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bcnPete

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  1. bcnPete
    Update - Its almost 3 days since the BHMRC exhibition and I have had time to reflect upon Kyle in a boxfile and its future.
     
    Many lessons have been learnt, the most important being not leaving things till last minute. It's always good to work to a deadline however I really suffered from losing almost a month as I tackled a new form of turnout construction. Examples of the time lost were reflected in: not getting a chance to build the station building, general weathering of the layout and rolling stock, reuse of N gauge rolling stock as opposed to building 2FS kits and thorough testing of the DG couplings (The magnets worked fine but some of the loops not so)
     
    Even my Class 24 had been dutifully 'run in' for 30 mins in each direction as per Bachfar instructions, but at 02:30am the night before the exhibition, when I replaced the wheels with my 'drop in wheels' it ran like a dog...only then it occurred to me that I had read about something similiar in the 2FS mag recently about the need to thoroughly clean the wheels with solution and adjust the pick ups...and most of my kit was back in BCN
     
    That said, I decided to run the layout with a reduced amount of rolling stock and thankfully 37417 performed admirably all day. I was able to work with the imposed limitations with the class 24 running on its original wheelsets and only allowed to enter the platform, collect and depart with its train, without having back to back problems negotiating the turnouts.
     
    Despite putting a few photos and sketches along the front of my table (a ploy to keep small fingers at bay which seemed to work) I don't really think that most people realised that the layout had been flown in the day before, in two boxfiles...one for the scenic section and the other for the rolling stock - I think if I exhibited again, I would prepare a series of numbered photos showing the layout being unpacked and assembled.
     
    And the future of KIAB...
     
    For sure, some things need to be finished...the station building, lineside detailing, weathering etc...some things need to be replaced...the backscene etc...and some things need to be started...2FS rolling stock kits, detailing of locos etc.
     
    I have enjoyed building this layout and putting aside my own inabilities with the turnout construction I have decided that I will be making another boxfile layout which will sit the other side of the fiddleyard and this will be of Thurso. I had previously made a mock up of this on RMWeb 3 but I have since changed and simplified it. The idea is that the fiddleyard will be remade to hold rolling stock for both stations centrally and whilst trains will not run through from one side to the other, it will allow activity on one end of the model and then alternate action to the other end so there is always something moving. Expect a new post and some sketches on this soon to elaborate
     
    I shall also be working on Coombe Junction again soon, which took a back seat to Kyle, once I had to withdraw it from the GJLC.
     
    Thank you all for your interest, advice and encouragement on this project - Pete
     
    A few pics from my display last Saturday...
     

     

     

  2. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    An update on the 2mmFS AGM yesterday and KoL's appearance.
     
    Whilst presenting at exhibitions is still a relatively new thing for me, putting your work on show to your fellow 2mmFS peers with a common interest is a somewhat slightly nerve racking experience This was my first attendance at an AGM, mainly due to AWOL in BCN but it was Mick Simpson who suggested at Warley last year that I bring the layout along. Set up was pretty smooth and this was the first outing with the layout in DCC mode. I am using the Uhlenbrock Daisy II system and am very happy with it.
     
    http://www.uhlenbrock.de/de_DE/produkte/digizen/I000C683-001.htm!ArcEntryInfo=0004.4.I000C683 - Which is available through a couple of suppliers in the U.K. - usual disclaimer
     
    My thanks again to Nigel Cliffe for all his help and even packing his laptop and software to be able to correct a few things I hadn't quite got to grips with yet. Nigel even added some loco bitmap icons for the handset as well as tuning my 37 which was a little on/off in its responsiveness...due to the chip I think.
     
    Setting up the morning before at home and the layout behaved itself - 24 hours later at a show and we had derailments, uncoupling issues and a dodgy wire to a turnout...again the latter identified by Nigel with my meter...I also took the mock up of Thurso which we propped up against the layout to show the next phase of this project. Thanks for the nice feedback all.
     
    The AGM itself was fairly rapid and congratulations to all those who won prizes. Tim Shackleton was the judge and followed with a few inspirational words about finescale modelling.
     
    For me, it was an enjoyable day out and very nice to meet familiar faces (some I haven't seen since the 2mmFS Goldern Jubilee) and meet some new ones. My thanks to my youngest son Jo who came to help set up and operate which allowed me to chat with peeps. It was also nice to have a few interlopers on the layout some of which has been captured in the iPhone pics below.
     
    If you are wondering about the title, it's because I have never made it to Kyle yet, only getting as far as Inverness about 30 years ago...although I do feel I know the place quite intimately
     
    If of interest, Kyle is due to appear at the following exhibitions planned to date:
     
    February 2017 - Tonbridge
    February 2018 - Stafford
     
    Here's a few pics...
     

     
    the t-shirt...my son was wearing his but beneath his hoodie as he was cold...
     

     
    the formal proceedings...
     

     
    nigel identifying the problematic turnout...
     

     
    pixie laid out some stock on the thurso mock up...
     

     
    nic bastable's 207 finally get's north...without third rail...
     

     
    dave strattons class 33 - farish on Dapol chassis...
     

     
    bryn's 24081 and some of his wagons...
     

     
    a few more of bryn's wagons...my grampus was only chucked on as it has two loops at each end...
     

     
    pixie's class 25...looks really at home...although 25's never made it there I believe...
     

     
    pixie's class 24/1 - etched pixels mods to a class 24...
     
    All in all a fab day out and thanks to all for their kind comments.
     
    Pete
  3. bcnPete
    Update - Good morning - my final update as I start to pack my hand luggage for our flight today.
     
    There are a good number of things we didn't get done and a fair few that I am not happy with, but I have now run out of time and the layout will make its UK debut tomorrow at the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club Exhibition as planned.
     
    I am hoping their will be time this evening to do some last minute stuff, i.e. toning down some of the scenery, applying some MIG powders to the rolling stock etc. Unfortunately my TPM class 26 will not be making an appearance. Despite getting some BR Blue aeresol sent to my parents address for some pre exhibition loco painting , when I ran the loco chassis the other night it must have split gears, so I will leave it for my return.
     
