Jump to content
 

bcnPete

RMweb Gold
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    5,612

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

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

    view inside fiddle yard...

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

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

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

    overall view from station to fiddle...

    ...and from fiddle to station...

    low tech uncoupling magnets...

    Rolling stock/fiddle box with packed backscenes...

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

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

    the layout box with packed backscenes...

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

    the layout boards in the box...height should just allow buffers to fit
     
    now heading back to CTU...copythat...Pete
  2. bcnPete
    Update - Its been a while since I updated partly due to work commitments but also because I assumed that people were probably getting fed up reading about my track building soap opera...I know I was.
     
    So finally after a few more trys, scrapping the turnout last posted, I constructed them using a few PCB sleepers around the common crossing area. This is the bit I am still struggling with but at least it completed the turnouts. Obviously my preference was to complete this layout using solely EASITRAC however, the clock was ticking, I made a promise to exhibit this on 15 May and I did not want to let people down.
     
    Due to the time left (49 days :icon_eek: :icon_eek: ) I have had to make a few decisions with regard to rolling stock. It is unlikely that I will get a chance to start any of the Stephen Harris excellent wagon etches before the show so as an interim I will be reusing some of my old Peco and Farish wagons of 20 years ago, rewheel them to 2FS standards and fit DG couplings, with a view to gradually phasing them out.
     
    In terms of operations, its DC operated with turnouts changed using wire in tube and a DPDT switch for polarity and a handul of isolating sections to hold locos. When I first plugged it in last night nothing worked until I realised that I had to swop over the wires for the turnout DPDT switches :icon_mutter: however, the class 37 then ran on the straight platform road (grumbling slightly over the turnout) and back again. It also ran through the other turnout into the siding by the quayside without issue.
     
    And then...not sure what I have done (or not done) when you set the turnout for the loco release I cannot get anything to run, ...not sure if it is shorting and I don't have a resistance meter etc but for such a small simple layout I am baffled why it doesn't work...any suggestions would be greatly received.
     
    Also, have been working on 37420 which now incorporates TPM correct etches for the 37/4 (Thanks Bernard ) and also had a first coat of paint for the grey roof and yellow front ends as it will be in Large Logo livery which no Scottish layout can do with out!
     
    Other than that, off for a few days vacation so I wish you a Happy Easter.
     
    A few pics attached...
     

    Overall from above...Boards have been remade in grey card...

    View from station end...

    Gaps in sleepers and tidying up still required...

    Bachfar 37 converted to 37/4 to be 37420 Large Logo livery...
  3. bcnPete
    Update - Good morning - the soap opera that is, my turnout constructions continues but hopefully will soon conclude.
     
    I continued with the hybrid last posted with the mix of PCB sleepers and EASITRAC chairs fixed with cyno but alas, once again, it all fell apart around the commonn crossing (note to 2FS Association - a range of pre manufactured common crossings would be great for ham fisted clowns such as I ) so out came the recently arrived by mail EASITRAC sleeper strip.
     
    If at first you don't succeed...chuck it in the skip and start again...so am now building the turnout offsite rather than insitu and will transplant it on the layout when complete. Once again, the common crossing jig and I have fallen out so I am adding these rails individually either side of the frog. It almost runs smoothly, albeit a bit of tweaking required...hopefully next post it will be sorted...at last :icon_yawn:
     
    Few pics attached...
     

    Turnout now being constructed off the layout...

    Some tweaking required around the common crossing...don't look too close!
  4. bcnPete
    Update - Well with the recent probs with the server, one would think a perfect opportunity to catch up with some modelling, right?...wrong
    Unfortunately, this was timed with a work deadline which has taken all available day and night hours from my modelling. However, by way of an update.....
     
    You may recall that I decided to redo my EASITRAC turnouts as I was having trouble with the common crossing. I decided to remove the premade turnout base and rebuild the turnout using EASITRAC sleeper strip, possibly substituting a few PCB strips around the common crossing to strengthen it. The requisite order was made to the 2FS shop however, knowing that I would have to await for International post timings I decided to experiment in the meantime.
     
    I have made a hybrid of glueing the EASITRAC chairs to PCB strip using cyno adhesive and then adding the frog initially which will be followed by the wing rails. I had made the common crossing in one piece but I seem to have trouble removing it from the jig without collapsing it in the process....hence this strange approach.
     
