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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. bcnPete
    Update - Following Alex's question on my last post, I couldn't quite manage to upload an image within a reply so have added it here.
     
    Whilst being something of a 'tradionalist' and liking to see a nicely presented layout complete with full length fabric to disguise the support structure, a pet hate of mine is to see the fabric pinned to the front of the layout or resembling something of a washing line running along the front edge.
     
    For CJ I am aiming to align the black fabric with the front face of the layout with the fabric spaced neatly from the layout by use of a 'shadow gap' as detailed in my last post.
     
    I attach a sketch showing the idea.
     
    Firstly, the leg support structure is assembled.
    Secondly the black fabric (shown by the dot dash line) is double sided taped in the correct position.
    Thirdly the layout boards (IKEA shelves) with pre-attached black painted softwood downstands are located into the support structure which in turn helps keep the fabric in place.
     
    Thus the shadow gap gives a neat and tidy joint as well as giving the impression that the layout 'floats over' the fabric.
     

     
    Pete
  2. 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
  3. bcnPete
    Update - No modelling as such, but have just received some rolling stock boxes and I thought worth sharing.
     
    Whilst browsing last month I came across this thread and realised I needed something. Originally, I had always thought that I would 'trap' the rolling stock in formations between foam inserts in the cassettes, but having done this for KIAB, it was not a great success, as DG couplings and snow ploughs seemed to have not survived transit in my carefully stowed hand luggage.
     
    Following up the thread, I sent emails (as per the websites instructions) approx. 3 weeks ago, to both the companies mentioned requesting information on their products and delivery to Spain...am still awaiting their
    responses
     
    By chance on Ebay, I came across this company and impressed by the system and environmental use of cardboard (putting the foam aside )I ordered two and they arrived only a few days later.
     
    Am really pleased with the service, the price (which includes P+P) and the flexibility. The sets I ordered arrived with the foam inserts precut and all I have done is removed the small/large infills to suit my requirements.
     
    I have no connection to the company etc etc - just a happy customer, so I thought I would share the find.
     
    A few pics attached...
     
    Now that the rolling stock has a proper home...I can now get on with some modelling
     
    Pete
     

    Box includes carry case handle...which holds box lid in place...

    Inside, each of the three stock trays has a removable foam protective lid + lifting straps...

    Wagons have been placed accordingly...blanks are for future...

    Ditto for coaching stock...

    Three trays fit the box allowing...Locos, Coaches and wagons...or whatever...
  4. bcnPete
    Update - me again...but this time some modelling...rather than sketching ideas for the future.
     
    Last night I started to clad the rotary dries building using some corrugated plasticard sheeting held in place with double sided tape and a wash of MEK along the bottom of the plastic. I want to try and make the building look, as it does in reality, slightly cobbled together as it clad in panels which have been patched over the years. I started buy cutting the plasticard into horizontal strips and then cutting these individually and attaching by overlapping the panels vertically. With nearly one side of it completed last night I thought it was going okish but this morning on reflection I thought it looked awful. I kept looking at the corrugations and thinking it was too clumsy for 2FS and whilst a coat of paint may have tided it up, it looked something like this:
     

     
    and I thought...Nah...it's got to go...coupled with some awful crude double sided tape that I shall not be using again.
     
    So this was all stripped off tonight, the swear box now brimming with Euros awaiting Dapols 121 Bubble and it was time for a rethink
     
    At 2FS scale, I guess we cannot replicate some details - For the joining of the panels, I wanted to give a sense of randomness with the cladding but the overlap would be too much using the 1mm thickness of the evergreen sheeting I had, so I have opted for a slightly different method of application. A few photos to walk through it...
     

    Firstly, a series of horizontal bands which act as datums as well as give a little relief for the panels...

    Secondly, the panels were cut in horizontal bands then cut and laid individually...

    Thirdly, the next layer of panels were added with the bottom edge sitting on 10 thou plasticard to give a small shadow...

    Which is just visible from this lower level shot.
     
    It's slow and tedious work, but I think it gives a finer appearance and once it has had a coat of grey primer I think it will provide a good base for painting and weathering.
     