    I did not manage to start the station building but rather than spray it grey I thought I would just leave it in white card as a 'work in progress'.
     
    I attach a few pics showing the components and will report back after the exhibition with my thoughts.
     
    The first photo shows the state of the some layout 18 days ago and the following pics demonstrate what has been achieved spending on average 3 hours a day in the evenings...
     

    18 days to go...

    Packed in the boxfile...

    Fascia removed - Supports for fiddleyard - holes for fingers!

    Rolling stock boxfile

    Unpacked and ready to assemble

    Scenic boards unpacked and ready to assemble...

    Scenic boards assembled...

    Behind the scenes...extremely low tech!

    37417 with MKII Hebredian Heritage rake...

    37417...snow ploughs but missing front end detailing...

    The complete package...
     
    Thanks all for your continual support and comments - will update after the show.
     
    Pete
  4. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    Many thanks for the interest shown in this new project - I would also like to mention that Richard (Ben Alder) has been very kind in helping me with research and information for this. Richard as you probably know has already built a fab model of Thurso (and Kyle!) in 4mm which covers much more than my extract will - Worry not, Richard...I am sure my next project will be back in Kernow with China clay so I won't be shadowing your layouts no more
     
    As its half term week I decided to use the time to develop the next phase of the project - namely a 1:1 card/ foam board mock up and I gave myself the day to build it. One of the nice things about 2mm scale and smallish layouts allows mock ups to help flush out any initial problems with the build as well as help plan track requirements, position of magnets for uncoupling and general logistics.
     
    I needed to make a few compromises (as these models try to capture an extract rather than a scale model of said location) and this one necessitates continuing the track in double under the bridge to allow run-a-round using the fiddle yard as per Kyle. This is due to the crossover being somewhat down the platform and I thought it was important to include this. The goods shed relationship to the train shed should be as per the prototype as I felt getting this right and keeping the crossover outweighed the tracks under the bridge.
     
    The width has also been increased too to match the fiddle yard width and the tracks aligned with the two centre tracks. Originally I was thinking of matching the Kyle width of 132mm but that was driven by the box file dimensions and this layout has different criteria so rather than cramp it, I have matched the 165mm dimension.
     
    The overall length of this board will be 1100mm (uncanny as same length as an IKEA lack shelf ) although I will be building these baseboards from 5mm acrylic to avoid the foam board twisting as on Kyle. This length will also allow two additional strip lights concealed in the fascia panel so they can plug into the others at a later date if I use the similar ones from Screwfix.
     
    The fascia dimensions all match too and will be painted grey with the Thurso name in the top left hand corner above the train shed. Am thinking card construction again for this to keep down weight. There is a letterbox view on the front to see into the train shed and I will laser cut the roof trusses at work as these are quite fundamental to the shed interior. My youngest son has suggested building the other side of the roof (which has a linear roof light) as he is a little uncomfortable with it as is at present! This can be quickly tested on this mock up without being too precious about it.
     
    The Goods shed may seem a bit high at present but it's probably the trains sit lower due to the paper track. I need to try and work out how to do the back scene too along the same lines of Kyle.
     
    Overall, I am happy with this mock up as I can now develop further sketches and start to test some other ideas...like shortening the platform back by about 100mm. I do like the view across the platform (which was quite wide as this if you look at the prototype) as it will be a nice counterpoint to Kyle if I decide to exhibit the two together (it's being planned with that in mind too)
     
    Here's a few pictures of the mock up with of course a bit of stock on it to help set the scene - the last shot is a classic shot seen of a 37 at Thurso if you google the location - it's fun playing trains with paper track
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  5. bcnPete
    Update - Last night I did the second application of the ballast, this time just filling in the centre of the sleepers between the rails. This was followed by another application tonight picking out holes and gaps. Also, the area in between the sidings has a slightly different colour, which will be toned down and a few tufts of grass will be sprouting through. Buffer heads picked out in red and platforms have had base colour grey applied to stone and they have been bedded onto the layout - now need to work on the platform finish.
     
    In addition, I constructed the base of the edge of the harbour tonight and this will be painted soon and weathered prior to pouring the water. The bridge has also had further work, in the form of I beam support structure, pavement, road surface and handrail added. This piece is detachable and stored in the box. The ramped wall has had a base colour of grey added and now needs further washes.
     
    Its a little too big at present but I had my first try at making the Kyle station sign, which although was replaced later, I feel an essential part of capturing the atmosphere.
     
    A few pics of progress...as the clock continues to tick...
     

    Overall from above of scenic boards...

    View towards the buffer stops...

    View towards the bridge (scenic break)...

    View from Bridge of station sign...
  6. bcnPete
    Update - Been putting it off for some time but after sourcing some Spanish PVA, it was time to start. Normally I lay the ballst dry and then give it the good soaking method, however with my concerns that the layout may start to twist and notwithstanding donw's comments to try and prevent this, I decided to work the PVA around the sleepers in short intervals and sprinkle the ballast from a small long stirrer, bought from Muji a while back.
     
    It's slow work and quite tedious as is usual, however once I shook off the excess one hour later, I was sort of ok with it. There are patches that need filling so tonight I will try and spend the evening doing this and the ballast between the sleepers. I have allowed 3 evenings in my programme of work for this, so that I don't rush it as for me the ballast can sometimes be the 'make or break of a layout'.
     
    Also, whilst awaiting for the glue to dry I applied some Slaters stonework to the walled ramp and beneath the platforms. Its perhaps not the exact type of stone, however, I had this previously on RMWeb 3 with Coombe Junction and I am not into scribing my own stonework to get the exact replica. A little painting and weathering will hopefully give the desired effect.
     
    A few photos...
     

    Overall first application of ballast...

    Stone wall to ramp and bridge...
  7. bcnPete
    Update - managed to progress some more this weekend with a few hours each day.
     
    Most of my thinking and planning of the layout is done is my sketchbook with an espresso. I have attached a few examples of recent issues with Kyle which have been drawn through as ideas to resolve. These include the integration of the bases to the stock box, the internal face of the backscene including uncoupling magnets and the most recent, the slither of water at the front.
     
