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bcnPete

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  1. bcnPete

    under the weather...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - That title's twofold really.
     
    Firstly, I lost most of last week due to some gastro which struck me down...a trip to a rather fine Indian restaurant here soon put my stomach on track...
     
    Secondly, I got stuck in on some more weathering of the rolling stock. Again, using dry brushing techniques and a few MIG powders with a few strokes with some cotton buds too. Its not up there with Mercig's weathering by a long shot but it has given me a little more confidence to keep having a go. I also dunked some DG couplings in a shallow bath of metal black and will swap some of the earlier fitted ones which tend to stick out like a sore thumb in brass.
     
    I attach a few photos first of the Dapol 26 and then the Farish 24. I wish the respective manufacturers in China would sit round a table and agree a common colour for BR Blue It makes it impossible for them to appear together on the layout...although on this layout I think the loco employed on pass engaged in some shunting between shifts.
     
    Enough of this waffle...here's some photos...
     

     
    Dapol 26...a little more grubbier now...
     

     
    Farish 24...hopefully not overcooked...
     

     
    They make a lovely couple...
     

     
    This one is for Mike (PaternosterRow) who asked to see the station building...damn that platform surface needs resticking...
     

     
    Side on view...
     

     
    26038 awaits its next turn of duty...
     

     
    Seen arriving from a small boat...
     

     
    With 24113 shunting some vans...
     

     
    26038 bound for Inverness...
     

     
    Awaiting clearance...
     

     
    26038 rearranging some 16T minerals between duties...
     

     
    24113 waits to depart...
     

     
    26038 idles in the sun...
     
    I think that probably now brings a close to the recent work revamping the layout now. Although it is tempting to keep tinkering with it, I am also conscious that I don't want to overcook it with bits and bobs and I nearly ruined the backscene last week at one point.
     
    I will swap the DG's over the weekend and take some final shots next week as the layout is set to appear in a certain 2mmFS bi-monthly publication soon. Perhaps I will post some more shots next week if peeps aren't fed up to see it now.
     
    Thanks all for your interest in this project.
     
    Pete
  2. bcnPete
    The following is a transcript of a conversation I had last month with the Police. For simplicity I have translated it from Spanish to English…
     
    Bcnpete: Good morning, I would like to report a robbery.
    Police: Good morning Sir – What exactly has been stolen?
    Bcnpete: A viaduct.
    Police: A viaduct Sir?
    Bcnpete: Yes…but not a complete one….only one bay of the viaduct.
    Police: One bay of a viaduct? I'm not sure I follow.
    Bcnpete: That’s right…but not a full size bay…a scale model one.
    Police: I am not sure I am getting this Sir…You have an accent…are you English by chance?
    Bcnpete: From London originally…anyway...It’s a scale model of a viaduct, oh and it’s based on one in Cornwall.
    Police: So…to recap….A Viaduct – one bay – scale model - Cornwall – Englishman
    Bcnpete: Correct. And some trees too…and an old Brunel pier too…Oh forget that, it’s getting too complicated. What’s the next move?
    Police: I think we had better visit the crime scene.
    Bcnpete: Thanks. See you soon. Places receiver…thinks to himself ‘Soon is not something I usually equate with Spain’
    Police: Goodbye Sir. Places receiver….mutters to himself ‘Crazy English guy…he sounded a bit drunk’
     
    That afternoon, a knock on the door and two policemen arrived complete with CSI Barcelona.
    After showing them some old pictures of my diorama comp entry from last year, they got to work photographing and dusting with those small fluffy brushes.
     

     
    Crime scene...
     
    Three weeks passed by with no news and I was beginning to lose faith in the Spanish police, pondering that perhaps that they were spending a good part of their day catching speeding motorists and issuing €300 fines, rather than tracking my viaduct. I began to think it was time to start afresh and rebuild the viaduct again, using lessons learnt from the first model…when I walked into our model room home office and something in the background caught my eye…
     
    As I got closer…tears of joy began to unfold…there in front of me, the viaduct stood relocated in the correct position on my Coombe Junction – Moorswater layout which had been lying low whilst I had been busy working in the Far North of Scotland.
     

     
    Plan view...curve introduced to backscene...
     

     
    Note crude wiring...which will disappear beneath the layout...
     
    The mysterious magic pixies from the Duchy, perhaps concerned of the neglect of the layout of late had repositioned it and modified the backscene to include that much needed curve in the corner. I was overwhelmed…and immediately telephoned the Spanish Police...but I won’t bother to translate that conversation as there are far too many expletives.
     
    So on that note, I hereby give notice that work has recommenced on all things Cornish and I am hoping to make good progress of the 3 boards between now and Christmas, starting with Board 3, Moorswater.
     
    I believe it coincides with the month of April starting today…
  3. bcnPete
    Update - This one is not very upbeat I am afraid - I was hoping to have cracked the cladding last night...and not my mojo
     
    On the high point - after Scott's excellent descriptive piece about china clay dries and Moorswater, I thought I had better redo my homework. Out came the photos of Moorswater then and now and sure enough I had missed off the step in the building to allow the conveyor to pass from one to the other
     
    I think this oversight was because there is a lot of 'kit' outside/attached to the buildings which I thought could be built later once the main building shells were built and clad but this one not so. So out with the scalpel and a few cuts later, a new end wall to the largest building and a modified side wall to the building, which is currently undergoing the cladding options. The conveyer has had to be reduced in length as my building is about two thirds of the prototype, so I tried to keep the angle of it the same so it doesn't look like a ski lift. This will be clad later and steel beams added beneath to recreate the support structure. I also managed to cut a small opening for a doorway which leads to the external structures by walkways.
     

    This is with the modification to include the conveyer...
     
    Scott's note did also get me to requestion what I am trying to achieve here. I knew I could not represent Moorswater in full, and to model all the buildings to exact length would mean losing quite a few elements, but at least if I can recreate enough of it to 'give a sense of place' and that people could recognise it as Moorswater, albeit slightly condensed. So where possible, buildings have been built to scale height and width with only the length being cropped to suit.
     
    Now the low point - taking on board as many comments as possible from before, I redid a cladding test using a thin strip of paper to create a minimal overhang and instead of using strips of horizontal cladding, I cut them into 6mm widths as Scott had noted they were 7 foot by 3 foot panels generally. This has proved more difficult than anticipated as to cut the panels between the troughs, butt them tightly together in the horizontal and try to align the ribs vertically...well let's just say the air was blue last night It didn't even make it to the morning to look at it with fresh eyes because it looked so awful. Not so much the overhang, which is more subtle, but the overall clustering of panels does not look convincing.
     

    Individual cladding panels on paper spacer...
     
    So...cladding removed...blank canvas again...and time for a rethink. This morning I had a look at (one of many) of Chris Nevard's inspirational layouts, namely Cement Quay to see how the cladding has been handled in 4mm. It looks like a lot of the structures have overlaps to the cladding but not necessarily individual sheets but the painting and weathering and colouring all comes together to make a unified whole...and very pleasing it is, to look at.
     
    Perhaps the individual panels are not the way forward for my building and I will have to either score them or rely on the painting and weathering. This last shot (copyright Mark 46444) does demonstrate how the horizontal banding is very prominent, whilst the lapping is only noticeable by the small fixings to the panels.
     

     
    Sorry that it's not such a great post, but as I treat my blog as a diary, I think it's important to show that not everything goes quite as planned - Back to the drawing board CAD machine for me
  4. bcnPete

    ch ch ch changes....

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    It's been a while...and there's a few things to share.
     
    Firstly, my circumstances are changing, namely that after 5+ great years here in Barcelona we have decided to relocate back to the UK next year...at the end of the boys School year. It's proving too difficult for us to work in Spain and it hasn't been helped by us arriving 3 months before the economic crisis hit...which as you are aware is hitting Spain very hard.
     
    Following a trip to London 10 days ago, I had an interview and start working in a new job tomorrow It will be strange to become an employee again after more than 5 years of being my own boss...but I will sure look forward to a regular salary again. I am going to be commuting in this transition year so last plane back to BCN on Friday after work and then last plane back to LGW on Sunday evening...to spend as much time with my family.
     