    Finally...an imposter in the dries as per Mark 46444's request...come on Bachfar...where are my pre ordered PCA's?
     

     
    EDIT - It still looked a bit grubby so first thing this morning, I woke my neighbours by shaking a can of grey car primer for 2 minutes and gave it a light wash...I attach two further photos below (cos I still ain't grasped how to add them in a reply )...it has cleaned it up a little and I think I will continue the cladding next week.
     

    First wash of grey primer...

    Hopefully the weathering can start to pick out the panels individually...
  5. bcnPete
    Update - Take 3...Whilst Barca paste Madrid 5 - 0 in the background this evening, I have tried out the final (?) option on refining the cladding. Thanks to everyones helpful comments of last week, I have looked at reducing the perceived overlap between the panels and omitted the individual panels. I kept going back to the photos of the dries and despite the weathering of the panels as exists today, which clouds the issue slightly, the horizontal banding seems to be very strongly expressed which I felt should be captured.
     
    Last time I posted a photo of the prototype next to my model I cut my own throat in public so this time a more subtle reference is
    this picture from 46444 Mark (thanks) which I hope demonstrates the horizontal nature of the cladding.
     
    To try and reduce the overhang I have used Evergreen .010 x .040 strips laid on double sided tape as thus...

    and then horizontal strips laid on individually...

    front end elevation...

    another view...Barca 3 - 0 at this stage...

     
    Overall, I think it is better - the overhang is visible, but not as much, whilst the individual panels can perhaps be picked out during weathering. I will wake my now rejoicing neighbours tomorrow morning by shaking a can of grey primer again and giving it a light wash to clean it up but in the meantime I would welcome any comments on this and whether it gets a Barca or a Real Madrid
     
    Thank you
  6. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Whilst checking my blog settings earlier, I realised that my blog has now been viewed 10,000 times since I began, so this being my 76th entry I would like to thank you all for your support, comments, enthusiasm and motivation for this blog. Whilst there has been the odd diversion along route (Kyle in a boxfile) this layout began life 25 years ago in my head and finally got going in 2007 shortly before we left the UK.
     
    I thought a few (some previously unseen) images to show where it all began would be a nice way to mark the 10,000 views...even if 5000 of those was probably me checking to see if anyone had left any comments (Am I the only one who does that?)
     
    Beginning with....
     

    This was the original idea. The layout would be built in two phases on 2 IKEA Lack shelves...
     

    And here it is, on our kitchen worktop in London prior to leaving the UK. It was mapped out on paper using homemade track templates, and you might note that originally I had one shelf for the central scenic section and another shelf cut in half to make the two separate fiddle yards. Various 20 year old N gauge items were used to help gauge train lengths...
     

    Fast forward to relocation in Barcelona and the idea of two separate detachable fiddle yards was dropped as this would be too difficult to store these on the wall. The layout retains the same idea but to allow a later continuation of the track bed, the track plan has been laid over two shelves, which can be removed and replaced on the wall very quickly out of harms way. The cork track bed has been laid and the cassettes are in place...
     

    And here are my first attempts at hand built track using Code 40 plain rail and PCB. Lamellion Bridge providing a perfect scenic break to the second fiddle yard and the station mock up is in place. The layout did actually run at this stage using crude crocodile clips to transfer power to the cassettes at either end...
     

    And then...I just couldn't resist starting the third board. I think it came down to realising the very limited operating potential (and even now it's pretty limited) and that I might lose interest, whereas if I could start the third board I could mock up Moorswater viaduct and Moorswater dries and it would retain my enthusiasm...
     

    And here is one of the most recent shots of the station with 37238 (about to be renumbered this week) at Coombe Junction Halt.
     
    When I first posted the layout on the last version of the RMWeb, I recall there was Missy, Bryn, Mark and Kris as the only other 2FS modellers, but since then, the 2FS numbers have been steadily growing, and its great to see an increase in the number of 2FS layouts. The forum has been instrumental at keeping my enthusiasm going for the project and without it, this layout might still be stuck in my head. Thank you to you all for staying with me through the thick and thin.
     
