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Norton Wood

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  1. Norton Wood
    So the next project...
     
    With the King Tiger project out of the way and the W1 project awaiting for airbrushing it was about time I moved forward to the next project, so since the Oxford Rail LNER N7 has fallen into my possession and the locomotive has returned from weathering, I thought the locomotive needed a set of coaches which accompanied the gracefulness of the N7, and well there is only one set of coaches which suits the N7 more, so I have managed to find a company which specializes in LNER coaching stock via 3D Printing. So thanks to a friend I found Isinglass Models and I've asked them to produce the LNER Gresley Quint-Articulated set which I plan to build as per the 1930's batch built by Metropolitan Cammell. Who was one of the many companies who built the LNER the Quint sets for the LNER. (Further history on these sets will evolve as we go through the blog)
     

    T.Crouch (2019) 
    Background Info
     
    Building or owning an LNER Quint set is a project I've wanted to do for some-time now, but with the Ian Kirt kits being so expensive and the lack of production of this kit has made it highly valuable and the majority of these kits are now being sold in BR Maroon which is not my era and doesn't look as nice as LNER Teak. Plus the likelihood of various well-known companies producing such a set it's fair to say that Dinosaurs roaming the earth again is more likely than it being produced in RTR. It seems that the old ways of getting kits of various types of LNER coaches are becoming harder and harder to do. Meaning serious younger modelers, like myself, are having to find or spend more to get what was an easy set to get hold of. Shame really. 
     
    In this case, the LNER Quint-set is one such set of articulated coaches Isinglass has worked or developed since starting out. So as per the plan, my aim is to build 2 sets of these coaches in LNER & BR condition, the reason for doing this is so I can have a set which will run on my personal layout of Norton Wood and so the other set can run on Mile End Park, which since the last update has moved on from just being a large locomotive shed...Further details to follow on the Mile End Park Blog. 
     

    Locomotives Illustrated (1997) 
     
    The Plan -
     
    The plan is to write about the build of one of the sets as I feel I don't want to repeat myself regarding the build of the second set, so this blog will only focus on the LNER liveried version. 
     
    The aim is to follow the prototypical formation of a set so, for this model, I plan to do Set No. 137A with:
     
    Diagram 81. lst/3rd Comp (Former 1st/2nd Comp) - No. 64055 Diagram 82. Full 3rd (Former Full 2nd) - No. 6573 Diagram 83. Full 3rd (Former 2nd/3rd Comp) - No.64054 Diagram 84. Full 3rd (As built) - No.60072 Diagram 85. 3rd Brake (As built) - No. 62072  
     
    Those in the know will understand that the quint sets used to run with 1st - 2nd & 3rd class passengers on board however set no. 137A will be set after the 1st January 1938, at which point the LNER had decided to remove 2nd class seating, so more 3rd class seating could be accommodated, essentially earning the maximum profit, as 3rd class was the most utilized, so the Quints could carry more people who could only afford the 3rd class seating.  If I could afford 2nd class I should imagine passengers would have been rather disappointed by the LNER's move. 
     
    This information was kindly given to me via information request regarding an article, which was written in 1997 regarding the Quint sets. Fortunately, it also has diagrams displaying the different companies which made the sets and the coach numbers. Plus further reading has been recommended to me, in the form of Steve Banks who has produced an article on the LNER GE Suburban lines. All very interesting, in addition to that, I have also had to ask colleagues of mine if they would be able to take photo's of the only other LNER Articulated set of coaches preserved being the LNER Quad-art set, to use as guidance for the quints along with the drawings which have been provided. with the Isinglass model kit and the drawings in the articles produced.
     

    Locomotives Illustrated (1997)
    Recommended Watching & Reading: 
     
    Of course to understand the purpose for these set's it would be rather necessary to find some reading, so I'd recommend looking through; Charles Phillips book on 'The Great Easter Railway in south Essex', David McIntosh 'Gresley's Legacy - Locomotives and Rolling Stock', Kevin McCormack 'The Eastern Around London - A colour Portfolio' and  finally Locomotives Illustrated No.116. All of which, have some excellent photographs of the Locomotives and Quint-art set's in service.  Further programs which I'd recommend watching is the Old VHS called Memories of the Great Eastern, which a whole segment of the video is dedicated to the 'Suburban Services into Liverpool St' covering the N7's carrying out the suburban traffic into and out of Liverpool St, hauling the Quints. 
     