    How will this affect my modeling? Hmmm...not sure at present, as having opted to come to Spain to try and find a better work/family balance I was also able to restart my modelling again after a 20 year break...that said, I have packed a cutting mat and a few tools in my hold luggage. The thinking is maybe I can sneak in some modelling on the weekday evenings at my digs in London...I am thinking of flying back and forth some rolling stock on a weekly basis in my hand luggage...let's see how that maps out.
     
    Also has some thoughts on my new avatar...rather than change my name for simplicity and continuity I thought I would opt for a stripped down version...as BCN will always be a part of me...
     

     
    So...back to modelling...the dreaded electrics which I so wanted to complete before starting my new chapter. Having wrestled with it for a couple of weeks, I can thankfully say it is all now working. Who would have thought a layout with one turnout could give me so much grief...especially in DC
     
    As most of the work was being done upside down, it became apparent that the buffer stops (at present they protrude higher than the platform) were in danger of getting damaged. So I came up with a simple solution of 4 card strips which bolt through the pre made holes for the fascia(s) and once upturned this allows work to continue unhindered...after they are removed and kept for future electrical work. Once the platform canopy and colour light signals are added, they will be remade to reflect the increased height as required.
     

     
    The layout has two separate control panels which 'fold under' for storage in the boxfile...all has mapped out as planned except for the rotary switch for the 4 aspect signal which is larger than I expected...so either that needs to be detached during dismantling...or a smaller switch sought.
     
    The short circuit that was baffling me for two days is so embarrassing simple that I can't describe it...but having walked away from it, it suddenly became apparent what the problem was...testament to the fact that sometimes its good to walk away and clear your head when things are not going well...and I promise no alcohol was involved either
     
    The wiring still needs tidying up with cable ties but here is a quick shot of it from below...anyone who is not keen on spaghetti avert your eyes now...
     

     
    The only remaining wiring to be done is to install the two colour light signals which are currently being produced by absolute aspects...hopefully there will be no traumas with that wiring. The layout will be controlled using a PIC hand held controller as used by Jerry...so far in tests it gives very nice smooth running.
     

     
    The left hand control panel is basically controller input/output and two isolating sections for the sidings using Gaugemaster simple slide switches.
     

     
    The right hand side control panel is the turnout control using wire in tube and two switches which will operate the two signals. You can see the problem with the rotary switch but everything else tucks in when folded to fit in the boxfile.
     

     
    Lastly, I will replace a few of the lost wax brass sleepers with pcb as my idea to cut them in two is foiled at baseboard joints as all rigidity is lost and I need to realign a few of the joints again.
     
    That's about it really. Not sure how much more I will get done on the layout between now and crimble but I have committed to the BHMRC 2013 exhibition next May so I will find a way to honour that...possibly flying the layout back and forth in the new year to develop it. But I guess my updates on here may not be as frequent as they used to be whilst I undergo the transformation period.
     
    Better go...need to get a good night's shuteye before tomorrow...
     
  5. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Whilst there is a flurry of activity on Paddock Wood at present, this is a small update to show that work is continuing on CJ-M albeit at a slower pace.
     
    The last entry which covered some of the recent detailing of the Moorswater buildings touched on some other works, namely the buildings to the adjacent area. This has changed of recent since becoming a cement terminal but research shows there were 4 small buildings, a mix of huts and a portakabin in this area. Using pics and drawings, they have been scaled and proportioned but once the carcasses had been made in plastic sheet and they are placed in position they look like Monopoly houses/hotels...hence the blog title...I had better not paint them green and red either
     
    I think part of the problem is that they are adjacent to two quite large Industrial buildings so are always going to look strange...the question is do they look ridiculous? Perhaps once finished, painted, bedded in, weathered and surrounded by a few trees they will look better...but at present they unnerve me slightly.
     
    I also had a first bash at the gate which separates the works area. This has been made in plastic rods but since doing so, it has twisted and warped so I will have another go using brass rods...which will enhance my soldering skills no doubt. I would like to try and get this gate working in some way (it swings to close off the road) be it a motor or Heath Robinson pulleys beneath. Drawing a train of wagons up to the dries/terminal and then waiting for the gate to open will I hope add a little extra to this area.
     
    Also to note, after searching I was quite pleased to find some interesting industrial handrails from Scalelink. They will be used on a lot of areas in the dries, including sitting on top of the retaining walls, as well as topping that curved structure off...they are soft enough to bend and form into a circle. I will also use them for the high level walkways at roof level on the larger dries building and depending how they look, may replace the handrail I built from plasticard on the bridge link across the tracks.
     
    Lastly, a huge thanks to Mark (46444) who recently donated me some of his 2mmFS rolling stock whilst he concentrates on matters 4mm. I like to think of it that I am actually 'holding on' to these for Mark until he is ready to undertake a little 2mmFS again, but I promised to take a few pics of them in their new home. One of the items was a Dapol Cargowaggon which has been excellently weathered by Mark. I think I might send Mark my 3 bright yellow/blue Dapol ones to weather as it really looks the part.
     
    Then Mark also produced a FGW 153 (Dapol) and a FGW 150 (Farish) using, if I understood correctly some terrific decals produced by ewsjo and resprayed to suit FGW colours. They really look smart and the FGW livery has really grown on me the last couple of years.
     
    Herewith a few pics to set the above in context:
     
    EDIT: 150 now swapped for 153 (thanks Rich)
     

     
    The Scale Link industrial handrails...
     

     
    Mark's Dapol Cargowaggon...very nicely weathered...
     

     
    Those 'Monopoly' houses/hotels...
     

     
    View of gate from outside the dries...will be better in brass rods...
     

     
    Looking down on the huts...
     

     
    Perhaps with a few trees they will look better...
     

     
    Mark's 153 reprayed to FGW and with decals...
     

     
    And side on...
     

     
    Mark's 150 reprayed to FGW and with decals...
     

     
    And side on...
     
    Work will carry on between now and the end of this year detailing the buildings/surrounding area as I wanted to make big progress with this board to try and feel a sense of 'getting there'. As usual, any comments welcome and I would welcome observations on the Monopoly dwellings...
  6. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Further to the backscene crisis I have been undertaking some experiments. My tinkering with GIMP and Paint was getting me nowhere. Enter, Glen, a good friend from School for over 34 years now (an ex rail enthusiast who still has a light flickering for the hobby I think) who offered his photoshopping skills, as that's one of his skills from his profession, who kindly offered to tweak the backscene.
     
    Glen was briefed (from the comments made last entry) to try and keep the clouds strong but to play down the hills and below. Within a couple of hours, 6 subtle options were winging the way back to BCN for trial purposes. Today, I did an A3 test print of each (my A3 colour printed has started to include some evenly spaced lines which is annoying )
     
    I have folded them and attached briefly in place and took a few comparison shots. I have placed the old station building on merely as it has a little more presence then the newer one, but once the backscene is fixed in place I can get back on to the new station building. Obviously at A3 the hills are larger then should be, but I think it gives the feel for them and you can just see the previous backscene in place at the edge by the ramp. What is interesting is that the on screen images looked a lot darker then when printed out. So here goes, a few shots of each modified by Glen and below placed in context. I would be grateful for any comments received and whilst opinions may vary, I will take a decision quite soon as I do not wish the completion of the layout to become a saga...as is often the case...
     

     

     
    Option 1
     

     

     
    Option 2
     

     

     
    Option 3
     

     

     
    Option 4
     

     

     
    Option 5
     

     

     
    Option 6
     
     
    In other news, the water has been repainted and I have now applied about 6 separate layers of Humbrol gloss varnish. I think I am happier with the effect and will keep adding the layers and then return back to the wall to dry brush some further detail and tidy up loose edges.
     

     
    That's all folks...
     
    EDIT:
     
    Further to all the comments below, this morning I test printed option 1 again, but this time on A4 paper. Despite the quality of the print, this gives more sky available and I have placed on the layout after cropping the bottom 50mm off the bottom to give more sky/clouds which results in the loss of the water. This was inevitable as keeping the water compromises the sky etc...
     
    I attach the test print in place and I think I will get it reprinted tomorrow actual size (700mm long) at the copyshop, which will result in better quality.
     

     
    I also slid it along the length and tucked in behind the ramp...I think this goes to demonstrate that once the low level shots with rolling stock are undertaken, the backscene may disappear even further...
     