    Here's to the next 10,000
     
    Pete
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Further to Smokey Bacon Steve's request for more info on how I lowered the Bachfar 37, I have put together a quick step by step. There is another option that Ian of Mercig is undertaking which involves cutting the bogie sideframes off and relocating closer to the body as seen here
     
    Before I start this method, I should just like to say that it was Steve Nicholls (Pixie) who first lowered his 37 last year, and he kindly shared his method with me so all credit is due to him for that
     
    Step One
     

     
    Separate body and remove cab seats - These were glued so I just eased them gently back and they parted from the lugg - it will need to be trimmed and replaced at a later date...
     
    Step Two
     

     
    Remove the 4 No windows to the internal sides - These just came away with a lever from the scalpel - 5 though plasticard or similiar will replace them at some point...On my first 37, I also removed the 4 vertical ribs on the body to locate it on the chassis, but I am not sure that is necessary...
     
    Step Three
     

     
    Remove the PCB and cut a 2mm slot in the bottom corners, which will allow it to sit lower in the nose and thus let the body sit lower...
     
    Step Four (optional)
     

     
    I removed the Rapido and NEM socket and replaced with a small rectangle of plasticard painted black...
     
    Step Five
     

     
    The battery box/underslung equipment needs the small locating ribs removed and then small pieces of plasticard were added inside it and it was doublesided taped on the underside of the chassis to retain it.
     
    That was about it really. Cab seats and internal windows need replacing sometime but it does allow the body to sit lower and you can determine the height that suits you by the amount of plasticard you insert in the battery box/underslung equipment. There still seems to be enough play to swivel the bogies without fouling the body but I guess it comes down to individuals layouts and tightness of curves.
     
    I attach a couple of comparisons with the out of the box 37 and the lowered option.
     

     

     
    I hope this is of some help...I now need to try and apply it to one of the 47's that first came out with the large gap between the bogies and body.
     
    Pete
  10. 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
  11. 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?
  12. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Good evening,
     
    Was hoping to continue with the roof cladding this week but realised I had used up all my supplies of the Evergreen sheeting so will have to wait until next week now
     
    Work has been progressing on 4 no class 37's required for the layout. Two of which will feature in the 80's period of running and the other two perhaps only making guest appearances as they fall outside my chosen time period.
     
    It's a sign of old age creeping in when you need to label each loco with a strip of masking tape to prevent mixing them up
     

     
    In general, the locos are RTR Bachfar or Farbach (delete as appropriate) and they have had their wheels turned down by the Association service, and the bodies lowered as noted in a previous blog. It certainly looks a lot better lowered.
     
    Warning: Please note the decals applied are waterslide and I am aware that the coating is apparent in the photos. The photos actually make it look worse than it actually is, but I would appreciate any advice how to try and remedy this. Is it a coating of Klear varnish on top, prior to weathering?
     
    First up is 37142. This was a regular to the branch and I had already begun work on this in an earlier blog. It has now been renumbered accordingly but still requires a DG coupling on the less detailed end and of course weathering.
     

     
    Second up is 37135. Another regular, and this one sported snowploughs in its time, as I wanted at least one of the 37's to have ploughs. The headcode should be black but I haven't found a way of doing it yet on the loco as it will require some super accurate painting and masking. Again, DG's to be fitted and weathering to boot.
     

     
    Thirdly, a favourite of the area, 37207 William Cookworthy complete with Cornish Railway front end decals, Lizard and nameplate. It should look something like
    this when complete. I haven't done the red buffer beam as it got pretty filthy and I would like to try and capture the marker dots on the front, but I haven't found a solution for this yet. DG's and weathering to come...
     

     
    Lastly, 37175 although this needs the most work as it will be in Large Logo livery after its transfer from Eastfield To Laira. At present, I have begun the lowering process but not the respray as the weather needs to settle down here a little.
     
    Finally, a group shot of them at Coombe Junction, which whilst ever unlikely to have happened...I couldn't resist
     

     
    That's all for the mo....
     