    I cracked the way to do this was make a seperate 'watertight box' in plasticard which is attached to the front of the layout, detailed and painted and then some 'realistic water' will be poured in.
     
    After one final check of running, I sprayed the track a base brown colour but did not ballast today as I realised my PVA is the EASITRAC adhesive which is quite quick drying - so ballast starts tomorrow. The station building has been mocked in card including a removable canopy and once again, as the ramp, this is permanently attached to the backscene and will sit on top of the platform.
     
    I am guessing I will not be finishing the station building in time for the exhibition but I will start to try and overlay some plastic sheeting very soon.
     
    A big thanks to Andy (aka BackwaterScotland) of this forum who has helped provide me with protypical info, images and even a station elevation to date.
     
    A few more pics...
     

    Sketch of rolling stock box...

    Sketch of internal backscene layout...

    Sketch of resolution of water at front of layout...

    Preattached ramp and station to backscenes...

    Track sprayed, station and ramp in place, base for water made and layout awaiting ballast...
  8. bcnPete
    Update - 18 days left and a bit more progress.
     
    I have constructed the base for the wall on the backscene and also the base of the road bridge which will act as the scenic break to said fiddle yard. The wall (as in the previous mock ups) is pre-attached to the backscene as will be the station building modelled in relief. I am experimenting with the backscene which will probably be some cut and paste and photoshop images from Kyle. Sorry about the 90° corner to the backscene as I can't get a curved one to fit in the box...however as someone once mentioned on the forum, a backscene is better than no backscene
     
    The bridge will be built as an independent piece which is partially supported on the wall of the station and is also supported from a small strip of cardboard on the otherside which forms part of the fiddle yard backscenes. I wanted to make the road bridge be the physical link between the front and rear backscenes and I am comfortable with this as I did not want to create another abutment on the viewing side (in reality it spans quite a distance, hence the deep concrete beams on the prototype)
     
    The card support is retractable formed from another low tech solution using grey card - cheap but effective.
     
    Also constructed a rail built buffer stop from Chris Higgs. Nice etches but my shocking soldering abilities led me to cheat and assemble it with superglue ...To avoid short circuiting the tracks, I have attached the horizontal to a slither of clear plasticard and attached this to the tops of the rail heads. If I switch on and get humming and blue smoke I will rethink this.
     
    As a back up in case I didn't finish my Class 37/4 I managed to win a second hand Bachfar LL Class 37 on ebay from a fellow RMWebber so I will swap the body with my rewheeled 37 as for me, you just couldn't have a BR Blue version of Kyle without a LL 37 in the mix.
     
    The layout will be flown in for the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club exhibition on 15 May 2010 and I have just posted some details of the exhibition on the link below.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/14248-burgess-hill-model-railway-club-exhibition-15-may-2010/page__pid__129464__st__0entry129464
     
    A few photos attached to show progress and hopefully explain the above in a lot more detail - expect a flurry of postings in the next 18 days as I try to keep a cool head
     

    View towards buffers...and 90° backscene...

    Buffers using superglue...sorry but my soldering skills are pathetic at present...

    walled ramp is attached to the backscene...and fits in the box, the depth allowed between top of platform and track...

    Support for bridge slides from behind front backscene...

    From the front awaiting positioning...

    Positioned...and awaiting details...

    Am hoping to recreate one of the most photographed shots from the bridge at Kyle...
  9. bcnPete
    Update - Evening peeps - Jack Bauer I am not...24....that's just the number of days left until I exhibit Kyle. The good news is that there has been some progress and I would have posted earlier but I had problems to sign in until yesterday.
     
    The layout is now wired and tested and bar a few grumbles through the tweaked points, the class 37 seems to cover every bit of available track. Next week I will spray the track and begin ballasting.
     
    Following a rethink, I have remade some of the boards from card not foamboard and now have the back scenes boards which are cut to allow access to the switches. As this is really low tech, I have used DC, dpdt switches for both turnout throw and polarity and a handful of isolating sections. I won't bother showing an underside view of my electrics as its horrendous!
     
    For uncoupling I shall be using DG's [my first time] and I have made a simple system from small magnets mounted on card removable inserts that can be slid in/out as and when required for uncoupling.
     
    The fiddle yard boards have been changed to fit in the rolling stock box file so one boxfile contains the scenified layout, whilst the other the fiddle and rolling stock. Dimensions have been critical and much time spent planning to allow their insertion within the available space. The two holes are to allow removable of the fiddle bases which will have foam inside to protect the rolling stock.
     
    I have some 2FS BR buffers to assemble and their height has been factored in within regard the available depth of the layout in the boxfile. The two backscene boards will have representations of the walled ramp and station building which will cover the holes in the platform so finger access is hidden from view. When these two backscenes boards are packed flush in the box, their depth should be within the allowed depth available between track and platform height...hope that makes sense.
     
    Anyway.....enough of my ramblings......a few pics of which I hope will explain better the above...
     

    view inside fiddle yard...

    view from behind station showing access to switches and uncoupling magnets...

    view from front showing platform...holes will be covered by wall and station building...

    view into fiddle - the road bridge will act as scenic break...

    overall view from station to fiddle...

    ...and from fiddle to station...

    low tech uncoupling magnets...

    Rolling stock/fiddle box with packed backscenes...

    backscenes removed...holes are to allow finger removal of the bases...

    fiddle bases removed...the height aligns with the scenic boards and protects rolling stock...
    the rolling stock in the joinable cassettes...

    the layout box with packed backscenes...

    backscenes have slots cut to allow fixing / access / removals...

    the layout boards in the box...height should just allow buffers to fit
     
    now heading back to CTU...copythat...Pete
  10. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    In between work deadlines, I have been trying to finish my 24/0 conversion to a 24/1, in this case 24124. This is essentially the Farish 24 with Alan's (etched pixels) nice set of etches allowing a 24/1 or 25/0 conversion.
     
    24/1's were a staple of Kyle and more regular than the 24/0 so it really needed doing. It didn't quite make the last show but it is now almost ready to be weathered and represent a nice grubby version using the pic I have seen of 24124 at Kyle. It may well be that this gets sent for a sound chip conversion after I get to hear the one Kevin is undertaking on my other 24.
     