  7. bcnPete
    Good evening all,
     
    Readers of a nervous disposition may wish to advert their eyes now...no rolling stock has been harmed in the coming update but layouts have been
     
    Since the BH 2013 exhibition I have been relatively quiet on the forum for a number of reasons: post exhibition blues (is it just me?) stupid hours at work, general loss of interest in the hobby (could be the hot weather) and oh, planning an international family relocation from BCN to LDN...
     
    In a previous post I had hinted that some harsh decisions would need to be made on my various collections of model railway stuff and these have now been actioned this weekend. In summary, next weekend we will drive back to the UK and move into an apartment the following day in LDN and a massive downsize has been required due to the inevitable accumulations since we landed in BCN in 2007.
     
    Firstly, many thanks to Cornish trains Jez who offered last minute to store any layouts I had should space be lacking, but I had to think both short term and long term about what I had been trying to achieve and what the future was in terms of our start over again in the UK - In short, I realised that I have no more space to store, erect and develop the layouts so the jigsaw was in action this weekend
     
    First up, a 4mm roundy roundy made last year for my sons. They had a lot of fun with it but weighing in at 8 x 4 it was the first to get the chop. A last minute phone call to some friends who have a son who is sort of interested in trains, but the parents came around and said thanks...but no thanks...even though I was prepared to give it away for ziltch
     

     
    So the track was duly prised off with a palette knife, stored in a box and then the baseboards were hacked to bits - strike 1.
     
    Secondly, Kyle, which once again someone had kindly offered to buy but I would still need to have got it back to the UK and it never worked as well as I had hoped so I would have felt uncomfortable selling it.
     
    A recent post hinted that I might try and reduce it back from its shelf to the bare state and use it as a photo plank which seemed a good compromise...even my wife said that water looked nice
     
    So, this was cut up to just leave the bones of the scenic part and as can be seen from the pic the back scene seems to have delaminated itself but at least I keep some of it - Strike 2.
     

     
    Thirdly, Coombe Junction - Moorswater. A lot of heartache over this one as it had been in my mind for 20 years to build it and the 5+ years in BCN had allowed me to realise that and get it underway. I had various ideas ranging from completely scrapping to just keeping the Moorswater board but in the end as we have no-where to store it and I had to demonstrate some ruthless decision making to my wife as we have all had to take some hits on our possessions.
     
    So in the end I decided the boards had to go but I would keep some buildings, namely the viaduct and the dries buildings. I did try and remove CJ station and Lamellion bridge but they were set in pretty solid to the baseboards so I just had to let these go...they were early work so not my best models - Strike 3.
     

     
    But these were salvaged...
     

     

     
    The Paddock Wood layout remains partly because its all packed neatly in its boxfiles already in the UK and I also kept a small 4mm BR blue layout I started for my sons on a 1900mm Ikea shelf as at least this can be stored in their room and they would like me to do more work on it.
     
    So how am I feeling about all this?
     
    Well obviously, mixed feelings as I had always hoped that CJM would one day make it to the exhibition circuit and I could finally see a class 25 with a long load of clay hoods or a 37 on CDA's thread its way to Moorswater dries under the shortest viaduct ever modelled ()...but I had to be realistic to myself and my family. The modelling really came about due to the change of lifestyle and trying to have a better balance of work / home time with the family which allowed me to do some modelling perhaps one evening or two a week. But my work is now taking up a good deal of my time again and like so many of you, it becomes harder to get that enthusiasm in the evening by the time the kids are in bed and the dishes are done...a little more time will be required for the adjustment me thinks.
     
    I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has shown interest and supported my highs and lows of CJM for which I would never have been able to get this far without your help and that at present the blog has had some 95,000 + views which I am bowled over by.
     
    Whilst the layout may get rebuilt in later life, I was wondering whether in the meantime I could keep those buildings retained and make them abstract slices of the layout (bit like my comp entry) to act as both photo planks and perhaps attend a few 2mmFS events as stand alone dioramas?? Will give this some more thoughts...warning: sketches may follow
     
    To round off, I have not parted with any of my rolling stock and I didn't even mention 7mm due to our space downsizing
     
    Thank you all again for watching and inspiring me the last 5+ years...
     
    Pete
  8. bcnPete

    oooh-bay...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Good afternoon - Various bits of progress this week on the layout, and with 'The Outlaws' just arrived back in town for another week, things may move a little slower during this period.
     
    First up, trackwork. The first track laid was to the 'mainline' which is the one that folds up/down to increase/minimise the width of the layout. The sleepers that had been pre-painted in the last entry were laid with easitrac white adhesive (it sets pretty rapidly) and a few brass lost wax sleepers have been positioned at the ends for strength and also for wiring connections between boards - Note to self: remember to run the disc cutter through the brass sleepers to prevent head scratching when the controller shorts...
     
    I had wanted to drill small holes in the edges of the brass sleepers to locate some droppers (I think I recall Bryn doing this and it was very neat) but the holes I drilled were too small and so I reverted to turning the sleepers upside down and trying to solder in the small preformed holes beneath the chairs Of course, having tinned the base, once I turned it over, I realised all the solder had flooded and closed up the chairs so that was one sixpack of those trashed...so I will have a rethink on that...
     
    Secondly, the platform base was formed generating said bay. This has been built from 1mm white card and I am not sure how I will develop this. I normally use wet n dry on the surface, but this time I was tempted to use the scalescenes platform download as I can also use the brick bases...have used them for my sons 4mm layout but did find they seem to delaminate after a while...again, need to rethink that...
     
    The track was then laid for the bay platform road as above and this time a few holes were predrilled beneath so positioned for the wire droppers.
     
    By chance in the rummage box I managed to find a 'Cockrobin' 2 aspect signal that must be over 20+ years old so I positioned it to see how it looks. This is only a placeholder, as Matt from Absolute Aspects is making two signals at present, but it's not bad for its age...I recall at the time it was quite a breakthrough as most N signals had been grain o wheat bulbs and these were bright LED's. Not sure if it still works as I have lost the instructions. I am no electrician, but there's a green wire and a red wire...which I'm pretty sure I know what they relate too ...but the Blue one Must be the power...but I can't remember if it was 12vDC or other...seem to remember a resistor in the mix too...sorry, am rambling now...
     
    Lastly, I marked out positions for the canopy, which on the prototype seems to cover only half of the platform in the bay. This suits me, as the layout was conceived so that this would sit on one platform half once folded in the boxfile. The canopy has a pretty decorative awning too (Thanks for the pic Nick) and probably the best way to deal with this would be an etch. Trouble is, will I get my act together to draw it in CAD and see whether any other modellers have spare space on their etches to get it fabricated in time for the exhibition? The legs and support structure will be Evergreen I-section and to check on heights for the roof I have mocked up a small test canopy framework. Using an oblique pic of the awning found on the web, I scaled it and printed and have attached it to the ends of the test canopy...as you will see from the pics, it all fits nicely...so all those drunken sketches done at high altitude working out dimensions seem to have paid off to date.
     
    In other news, some more rolling stock arrived from Hattons today, including a nice rake of Bachfar Seacow/sealions, some TTA's and parcels stock. I will save this for another update perhaps once they have been weathered etc.
     
    Lastly, after reading that interesting thread running at present on layout names, I thought I had better adjust the name of the layout to Paddock Wood Bay (in a boxfile) as after all, as with Kyle was, its only an extract of the place, which I hope conveys the location and I don't want peeps to arrive at the exhibition to see Paddock Wood and expect to see a four track mainline with two bays, freight sidings etc etc So Paddock Wood Bay it is from now on.
     
    Enough of this waffle...a few pics to better demonstrate...
     
    EDIT: Thanks to Kris, I now have a copy of the wiring instructions for the signal - FYI, The power is 12v DC and the blue wire runs through a resistor to the negative and the positive connects to the chosen switch.
     

     
    Overall shot showing progress...
     

     
    a few predrilled holes...as I normally forget to do this...
     

     
    With 4CEP in the bay platform...
     

     
    SR rail built buffers and track components have been ordered to complete this...
     

     
    The Cockrobin 2mm signal...
     

     
    And with the 4CEP...
     

     
    Plan view in the box folded back...
     

     
    Signal and canopy sit just within size constraints...
  9. bcnPete
    ...since I last updated...
     
    Despite having a very severe attack of 7mmitus this last month, I have not lost focus on trying to make some progress on CJM this year.
     