    Pete
  13. 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...
  14. 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?....
  15. bcnPete

    all aboard all aboard...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - After almost 2 years, KoL finally has a station building....but not a finished one...
     
    Have been a bit quiet of late as I wanted to make some significant progress with the building before posting...and here it is...
     

     
    Firstly, I know the roof needs toning down...but it does tend to take your eye off the backscene at present...
     
    I will just give a concise history of how the station building was developed. You may recall this was Mk II as the plasticard version was too crude so I decided to revert to card and use a series of layers to build up the carcass. A clear plastic body was followed by a postcard thickness layer with the white window frames cut out...that was my last post on it I think. Then followed a series of disasters experiments to apply the wooden cladding. The postcard was scribed with a scalpel to represents the horizontal timbers but the overall look was not so great...as pictured here...
     

     
    I tried unsuccessfully to buy some coloured A4 card sheets here in Spain, but gave up as I couldn't match the right shade. So I decided to make my own series of sheets using CAD starting with the white cladding (I have gone for the late 70's period white and grey paint scheme) This was developed and drawn as a 'grey tone' to try and play down the horizontals. This sheet was then spraymounted to white postcard and cut and applied to the facade trimming around the openings as this...
     

     
    The next was the lower grey cladding and this needed a few experiments until a grey was settled upon. Bear in mind this 70's paint scheme had three shades of grey, one for the lower cladding, one for the window/door frames and another for the sill detail. I was comfortable with the whole grey thing having spent almost 11 years working with Lord Norman Foster before coming to Spain.
     
    The scribed planking developed above was then reused and various grey backgrounds applied to it and printed but the printer couldn't cope with the greyness and close spacing of the planks, merging everything into a dark grey mess.
     
    So finally I printed out some various A4 plain grey tones and then this was taped to the sheet of scribed planks and using a 0.3 propelling pencil, was scribed to represent the planks as this...
     

     
    This was then spraymounted to postcard, cut out and trimmed to suit the lower level.
     
    The next phase was the door and window frames, doors and window sill and for this I again selected upon some colour shades and printed them, mounted on postcard and cut and trimmed them to suit.
     

     
    Finally, the roof was developed using the excellent product by Ian (scanman) as seen on the forum here recently by John Brenchley's excellent Tavistock project. These have been cut out and applied using the 1/3 overlap and I really think the time invested is well spent. It does of course look a little too light at present but I will weather it as per Ian's suggestion of using powder form crayons or weathering powders. I have started to add the lead flashings around one of the chimneys as well as some roof detailing. Scalescenes signs have been added where appropriate but its difficult to find pics from that era...without a train stuck in the way... Here is a front on view of the station...
     

     
    I nabbed 37135 and a couple of Bachmann MK I's to help give it a bit of context and try and give a feel for the progress which I am aiming to try and complete by the end of this month.
     

     

     

     

     
    It really needs a large logo tractor to set it off, but in the meantime I have the 24 and 26's to detail and perhaps the 37 can follow.
     
    Pete
  16. bcnPete
    Update - I pose the question as not only was the station identified in 'The Guardian' last year as currently the least used station in the UK but even when it opened in 1901, The Board of Trade cited " The new station at Coombe does not conform to the standard requirements of the Board, which are hardly applicable to the peculiar conditions existing here. Few if any passengers use it...it is necessary because a reversing place is needed...neither booking office nor conveniences are provided...consists of a single platform sufficiently long to accommodate the coaches of the Liskeard and Looe Railway...is to take the place of the existing station at Moorswater" *
     
    In between completing the sparks for board 3 and keen as I am to progress Moorswater dries (big thanks to Mark aka 46444 for taking some detailed photos for me after we arranged a visit with the Site Manager) I have started a little work on Coombe Junction station. The platform has been redone using 'wet and dry' as I like the matt texture, the rebuilt 'architectural prize winning designed' station hut has been primed as a test (I know the colour match is not great, but Spanish Humbrols do not do as they say on the tin ) and as a trial I tested some MIG weathering powders on the roof of the old warehouse behind. It seems to be patchy in places and I am not sure if that is greasy fingers from before, but I will revisit it.
     