    What has been great is the information and available archive video, which has meant I have been able to get all the relevant information I can, and having spent a dedicated week on research on this subject.
     

    K. McCormack (2008) The Eastern Around London
    To Finish Up
     
    On a final note...
     
    So with that blurb out of the way, I hope you enjoy this as I progress my way through the build, which begins in the next part. As the coaches have only just been ordered I cannot say how long it'll be before the next part but I do hope that in the next few months something will bear fruit. 
     
    Thanks
    Tom
  2. Norton Wood
    With Oxford Rail having announced they would produce 3 N7 variants I was like many very happy, as the N7 filled another hole in the GE/LNER modellers world. As these engines would be responsible for suburban services in and around London they also ventured around the former GE Suburban workings replacing many older suburban locomotive types the F5's spring to mind and later on they also were tasked with working some Kings Cross Suburban workings. 
     
    So with the LNER N7 finally in my possession, I was very pleased with the quality of the build and running of the locomotive, as many modellers on the RMWeb N7 thread know, there are a few misgivings on the model, which I am willing to forgive. Most of the mistakes that befall on this model are mainly in small area's, which only picky modellers like myself will forgo to resolve...
     
    So I began with what myself and my model club will do when they receive a new locomotive, either painting or modifying an engine to suit how we would want them. I am a stickler for having locomotives re-numbered & weathered with minor alterations.  So I began with the model as it came and decided to paint: 
     
    The Smokebox Door Ring Buffer Shanks Black (Originally in the incorrect Red)  Brass work around the Clack Valves  Steel workaround the Westinghouse Airpump Safety Valves catch Red Frames & Frame Stretcher into Red Then off to Grimy Times for Weathering & Renumbering into 7993  
    And well here's the end result...
     
     

    The white mark in this image is actually dust inside the camera lens not on the model 
     

     
     

     

     
    Overall I think it's turned out quite well, and the weathering is the only way you can get around the fact that the model should be in LNER Lined black with all the necessary paint apps but, honestly I think it's turned out really well and I think it looks very smart now. 
     
     
  3. Norton Wood
    To end off...
     
    The Tank has obviously gone for airbrushing, as I finished last time I'd just applied the sand base coat. Following this, I began by painting the Green and following that the Brown, very easily carried out. Following this, I painted the dot's using a small brush using the 3 colours - beginning with sand, Green then Brown. In that pattern. I think the result was brilliant. 
     
    Following this I gave the model the gloss coat, following that I applied the decals to the model which took all of 30 minutes, course after I applied the Matt coat which finalized the model, which is not shown here but it has been done, trust me on that one. 
     
    Finally... It's done and on display, before finishing I thought I'd put them next to my brothers Panzer V Panther & Panzer VI Tiger I, so to show the German development of the tank range...quite impressive really. 
     
    Glad to finish another project. 
     
    Thanks
    Tom




  4. Norton Wood

    LNER J15 Upgrade

    By Norton Wood,

    Hi all,
     
    So as many people have posted on RM web or other blogging sites, about there upgrading of the Hornby J15. Now I'm not upgrading the handrails or cab in any way, following in the footsteps of 'The British Railway Series' Blog. I have put on my man trousers and begun and finished changing the J15's as modeled LNER (NER) Teapot chimney to the GER Stovepipe Chimney, this will then be painted, weathered & renumbered.
     
    Anyway, down to business.
     
    To start of with I pulled the chimney off the model, I was quite surprised how well it came off, I then dry fitted the chimney to the model, found that there was quite a deep hole left in the wake of the Hornby molded chimney. So I put some Humbrol model filler in the gap. While it dried I fitted the chimney exactly where I wanted it.
     
    After the filler had dried I took the Chimney for undercoating and painted it with Revell Matt Black No. 8, which came out very nicely. Leaving the bottom of the Chimney unpainted so I could glue it to the filler. After which I then painted the smokebox leaving the result you see before you.
     
    The model then went to Grimy Times to be weathered, unlike other modelers I am not confident enough in my weathering, as I am still practicing on an older model of mine, till I am confident in doing it myself.
     
    As you can see the model has changed from 5444 to 7554 - This not the same loco at all as I spent a long long time trying to find images of a J15 in 1936 Condition with a Westinghouse Air Pump, Stovepipe Chimney and fitted with the LNER type safety valves (Ross poppet valves I think) Correct me if I am wrong I always appreciate learning from others.
     