    Various small things have been tackled...all of which individually I had been putting off, so I decided to bite the bullet and get stuck in with them.
     
    1 - I have permanently glued the two main dries buildings in place Whilst it would have made far more sense to complete them, paint and weather etc, before attaching, I know what I am like
    and I would have just kept putting that off and off...so progress would have stalled for months - Result. whack em down and get a wiggle on...
     
    2 - Some of the small retaining walls have been formed in either stone or plasticard...
     
    3 - A small set of steps have been formed adjacent to the old dries building and these will be weathered in to the scenics so they almost disappear...
     
    4 - Moorswater viaduct has been repositioned as the legs were buckled...some more cuts of the scenics adjusted this fairly swiftly...
     
    5 - The cylindrical stone building now has a proper roof...and now doesn't resemble the cut down bottle of vitamin tablets it once was...
     
    6 - The china clay 'vats' have started to be lined...they will have some sort of whitish resin poured once complete...
     
    7 - The backscene has been sanded and repainted in an effort to hide the joints...but still needs further sanding and painting I note...
     
    8 - The mini sliding traverser is wired and works albeit Heath Robinsonish...
     
    9 - The internal wall of the hidden dries area has been constructed and remains in place whilst the sliding traverser slides beneath it...
     
    10 - Turnout primed and ready for application of paint and ballast...
     
    That's it...each in themself nothing special but the sum of the whole marks progress...
     
    A few pics...not great quality I am afraid...haven't found how to stop the auto flash popping up and firing despite the bright sunlight available...
     

     
    Overall...new low level walls in place...
     

     
    Small steps...which will be almost lost in the scenics...
     

     
    Cylindrical dries building, sliding traverser and interior walls...
     

     
    Overall...backscene still needs sanding and repainting...
     

     
    Just an excuse to sneak in the Dapol FGW 153...a bit out of my era, but a lovely model that needed to be had...
     
     
    Back soon I hope with more progress...
  10. bcnPete
    Update,
     
    Good evening - Following the status of the two dries buildings I knew it was time that I could no longer put off the need to tackle the inset track to the sidings area. This was not something I was looking forward to, and comes a close second to fence and tree making in the tedium tasks.
     
    I had pondered for a long while whether to do it 'dry' in card or 'wet' in clay. For my sons 4mm china clay Blue diesel layout (no brain washing there then ) I did the inset track in grey artists card and it has turned out ok as a base to weather and develop...
     

     
    Grey artist card for the inset track and base buildings...
     
    However, that was all straight track with no curves as Moorswater. But I finally settled on card and decided to make some templates. I first applied a red felt tip pen to the tops of the rails as thus...
     

     
    and whilst the ink was still wet, overlaid a piece of white card, pressing down firmly. After I lifted the card and flipped it, hey presto, a template...
     

     
    and I cut these out to fit.
     
    Right? ...Wrong ...of course the outer edges were fine and I trimmed the one between the two sidings okish...but the ones between the rails themselves were awful...Regroup, Rethink, Gin Tonic and walk away...
     
    Back fresh...and refreshed... I decided to go down the clay route as Tom E did some nice experiments recently with Das. I also have in mind Chris Nevard's awesome Cement Quay layout as the inspiration for the overgrown part of the yard as depicted here
     
    I thought I had better spray the track before starting and then give it a quick test to check all was well before it all got covered in gunk. The track was primed in grey primer and then giving a wash of some brown paint I have used before on the layout. It's funny how when you spray the track, it takes on another level of 'its actually starting to get there now'...
     

     
    I then ran my old 'soon to be replaced if Farish ever decide to finally get around to retooling the much needed, long overlooked, long in the tooth' class 25...and it ran very nicely...I was shocked...and was almost tempted to spend the evening shunting a few wagons around...but thought better of it...
     
    I couldn't find DAS in BCN so I settled on some other air dryed clay and following some helpful advice from Chris, I made a start this evening. With my wife out I borrowed the nice stainless steel minimalist designed cake knife, as I had an image of slicing carpaccio's of clay off the block and layering it to get the right level. How wrong I was. The clay was a right PITA to cut, so the knife was washed and sneaked back in the kitchen replaced discretely and I settled on a carving lumps with a metal ruler and proceeding to need it into place with my hands. A splash of water was used occasionally to keep it moist and workable and also a wagon with 2FS wheels was run up and down to check flange clearances.
     
    I only managed a little tonight...and lets be honest, it looks a right mess...but I hope it is the way forward. I realise that there will be some scraping, sanding and swearing to come yet, but overall, I guess it was a better way forward than my card disaster.
     

    On plan, it looks a mess...
     

    And here also it looks a mess...
     

    But on this photo, a little more encouraging...
     
    Lets see how it dries and then Episode II will commence.
     
    Pete
     
    EDIT: I woke up this morning and at first glance it all appears to have cracked Perhaps I added too much water in the mix?...
     

     
    Perhaps another skim on top will cover this?....
  11. bcnPete
    Good evening
     
    First blog entry since we relocated back to UK and the period of re adjusting continues, particularly as we have downsized and have had to shift 99% of my railway stuff from our apartment to a storage garage a brisk walk away. No longer can I meddle and tinker with something located in a spare room...as there is no spare room
     
    Have only managed one evenings modelling since July 2013 which was a crack at a 7mm C+L turnout kit, which is 75% complete...and as I thought this weekend that seems to sum up my modelling really...75% complete...nothing ever seems to get finished.
     
    Following a trip to the excellent Southampton show on Saturday, I knew that finally seeing Gary's excellent Glenuig layout would stir up the BR blue juices ...particularly as this was one of the inspirations for Kyle. A manageable sized layout will a small selection of nicely detailed rolling stock - in fact Gary was running Glenuig with just 3 trains
     
    My last entry on Kyle http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/944/entry-11780-a-stay-of-execution hinted that it was salvaged to be used as a photo plank but when I did the original make-over of it, for some reason I never included lighting.
     
    One thing I was pleased about the Paddock Wood layout was the lighting and framed letterbox view so it got me thinking that instead of starting another project which will probably only get to 75%...that perhaps I should revisit Kyle for the remaining 25%. Which includes a selection of Stephen Harris kits residing in the gloat box.
     
    Here's how the layout currently is after cutting back and being bubbled wrapped for the UK bound return move. As can be seen the backscene needs to be redone to lose the bubbles:
     

     
    I was thinking of two phases of work. Phase One being the construction of a new fascia panel which would frame and contain the layout as well as conceal the lighting (My preferred Ikea ones of course!) Here is a quick sketch of how this might be:
     

     
    Phase Two would then be to work on the rolling stock and perhaps try and get it running again. Possibly a brand new detachable fiddleyard to replace the cassettes (I have always wanted to build a fiddleyard using those mini draw runners) although I will have to test run the layout first to see if it is worth it as the original foam board base construction twisted in the middle which may be un recoverable.
     
    Here's a quick photoshop showing how the new fascia would frame the view...the end will be left open to avoid the 90 degree corner and give another camera angle:
     

     
    It will be a whole new method of working as coupled with my new project at work I will have less time and I will also have to try and construct a small modelling work top tray for evening dabbling rather than walk to the garage every time I need a pair of pliers etc. (Jerry has an excellent mini workbench type set up for this)
     
    But...the enthusiasm is back...and I think this could be the ideal way to build upon it...
     
    Hope to get cracking on the carcass for the fascia soon - Toodle pip
  12. bcnPete
    Good afternoon,
     
    Further to the last update, and I guess Mike's observations, it got me wondering about the backscene.
     
    I think it does look better with it, than the plain blue sky but I wondered whether in fact it might benefit from being toned down a tad?
     
    I have had a little tinker in 'Paint' (as I don't have Photoshop) and basically have played around with the contrast to see whether it might look better if it is 'less in your face' (can't think of a better turn of phrase for that at present) with it slightly softer.
     
    The original photo, kindly set by Gary is as this...
     

     
    And after fiddling, I have produced this...
     

     
    Not sure what peeps think of this.
     
    At €11 a print, I may need a vote of confidence whether its worth reprinting...or sticking with what I had.
     
    It may be it needs further work to have it more as a ghost in the background...
     
    as this...
     