    I realised only recently that the station hut should be in GWR chocolate and cream as per the Signal Cabin was prior to it's removal in 1981. The hut was recently repainted as part of the heritage works to the line...but I confess I am not a big fan of the retro station signs. It does however please me greatly that the line got a reprieve from the Beeching plan, on the grounds of the unsuitable roads in the area.
     
    I attach a few pics - I really need to continue by adding weeds, installing the fences to the lineside walkways and adding lots of trees...but I can feel the pull of Moorswater calling...
     
    * British Railways Illustrated Vol.2 No.2 December 1992 - January 1993
     

    View from Lamellion bridge end...those grease stains are annoying...

    Close up of dis-used warehouse...

    View from Coombe Junction end...primed colours will be corrected in due course...
  17. bcnPete

    Boxfile Kyle - 2mmFS

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening - The other project that is in progress at the moment is a model of Kyle of Lochalsh 2mmFS ... in a boxfile. Drawing upon inspiration from both fellow 2mmFS Modellers and the Boxfile layouts of the previous forum, the idea is to construct a small extract of the station with both boards, fiddleyards and backscenes contained within the constraints of one MUJI boxfile. There will be one other boxfile, but purely for the rolling stock, controller and a few tools.
    ?  First a mock up was built in corrugated card to test the sketches for dimensions, then a second was built in 1mm card with further detail and now the construction will begin having taken on board issues arising from the mock ups.
    ?  The layout will use the latest EASITRAC system available from the 2mm Association and the model already has its first invite for a small local show in Sussex next May 2010 - hopefully I will be flying it in my hand luggage which is less of headache than transporting Coombe Junction.
    ?  There are various ideas for rolling stock which will be outlined in future posts however at present I am converting a Bachfar 37/0 to a 37/4 to represent 37420 in large logo livery.
    ?  As with Coombe Junction, here is a 10 slide refresher of the project...
     
    With thanks to Andy Y and Mod 6 for helping me through my recent 'Blog' crisis!
     
    Feel free to add any comments,
     
    Pete
  18. 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
  19. bcnPete
    Afternoon,
     
    Just a quick entry to highlight that KoL will be appearing at the Uckfield MRC show next weekend 17/18 October 2015 - Details of the show can be found here:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/103559-uckfield-model-railway-exhibition-1718th-october-2015/
     

     
    The support structure has had approximately one metre trimmed from it now, meaning the layout is about 1500mm overall now. I have added a base at the bottom which not only allows more stability to the supports but also allows operators to see over the back scene - especially my sons.
     

     
    I have also taken delivery of the new 2FS badges so have dropped on my RMWeb avatar so please come and say hello if passing by
     