    This was done about 2 weeks ago, following my last entry, however in the meantime, the EASITRAC sleeper strips have arrived. I am tempted to keep going with this though, strange as it is and see how it turns out. A few pics will be attached when I work out how to do it via a remote link
     
    1 March tomorrow, which means 75 days until the BHMRC exhibition...and still no trains running....Yikes...
     

     

  5. bcnPete
    Update - First a simple equation.
     
    89 / 7 x 2 = 25.14 [Days left until exhibition divided by days per week multiplied by amount of modelling time spent at present]
     
    Which equates to about 25 modelling sessions [averaging 3 or 4 hours] to get this layout exhibitable :icon_eek: :icon_eek:
    Granted, it's not a small layout but each session is critical and after a good start last night installing two point blades and droppers to a 'Heath Robinson' type arrangement beneath which worked...it then all started going wrong. I couldn't get the rolling stock to run smoothly through the crossing, which to be honest is the bit I struggle with most. I have only ever built one point prior to this so am severely lacking in the experience department when it comes to track making
     
    Following a good nights sleep, and a read up of fellow colleagues 2FS blogs, I have decided that I need to redo the turnouts but perhaps incorporate some PCB sleepers in the mix to strengthen the area I am having trouble with.
     
    Not as I hoped things would go, and the clock is ticking, but if I can't get the trains to run smoothly, then it will be a road to disaster. Step back, rethink and prep new plan.
     
    One good bit of news though...the swear box [at 1 Euro per word] now has enough money to buy another class 24 or 37
  6. bcnPete
    Update - This evening some trains ran :icon_eek:...but only in the fiddleyard. The second session of working on these has now finished which included making the single cassettes and also wiring between the brass sleepers and the brass tubes below. Testing was undertaken to determine if the brass connecting rods performed okay and after resolving one stubborn dry joint :icon_mutter: the class 24 ran smoothly across the joints.
     
    I now really need to get back to completing the two turnouts on the scenic boards so that detailing of these boards can commence.
     
    I have just received some nice etches of LMS/BR rail built buffers which need to be assembled and also have taken delivery of a number of Stephen Harris's terrific wagon kits.
     
    As Willy Wonka once said...so much to do and so little time to do it in...
     
    A few pics of progress...minus the wonka bars...
     

    Scenic boards left and fiddle yard boards right...

    Close up showing brass rod connecters...

    There should be just enough room to hold a variety of rolling stock in the cassettes...

    The double cassette will remain joined - the singles will be split as loco lifts if required...
  7. bcnPete
    Update - The last two nights have seen progress on the fiddle yard area. Due to the number of boards/joints on the layout, cassettes were decided as has been depicted in a number of previous sketches.
    After much consideration and options I decided that two single and two double cassettes [which can be joined together] were required. Why double? Because when a loco is running around its train, due to the small length of the layout, the rolling stock will need to be pushed back partly in the fiddleyard to clear the turnout and then the resulting loco needs a road to run on to. Two singles in this situation would not have fit. For other situations, the single cassettes can be used on their own acting as loco lifts if need be.
    The construction of the cassetes is from grey card [to keep down weight] and the idea is that they double up as rolling stock storage in the 'upside down' fiddle yard boards. These will fit into removeable trays [thanks Donw ] so these can be set aside whilst the boards are joined together.
    For the joints between the cassettes I have used brass tube and rodding to allow alignment, electrical continuity and structural strength, which means you can pick up two cassettes together without them collapsing in the middle. The tube is 100mm in length on each side of the join and the connecting rod which will be inserted upon set up is 200mm in length.There will be a small wire soldered to the EASITRAC brass sleepers located 100mm from the ends and this will be soldered to the brass tube on the corresponding underside. For alignment and power to the two scenic boards I am thinking of using a similar system.The last job was to cut down the size of the two fiddleyard support boards to allow for the depth of the cassettes.
    I still need to complete the two single cassettes and the associated sparks but I have included a few shots of the work to date.

    Cassettes stored in upside down fiddleyard boards...

    Two twin road and two single road cassettes...

    Once removed give this...removable tray to be made still...

    The top and the underside showing brass tubes for strength, alignment and power...

    Joined together using the brass rod...

    Giving this...

    Alignment and power to scenic boards will probably be similiar...

    Dapol sprinter...which is just slightly longer than the cassettes :icon_mutter:
     
    Pete
  8. 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
  9. bcnPete

    Kyle - Scope checks...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - Following withdrawal of CJ from the GJLC it is now time to put the foot to the pedal with Kyle, which at least is easier to transport and is making its debut in 108 days.
     
