goatdriver

Eileen's Emporium has 22  SWG (.75 mm) piano wire (which is the diameter DCC Concepts suppies with the Cobalts) in 36 inch lengths.

I've used the sand one also.  The cement paint has less texture than the sand paint.

I don't know if it's available in the UK (I'm in the US), but Rustoleum has a new spray paint called "Cement" (product #323384) that does a great job simulating grey concrete.  It has just enough texture to work well in 4mm scale.  I've used it on both polystyrene and laser cut MDF (over Rustoleum grey primer) and am very pleased with the results.  Attached is a photo Peco inspection pits I used it on.

You might want to check out Robert's Brick Mortar.  They're located in the US, but they ship worldwide.  URL is http://robertsbrickmortar.com/

I've had excellent results using Deluxe Roket Card Glue to glue Peco platform sides and also Plastikard to plywood and softwood, and I would expect it to work equally on mdf.  It has a decent amount of working time.  I've also used it successfully to glue styrene sheet to Plastikard.  It's probably not necessary, but I always let it dry overnight.

I have and use the pot / container quite frequently but I have reservations about using the bristle brushes.

 

If you look closely at the ends where the bristles are twisted to the wired handle it can be very sharp / roughly finished which, if used in the airbrush can leave scratches thereby causing possible problems when used.

 

I tend to use disposable cotton buds ( rolled paper handled ones ) for gentle cleaning and a good flush through with whatever cleaning fluid is suitable for the paint being used.

 

When spraying the airbrush into the pot a finely partictled mist will be seen emanating from the filter on the top so usual precautions should be taken.

 

Overall though it is a useful item.

I use my cleaning pot in my spray booth with the fan on, sending any fumes that escape the filter up the hose and out the window.

I've made several purchases from Rails, and the service has always been exemplary.  I live in the US, and they've always deducted the VAT from the total.

Thank you

 

Thank you – that’s interesting. I fixed mine by loosening the coupling screws but there are no major changes of gradient or sharp curves on my layout. Now I’m wondering if I should carry out the modification myself just in case I decide to run the problem child on another layout.

My feeling is that I rather be sure that it will run well should I decide to add gradients or tighter curves to my layout.

Parts consist of a sheet of transparent c-shaped washers--photo attached, I hope (washers are clear, I photographed sheet on a piece of green paper).  Instructions are also attached (again, I hope).
 

scan.pdf

Being in the US, it was problematic to return my IEP to Hornby for the modifications to correct the derailing issues.  I contacted Hornby by email and, and after confirming that I was willing to do the fix myself, they quickly sent me the necessary parts and well-illustrated instructions for doing the mods myself.  Well done to Hornby.

Ordered the chips and speakers on 15th, shipped on 16th, delivered in US on 20th.  Can't beat that kind of service!

OK:   I fitted the Hi Bass in the seating area within the coach, removing some of the seats.  The Hornby Sound area is total rubbish on this model

 

Charlie

Thanks, Charlie. Appreciate the advice from the expert.

Robert

Will be posted on Monday.   Charlie

 

PPS What speakers were you thinking of using.?????

Ordered the high bass speakers

DC Kits/DE Video now have DCC sound kits available for the Hornby Class 800. Just ordered mine.

Thanks all.  I appreciate the insights.  Time to get started laying track (nice cool basement, so the summer heat wave isn't a problem).

Technically, you can, if only because it took longer to develop the long bearers needed for pointwork. A lot then depends on the era you want to model.

 

Jim

I'm doing modern era (present day).

I'm in the US, so I have no first hand access to UK railways.  I'm building a GW mainline layout with Peco code 75 concrete sleeper flextrack, but they only offer one type of point with concrete bearers.  Would it be prototypically correct to mix wooden bearer points with concrete sleeper track?  Thanks in advance.

Bearers on pointwork are more closely spaced than sleepers on straight track, so leaving them alone while spacing the sleepers out does not look too bad, especially is you have concrete track with wooden points. Concrete pointwork is a relatively recent development. It is a matter of choice though.

 

Sleepers on modern track are spaced closer than they used to be, but still further apart than on Peco's webbing.

I've just started my OO layout using code 75 concrete sleeper flextrack.  Being in the US, I don't have firsthand knowledge of UK railways.  Do UK mainlines (particularly the Great Western mainline) use wooden sleepered points with concrete sleepered track?  If they do, it certainly gives me more flexibility in track layout while being prototypically correct.  Thanks in advance.

You might want to look at the Ratio 538 Gutters and Downspouts.  Each gutter is about 137 mm long, but I had no problem cementing two together to get the length I needed.  The gutters have little prongs on them, so you can drill small holes in the walls and mount them with a bit of glue.  I used them on a Gaugemaster Fordhampton TMD, and they worked very nicely.  Attached is a photo of what comes in the pack.Ratio 538 pdf.pdf

3DK has a very nice free kit available on their site.  For newbie to card kits, it's a good way to practice on a small building.  It's a nice kit with quite a few options.

Placed an internet order with Hatton's on Saturday; delivered in the US on Wednesday.  Can't beat that service.

I'd like to add that Rails provides superb delivery to the US.  I ordered 25 yards of flexitrack, some turnouts, and a few other items.  The order was very securely packaged with plenty of bubble wrap and arrived in perfect condition 10 days after it was shipped.

Received an order from Rails yesterday, shipped to US by courier--order included 25 yards of flextrack--took only 11 days to arrive.   Best prices I could find and excellent service. 

Ordered Bachmann Class 66 (Model Rail special) from KRMC.  Shipped on 6th January (Royal Mail/US Mail); arrived at my home in US on 16th January.  Can't beat that for transatlantic delivery.

Are there prototype double slips on concrete sleepers?

 

I've never seen one.

 

John

Good question.  Being located in the US, I don't have access to prototypes, other than through images online.