     
    Need to do some tweaks on the layout and stock between now and then before it has its first 2 day show.
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete
    Update - Modelling work is continuing tonight on the dries with first attempts at cladding the rotary dries building - am hoping to continue tomorrow evening and will post some pics on progress. Meanwhile...
    I made brief mention last week that I had finally managed to track down author and railway photographer John Vaughan, whose knowledge and photographic record of cornish branch lines is vast and enviable. Having compiled a numer of books by John for reference purposes, particularly china clay, I was anxious to see what he thought of my project as it was his photograph of a class 25 on clay hoods at Coombe Junction in Modern Railways Pictorial, circa 1980, was, and still is the main inspiration for this layout.
    Having finally made this connection, I sent John a small storyboard of photos of the layout as well as a few questions that I had been making assumptions on to date. Thankfully, he was pleased to see my project, and he answered a few queries I had, but he did hint that it was a shame that I had not included the steep incline of the branch where it splits for Looe and Liskeard, which is quite a feature of the branch. Naturally, I explained how I had to compromise on the layout and after many sketches decided to omit this in favour of incorporating Moorswater dries on my total of 3 boards.
    However...his comments obviously resonated...and he got me thinking again...and sketching...whilst on the plane back to the UK this weekend.
    You may recall that I recently sketched a plan showing a potential 4th board to the layout which would incorporate the loop under Moorswater viaduct to allow run-a-round and reversal of trains back into the dries. Whilst I had thought this would be the only extension possible, I set about reworking the first board to remove the fiddleyard and with the addition of a fifth and FINAL board would allow me to incorporate the split of lines to Liskeard and Looe. The line to Looe would have to disappear into a clump of trees (it would only be a DMU so would sit there until required to reappear) whilst the incline to Liskeard would climb and pass beneath a small road bridge (that does exist as this) acting as a scenic break to the fiddleyard.
    I still would like to incorporate a few elements in the layout, such as the digital screen, but this can be still achieved without diluting the idea. I have sketched it out and I would like to keep it as a long term plan, and possibly integrate it as the same time as Board 4. After all, I know what I am like, as I have a surplus of IKEA shelves and plenty of easitrac, so it would be easy to map them out and get them up and running, but I would really like to try and progress the original 3 boards to an exhibitable standard and keep this as a future project.
    I attach a few sketches done under the influence of a Gin Tonic and a little inbound turbulence (hence the unsteady hand ) which show the additional 2 boards and a few ideas on how to store the cassettes. It will take the final length of the layout from 3.3 to 5.5 metres...but I do think it could capture the whole of the branch and would keep the project alive for a few years after the initial 3 boards are complete. I am treading carefully as my wife is already accepting that coombe junction is making a big intrusion into our family...enough said
    I do however hope this blog is not becoming too boring for people . I do like to treat it as a diary to record events as and when they happen and I am hoping to get in another evening of modelling tomorrow evening and post progress on the dries building...but until then...tootle pip...
     

    Addition of final two boards to complete the layout...thanks to John Vaughan for the inspiration...its always good to keep questioning what you are doing...

    In a little more detail showing how with the fiddle yard removed, the split in the lines can be represented...

    Some initial ideas on how to incorporate some hidden storage for cassettes by making use of the rise in levels of the land...
  21. bcnPete

    coombe junction - 2mmFS

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening - finally I have time to migrate from the old to the new forum so I will give a 10 slide refresher on my Coombe Junction 2mmFS project.
     
    Originally, the idea to build this layout had been floating around in my head for 20 years or so but 18 months ago, it was time to stop being a 'paper modeller' and start it. Upon commencement, shortly after the 2mm Scale Association announced the Golden Jubilee Layout Competition scheduled for the July 2010 Expo and I realised that my three boards were just within the maximum size limit with 0.17mm2 to spare...it is still hoped that it will make an appearance at the Expo, subject to the logistics and cost of flying the layout in from Barcelona...and back again...
     
    I will begin with the original sketch showing the scope of the project through to where I am at present...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Please feel free to leave comments...
     
    Pete
  22. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    Having submitted my entry for the 2011 diorama comp (just need to set up the summary topic) my thoughts now turn to the next few months of modelling.
     
    Whilst I am obviously still keen to carry on with this layout, I have decided to spend between now and Christmas revisiting my 'Kyle in a Boxfile' layout. I never finished the station building and whilst at it a number of things need doing...and redoing, for example the backscene and bringing the layout up to scratch. I always said I would revisit it when the new Dapol 26 arrived....and now it has I have to honour my self promise.
     
    I also hope to create some additional rolling stock for the layout using Bryn's '2mmFS build off' as a kick start on my collection of Stephen Harris wagon kits.
     
    Back to Coombe Junction - Moorswater and indeed the title for this blog entry.
     
    When I first joined RMWeb 3 and introduced my layout, Mickey was one of the first (and Ramblin Rich a close second I recall) to ask whether I was going to include the gradient to Liskeard...and indeed the 'real Coombe Junction'. When planning the layout I had done various sketches and scenarios to include it, but with a planned maximum of 3 IKEA lack shelves, I decided to omit it and include Moorswater dries which I felt was a nice 'gritty' balance to the leafy green branch line.
     
    During this years summer vacation to Looe, I became enchanted by the history of the quayside and upon return I relooked at all my books on the branch and thought that a separate model of Looe, during steam years would make a nice model....something as per this sketch...
     

     
    The fiddleyard would be separate cassettes etc...
     