    In addition, fuelled partly from my experiences at the last show, I have prepared some business cards for the layout as when people asked for details, I had left the pre-printed A4 information sheet at home Thanks to Pixie for the idea as detailed on his excellent layout thread.
     
    These were designed in Indesign and then saved as PDF files and uploaded to Vistaprint. They turned them around in a few days and the quality is very sharp considering the size.
     
    Whilst in Ryman's yesterday I noticed a small acrylic stand (meant for other uses I think) and I had the idea to scale down my information sheet to A5 size and have this as a small stand alone display adjacent to the layout. The card is actually a copy of the above mentioned information sheet so it contains a small description of the layout and on the rear the operating dimensions should someone enquire.
     
    Here's a few pics...
     

    Class 24124 awaiting final tweaking and weathering...
     
    Pete
    Awaiting next turn of duty at Kyle...
     

    The business cards...
     

    Display stand holds information sheet and business cards...
     

    Rear shows critical,layout operating dimensions...
     
    Am now considering my next move and whether I start to make the boards for Thurso or whether I get side tracked again on my 7mm project
     
    Food for thought indeed.
     
    Comments welcomed as usual...
  11. bcnPete
    Good afternoon,
     
    A little distraction this afternoon as I dug out my TPM class 26 which was started 18 months or so ago.
     
    Although this preceeds the recently released Dapol 26, it is still a very nice model and represents the later style class 26's. It is intended for a Farish class 33 chassis and although this means the underframe detail will need some mods and I was wondering about using some of the bogie sideframes from the Dapol 26 (the Dapol chsssis won't fit...already tried that one ) I think Bernard originally designed it to fit another international chassis which is now unavailable.
     
    I will finish this model as 26043, which if I have my history correct, visited Kyle and will have headcode discs and two headlamps for working the Kyle line (I have a pic of it sitting in Kyle station)
     
    16 months ago I sprayed the body all over in yellow (can't get railmatch aerosols here) with the idea of spraying the body BR Blue when I went back to exhibit the layout in 2010...however, this never happened as I ran out of time, the class 33 chassis packed up, the layout got boxed and then Dapol released their 26.
     
    However, I would like to complete the model it as it certainly holds its own next to the Dapol model. This afternoon, I masked out the fronts and gave a mist coat of grey primer and if I get the courage will try and set up my new airbrush. Not having a garage/workspace here does limit me somewhat as I am more worried about the clean up operation after spraying.
     
    Next job on the loco is to add the grill details to the sides and roof, refit the glazing and add some front end detail (Does anyone know where to get suitable headlamps from - I recall Langley used to do small white jewels 20 years ago, but am not sure if this has been replaced since?)
     
    I also managed to strip the 33 chassis down this afternoon and get it working again...despite putting back together and ending up with two small round bits of plastic which pinged out when dismantling it
     
    A few pics...
     

     
    TPM body on Farish 33 chassis...
     

     
    Seen adjacent to Dapol earlier 26...
     

     
    Low level shot with camera poked under bridge...I hope to try and get some more interesting shots of the layout when complete...
  12. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    After the AGM the other week, 2mmFS mojo has been topped up and it was time to start looking at the rolling stock for KoL. I had always had the intention to have a class 24/1 as they were more frequent on the line than the 24/0 and the Etched Pixels etches were getting a little fidgety in the gloat box.
     
    Following some filing away to the front cabs to remove door hinges etc. some filler has been added to create the distinctive smooth fronts. The roof fan has been drilled out and replaced as well as the addition of the head code boxes - very nice conversion kit of etches here. There are also some roof modifications required which were started this morning...some for 24/1's and some to correct Farish's errors.
     
    Ploughs fitted it had a first coat of primer to flush out any filling errors...and there are quite a few judging by the close ups! More filler was applied earlier. The loco will end up as 24124 which I have a pic of at KoL. Lastly the front will be drilled to have to white jewel headlamps similar to what I did with one of my class 26's. Am not sure I will use the working lights as the lamps were all a bit dull in those days by accounts.
     

     
    First coat of primer...
     

     
    Some further filling and sanding required to the cab front...
     
    Secondly, sound for my Farish 37/4 - it's all that Nick Bastable's fault for running his green 207 on the layout at the AGM The sound was impressive and the next day I took the rash move of ordering a sound chip from Digitrains just to see how it was. There was away thread on here recently that showed a new Zimo chip which could plug in and the speaker attached was buried in the 37/4 nose/roof - instant sound was what I was after.
     
    What I hadn't taken into account was that they had not lowered their 37 so it did not fit Following various arrangements to try and locate I set about making my own lid for the mini speaker. This proved to be problematic so it was parked and slept on overnight - next morning I had a solution.
     
    Cut the lid off the speaker housing using a razor saw, profile the shape to that of the 37 roof and then add a slither of 10 thou plasticard to make a new roof. This was then coated with a permanent marker black pen and then inserted back into the loco - this time it fitted a lot better and the lights were still working.
     
    Attached is a short video of it in action. Must admit, I was never a fan of this sound stuff...but now I am bitten by it It's only money preventing me from working through my whole fleet ...and perhaps any necessary hacking of the chassis block which I would prefer not to do. The aim is to put a sound chip in the other 37/0 and in future the 24, 26 and 27's can follow.
     

     
    Am tempted not to have the lights working in these as per above but the high intensity light on the 37 is quite nice.
     
    Am hoping to have the 24/1 and the other 37 ready for the Tonbridge exhibition 18 February 2017.
     
    Toodle pip,
     
    Pete
  13. bcnPete
    Update - Yikes...4 days...and not even that...as I will finish working late Thursday and fly to UK on Friday...
     
    After a disastrous end to last week, things have been progressing again. All weekend I was assembling DG couplings. I must have folded about 62 pairs as I wanted to put on all the rolling stock so as to reduce the fixed rakes and allow a few adhoc shunting ops.
     
    Bending the wire hoops was very tedious and the swear box was topped up again after this but I gave up bending all the hoops as it was soul destroying seeing all the brass components laid out on the cutting mat - I am now fixing a few a day to ease the pain.
     