     
    Mike's other comments regarding the building being set into the backscene is I think, a problem common to half relief modelling...and not something I will repeat on my next boxfile adventure.
     
    Any comments you may have will as ever be appreciated...
     
    many thanks,
     
    Pete
  13. bcnPete
    Update - It's been a strange time of late...
     
    The following tale of woe's hopefully describes what's been happening here in sunny economic disaster ridden Spain.
     
    Having remade the mini sliding traverser beneath the dries covered area which serves as the loco release, this was wired with a very Heath Robinson kind of affair, which thankfully will be hidden from view and work then turned to redoing the inset track...again.
     
    Having failed last time using a clay product I found in an art shop here, I decided a new approach was required. Firstly the trackwork was reconstructed and instead of using easitrac I opted for code 40 soldered to PCB, mainly so I could insert a check rail. The plan was to use card for the outer track areas and some kind of filler (be it Sculptamuld or clay) for between the check rails. I revisted the artshop and rather than purchase the same clay as last time I opted for something different. 'It just needs to be fired to make it dry said the very helpful lady...so you can put it in the oven if need be'...then followed my description, in Spanish, of how an IKEA 1100mm long LACK shelf, wouldn't quite fit in our oven
     
    Here's the clay opted for...
     

     
    This time...a redish brown colour rather than the off white used previously...
     
    So I set to work, carefully applying the clay to the inset between the checkrails and here is how it looked before turning in for the night...
     

     
    The clay was kneaded into place without water...
     
    When I awoke the next morning it had all cracked again... I decided to re-read my last blog entry from the disasters before...why did I not do this before I started the clay again...
     

     
    Cracking shot...
     
    I had not coated it with a layer of PVA before...I had not put a first lower layer prior to adding a top level...I had not drunk enough Gin-Tonics...what was I doing? Nevertheless, I decided that if I sanded it all smooth, with a little sanding paper, I could reduce the level and then add a second layer...right? ...wrong! As soon as I started to sand it, it started to split into separate pieces, between the sleepers and became loose and unsettled...so, it all had to come up...again...
     

     
    After the Jack Hammer gang had been deployed...
     
    So, time for a rethink. Was it the clay? Probably not, although some peeps hinted that using DAS would have avoided this. Undeterred from this, I decided to visit the local DIY shop and bought a tube of flexible wood filler. A small test on this revealed that it did not crack, however rather than fill between the checkrails with all filler, I decided to cut 1mm strips of white artists card and insert between, with the idea of filling the gaps left with filler. Close examination of the track at Moorswater shows a thin line between the rails and concrete where the concrete has cracked and weeds are forming...a precedent! The sides were then added in the same 1mm white artists card secured with superglue.
     

     
    Card infills in place..crude or what?...
     
    Before I added the filler, I thought I had better do a quick test to see that the trains still trundled up and down...and disaster struck Only one track worked...the controller was showing a short circuit. Then followed various tests, before I realised that perhaps one of the sleepers which had been pre-gapped, had closed up again...or summat. So I ripped up the infill to that track and began attacking the sleeper gaps with a blade, and just after a got to the other end, it was tested and was working again...hurrah!
     
    Card re-inserted again and the flexible wood filler then applied, firstly carefully working around the joints...and then moving at a more rapid pace and opting to clean up afterwards. I removed the offending filler between the rails and first thing this morning I ran a test class 47 into the area...and not surprisingly it coughed after the turnout and struggled to progress. Then followed me attacking it sanding, scraping, skimming, dusting, cleaning, sanding again (the rails must be code 30 now!) until the locos would run...and now they do
     
    I attach a few photos of how it is now. It's not pretty, but I think it can be worked with paints and weathering to achieve the concrete appearance...and the locos appear to work okay on it. So, finally it looks like I can get back to developing this board further as the inset area was hanging over me like a grey cloud.
     

     
    Plan shot following scraping...
     

     
    The surface will need some colouring to enhance it...
     

     
    But overall, its hopefully starting to convey the 'inset track' look...
     
    In other 'local news', I somehow managed to drop my stockbox yesterday, prior to testing, and sent nearly a dozen 2FS locos flying to the floor, dismantling bogies and various bits and pieces in the process. Rather than tackle it yesterday, I calmly gathered it all, reboxed it and will take a look in a few days to asses any damage. Perhaps my eyes need a retest again to be working in this scale...
     
    Is now a good time to mention I have purchased a bit more 7mm scale stuff?
  14. bcnPete
    ....I wish he would just get on and finish something...
     
    Firstly, my plans for 2012 will prevail and I am still aiming to try and complete Kyle by the end of this month and spend most of this year back working on coombe junction - moorswater as I would like to make some progress again on my main layout.
     
    This is an introduction of something that has been simmering for a while (since that 4CEP landed) and whilst I have started to collect some rolling stock to set aside, the layout is primarily aimed for the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club exhibition 2014, for which I have been pencilled in. On the Boxing Day inbound flight to the UK, armed with sketchbook and a G+T, many ideas were considered for a micro layout that could be both transportable and based upon a prototype.
     
    A Wilko boxfile was snapped up as it was noted that the dimensions were slightly more generous then the Muji one I had used before. Once again, in this context, when I mean boxfile layout, rather than build it inside, my use of is for storage and travelling purposes.
     
    I really wanted to try and use the 4CEP as having spent 15 years growing up amongst southern emu's and classes 33, 47 and 73, it seemed an interesting challenge.
     
    Further to posting this thread last week, Chris (aka Eastwestdivide) posted a photo and suggested the idea of modelling the Bay platform of Paddock Wood with a few sidings in front.
     

    Photo by kind permission of Chris (Eastwestdivide)
     
    This began to resonate nicely as I liked the idea (not unlike Kyle) of having a passenger train trundle back and forth, disturbed by a few freight shunting moves in front. As the thread gathered momentum discussing typical rolling stock of that period, I decided it would be a great little challenge. A chance to try and improve on my original KIAB layout and all its shortcomings.
     
    So yesterday, to test the idea, I made a 'quick n dirty' mock up...which is best explained in pictures...
     

     
    The Wilko boxfile...the internal sprung hinge has been removed to maximise the opening space...
     

     
    Lid open and the two main scenic elements are stored within...
     

     
    And this time I will try and hinge the box to aid with track alignment and stability...
     

     
    Giving this as the track plan...station canopy modelled fairly crudely at present!...
     
     
    Rather than try and shoehorn the fiddleyards into the same box (as I originally did with KIAB) it is likely I will purchase another Wilko boxfile, which should squeeze into my hand luggage...and leave enough room for my toothbrush...
     

     
    The Fiddleyard sub bases packed in the boxfile...
     

     
    Once again, the undersides of these will cradle the rolling stock boxes, most likely lift out foam lined trays...
     

     
    Fiddleyards aligned against the scenic boards...
     

     
    Giving an overall of something like this...
     
     
    And as much as I liked it...there was something missing. The ability to run through trains which could showcase some more rolling stock and generally add to the scene. But the width was a given, from the boxfile dimensions and I couldn't see a way to squeeze in without overcooking it.
     
    Then, with a little lateral thinking...and a small twist to the idea, I realised that within the depth of the base I could have a hinged flap for a single track the otherside of the bay platform, which can still be ballasted and detailed and folds up to meet the platform face. This would then allow trains to run through or stop as per necessary.
     

     
    The additional track to the otherside of the bay platform in place...
     

     
    Which is actually hinged within the depth and widths of the available space...
     

     
    And once elevated, is supported on retractable runners beneath...
     
     
    And now, the layout began to become more interesting, it was time to tackle the backscene...which this time I have decided to go for the 'letterbox view' and keep a single linear front fascia, which is hinged and stored in the box on top of the fiddleyard/stock trays.
     

     
    The fascia is unpacked and ready for positioning along the front...
     
    The final layout is just under 2 metres in length (allowing for 600mm fiddleyards at either end) and gives something like this....
     

     

     
    a with a nod to Chris's original photograph...
     

     
    Finally, all the components laid out upon the table. Fiddleyards will need further design development (to allow for the extra width) and I was considering using some of the IKEA strip lighting I used on my diorama comp entry.
     

     
     
    I am quite excited about it, but having now made the model and proof tested the idea, it will now develop in a series of sketches to test various ideas, whilst I continue to assemble rolling stock and get back to my other planned commitments for 2012.
     