    I must admit, I was quite taken by this as a layout idea...seeing Prairies along the quay side...and B sets in the station ...and even began a search for a Dapol Prairie and B set on ebay...but they seem quite rare these days...and I also thought 'do I really want to start another layout?'...and stay married? ...so I put this one on ice for a long while.
     
    My thoughts then turned back to extending my layout instead and incorporating not only the start of the incline to Liskeard...but also a stretch of the line to Looe (omitting all the other halts between) This of course would be the 'much stripped back Looe', consisting of a platform and bus shelter as I first visited it 30 years ago as a 15 year old...and my on/off romance with the Looe line began
     
    So herewith the idea to extend the layout from 3.3 metres to 5.5 metres overall, using, you guessed it, 2 more IKEA lack shelves.
     
    The idea is to modify the fiddleyard board, by removing the fiddleyard and incorporating a cassette feeder system behind the backscene. The incline will pass behind concealed by trees (there is a small bridge too I recall that could work as a scenic break) and the lower line continues through a tree lined meander, and finally meeting the river where it terminates at the station. One thing it will allow is somewhere to be able to run my Bubble car / 101 DMU's rather than them presently shuttling between Coombe Junction and the fiddle yard.
     
    A few sketches to illustrate this...
     

     
    Initial espresso fueled sketch in plan...
     

     
    And 3D sketch of new boards...
     
    Seeing as I already have a 1:10 model of the overall scheme as exists at present...
     

     
    I thought I could map out the above and see how it feels...as per this...
     

     
    The red line is the cut showing the modifications...
     

     
    The view looking towards both Liskeard and Looe...
     

     
    The view from Looe...
     

     
    The cassettes will be on storage ledges on the back of the backscene...
     
    That said...I am not about to embark on this straight away Using the momentum built up from the diorama competition entry, I would like to try and complete the 3 current boards to the same sort of finish as the diorama to be able to run the layout possibly even exhibiting it if possible and then begin the extension as a separate exercise. I did however promise Mickey that I would share the future plans on 2 October as I didn't want to derail myself from focus on the diorama.
     
    Now...in the meantime...where did I stash those Scottish Boxfiles?...
  23. 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
  24. bcnPete

    kyle 2016: a new hope...

    By bcnPete,

    Afternoon all,
     
    Firstly, many thanks for the kind comments received on the Model Rail article this month. I was really pleased with it and it was good to meet the MR team at Warley last weekend...although CJL was always busy when I tried to speak with him in the short time I was there. I have also picked up a couple of show invites on the back of the article which was nice.
     
    I think I mentioned in my new Thurso blog that I would be making the break to DCC with that layout and with this in mind, I ended up leaving Warley with an Uhlenbrock Daisy II starter system from DCC train automation. James Hudson was very helpful in showing me said product and talking me through it. Many thanks are also due to Nigel Cliffe of the 2mm Association for all his guidance about the various systems around/decoders suitable for 2mm motors.
     
    Having also purchased from TMC a Scottish 37 (37027) on offer for 80 notes and a basic decoder to get me started I rigged up the system last night. First job was to quickly construct two other test tracks for my portable workbench to aid in testing - am assuming the programming track ideally needs to be built somewhere in the fiddle yard of a layout.
     
    Having swapped out the decoder and test run the 37 (having first run it in on the rolling road to check all was well) I had my first DCC experience switching on and off lights and running up and down he short length of track...and I absolutely loved it....haven't even immersed myself in the world of sound yet Next I need to get my head around programming the 37 which incidentally will be modified to 37025 which was a regular at Kyle.
     
    From this I have decided that I should upgrade Kyle to be DCC as I understand it shouldn't be too much rewiring to do and I have a few additional wires to be installed following the last show. Am hoping to look at this over the Christmas period as I have some time off work.
     

    Daisy II system...quite like the look and feel of the handset...
     

    The two new test roads added to the workbench....
     

    TMC unweathered limited edition Farish 37...will become 37025
     
    I think the addition of this to Kyle will hopefully give a new dimension to the operation of the layout with the sound a later addition when I have recovered financially from Barcelona
     
    Pete
  25. 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...
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