    Coping stone added to top of wall now, platforms have been redone using a plasticard strip for the edge and 'wet n dry' for the surface which I quite like the matt textured finish.
     
    Also overlaid some dark grey plastic sheet to the front fascias for the graphics.
     
    Few pics attached...
     

    Fascia is in grey with white self adhesive text...

    More detail added to ramp, platform and bridge

    Fitting the DG's - the N rolling stock already looks better with 2FS wheels and no rapidos...
  14. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Small update as I managed to get all the fascia cut at work over a couple of evenings - did a dry assembly and needed to cut a few more bits again.
     
    This morning I decided to take the plunge and apply PVA to the 3mm ply pieces with the aim of completing one Lack board today. 50% done and am happy so far - the cross bracing is my usual approach for my recent layouts using 50mm outriggers at the rear to strengthen the cantilever - now the PVA has dried it is all pretty rigid now.
     
    You will note there is a small gap as in hindsight I should have added an extra couple of millimetres onto the Lack board overall dimensions but I can fill this so I did not let that halt progress. I also have cut back the rails on the end with the solid panel as I intend to get a bespoke cut 4mm mirror installed to try and see if this encourages some perspective of the shed - let’s see if this is successful or not.
     
    Next weekend I hope to complete the other end so they can butt together and then it’s lighting next.
     
    Here’s a few pics of today’s progress...
     

    Components laid out on DRT...
     

    Overall front on view...
     

    End view...had to build in that track was already laid so could not have projections at ends gaining 6mm...
     

    Other end view...
     

    Rear view showing outriggers..more will be added...
     

    With dries mock up in place...building covers programming track and access hole...
     
    As always, comments welcome...
     
    Pete
  15. bcnPete
    Update - Good morning - I had hoped to have a long productive evening last night working on the layout with the TV tuned to the UK elections...but it was one of those evenings where everything I began, started going wrong
     
    To begin, I painted the platforms a beige colour as from the photos there are two different types of platform surface, however it looked so awful, I ended up overpainting with grey about 3 hours later. Then turned my attention to the backscene, which has been produced using a montage of sky from Kyle photos and then applying on top of a strip of Kyle mountain spliced together. The jury is out at present - I think I will redo it...but perhaps after the exhibition. It has sort of captured the effect I wanted...but not to the standard I was hoping for.
     
    Last thing before I decided to call it a night was apply a little grey paint to the harbour side as a base to add further colours - Its not the right colour but should be easier to apply different layers on top.
     
    All in all, I think I will have a night off tonight and try and forget about it as its going to be a busy last weekend...
     
    Few pics attached...
     

    Overall shot showing relationship between scenic and non scenic boards...

    Close up...sorry about the 90° corner...but its better than no backscene...

    Further to Donw's request...a cruel trackside view...
  16. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    A productive start to the New Years modelling as with the Landlady away all last week I snuck in 4 consecutive nights of modelling...never managed that in BCN The work centred on the ARC wagons from my last post but more on that later this week...
     
    Tonight I wanted to talk about signals...but not semaphores as have been demonstrated excellently on here of recent by other 2mmFS modellers (you know who you are ) but colour light signals.
     
    I needed two for this layout, to make operations a little more interesting and decided to commission Matt of Absolute Aspects (formely Roger Murray) to build them. https://absoluteaspects.com/
     
    I began conversations with Matt circa the summer re design and prices etc and enjoyed a healthy exchange of emails with him, including my sending pics of the two signals from the location. The main issue was whether the heights would fit in the box file depth (top of baseboard to lid) and also the gubbins beneath to wire them.
     
    The signals come as a push in connector to the PCB and the suggestion is to ballast around the base with bluetac once located to allow removal, but I decided I wanted to minimise the amount of items that were loose so I asked Matt to build them in the available depth (38mm) and also for a little extra he can do a reduced thickness for the PCB too, so that was a must also.
     
    I required a simple 2 aspect home (starter?) for the bay platform and a 4 aspect with a right feather for the main line...the feather is actually for the junction off my board scope for this project but I thought it might be a nice touch.
     
    I also asked if both signals could be the same proportion so they looked similiar in appearance, which may have resulted in them being a little lower in height than the prototype but they should both fit and the bottom aspect is the same height (about rainwater gutter level on the coaches) and looking at the prototype the heights did vary at each end of the station.
     
    The signals arrived a month before Crimble so I then had to wait to collect from my folks on the 26th but it was well worth the wait IMO.
     
    This weekend I managed an hour to try and relocate them in the baseboard (but not test wire them yet) cutting slots as necessary...need to check it all folds back in the boxfile as intended next week
     
    So....a few pics...starting with the packaging which is very nice...its like buying an Apple product, where for me, a lot of the pleasure is just spent looking at the design and layout of the box it arrives in
     

    Nice presentation...
     

    Lid off and we can begin...
     

    Well protected too
     

    The signals and plug in bases...
     

    And again...
     

    2 aspect home...
     

    4 aspect with feather...
     
     

    From the end of the bay platform...
     

    Looking the other way...
     

    New N gauge Inspection saloon also collected at my folks house...
     
    In summary, very pleased with these and just wanted to plug Absolute Aspects as a great service received from Matt. Once they are wired in I will post a few pics of them working...
     
    Over and Out...
  17. bcnPete
    Evening all and hope you had a good Easter,
     
    My 2mmFS mojo seems to have dried up at the moment so the good thing about having a 7mm layout means I can switch focus  I also have this week off work so I hope to do some more on this layout.
     
    This entry concerns one of the pieces of rolling stock acquired some years ago as part of the fleet - A Slaters 7mm BR Brake Van. I haven’t made any kits for some years and it seemed a good project to begin this weekend, ahead of the week. 
     

     

     

     
    Following a read of the instructions...and several re-reads...I began work on the underframe. I have to say I found the instructions a bit lacking in detail in places and it seems where parts of the kit have been updated...the instructions haven’t  
     
    Following a few forum threads and prototype photos I have got to a position where it is just requiring the handrails and painting/transfers etc. to finish...this from spending a few hours a day on it. Mainly assembled with Mek Pak and superglue it has had some liquid weight applied underneath and I may put some more before I fix the roof on permanently.
     