    About 7554, the loco was spent its entire life at Stratford (London) on the GER as 554, LNER 7554 then renumbered to 5452 and finally BR as 65452. It had a life lasting 53 years. All information can be found on the 'complete BR locomotive database 1948 - 1997' I find this a useful site to find locomotive numbers, which I then cross reference with photos of the period. (Again the photo's are not mine it took me about three hours on the computer looking for images)
     
    Finally, you can see the locomotive on my layout of Mile End Park, with all my current LNER Great Eastern Region Locomotives, all I need is an N7 which I want to do as 7993. The great thing about this layout is it's transdisciplinary so you can have pretty much anything from the 1900s till the 1960's on there and it will look good.
     
    I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed modeling and writing about it.
     
    Thanks very much
     
    Tom



  5. Norton Wood

    King Tiger Part 3

    By Norton Wood,

    PAINTING...
     
     
    That was the aim of the last few weeks, battling cold weather, but luckily we avoided too much snow. But the Like the King Tiger it battled through the weather and emerged pink...Guess it wants to show it's true Cat self off...
     
    On the other hand, the tank has now gone into the Dark Yellow, acting as the base paint before the brown and green schemes onto the model. 
     
    I am now drawing in pencil, around the model how and where the camouflage will be when I begin the airbrushing work. 
     
     
    Well, this was the shortest part of the blog so far, but the next part will be the first and second part of the painting work and the decal work. 
     
     



  6. Norton Wood

    King Tiger Part 2

    By Norton Wood,

    Having Spent a good long time looking at the actual photo's then looking at two modelers who have carried out this project prior to me starting this (I'll link below to his YouTube Video, who has also linked the other chap) It is clear to me. That to do King Tiger 105 there is a lot of speculation/ artistic license as per the camo it carried, the marking type it carried and whether it carried the German Cross and 501 Flash on the front & rear of the tank.
     
    With that in mind, I have spent a long time thinking about doing King Tiger 105. Which has led me to move away from doing 105 and going freelance with this whole project, I've set upon doing my own King Tiger as part of the 501 near towards the end of 1944 early 1945 in which I will do doing the Number 312, if this was a real tank, please do not say "Oh but this is not to how the real 312 was" I am merely doing this for my own enthusiasm, most of my tanks that I have built have not been based on a real thing BAR my WW1 Mk IV & Medium A which have been painted and detailed as real vehicles.
     
    In the days waiting for the kit to arrive, I was able to go to a model show and pick up the Tamiya Paints (Which I find are very accurate bring out the model when worked on correctly. which I needed for this project, so in this case, I bought, XF - 64 Red Brown, XF- 61 Dark Green and already in my store, XF- 60 Dark Yellow.
    Accompanied by the use of an airbrush these should turn out quite nicely onto the armored behemoth.
     
    With that all being said, the kit arrived a few days ago ( I wrote the first blog without the kit at the time) and I thought I'd get stuck in as there are plenty of reviews of this kit showing the Ins and Outs of this kit.
     
    The photo's below are a selection of photos I took during the build, so please enjoy the build progress.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    So yeah, lots of photo's but it's turned out well. I plan to get it into a primer and look into paint the model into the Sand base coat then look at the Green & Brown Coats for the main camouflage.
  7. Norton Wood
    Having returned from the Great Electric Train show, I, of course, did the most dangerous thing...buying things.
     
    The show was very good, although I think it could have done with a few more layouts themed at different periods and area's as most were BR, GWR, SR or BR (S) or BR (W). Something I think Hornby Magazine needs to look at in future... Unless I am missing a point with them and there focus is Southern & GWR??
     
    Anyway while at the event I needed to get quite a lot of things to support the layout to add lots of little details...
     
    I purchased:
     
    Will Kit
    Ratio Kit
    Double O gauge society Sleeper spacer and track gauge
    Black Ballast/ Coal
    TMC's specially ordered Plate Wagon, which has been weathered to suit
    Road Signs - As part of the Grimy Times stand
    And finally the buffer heads for the Mineral wagon
     

     
    The next day I set about building the kits and working on regauging the track, plus a few interesting things that modelers might like...
     
