway, was then glued into place. Might get a die cast one if anyone has any good examples that come close tot he original type. Before I can paint the model I have to get some additional items which will make it close to the original. Some Steps will be needed as well as some handrail knobs for the boiler and smokebox areas. The handrail knobs I've already gotten from Ebay so some loco steps will be the next item.

I have a few friends who attend the model railway shows with me so they offer their services when I need to take a break or photograph some of the other layouts. They may not be sufficient as pall barrels but they do their best.

Sorry for the late reply. Been away from the forum for a bit. In answer to your question, transporting the layout is done as you said- the two boards are hinged in the middle to make a box of 2ft x 6ft x 1ft 9inches and can be taken to and from shows in the back of the car or hired van. The halt, at the front of the layout, plays part in the layout's operation. The Railway Modeller article provides the reader a complete guide as to how the layout's operation commences which features a variety of train movements. When I last exhibited my last Ffarquhar layout before this one, I followed these movements with a few changes when operating it a second time as I was also running my Mavis and Daisy models as well. There is an operation sequence that includes these locos but I've yet to seek that out and to study it. When i get this current layout finished and displayed at it's first show, I might just run Thomas, Percy & Toby, with Duck standing by as spare engine. Recently I've gotten the new back scene into place and it really looks the part. I've only got one end of it secured to one of the batons at the layout's edge but will need to have a second secure point at the other end. Just beyond the platform, on the original, there is a sort of scenic shrubbery built up on a raised base, a small retaining wall. Here I will cut a bit of wood to shape and using this will help secure the scenic board into place and hide it by building the scenery over it. My Main focus for the minute is the retaining wall at the end of the line. Now I've been looking for some suitable walls for this but none seemed to suite and those that are were out of production. In the end I found word's worth model Railways which had a set of Downloadable retaining walls that are just right for my layout. After printing a few out as well as some brick paper, I glued the walls to some foam board, trimmed part of where the arches joined and the inner of the arch, i stuck some of the brick paper on to some card and glued that behind the arch. With a bit of painting or a slight wash, it should look the part. Wordsworth also had a signal box similar to the Ffarquhar one so it too will need some attention to it. I will have photos up in the next few days of the progress but thats the updates so far.

It's really for a 3D model which he wants to make. A freelance type but with a suitable chassis for it to run on. He says the HC 0-4-0 one is the best example for it but trying to find a suitable plan for it is quite tricky.

Myself and a friend of mine are in search of plans or drawing of this particular loco: http://cspmodels.com/abante/resources/image/18/77/9.jpg Would anyone know at all on where we could source out a copy of these, please? Thanks

Yeah I prefer the Bilteezi ones to the PECO ones anytime. Really didn't like the transition of them at all. They're Okay if it's for a beginner's layout but for one that your trying to replicate, not good. I started with the PECO ones because I wasn't sure at the time if the Bilteezi ones were still printed. But after an email to Freestone Models I was told that they still print them so thats why I'm changing the backdrops to the Bilteezi ones. As said above in previous posts, the ones on the original layout were made by Bassett Lowke so the changes of me getting rolls of them would be unlikely. Anyways I really like the Bilteezi ones as well as the building kits. They fit in well with the theme and also make the layout look like you seeing one of the original illustrations by then artist, John. T. Kenny.

You must send me, if you have any, images of Deane's layout to do a comparison. i haven't seen this layout so it would be interesting to see what it is like. Thanks very much guys for all your comments. Very much appreciated. EDIT: I've been thinking about featuring it in RM but wasn't sure what the response would be. But the December 2019 sounds very fitting.

This morning, I got my last bit of coursework submitted for Uni so thats me finished until September. And to celebrate, I got to work on making the new back scene. Yesterday I purchased a sheet of 3mm MDF and after marking the height, I cut out the paper back scenes and marked out where I need to cut. then afterwards, the hole to allow the locos to enter the fiddle yards was also marked and cutout. This evening I set to work on painting up the sky and the area where I will have the shrubbery. Before I stick the back scene in, I'll try and paint in some distant hills/mountains. On it's own, it kind of looks like a seaside town, don't you think? Round here I will make up some relief shrubs which I hope will blend in with this backdrop. As said before, the back drop board behind this one will need something to fill in the gaps. Test with a mock up of the station platform. A proper one will be built in due corse this summer. Now I only just found out that the 4mm Bilteezi factory kit is now out of print so because I have this one already built to be used if I ever make Elsbridge, I will need to photograph parts of this to make a copy of the kit. Looking at photos of the factory on the original, it's quite easy to get the bits that I need made to make the low relief building. Hopefully it should blend in well with this backdrop. One thing which I noticed was when I was test fitting the board, I cut it too high so I'll need to trim a few millimetres off in order for it to fit flush with the other boards. ;-| but one thing is for sure, at least this board is a lot better than the previous, don't you agree? More updates to follow.

Thought I'd share with you some more photos of the layout so far. With most of the scenery nearly finished, my next main focus will be to make up the station platform and the area around it. The main eyesore, for me really, is the back scene that leads to the quarry tramway. I tried to blend in the PECO back drops but think that some more will be needed. Or at least something to fill that gap. The transition to the houses too look quite poor so I'm thinking of taking out this houses and instead put in some Bilteezi back scenes which I had ordered in from Freestone model accessories. These will also go on the board behind the station platform as soon as one can be made up. The back scenes on the original layout I haven't any clues as to what they were. I know for a fact that the Backscenes for the Mrk II layout were Biltezzi ones, same as the ones I'm putting in, but for the first one is a bit of a mystery. If you'd like to have a go yourselves on finding out what brand the original back scenes were, you're more than welcome. A link to the RM article can be found here: http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/rm-1959-12.htm The station itself will be made up using wood strips, balsa wood and the Bilteezi platform kit with the addition of the Dapol platform fencing. The main buildings is the Bilteezi country station which will have additional features added on. One of the gems on this layout is my replica of the original Thomas model that ran on the original layout. I managed to obtain a Stewart Reidpath model off eBay but this model didn't have a chimney. Instead it had what looks like a sort of rivet in it's place. I'll have to see about taking that off and replace it with another chimney. The model also needs steps and some brake piping so I'll have to have look online and see if I can get some spares. After the model arrived, I gave it a good servicing and now it runs very smoothly and really reliable - just like the original. Annie and Clarabel are scratch built/kitbashed using card and the Ratio bogie bolster wagon kits. Their design is based on a particular coach that the Reverend copied during the 1920's and like the originals, these models run very well especially round tight corners. The models look a bit scruffy and require a new paint job, but they serve well on the layout. I'll be seeing about making up some spare models fitted with the Spratt and Winkle couplings as back up models incase these ones should become unserviceable during times when I'm exhibiting the model. Still a lot more to do but as soon as I get my work finished for University, I'll crack on and continue from where I left off. One last item, if you want to see how the original layout performed you can see a small home movie of it at the beginning of this video

Many thanks guys for your feedback. Thanks very much. Yeah, I found the Ffarquhar Branch to be an excellent model of the Reverend's and is a great example of a layout (back then) that can be made using ready at hand products. Nowadays, it's quite rare to find some of the items in order to replicate this layout. Some of the Bilteezi kits were quite tricky to find but thankfully I've managed to gather up the ones I need and also making plans for some others to be scratch built. I have plans underway to get the layout ready in time for it's first exhibit in November so this summer evenings will be spent, getting this layout ready and operating smoothly. I forgot to post at the start a link to a series of video logs that I released, showing you the layout's development. Some of the items that I cover in these videos are altered since then and different technics were used instead. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs5uIOc9fDmKBX-kHgqd6LzX20lvjUYhO