    I hope to give it a test run in the next couple of days whilst progressing the layout - more on this later in the week.
     
    Here’s a few pics of where it stands at the moment...
     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  18. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    Many thanks all for your interest and enthusiasm for this new project.
     
    Whilst it was originally timetabled for May 2014, Chris, the BHMRC exhibition manager read my proposal, liked it and floated the question whether it could even be ready for May 2013... Let's just say (I know you might be dropping into this Chris) that it could be a distinct possibility...as I have been working on Kyle again and prepping CJM for its next phase...
     
    This week, in between trying to award Practical Completion (something the Client, Contractor and Architect all have different ideas of) I have been sketching to try and develop the project and start to think in more detail in terms of operations and logistics. The sketches below, which I hope you find of interest, track my thinking process and ask questions about the design and its suitability, with a focus on trying to improve on previous work be it success or failure.
     
    The first one shows something of the original idea to try and make a boxfile layout with through running as opposed to small termini. I was quite keen on the 1/2 station idea and was trying to find suitable prototypes for a while, but I eventually went off this idea as I was worried that operation would be a little dull...both for punter and exhibitor!
     

     
    Sketch 1: It was during this phase that Chris (EastwestDivide) suggested Paddock Wood...hence the drift to listing rolling stock ideas...
     
    The second one looks at two options for Paddock Wood. The first being the redevelopment of the bay idea but to include the through running line. The second option forgets the through line but instead squeezes in another siding at the front.
     

     
    Sketch 2: The second option was dropped as I felt the through running would add an extra twist to the layout...
     
    The third sketch looks at the through line in more detail and how the line of the hinge could correlate with the 'hidden face' of the platform. At present I am unsure how I will support it and maintain alignment perfectly.
     

     
    Sketch 3: This is illustrates that the 'highest' element on here will be the platform canopy so if I need to increase the depth of the boards I can perhaps make the canopy removable...
     
    The fourth sketch looks at logistics of operation. What is clear is that 'through trains' will run from left to right and so would be best arranged as a series of block trains on cassettes that can then be lifted back again once a sequence has completed. The freight sidings need to allow for a 'run-a-round' (g..g..g..g..g..g...go..!) facility to enable wagons to be arranged, removed etc.
     

     
    A list of potential block trains is starting to emerge, with thanks to Chris (EWD) for sending a collection of fotos from that period...
     
    The final sketch is looking at the logistics of exhibiting. One big thing that I felt about Kyle was that it was too low and 2mmFS looks better (IMHO) with rail height at about 1200mm from FFL. So rather than sit it on a table, I was considering the layout sits on a simple plank (that I make in the UK in my father's garage) and perhaps that can sit on some of those DIY adjustable leg supports...the name escapes me as you can't find that in Spanish DIY shops. A black cloth of course will cover the front below the layout...and provide the necessary screening to the exhibitors carrott cake and kit kat stashes...
     

     
    I think I will make a small 1:10 model of this as previously for CJM to help visualise this better...
     
     
    I hope you find this of interest. Please note that no alcohol (only espressos) was consumed during the time these sketches were done. I wouldn't want people to get the wrong impression of me...
  19. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Quick update on Meeth.
     
    Having condemned all the trackwork on Thurso (a regular episode in my track building ) it was time to stand back and re-evaluate. I decided the best way was try a few experiments and the simplicity of the Meeth layout lends itself to this.
     
    Firstly, a return to turnouts made from PCB and code 40 bullhead. This followed on from my struggles with the easitrac turnout kits...great kits...but just not for me. Also some plain track and some using etches chairs. Unfortunately I found the Versaline system too fiddly for me...and opted not to buy all the jigs required to make the turnouts.
     
    The overall decision is that I will construct turnouts using PCB and bullhead and use easitrac for the plain track. As much as I love to see a layout with all the track handmade, I felt that not having chairs on the plain track was a loss considering the looks of easitrac.
     
    So Meeth track will be built and wired and once it is running smoothly I will put on hold and repeat the methods for Thurso as this has to be complete for the MRJ competition 2019, still leaving time for Meeth for the 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee 2020.
     
    Next up was preparing the curved backscene formers which will be constructed from 0.5mm ply sheet from the studio model shop. This was made in two pieces and cut with a scalpel to fit. They are loose fit at the moment and once the track insert is in place the respective holes can be cut in the fascia for FY access.
     
    Lastly was the track insert, this time using 1.0mm ply sheet, again cut with a scalpel. This is removable to allow the track to built offsite on my DRT (as the fascia is in place restricting access etc.)
     
    This afternoon, the turnout was positioned and easitrac plain track laid. A few cut lost wax brass sleepers are installed at the relevant places to aid wiring. I need to gap the sleepers on the turnout and construct a catch point in the siding (a first for me) but the basic track has been glued down in place.
     
    A few pictures attached to capture progress with newly purchased Farish class 25 which will primarily be used for this project - the aim is to try and get this laid and wired by the end of 2017 to allow it to be shelved and return to Thurso.
     
    Overall, I feel a lot happier about this approach again now.
     

    Experiments including PCB turnout, PCB plain track and Versaline etch plain track...
     

    Back to basics...
     

    Removable track insert on 1.0mm ply which is fairly strong...
     

    Curved backscene dry fit in place...holes will be cut later for FY access...
     

    View towards where turnout will be located...
     

    View towards where golds shed will be located...
     

    Track insert in place...track overhangs slightly at present hence no fascia in place...
     

    Ditto...catch point to be constructed next...holes have been formed for wire in tube operations...
     
    Comments welcome as always,
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    An update to share some thoughts of recent on the layout.
     
    Firstly, the track layout. I had some thoughts on relocating the turnout onto the other board to try and increase the length of train for run-a-round purposes and this would still allow room for a class 33/73 between the turnout and buffer stops. I then realised that this would increase the amount of visible track in the front edge of the bay platform and one of the things I liked about Kyle was having a little scenic space to allow the siding to breathe. Instead I have now shuffled the turnout to the end edge of the baseboard which buys about 50mm extra in the loop, which could be a wagon length at this scale.
     