    The board
     
    So I sourced some wood to make the board, and so far the frame has been made with a plan to use some mdf to make the baseboard. At the time of writing this has been cut down and will be cut to the 3ft by 1ft size required. As of Sunday the 21st of October I will be testing the layout with board 1 to see if my measurements have been correct, this will be at my local model club so if you are in Norfolk and fancy a visit to a small upcoming heritage line, you can come to Whitwell & Reepham Station.
     

     
    Track Laying
     
    As readers will know the track plan was already set up, however, the plan was to lay the track and leave it. Well at the Great Electric Train Show I bought a sleeper spacer so the sleepers would be to the correct spacing to British Standard Gauge. This took around an hour and a half to carry out but I finished that job, laid the track and tested it. The Point, of course, I've not changed but I will cover up the sleepers so it's practically impossible to see that the sleepers are the wrong gauge.
     
    Here are the results
     

     

     
    Once that had been completed I began laying the track and getting it into the right position, which has turned out quite nicely.
     
    (Photos)
     
    Talking about track something I would like to do in future using correct 4mm Track will be from 'Finescale - Track building Systems' which have been working on something which will be better than the Peco 'bullhead' range - The photos below are from the Great Electric Train show, I have to say I'm very impressed with the track, as it not only has the sleepers correctly molded and spaced but also will show the chair and keys which will be molded into the sleeper, something which will also cost a lot lot less than the Peco range which has a lot more compromises, plus the track is being made in the UK. From my discussion, there should be lengths of track available in November at Warley.
     

     

     
    Little Bits
     
    In the meantime, I've been working on the coal merchant building, Staiths, Road signposts, and the mineral wagon.
     
    Merchant building & Staiths
     
    So what has been done so far is the building has gone into White Primer followed by painting of the brickwork, roof tiles, and the wood to follow the LNER theme being Green & Cream. The Staiths had gone into Grey Primer followed by painting into matt black, and the coal painted into Satin black. After that had dried I began using the coal I had bought and used it to cover up the plastic coal effect from the molding.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Road Signposts
     
    Quite an easy job really, firstly I cut out the signs that I wanted, I then found some brass wire which I had lying around which I used on my P2 & W1 kits. The wire and back of the sign were painted black. After this had dried I applied white paint to give the black with white stripes on the signs. After this, a little weathering left this effect.
     

     
    The wording says - "Crossing No Gates"
     
    Mineral Wagon
     
    So far the only progress that has been made is the white primer, as we enter Autumn, getting good weather is getting harder and harder to get the ability to go out with the airbrush and paint the model grey is getting harder to do. But I shall endure and will wait until a good day comes around where I can do this.
     
    So, all in all, it's been a productive time working on this layout, and I've enjoyed working on it so far. But I can't do any more work until the Whitwell & Reepham Model Railway Show, as board 4 will be part of a demonstration that I will be working on, over that event.
     

     
    To end off then, board 1 has now got a name as each section will have a name it's now called "Thelveton". As this is what our light railway terminus station will be called.
     

     
    Until next time
  8. Norton Wood
    So what does N&SBLR mean??
     
    It means Norfolk & Suffolk Boarders light railway, the reason for this name was because we wanted to incorporate some of our favorites line from around the area in which we live. As part of the Whitwell & Reepham Model Railway Club, we have keen interests centered on the M&GN and Great Eastern railways, but with Norfolk and Suffolk sporting two amazing little lines with some amazing loco's we needed an excuse to make or purchase models for this layout.
     
    Initially, the layout was in the form of Board 1 which was and still is called "Terriers Territory", this layout set the standard for the rest of the layout, a simple 3 ft by 1 ft board, this was meant for a competition (I forget which one) Based upon the middy & Wissington Branch, the layout was taken to the first Bawesdwell Model Railway show back in 2016, there was thought for building a second piece which came to nothing, a week before the newbuild J50 Group model show, a club member took away terriers territory and build the second board, this began the formation of N&SBLR, which we came up with the name while at the show.
     
    This has developed into quite the interest for our modelers in the club. Each modeler has been given the task of creating a scene 3ft long by 1ft wide. Each board must be seamless and fit in with the previous board so the next member must create the next board, using the previous board which has been made as reference. It has grown so much that now, all 4 club members will build two boards which will mean the layouts full length could be 18 ft long by 1ft wide.
     
    Currently, the third board has been planned and built, but we are yet to have seen these...but I have been given the task of building the fourth board.
     
    So here we go...
     