    I hope you find this of interest and I should like to thank Chris (Eastwestdivide) for his initial photo/research/information and indeed to all the others who have kindly contributed to the prototype thread, which I hope will continue...
     
    Pete
  15. bcnPete

    cassettes...in short...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Good afternoon - Wiring has continued on the layout and most of the droppers are now in place, just the turnout to wire. Then I need to work how I am going to connect them all. No pics of this as its relatively boring and nothing has changed much visually.
     
    Whilst this has been ongoing, to relieve the pain I have been working up ideas for the cassette(s) You may recall I was going to make them 500mm in length with an extension piece at each end as the 4 CEP needs 600mm length.
     
    The initial idea (based on Andy's son Chris highlighting it on the cassettes used for South Yard) was to use brass rod sleeved, however I wanted to try and reduce the amount of physical 'plugging in and out' of components. I then decided to try an idea where the cassettes were hinged in 2 x 250mm sections and upon butting themselves together the electrical contact was made. This was developed further using the brass strips from a well known UK supplier however I was a bit miffed when the 24 No. 250mm Brass strips arrived, to find out they had been cut down individually and actually, no two pieces were the same length...infact some were less than 250mm
     
    So, I decided to hack them down myself using my hack saw and try and use 240mm as a common dimension which at least they would all have. Following this, the same 3mm timber strip was used as the bases and a Wilko hinge left to set with Araldite. The cut down brass strips were then araldited in place using the 2mm Association track gauges to space accordingly and once again, left to set. I then added the sides in the 3mm wood, but had to modify the side profiles to enable them to close once folded...as the first one didn't
     
    Once cleaned up it was time to test it and (not surprisingly) although the loco crept along one half of the cassette it would not make the second half as the electrical contact was not strong enough...hmmm...time for a rethink. I did not want to introduce the sleeved brass again (in the middle) as I will use this at each end to connect to the fiddleyard fixed track so instead I decided to make a simple bent shape which could flex a little once the cassette was brought together and would still maintain electrical contact. These were made from code 40 plain rail and soldered into place and cleaned up. I was tempted to give all the brass a clean using my fibreglass stick...but thought better of it after the recent excellent 2mm article on the associated dangers of them
     
    It was then tested again with the loco and it worked perfect this time back and forth...the springiness of the rail means I can flex it occaisionally to keep its shape. A hole was then drilled to enable a small nut and bolt to be inserted to keep them together once in the folded position in the boxfiles.
     
    Only then did it occur to me that the cassettes were then a bit on the short side, coming in at around 480mm in length...not much good for the 4 CEP...or indeed other trains. So, a quick search on the web and I managed to source a quantity of different brass strips which although are fractionally narrower, they are in 304mm machined lengths...so I get back to 600mm (608) cassettes which will attach to a 100mm fixed portion of ballasted track at the start of each fiddleyard - this will be where the plug in and out connections will be done.
     
    So although this one is a bit short, it has served its purpose and will be kept for shorter train formations. I now feel I have a workable solution for the cassettes for the layout.
     
    A few pics including some sketches showing thoughts on connections etc...
     

     
    Ideas on hinging at the middle...
     

     
    Looking at heights regarding connection to main boards...
     

     
    Overall cassette unfolded...
     

     
    Zoom in of joint showing code 40 rail to maintain electrical connection...
     

     
    Once unfolded they protrude a tad...but nothing that worries me...
     

     
    And the cassetes folded up and secured together using a small nut and bolt...
     

     
    Overall plan shot...480mm is a tad short...
     

     
    Gratuitous shot again of Farish 33 on the vans...it just fits...
     
     
    The idea now is to try and complete the electrics (I have a few switches awaiting collection when I visit UK in a couple of weeks time) and then start on the ballasting and platforms. Any comments, always appreciated.
  16. bcnPete
    Update
     
    For those wishing to see something upbeat, please look away now
     
    I spent a few days scraping with a tooldriver and a little sanding in a bid to get things running again in the dries area. Nothing got past the turnout on first pass, so my initial thoughts of gentle scraping of crud turned to some quite severe scraping. Finally the class 25 ran up and down, but it was not great and even my 37 entered the dries area and the wheels parted company with the rails and performed in skating terms...'a double axo and triple salchow' as it glid across the hard stand area.
     
    So, not only did the locos not perform well anymore...it looked terrible too. What followed this afternoon was more scraping and sanding, which although seemed to remove some of the cracks, it still looked like a dogs breakfast.
     
    So time for the acid test - give it a wash of grey primer to flush out the defects....and by jolly it did...
     
    I attach a photo of it....its okay to laugh ....I did....it looks terrible.....and I am afraid its going to have to go.
     

     
    One thing I don't want is locos/rolling stock performing badly and coupled with that, something that looks visually awful is not going to keep my interest for too long. So I will have a rethink, and I may even resort back to card as me and wet trades don't hit it off so well.
     
    Really...its okay to laugh I thought I would post it as I think its important to show that things don't always go as well as we planned and we have to bounce back with a new idea.
     
    I will sleep on it tonight, but already the 'jack hammers' have been pencilled in for tomorrow evening. I would like to get this area as right as possible and I don't think I am going down the right route at present.
     
    Pete
  17. bcnPete
    Update - Still suffering from Expo fever and thanks to all the encouraging comments from my last post of my first wagon etch chassis build, I was keen to progress it.
     
    The body is a Parkwood kit and a number of modifications were required to get it to fit better on the chassis. Firstly, the width of the buffer beam was reduced as this would have made the wagon too wide. Secondly, the overall length was trimmed to fit better. Thirdly, the moulding on the buffer beam was removed and a 2FS coupling hook was added.
     
    I overtrimmed the base so had to fashion a new one from plasticard but this will be covered with a 'hood tarp' eventually. Buffers are from the 2FS shop and the chain for the 3 link was found in a model shop here amongst all the detailing bits for boats (canons, anchors, me hearties!) I would like to couple these hoods as fixed rakes of 8 wagons with 3 links between and DG's at the outermost ends.
     
    There still remains to do the correction of the brake lever, addition of brake gear, vacuum cylinder etc and clean up and paint but I feel ready to take on the next 17 now...
     
    I attach a few pics (sorry if a little out of focus) and the last one is a comparison of my new 2FS hood with my previous 20 year old conversion of a Peco 5 plank into a hood...these will now be consigned to the skip
     
    Pete
     

    The 2FS chassis etch...

    Parkwood kit...from the packet...

    Buffer beam and sides trimmed...

    Body mounted on chassis...

    Buffers and 3 link coupling...

    2FS hood and Peco hood...
  18. bcnPete
    My fellow Americans
     
    Whilst a little more detailing progress has taken place the last few days, I will wait until I return from the UK to add a blog entry to cover those.
     
    Meanwhile, when I first found and joined the RMweb (circa 2009 I think) my very first entry to introduce myself and the layout gave a link to a freebie website that I had previously set up. As the addiction of RMweb gradually followed the website was neglected in favour of a RM layout thread which eventually became this blog. I had always intended to redo the website, as the freewebs hosting got on my goat due to the huge advert dominating the top of the page...of which you have no control of content...
     
    So yesterday, in between the kids disputing about absolutely everything, I found that weebly do freebie websites without huge ads dominating the pages. Using one of their minimalist templates (I'm not big on the green but I can't change that) I have created a new base for CJM.
     
    I still intend to detail the construction of the layout on the blog here so it is more a snapshot of the idea and model rather than a detailed account.
     
    If of interest it can be found here at coombejunctionmoorswater and I would welcome any comments you may have...
     
    Many thanks in advance,
     
    Pete
  19. bcnPete
    Update - Its been a bit of a frustrating 10 days or so for me...
     
    Last week our two boys were away on holidays so I took the opportunity to work on their 4mm roundy roundy. I made quite a bit of progress although when they returned this weekend it wasn't long before the screaming, shouting, arguing and fighting started and I nearly went a threw the whole lot on the floor in frustration
     
    So, rather than work on finishing the station building and weathering it, I decided to work a little on the motive power for Kyle. Aside from a large logo tractor, the first two locos will be 24113 and 26038.
     
    For 24113, using the excellent Farish model, I have filled the front doors flush and fitted front end pipe detail to one end. I now need to fit the headcode discs, renumber and weather it. 24113 was a regular on the line to Kyle.
     