     
    Only minimal but preserves the single track to the front baseboard edge...
     
    Secondly, the means of operation for the fiddleyards. I have been wrestling with traversers v cassettes in my mind for a few weeks now (I have always wanted one of those sliding traversers built on draw runners) but alas, its not to be for this layout.It makes much more sense for the cassette type operation as most trains on the through line will be fed from the single track end and then they will be collected and reassembled at the other end to start the sequence again.
    Coupled with this, the fiddleyards need to be hinged to fit in the boxfiles...so more complications with a hinged folding sliding mechanism
    Back to cassettes and the ones below were fabricated for CJM and are 500mm in length.
     

     
    Two aluminum angles on a card base...
     
    I thought about reusing them, but they need to be extended as the 4CEP doesn't fit and longer lengths will enable slightly more interesting trains (more on this in my next update) Next thought was to see if they fit in my hand luggage at 500mm in length and possibly extend them at each end...but I kinda like the idea of everything still fitting into both boxfiles, which still squeeze in my hand luggage. So it looks like I will be splicing them in half to give 2 No. 250mm pieces, hinged together with a 100mm feeder extensions to both ends That's the thinking today anyway...as I try to find a neat solution for power and alignment issues to avoid the same issues experienced on Kyle.
     
    Thirdly, should it be of interest I have uploaded some sketches mostly which were done en route to the UK and were enhanced with a little Bombay Sapphire and Tonic in my bloodstream at an altitude of circa 35,000ft..They show how the solution was developed for the folding hinged through line alongside some thoughts on layout lighting, fascia and electrical supply etc.
     

     
    Overall dimensions and stacking in the boxfiles...
     

     
    If cassettes, that will determine depth of fiddleyard bases...
     

     
    Layout lighting will probably use IKEA strip lighting used on RMweb 2011 challenge entry....
     

     
    Ideas on power between boards and for cassettes...
     

     
    Hinged through line support method and location of control panel elements...
     
     
    The next entry will cover rolling stock and possibly any developments on the cassettes.
     
    As always, comments welcome...
  21. bcnPete

    a few more pics...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    A few more pics to share courtesy of Chris, (eastwestdivide) who kindly sent a selection through.
     
    These show a bit more of the layout as I was conscious that my pics from the show tried to capture the overall presentation.
     
    What is apparent and was commented on during the day is the lack of backscene. You may recall, that when I first started sketching the layout idea, I posed the question of a 'floating backscene' which was suspended across the back but was open at the base and top, a bit like a boob tube (can I say that on here?) to allow views of the station in case of derailments.
     
    Some peeps were concerned by whether this would work or not so I left it off but it might be time to revisit that when I redo the fascias.
     
    Thanks to Chris for his pictures...
     

     
    PWB as it is today...
     

     
    And from the Operator's side...
     

     
    Old Farish 33 waiting in the siding for the magic wand to cast it into a Dapol 33...
     

     
    73 deputising on Passenger (the bogies on the 33 kept snagging on the 3rd rail)
     

     
    4 CEP leaves the Bay...Fuel tanks on 33 kept drooping
     

     
    VSOE Pullman passing through checked at signal...
     

     
    The ARC hoppers also never got finished but were placed to show the mods undertaken to date...
     

     
    Last one from me...here's how it looked 6 months ago...
     
    I would like to get some more close up shots of it in natural light as I did with Kyle but I need to do the mods first and also work on the rolling stock accordingly.
     
    Thanks for looking...
     
    Pete
  22. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    The blog title eludes to the inbound fast approaching, 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee event the weekend of 18/19th June in Derby - rescheduled from the original date due to COVID.
     
    I shall be visiting as a punter but wanted to bring something to the occasion as per the last one, the Golden Jubilee which was held in Oxford and I flew back from Barcelona for it. At that one I showed a small scale model of my proposed Coombe Junction - Moorswater layout which signalled my return to the hobby after a 20 year break and launched me from N to 2mmFS.
     
    Fast forward 10+ years and I have since returned from BCN to live in the UK again, the layout unfortunately had to be scrapped due to downsizing of space and also last month I moved apartments. Whilst sorting through boxes as part of the move I found two bubbled wrapped extracts from the original layout - part of the clay dries buildings and the slice of Moorswater viaduct. The viaduct was in three pieces, top and two legs and I had the idea during this BH break to perhaps reassemble the diorama that I built and entered into the RMWeb 2011 challenge competition. Looking back I was pleased to recall I had come 3rd overall, which I had forgotten.
     
    So my idea is to recreate the diorama again but this time finish it off with the handrail etches that Steve ‘Pixie’ Nicholls of this Parish kindly did for me all those years ago but arrived in the post due past the competition deadline. I am also going to redo and simplify the base and possibly make a perspex box enclosure…studio model shop permitting 😉 I have just under two weeks to complete this as I am travelling up to Derby the Friday afternoon before the event. I also need to contact John, the exhibition organiser and see if there is a spare place to display it…otherwise I will bring it and keep it in the car boot should anyone want to have a look at it!
     
    Here’s how the original one ended up back in 2011…
     

     

     

     
    The original featured a back scene, built in lighting fascia and also a cheeky stock box at the base 😜 For this model, the back scene and the fascia will be omitted. I was always unsure about what height the back scene should terminate at, as essentially this was a test piece for my CJM layout which had a backscene of approximately 300mm high. 
     
    So firstly the base was set out and again, this was based on the dimensions of an IKEA Lack shelf which many of my layouts use. 300mm wide x 260mm depth. I contemplated getting the mini IKEA Lack of those dims but the Perspex case idea scuppered that.
     

    Mapped out on the base…
     
    Next up is Pixies incredible fine etches…which will finally get used.
     

     
    The contours were then mapped out in card and foamboard off cuts and glued in with PVA glue. 
     

     

     
    Then this morning the base was covered with a layer of Sculptamold. Lovely stuff and easy to work with, even after 8+ years, as most of my layouts tend to be quite urban. 
     

     

     
    This will be left to dry for a few days before getting a light sand and a coating of burnt umber paint prior to grass application.
     