    Going back to my GE route and having an excuse to purchase something fate came in the form of the Model Rail Magazine LNER J70 0-6-0 Tram, which I was intending to get, but with N&SBLR being built, it gave the locomotive a purpose, something which I could use for display and for exhibitions.
     

     
    This is the model I have ordered, which I think may well prove to be the most popular, this being MR-209 7137 in LNER Unlined Black with full skirts. (Photo by Model Rail Magazine) . Plus as the model gets closer to being finished the need for board 4 increases so it seems logical to start working on this now.
     
    In addition to this, 3-period wagons have been bought for the layout to serve the coal merchant at different periods of time, two LNER and one departmental 1950's mineral wagon, which was typically hauled along the W&U when being operated by the last of the J70's and the early Diesel shunters of the day. This is also to reflect that the layout will be running; Industrial tanks, J15's, J70's, Diesel Shunters and the occasional locomotive bought by a modeler for testing. All to reflect the idea's which the club want to produce to gain a bigger love for light railways and smaller (backwater) railways of the day.
     
    The Plan
     
    As for the plan this has gone through four different plans and six drawings of this have been made up, from what we've discussed in the club, with a small scene it has to fit nicely by itself before it can successfully sit with other smaller scenes. So for board No.4 which is what this will be called, I've gone with a Wisbeach & Upwell (W&U) theme, following the drawing below. It will have a single road (track) progressing from one side to the other with a point which will lead to a simple siding which will serve a coal Merchant ( I. Jones - A story has been planned for him).
     
    Opposite this will be either a field (Which I think is a tad boring) or a Pillbox which is appropriate, as by the 1930's and onward. These were being built because of the threat of invasion and afterward, they stuck around and can still be seen today. So it suits our area perfectly and being next to a railway line gives our Home Guard Volunteers or typical British Tommy on the lookout for the odd spy, it also gives latter day soldiers a perfect training building for defending a solid structure.
     

     
    Modeling
     
    To press on with some modeling I have begun working on a mineral wagon by Parkside, this was something I was given at Christmas last year, which I have finally got round to building. Of course, having worked on these kits before, it was more or less a ten-minute job to put together. I intend to undercoat and paint this while the weather is good enough to work with an airbrush. But the result has been rather good and I'm very pleased with that.
     

     

     

     
    As for loads, as the wagon is going to serve the coal merchant, I intend to have the wagon set at two levels, so it is shunted in full and it will leave the yard almost empty.
     

     
    Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this first part of the N&SBLR Modular layout, I intend to put another update after I have built the board and begin the physical planning.
  9. Norton Wood
    Hello again,
     
    As I was asked in the comments if I could produce a number of photo's and a plan of the previous modules, so I took the time to produce a number of photographs of the first 2 made modules for you over the weekend. This part won't include work of the build on my segment, however, I have begun gathering parts for the layout, mainly in the form of the Pillbox, bolster wood sheeting, fencing and some smaller kits for the coal merchant. I have also got some modeling completed and photoed for you of the wagons for the two periods, which are being modeled.
     
    Board 1:
     
    As you can see Board one is the oldest of the layout, setting the theme and the way each board should be built.
     
    This layout as you see it will be updated so it will match the newer standards of board 2 & 3. This is something that we as a club have recognized, as the boards get older they will begin to look rough around the edges, something that we as the club members will have to deal with. Board 1 is going to be changed slightly where a building will be put in place for storing wagons, the locomotive coal bunkers will be removed and a sugar beet pile will be put in place. In addition, the station is going to be cleared up and rebuilt in certain places. An update on board 1 will be put up sometime as my colleague works on it over the coming weeks.
     

     

     

     
    Board 2:
     
    As you can see this board is defined by the scene break which is the bridge which will help in regards to the third board, this section was added to give the layout some more operational interest. with the inclusion of a road with Loco pit and a spur leading to a cattle-dock obviously connecting nicely with board 1, in addition, the road will lead to a set of sidings more of extra storage for cattle wagons etc.
     

     

     
    Board 3:
     
    Sadly I do not have a picture of a built board 3 as of yet, however, there are currently three ideas moving around as to how this will be constructed:
     
    A: The layout might be split down the middle to create a fiddle yard, and have a small warehouse or factory which could take goods from the railway to market and out back will be a passing loop to allow two trains to pass by bringing more material, or coming with empties to fill off the yearly goods.
     
    B: This could be in a cutting which you can only just see the locomotives pass through, and the cutting will get lower almost flat as we enter the next board. The second road, of course, is there serving a few sidings.
     
