john flann

Interesting collection of stock there Martyn. All look the part-definitely past their best at that time and not surprisingly so

Looks good Rob, capable and workmanlike.

If my E4 is at home on Hintock, yours will be equally so on Sheep lane.

As you are probably finding they are very smooth runners.

Quite right Martyn, Kadees are by no means 100% perfect, but they are excellent for coupling, uncoupling is a different matter, that is why I don't use their magnets ( because they are never in the right place) and employ instead my miniature version of a trusty shunting pole.

What you have seen of Kadees at exhibitions gets them a bad name.

By the way we had about 8" of snow overnight with more forecast. Something you are not likely to see where you are.

Martyn, a nice collection of wagons there looking well worn and weary as they might well do, considering their use and your period.

But I can't forebear remarking that if Kadees are criticized for their unprototypical appearance (and which I'm happy to use) the same could apply here!

However, seeing that your happy with them that is the end of the story.

Rob, pleased to see the start you have made. That is the way to go, two suggestions:-

1. If you laid the tracks diagonally you gain a little bit more length, and

2. can you introduce some curve into it.This will add to the appearance. (see the recent images of HTQ and my new Port Bredy)

I agree with you Martyn, if it doesn't run properly what's the point. Fix it, enjoy it!

Nick, I wish you well in exhibiting MM.

I'm sure too once in the exhibition hall, and MM is being righty admired and running nicely all your old enthusiasms will soon return.

My regards,

Ray, I hope it works for you. The trick is in using absorbent kitchen paper towel at the bottom as it retains the first layer(s) of sprayed water, sticky paint and white glue. That is your foundation for what you add on top.

Ray, pre-wetting by way of spray ensures that the liberal coat of paint and glue will spread nicely in the first place and are sticky so the flock and other materials sprinkled upon will readily  adhere.

A brush plays no part in this latter stage. But the spray bottle does.

It all looks a bit of a mess but in 24 hours when drying out it will look a lot better. Then, if needed,  the process can start again but without the paint, thats just a base coat. It can't be done in one go, it's a continuing process to get the result seen in my post # 1193.

And, I've taken the lliberty of attaching, from that post of mine, an image showing the finished result.

It all takes time, it's a bit messy  and better done in small areas at a time. If you don't like the result add another layer of scenic stuff.

Hope this helps.

OK Ray, but if you are using white glue after wetting it all bonds back together again.

Jon, just seen this thread of yours and thoroughly enjoyed following it through.

A very credible story as are the scenics nicely done. I've also admired your workmanship in the signalling department.

I look forward to seeing the continued process.

Every good wish for 2016.

John.

Ray, a lot of progress there since I last looked in and which I'm sure you are basically pleased with, but I shall nor comment on any of what's been going on in particular.

Except to say I noticed you had remarked upon your flocking methods, and may I suggest you have a look at my Hintock post #1193 as I've been doing a bit in that line myself.

Thanks Martyn for sharing that, yes it is amazing what we have tucked away-when we find it!

Andy, I've only just seen your post #476 about using cards for shunting the shed.

I'm glad you found it made by the adoption of method, "playing' with the layout more purposeful. It requires application and hence gives a deeper sense of  enjoyment as I'm sure you will have recognised.

        Credit for the artwork is due to my grand-daughter Holly, the modelling and original photography is mine.

Martyn, all food for thought-and it appears you have made some New Year resolutions.

A step back, as you have done when things aren't going right is always a good idea.

Whatever you decide will be interesting to follow.

Martyn, not so bad as you first thought. That's good and many times the case.

But the substance of your comment is in the last sentence as we can lose sight of the fact that running a layout is, and certainly to many the essence of the hobby. We should do it more often.

I have found that true in my case as in re-furbishing Hintock TQ i have once again become taken by its overall appearance and qualities of playability.  I had neglected it through force of circumstances and whilst doing other things.

As said it could have been worse. Maybe its made you clear out stuff no longer really needed and given an opportunity for new and improved works.

Meantime ejoy your beer(s).

Just seen this Adrian, I'm all for authentic appearing layouts in small spaces and yours is a credit to the genre. Nicely done, reasonably prototypical and fun to operate.

What else does one need?

My regards,

Les, I've been thinking about this more, as I understand it you are proposing withdrawl of the two original coaches and their replacement by the two autocoaches.

But isn't the seating capacity of either set about the same? So what will be achieved?

Why not have both by thinking up a reason for increased traffic and the need to run the two separate services to meet it?

I know this is the real world approach rather than that in our imagination, but I think matters like this need to make sense.

Sent in all good fun.

Regards,

Les, The Prairie and coaches look a little forlorn. Is traffic that poor they can't be retained? Their withdrawal does seem a shame. Can't they share the duies with the newcomers?

I would hope the decision isn't final.

Martyn,seen hard service there, as might be expected in the circumstances. Nicely done. Not overdone.

Les, I haven't recently given your thread the attention it deserves. But I think, i have caught up.

I like your style, ideas and partiularly your emphasis on short trains that add to the illusion of space. Somehow too, a pannier, a prairie or the larger classes you run look to my eye more appealing with a short, rather than a long train.

My regards,

The 4.25 pm from Weymouth with the 'Grimsby Fish' on the front arriving at Hintock. The van will have been added at Hintock Junction having been worked down in course of the day.