    That’s all for now folks - as always, comments welcomed…
     
    Pete
     
     

  23. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    This warm weather normally puts me off modelling but the 7mm mojo is raging at present
     
    This morning I had another two hour window or so which allowed me to complete the fascia mock up and also the dries buildings at the rear to give more of an idea on the overall look of the layout. I also took the chance to correct the end of one of the sheds as I noticed from some of the photos googled it had some more relief and set back.
     
    These will have much more detail when modelled as some of the openings will be modelled which I think will help break up the monotony of the backscene...some white dust will be sprayed around too
     
    The other thing knocked up was a small shed which has been part modelled due to the cut in section of my plan extract. This will be a steel frame with metal cladding and you may note from the earlier small scale model it features mainly to act as a partial view blocker. I have had to slide it further along the plan as in reality if modelled 1:1 then it would probably be at least one if not two boards away!
     
    Just a note on the two ends...for the left hand end when viewed front on I would like to put a mirror to try and increase the perspective...not sure how it’s going to work out but let’s see. For the right hand end I think I will laser cut a sheet of clear perspex with two apertures cut in...this will allow photographs from this end, as well as some flexibility if I say need to introduce another wagon or clip on a cassette...whatever it is, it needs to avoid me driving stock off the end at these prices
     
    For copyright reasons I can’t post any photos of the prototype but this link gives a good sense of what I am trying to create:
     
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/66247864@N03/sets/72157675524305034
     
    Here’s a few photos...naturally a few shunting moves were performed prior to packing it all away
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The next move is to tweak the CAD work and then I can start cutting the fascias in ply and thinking about lighting. It will make the boards heavier and a little more difficult to store but I will ponder that one.
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  24. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Not had a chance to do any modelling since the exhibition of 11 May 2013 so I guess the next best thing is to think, read and draw about it...
     
    You may recall that this layout is on the list to be scrapped when we move back to the UK in a couple of months, all being well.
     
    Whilst I have had fun making it...and then remaking it, I have to be ruthless in some of my decision making to set the example in our apartment as we have a lot of pruning to be done...plus we have far too many train projects going on so it would be unreasonable for me to bring them all back.
     
    Cut to this weekend back in BCN and I just thought I would have one last look at the layout (its on a shelf high up on the wall so needs me to stand on a table to look at it) and whilst pondering whether I should try and keep the station building (as it took so bloomin' long to build) a slightly mischievous thought entered my head
     
    What if I just stripped it back to the scenic bit, losing the fiddleyard and rear space behind the backscene which make up the 1100 x 260mm IKEA shelf?
     
    Granted, it wouldn't be operational...but it would pack much smaller and it could also serve to be a photo plank for my 2mmFS (purely Scottish ) stuff...which may well expand one day.
     
    So, on the morning plane back today, out with the sketchbook to try and see what it would entail...dot dash lines represent the cuts...
     

     
    And then finding an old photo of the layout I guess it would mean just keeping this much...
     

     
    Which I thought with a much smaller footprint, could be bubble wrapped and form part of the stuff to keep and could maybe make it along to a 2mmFS event one day as a diorama should it be of interest.
     
    So, with this in mind, I might get the saw out next weekend and see what emerges...
  25. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Can't believe this time last week I was weathering the roof canopy, painting the track and adding brute trolleys to the ends of the platform
     
    On reflection this week, I have been giving a lot of thought to the future of PWBIAB and indeed all my layouts with our impending move back to the UK. What is clear is that we will have to cutback big time on space requirements so some layouts will have to go.
     
    Firstly, PWB and some upgrades to it will be: replace all the cardboard fascia panels with 3mm laser cut ply, install the digital photo frame depicting images etc, redo the station canopy, rethink the fiddleyards and detail the rolling stock. I think this layout has some mileage as its quite simple and once the appropriate rolling stock is gathered could be interesting to hang on to. The new Dapol 33's could be rather attractive additions to the fleet.
     
    I think that it may well be my last boxfile layout not only due to the lack of need to travel with it by hand luggage anymore but mainly as it creates too many joints...the alignments being the main problem at the debut show. I did think of doing a Kyle style upgrade to a 1900mm Ikea shelf but that will equally give length problems for travelling so am now thinking of permanently joining the two scenic boards together and having two similar length fiddle yard boards which can be stored in a modified 'double box file' arrangement.
     

     

     
    Kyle I think will have to go. It was fun to build and do the upgrade and, I learnt a lot from both builds but in terms of operations PWB has much more potential.
     
    Of my sons two 4mm layouts I will ditch the large roundy roundy and try and keep the 1900mm Ikea shelf layout which forms part of a layout thread on here somewhere. It all works fine and needs ballasting and detailing etc but I guess it was always built with the future in mind where they could shunt rather than race trains
     
    My growing 7mm collection of rolling stock will stay but I will hold fire on building the Wenfordbridge dries model just yet (another 1900mm Ikea shelf layout) as it seems silly to start something else too soon.
     
    That just leaves Coombe Junction - Moorswater. I started the week with a view to scrapping it all...but as the week went on, I felt more and more uncomfortable with that. At 3.3m long it has its problems, not to mention my very first hand built pcb trackwork which is a bit dodgy but it occurred o me yesterday that a good compromise would be to keep the Moorwater board. This one has had the most work on it to date and will include the viaduct and the dries buildings whereas the other two boards could be scrapped to make space...and perhaps I can rebuild them at a later date, when we have more room.
     
    I did post an entry some time ago saying the Moorswater board could perhaps go it alone and whilst it wouldn't be the most exciting of layouts at an exhibition, it could be fed with cassettes depicting various train movements.
     
    Here's a more pictorial view of what I am proposing:
     

     
    I won't be ditching stuff just yet so perhaps can take some photos before but at least it does start to thin out railway stuff as it is quite apparent how the collection of train related stuff has grown in the last 5 years or so.
     
    Next up, I might try and build a 7mm kit I have just to see what it is like working in that scale...but I think after last weekend, despite my eye deteriorations and frustrations, I still enjoy modelling 2mm FS too much to completely turn my back on it.
     
    Have a good weekend all
     
    Pete
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