    C: This is a third basic, flat scene, but B is currently floating as the most popular.
     
    Further board Ideas:
     
    There are further talks of a large bridge being built which splits segments of the layout up, the image shown below is what is another idea being drawn up.
     

     
    Operation:
     
    The idea for the layout should be that there should always be something going on - continuous running is necessary to keep the public happy, so to do this N&SBLR is not only good scenic wise but should also be operationally correct and smooth, allowing for increased realism. The way the layout is operated is to give an idea of how the operation of a light railway or small railway should be carried out. In this case, to provide goods to the locals and brewery. The railway is central to everything. In this case, a series of small or medium-sized trains will be brought down the line from the GE, LNER or BR Exchange sidings.
     
    Within these trains will be wagons for the coal merchant, brewery, cattle farmer and the odd passenger traffic diagram. Once the wagons are used they are organized in the sidings on the route (However board 4 is interesting) this allows several trains or one specifically sized train to move along the line picking up the goods and empty wagons until they are eventually put back into the exchange sidings. This then leaves the layout with an issue...The whole process has to start again. The idea is that the whole operation takes 15 - 20 minutes of wagons being moved and picked up and shunted into the train.
     
    Wagons:
     
    So I've been working on the LNER & BR wagons for the two scenes for the modular layout; So here we go...
     
    LNER Wagons:
     
    The LNER wagons have been pretty straightforward, as these wagons are RTR they don't require much in the way of work to get the wagons fitted with 3 links so the job was simply make up the three links and fit them. If interested I used these 3 links, springs and drawbars from Slaters.
     

     

     
    BR Wagons:
     
    Now as you have already seen I have made up the BR Riveted mineral wagon and fitted 3 links, since then not much has progressed with that, as I am currently struggling to find metal buffers for this wagon, if anyone can help please put a comment in thank you.
     
    But this wagon required a bit of work...
     
    Firstly on all the wagons, I tested the pre-fitted couplings to see if they can handle the 3 links, which coupling this wagon to the others, the pre-fitted draw-bar fell off, so I quickly set to work about fitting a newer metal draw-bar. Removing the body allowed me to inspect what I could do, sadly the molding required some cutting away, which I did to both sides, this was to allow the draw-bar & spring to sit comfortably inside the wagon, once fitted I put the body back onto the chassis, but again I found the body didn't sit properly. To which I found the model's aluminum weight was sitting onto the spring and draw-bar, so I went about with a hacksaw and cut the weight at each end. After that, I didn't have any problems and the wagon went back together nice and easy.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    And here are the wagons together on Mile End Park
     
    The BR Wagons:

     
    The LNER Wagons
     

     
    I hope you enjoyed this second part - Sorry this was not talking about the build but giving you a general background to the layout before we move the build, if you have any questions please feel free to ask :-)
     
    Cheers
     
    Tom
     
    P.s update for the W1 is on its way...
  10. Norton Wood
    Hello again,
     
    Things have been progressing well, board 1 has begun a re-scenic build and the addition of a new building. The plan for board 3 has been finalized and board 4 is now on the road, I now have all the materials to build the board and lay down the track and begin working on smaller scenic pieces. If interested the Whitwell & Reepham Model Railway Club will be hosting a model show at the Whitwell & Reepham Railway, this also tie's into the railways first ever diesel running event. N&SBLR Board 1 & 2 will be operating, I will be working on the scenic's and track work while at the show for board No. 4.
     
    So down to what has been done...
     
    Board 1
     
    With board 1 it's been going through quite a repair I'm going to put three photographs up of start middle end. Which basically covers what has been changed, but in simple terms, it's been given a storage building, the station buildings have been changed and painted into the LNER trademark livery of Cream & Green with the addition of some LNER Posters. Further scenic work has been added and the coal stage has been moved, however, this version will be completely removed and a new coal stage will be built.
     
    Before
     

     
    After
     

     

     

     
    Board 2
     
    A shed has been planned to be added over the pit, for crews to work & prepare their loco for the day, the cattle dock is also planned to be finished to allow the scene to feel complete.
     
    Board 3
     
    Here is the drawing for Board 3, so the idea is that you are not supposed to see the locomotive in this scene. You should only be just able to see the locomotive as it runs through the mass of trees heading towards board 4. On the other hand, the drawing shows a siding with a small passing loop to allow loco's to run around the cattle wagons before they are propelled into the siding for the cattle-dock.
     