    For 26038, it was less straightforward due to all the subtle differences in the class. I know the Dapol version is the earlier type but I have a TPM body in progress for the later version and this will run on a Kato chassis kindly given to me by David Long. For this model I have fitted front end detail pipework, snow ploughs, headcode discs and two headlights for working the Far North lines. I still need to change the steps on the bogies to straight ones and also amend the underfame detail water/fuel tanks.
     
    I began the locos this weekend as an antidote to all the 4mm stuff for my kids (as I felt I had wasted a week after the meltdown happened) however after trying to fix all the fiddly front end pipe detail, then losing half of it on the floor...and then losing most of it all again on the floor, I can only appreciate even more how fantastic Ian of Mercig Studios work is. Note to self: I must keep doing the Euromillion so I can commision Ian to produce all my fleet...
     
    So, feeling that both my eyesight and patience isn't cut out for this no more...I'm having a bit of a lowpoint again Sorry...
     
    Anyhow...here's a shot of the 26 as it stands at present...
     

     
    Hopefully, things will look a bit more this week...
     
    EDIT: Typo in 24133 - Should read 24113, which was a Kyle regular (24133 had the headcode box which may the subject of a future build...)
  20. bcnPete

    getting there...

    By bcnPete,

    Good afternoon,
     
    Despite a recent flurry of activity on PWIAB, work has been progressing on trying to finish this project.
     
    I suddenly realised that I was going about it all the wrong way I had been trying to complete the station building before tackling all the other bits and pieces and detailing but whilst not wanting to rush the second attempt at the building, it meant there was no progress on everything else...
     
    So, I decided to reverse that, concentrate all my efforts on all the outstanding elements and leave the station building to last...after all, it is the most important structure on the layout.
     
    So...this is what I have been up to...
     
    Fascia: The exterior of the layout has now been painted in my preferred grey colour. I always used to use black on past layouts but of recent, I find this to look very smart. I have also re applied the text to the front and added the 2mmFS logo...this turned out to be a good strategic move as the layout now starts to feel more finished.
     

     
    The card has been painted a couple of coats - would have preferred something a bit more matt, but its difficult to find a lot of materials here...
     
    Backscene: Previously, I had painted the backscene a sky blue as a base and was in two minds how to treat it. Gary (of Glenuig fame) kindly offered to take some photos last year whilst in Kyle and I mentioned the backscene. Not only did Gary kindly take the photos, he also offered to stitch them together as a panorama and send me a file. The backscene is more moody and representative of the context I feel and certainly is a big improvement on the one I hashed together for the BHMRC 2010 show...Many thanks again Gary.
     
    I have attached it with masking tape whilst I try and work out the best method of fixing it to avoid bubbles...all suggestions most welcome!
     

     
    New backscene without 90 degree corners Thanks also to Tony Simms to suggest that...
     
    Platforms: The platform and road surfaces have been redone with some wet n dry paper.
     
    Wall and bridge: The stone wall has had some dry brushing and further work will be undertaken on this with some weathering powders. The road bridge has also been reinstated together with the handrail.
     
    Sidings: I wanted to represent the fence that was installed adjacent to the line and for this I have used Bernard TPM's excellent fence product. A very nice kit of etches and cast components and whilst it is the temporary fencing often used around construction sites, I think it works in this situation. I put a small kink in it as I have never visited a building site to date and found one erected in a perfect straight line!
     
    Quayside: The wall has been repainted (again) and the water has been repainted (again) which I have decided to paint layers of gloss varnish on rather than the PVA method which I didn't really get on with. The wall will continue to have applications of dry brushing to add further colours etc. I have also redone the metal ladders which this time are extended to form the grab rails to climb on and off and also some small tyres have been added, strung on cotton thread. Again, some further weathering powders will be added to these items. Also added...but not stuck is a small boat I found in my pot of bits from years old. Not sure whether it works or not so the jury is still out on that. A couple of photos of the above...
     

     
    Station building awaiting completion...the TPM fencing...built and arranged slightly imperfectly...
     

     
    The wall still needs further work including reinstating the blue Kyle signage...
     
    I am hoping to get back to the station soon and I have just received from Ian (Scanman) some of his self adhesive tiles (seen on the excellent Tavistock Blog) to complete the roofing. In between restarting the station I will be continuing to add colour/weathering powders.
     

     
    Looking back...just needs some rolling stock now...
     
     
    I did say I would finish it and not get too distracted by the other project(s)...
  21. bcnPete

    boxing clever?...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Time for an update on PWIAB. In short, the original idea was for the layout to be exhibited in May 2014...but this was far far away so it has been brought forward to May 2013
     
    After much sketching again at 35,000ft en route to UK recently for our week in sunny changeable Cornwall, thought was given to the baseboards as I wanted to get these underway before crimble. Particularly, lessons learnt from Kyle when it used to reside in a boxfile. This time a decision was made not to use foamboard as they twisted and were also too light, tending to want to move everytime you slid the dpdt switch for the turnouts. I recall that Anthony Yeates had used 3mm ply on his inspiring Inverneuk boxfile layout so something similiar was sought.
     
    Not being a gifted wood worker and lack of workbench/garage also shaped the decision and I found a product in a model shop here which was wood like in appearance and 3mm thick...and it was reasonably priced. It cuts with the grain with a SM 10A scalpel blade and requires a little more work across the grain but is has allowed me to work on a cutting mat on the dining room table.
     
    Having worked out the maximum dimensions, I knew I had to extend the width by a slither but this was necessary to allow the trackplan to fit. The pieces were cut, numbered and laid out and then glued with PVA. Another lesson learnt from alignment issues was to incorporate a hinge and this will be visible on the front and may/may not be covered by the front fascia. The boards will be then unfolded and bolted through on the inside, again to iron out problems previously arising.
     
    Finally, the last thing was to incorporate the folding section. You may recall that in order to add a little more operational interest a through line has been added the other side of the bay platform and this is provided by a folded section so as to sit within the depth/width of the boxfile. A strip has been formed secured with hinges and Araldite (I may add screws later for belt and braces) and once unfolded this is kept in place by a timber base which has recesses to incorporate switches for the turnout and signals to be added at a later date - More on that in the future as its presently in the sketchbook/my head at present.
     
    In terms of signals there will be a two aspect starter for the bay platform and a four aspect with feather for the through line. I am currently in extended dialogues with Matt from Absolute Aspects (formely Roger Murray) and I must say that he has been extremely helpful in his way of working as we try to work together by exchange of emails with the minimum depth of the baseboards (only 30mm) It may be that the two signals are removable and Matt has engineered the 'below baseboard' stuff to fit with the 'above baseboard' signals potentially 'plugging in'.
     
    Finally, thanks again to Chris (EastWestDivide) for sending some more photos recently which are helping with context and train formations.
     
    As always, a few pics to better describe all the above
     

     
    The first is a reminder of the idea showing the through line which folds for storage...
     

     
    And gives extra width to the boards...
     

     
    Baseboards folded and located within depth allowing for scenics...
     

     
    Once removed they look something like this...
     

     
    And on the underside, this...
     

     
    The edges unfold to reveal the hinged section...
     

     
    The baseboads unfolded give this...hinge on front face as not to interfere with folding mechanism..
     

     
    Looking down and at the rear, we see the through line folded in stored position...
     

     
    And once unfolded, they increase the width to allow the through line to fold up against the platform face...
     

     
    Final zoom in showing recess which will incorporate switches and DIN sockets etc...
     
    Next I need to order some more Easitrac components and cut the slots for the signals...until the next time...
  22. bcnPete

    absolutely vantastic...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Small update to show progress on some rolling stock.
     
    One of the (many) mistakes made on Kyle was leaving the rolling stock until last minute...03:00am in the morning before the show fitting DG couplings is not my idea of a 'good nights sleep' before an exhibition So this time I hope to try and tackle rolling stock building, weathering and the fitting of couplings in tandem with the layout build. Famous last words...
     