    Board 4
     
    With board 3 planned and me working my way through the build I've spent a bit of time with a fellow club member planning how the scene will work out and although the board is 3ft long by 1 ft wide and there was an initial thought that there wasn't enough space to play with but there is a lot of space to play with. So working on the layout allowed me to make some changes, which resulted in me not being happy having a pillbox on the layout so that has been removed and the level crossing is being moved forwards towards board 3 as per this drawing.
     

     

     
    This picture gives you an idea of the space I will have to play with when the board has been made.
     
    Initial work has begun getting everything I need together, to sort the layout out so once the boards are built I can move forwards
     
    Wagons & Coaches
     
    Wagons...We have to create a certain amount of wagons which we can use, there will always be the same and it's agreed that all the wagons will be 3 linked together (Shunters poles will have to be made) this is to add realism and add more authenticity. But recently a club member bought two more wagons for the fleet and I was given the task of adding the three links to the wagons. This was the result...Again not much has changed but it will add to the wagons when being hauled along the layout.
     
    Plus plans have been set in motion to get our Wisbeach & Upwell Tramway coaches on the way to being built and working, further W&U carriage kits have been acquired for the layout when we decided to go for a W&U theme.
     
    However in the carriage shed, I've been working on something, in this case, I took 2 Hornby 4 Wheeled coaches which many will recognize from the Little Blue Embarrassment (Now Americanised) TV Show. Which have been called upon to perform the ultimate act of loyalty... To become what will be a 6 wheeled LNER Coach.
     
    So to begin, I began doing small fixes to the model mainly in repairing the roof of one coach. I began marking out where I was going to make the cut, to which I made and tested, the result has been rather good, following this I needed to work on the chassis.
     
    So I measured the new coach body length, which was 113mm and each coach chassis was 85mm cutting down one of the W irons I had the center of the coach 2mm in length, so I had 46mm to play with at each end of the coach. After trial and error, I managed this result. Following that filler went in and the coach roof was sealed, this has been initially painted black but a change of plan has meant that this coach will go into LNER P-WAY Blue and a Celestory will be used for the BR Period:
     

     

     

     
    Club discussions:
     
    As you know we plan to use a variety of (GE) LNER Locomotives; This discussion finally came to ahead with written down plans for the loco's, rolling stock and the era to run the whole layout so what has been written down so far is:
     
    Locomotives
     
    To match the two main periods which are
     
    LNER - Pre War 1923 - 1941
     
    J15 -7554
    J15 - 7564
    J15 - 7524
    J15 - 7510
    J70 - 7137 - Full Skirts
    J70 - 7139 - Partial Skirts
    J68 -
    Y3 - 148
     
    LNER - During and Post War 1942 - 1947
     
    J15 - 5471 -War Time
    J70 - 7128 - War Time - Full Skirts)
     
    J70 - 8223 - Post War - Full Skirts)
     
    BR - Early 50's
     
    J15 - 65471 - Vac & Air fitted
    J15 - 65388 - Vac fitted only
    J70 - 68222 - Full skirts
     
    Rolling Stock
     
    Coaches
     
    Wisbeach & Upwell Tramway - Kit which we need to build
    Wisbeach & Upwell Van - Kit which we need to build
    Any Hornby 4 wheeler which can be mocked up into period light railway coaches.
     
    Wagons
     
    Basically, any Eastern region fruit van, open wagon or cattle wagon we can get our hands on. Which as a club we can provide plenty of stock
     
    So that was a rundown of what is going on, so until next time
  11. Norton Wood
    Finally!!
     
    You can see the board, having been built. It's taken a while but here we are...
     
    So what has been done?
     
    So after my Birthday, I was given two more BR Mineral Parkside wagon kits - A second Riveted version and a welded version, both kits were relatively easy to work on and are now in primer awaiting some good weather to put them into BR Grey.
     

     

     

     

     
    Board 4
     
    Work has advanced pretty quickly with board 4, today 24/10/18 I had an opportunity to get my wood from B&Q as soon as I got home I finished the board allowing me to begin working on laying track and gauging the sleepers into place.
     

     

     
    Once the track had been gauged and checked it gave me an opportunity to put all the little pieces together which I've been working on over these past few weeks. Which turned out really well once I put the layout together.
     