    Whilst I await for a track package to arrive from Shop 1, I was havin' a rummage in the gloat kit box, and found the VDA van kits ordered from TPM earlier this year and thought I may as well start them. As with all Bernard's stuff, not only is it nicely packaged, but the instructions are excellent and the mouldings very crisp needing minimal tidying. The VDA van kit comprises two ends, two sides, a floor plate and a roof that needs to be trimmed to suit and filed down flush afterwards. I am aiming to have a couple in Bauxite and the rest in Railfreight livery and TPM have produced separate mouldings for each in appropriate coloured plastic - that said, I may give them a coat of grey primer anyway as I am guessing the colours are not meant to be exact but more act as a good base to paint (feel free to jump in and correct me if I'm wrong Bernard )
     
    The kits are designed to fit with a Farish chassis however I have decided to build them on 2mmFS chassis's as there is a 20'9" air braked chassis available from the 2mm Shop...orders having been placed for these too.
     
    The other kit found in said box was a Chivers 4 wheel SR CCT utility van, originally bought for Kyle as apparently a few strayed up North in van trains. I thought this would make a nice addition to the van train and add a bit of interest alongside the BG's and GUV's. Again, this is a very nice kit comprising of two ends (you have a choice of ends to make the PMV as well included in the kit), two sides a base and a roof. This kit includes a chassis and buffers, just requiring wheels and couplings to suit, but once again I will use a 2FS chassis and DG couplings. The only strange thing with this kit was one of the buffers is visibly smaller than the other 3 ...but I have ordered Oleo's to replace these anyway.
     
    Both kits go together very nicely with minimal flash to clean and I will await until I build a mount the chassis before I post an update on these. In the meanwhile a few pics:
     

     
    TPM VDA's destined for railfreight livery...roof needs to be filed down as per instructions...
     

     
    And the ones destined for bauxite livery...ditto the roofs...
     

     
    Place them together, sprinkle some pixie dust, leave overnight and they increase to 8 vans...
     

     
    The Chivers 4 wheel utility van...awaiting glazing and chassis...
     
     
    I am now working on some experiments with the track and I hope to post an update on this later this week...
  23. bcnPete
    Update - Just back from a flying visit to the UK to see my family, drop into the Uckfield model railway exhibition and collect the latest pile of railway bits accumulating at my UK address (aka my parents house) and I thought I would share them as part of my blog...
     
    First up is 5 No Peco ECC CDA wagons which now gives me a rake of 8. I would have preferred to do my own weathering but I had them for a good price. These will receive new 2FS plain disc wheels and DG's to replace the rapidos with possibly 3 link chain between the rakes.
     

     
    Next up is Classic Tractor Magazine
     

     
    Not my new hobby, but whilst I was looking for information on Sharon the Industrial shunter the other month, someone on the DEMU forum suggested I take a look at that months magazine as there was something of interest. Sure enough, an article on the County 1474 tractor which was modified at both end to shunt the cement wagons around at Moorswater - a nice article and a few more pics for my research
     

     
    Talking of Sharon...
     

     
    Another tip off was to check out this book on Industrial shunters in Cornwall as there are a couple of pics of Sharon inside...once again, I do like to try and gather as many articles and books on the line and area I am modelling...
     
    Penultimately, another John Vaughan classic, purchased as it contains a few more pics of Moorswater viaduct. Would love to spend a day or so looking at all JV's slides as I know he has a soft spot for the Liskeard - Looe line...
     

     
    And finally, there is this posing next to some 2FS track
     

     
    Many thanks to Marc Smith for putting me in touch with a DEMU member who was keen to sell his 7mm scale Bachmann Brassworks 08 shunter...and I have to say it's a beautiful model. It's for my 7mm dabbling with my Wenfordbridge layout and although my focus is still on completing CJ, I am collecting odd bits and pieces to put aside for when my optical vision finally decides that 2FS is beyond me...managed to fly it back in my hand luggage no problem, but didn't quite manage to sneak it pass Internal Domestic Security though...I will post an update on my 7mm layout topic in a few days.
     
    Lastly, I collected a CD of images of Moorswater kindly taken by Mark (46444) which will help me with getting the buildings started for the final board. My aim is to try and advance the scenics on this board considerably by Christmas, which is only 68 days away, so my two sons keep reminding me
  24. bcnPete

    on the verge...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - Those familiar with my efforts know that my blog entries usually fall into two categories: or
     
    Unfortunately...this one is the latter...
     
    Following progress with the base layer of the scenics last reported, I felt it was really time to tackle what I had been avoiding...that being get some trains running again in the dries area on the infilled track. This had worked fine prior to the card and filler and paint applications, so after much scraping, sanding and swearing the tracks were brought back to shiny rail and power applied.
     
    Ziltch My class 25 didn't even get past the turnout...and after a few trial and errors (I don't have a meter and even if I did don't have have the brains to know how to work one) I concluded that part of the frog had become detached from the pcb and hence the power to that part. Sharp eyes may have already noticed on the last entry that one of the rails had come undone from the tiebar so with the soldering iron out this was tackled too. Resolved? Not quite The 25 was struggling in the infilled area and at one point (as in the first attempt at the infilled area) was gliding sideways across the infill as if it was ice than concrete
     
    So out came the screwdrivers, track rubber, emery paper, files, mallet and fruity language and it was attacked until at least my 25...and then my 47 (standing in for a 37 whilst I await the wheels) could run through the turnout and into the covered area...and back again.
     
    So, slightly crest fallen at ruining the painted surface I again gave it a coat of Humbrol Matt 28 (quite a nice colour for concrete) this morning and stood back and evaluated it. The surface is not brilliant and I am on the verge of ripping it up for the second time...but I am not sure I have the stamina to redo it all again for a third time.
     
    Whilst I can perhaps work with the surface to try and bring it back (the card areas have become 'furry' in places) it all looks a bit patchy and I can't stand the idea I am settling for a half bodged attempt. Perhaps I should stick to static dioramas in future as that at least avoids part of the running issues...
     
    Here's a couple of pics anyway as I like to try and update my blog every couple of weeks...even if things are not going as planned...
     

     

     

     
    Time to give it some hard thought....again...
  25. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    Since its first (and probably will be its last) exhibition, the layout has been avoiding the dust for approximately 16 months now back in its boxfile(s), but was set up again briefly the other week when the Dapol 26 arrived.
     
    I had always promised myself that I would finish off this layout and bring it up to scratch. Rather than piggyback its revamp on my coombe junction - moorswater blog, I thought perhaps it might be better having its own separate one.
     
    Here is a quick 10 slide refresher of the project...
     

     
    It started as most of my layouts do with a sketch or two...
     

     
    and the idea of flying back to the UK in my hand luggage gathered momentum...
     

     
    An initial corrugated brown cardboard mock up was developed...
     

     
    Which was refined into a white card structure to fit within a Muji boxfile...including the backscene...
     

     
    Once unpacked it was ready to erect...
     

     
    And trackwork commenced using the EASITRAC system which had just appeared...
     

     
    The layout was almost finished for the Burgess Hill Model Railway club 2010 exhibition...
     

     
    And the cabin luggage contents ran (not without a few troubles) for about 6 hours...
     

     
    Most recently, the new Dapol 26 was placed to help bring back my interest in it...
     

     
    The layout will now be developed between now and christmas to try and bring up to a better standard...
     
    I have made myself a number of targets on a list which need to be addressed which include inter-alia the following:
     
    1 - Rewire layout completely
     
    2 - Ensure faultless running qualities
     
    3 - Finish station building
     
    4 - Redo awful backscene
     
    5 - General bringing up to scratch of scenics including dockside and water
     
    6 - Detail locos and rolling stock including building a selection of Stephen Harris wagon kits
     
     
    Last night, I laid it all out, connected it and unbelievably the 37 ran first time after 16 months packaged, however I need to think about a number of serious issues that have become apparent with the layout. Namely, there are too many joints which are proving a headache and it takes a little longer to set up than I would like.
     
    The original idea, was to have a mini layout that could be run for about 30 mins to allow a little fun / shunting etc so I am now seriously considering joining it permanently together (which would resolve a fair number of issues) and upgrading it from a boxfile to an IKEA Lack shelf...what else?
     
    I have realised that although the layout is 1200mm in length and the Lack shelf is 1100, I can lose 100mm off the fiddleyard and use my cassettes from coombe junction which are 500mm...just need to check this. Another sketch in progress...
     
    I aim to set up an index soon for the blog and add all the previous build entries that are currently interspersed with my other blog, which I hope to start in the next few days.
     
    Pete
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