     
    The next job was to paint the board in certain areas so the layout can be prepped for the grass to go down, of course before that could happen I had to put the ballast down, now before I did this I had to go back to photographs from the Wisbeach & Upwell line and from the Middy. I was then given an idea so the ballast went down to make the track look W&U styled and influenced. Which I feel it certainly is, this section of the whole layout is meant to be completely different from the previous three and the next few.
     

     

     

     
    The results so far have been very good I feel and I hope tomorrow when the ballast is dry I can clean up the mess which inevitably been made...
     
    Board 1:
     
    As for board 1, this is nearly complete, with the layout looking simply amazing. All the stops have been put out on this and in doing so board 2 now needs to be completely revamped so it matches. The Station building is nearly complete and just for some modeling interest, the building has just started to receive the LNER standard cream and green livery. Which I think is a brilliant idea and something that is not shown too much on model railways
     

     

     

     

     
    Board 2:
     
    So far work on the cattle dock has progressed slightly with myself and another club member working on putting the posts in the holes, we aim to get the wire put in place this weekend.
     

    So yeah, lot's being done, lots more to do!
     
    So until next time...
  12. Norton Wood
    As a way to finish off a project before I move to work on other projects, I thought I would finish off Board 4. Since the last update, I was quite content with what I carried out, but in the months following, I wasn't happy with what I finished. So I ripped up what was the old road leading to the coal Merchant, taking all the grass away and using rough and waste ballast. I made this new road which I think has had a good effect on the layout and shows the differences between a Road and dirt path.
     

     

     
    To add to this I added a tarpaulin, to do this I used a Chocolate bar wrapper (It was very nice thank you) painting the opposite side and leaving it to dry before placing it onto the layout.
     

     

     

     
    So the End Result!! - It's lacking a J70 but they are not too far away and I'll put an update about there arrival and the different loco's we have available for N&SBLR when running at Exhibition, which I will also update you on.
     

     

     

     

     
    With board 4 now complete, the next board has been started Board 5...
     
    Using Inspiration from this photo, this will give you an idea of what our club member is trying to do.
     

     
    So we might well see a J15 doing something similar on this layout as it progresses...
     

     
     
     
    Anyway, that's it for 2018 - Hopefully, I'll have some new models in the coming months ie an N7 & J70 to play with and to add to the GE Collection, I'll have to get a new profile photo when they come out.
     
    So thank you to all who have read & commented on this thread it's been great to write this up :-)
  13. Norton Wood
    Since "finishing" the board, I began to become less and less happy with the board so began editing the model.
     
    Scenic's
     
    Having completed the coal merchant area, I began working on the area next to the track, this had been planned to be just black ballast but it was recommended that I cover the area in green foliage, with the intent of covering it with some static grass work. The end result was sort of gone the way it was recommended, but I have to say I'm a lot happier about it now. Then when I first did this a few months ago. With that, I finally set about weathering and re-applying the figures to the model. I managed to find a figure which I've had for a long time. With his bowler hat, I thought, that's a manager. So I set about fitting him just outside of the building so he'd stand out and look important.
     

     

     
    Point Lever
    The next minor piece was to add a pull bar on the point, to allow the fireman or shunter to pull the point over when the loco is either collecting or dropping off wagons for or from the coal merchant. This was fairly simple in cutting out, undercoating and painting then fitting, I took some of the sleepers from the track which I had cut away previously on the rail to get the accurate sleeper spacings, to form an extension of the sleepers from the point then I glued the pull bar onto the model.
     

     
    Horse & Cart
     
    Another little job, using an old white metal kit which I cleaned then super glued together I was able to get this into the primer and paint fairly quickly as shown this was done at the same time as the point leaver. to paint the horse I cheated using similar wood paint but mixed in some varnish, as horse coats tend to be shiny when properly looked after. The cart I painted a set of different coloured woods to show that the cart has been repaired a number of times with a good number of different types of wood around the frame.
     

    Finally**
     
    So here we have it completed again, it's taken me a few more weeks but I think I've cracked it and it looks 10x better than it did a few months ago. As I said, a layout is never finished. But I'm looking to do another board in the future but this will be finished off with the J70's finally getting onto the layout. In addition Board 5 has progressed well and this has been the progress so far, the layout is planned to be at an exhibition within the next few months so time is ticking for N&SBLR to be completed with the latest board, hopefully, the LNER J70's will arrive in time to operate the layout.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Thanks for reading
    Cheers
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