    I still need to complete the turnouts and am pondering means of operation following all the fellow informative posts of recent however it is likely that they will remain low tech in order to reduce weight, simplify the sparks and balance costs. Most probably wire in tube using a dpdt switch for the two turnouts and manual moveable magnets for the DG's...still sketching that one.
     
    From the 2 previous mock ups I have now decided upon a backscene height which seems to be in proportion to the layout. For these I am thinking to use an existing photo of the station and using one of those panoramic photo packages see what can be produced using a bit of cut and paste.
     
    The two main viewing boards have been made from foamboard and although a tad scrappy at present will receive a thin veneer of either card or modelling ply. The two boards which form the fiddleyard have also been made from foamboard and the idea now is that these are stored 'upside down' in the other boxfile and contain the cassettes and rolling stock inside.
     
    A few pics attached of progress with 'out of the box' Dapol sprinter posing whilst it awaits rewheeling...
     

    Quick check to see that the two boards still fit...
     

    Other two boards will act as rolling stock storage...
     

    Overall shot of layout - 1200mm x 120mm...
     

    Backscene in place...
     
    It's only a small layout but I hope it will convey and capture a sense of the Scottish prototype...
  10. bcnPete
    It is with regret, that last week I contacted the 2mm Association to formally withdraw Coombe Junction from the Golden Jubilee Layout Challenge at the 2FS EXPO this coming July, in the main, due to the logistical/financial complications of getting the layout from Barcelona to Oxford for a 48 hour period.
     
    I would welcome an opportunity one day to exhibit it in the UK and it will keep progressing but I should just like to thank everyone for their interest in the layout to date.
     
    Pete
  11. bcnPete

    Kyle - Overlaying...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - Work on the track was not a great success last night so tonight saw a bit of experimentation with the rolling stock.
     
    The bodywork of 37420 has received some filler to allow the remaining two grill etches to be placed however I realised tonight that Farish and 'Boots' nail varnish removal pads are not happy bed fellows.....whilst cleaning up some of the body, the pads reacted with the paintwork - will have to assess further when dry :icon_mutter:
     
    Meanwhile, I thought I would have a first go at one of the MK I TSO's using Adam of 'Electrarailwaygraphics' overlays as shown in one of my previous posts.
     
    I managed to get a few Mk I's from Hattons prior to Christmas to use as doner coaches. I would have preferred blue/grey as a base but considering you completely remove the paintwork it seemed irrelevant which livery so I took the cheapest MK I and MK II's on offer.
     
    First step was to remove the paint from the sides using Brasso and Elbow grease....Must admit, this took quite a time, but it is crucial to the process. The vinyls were then removed from the sheet and laid on in place before smoothing down. The finish should receive a coat of matt varnish.
     
    The coach will still need some alterations to the roof and perhaps the underframe[?] as well as DG's etc. 2FS replacement coach wheels have been added though.
     
    I attach a few photos of the 'in progress' MK I TSO in Blue/grey Scotrail livery. I think perhaps the overlay edges could do with a coat of something to try and lose the white line [Adam is currently advising on this] I have include a comparison shot against a Farish MK I BSK, bought some 20 years ago. There is a difference in colour between the two, but in theory, the Mk I TSO's [and the MK II rake] will be run as fixed rakes so is not really an issue.
     
    Comments as ever are welcome.
     

    Bachfar doner coach prior to removal of paint from sides...
     

    Overlays - top one has been removed for use...
     

    Coach with overlay in place...roof seems to bow up in the middle and needs a drop of glue...
     

    Scotrail MK I TSO on the left and 20 year old Faish on the right...
  12. bcnPete

    Kyle - Back on track...

    By bcnPete,

    Good afternoon - Following the package of tools and materials arriving from the UK around Christmas time I am now able to develop the layout further...in fact it will be shown at the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club annual small exhibition on 15 May 2010...which is in 121 days :icon_eek:
     
    The previous two evenings has seen work continue with the EASITRAC components and now the main rails are in place, I hope to complete the switch blades and frogs during the next modelling sessions. The jigs are really useful however I seem to have damaged my frog jig with my ham fisted soldering so I resorted to adding these rails individually [as one would using code 40 and PCB] I guess its a case of whatever works for you. I now need to think of the tiebar operation but its likely it will be wire in tube using a dpdt switch.
     
    Such is the simplicity of this layout, the track is virtually complete and once wired and tested I can begin to mount the card on a foamboard frame as per my previous mock ups. The Peco buffers are just a placeholder before I construct them from rail and have been primarily used to gauge loco lengths...the class 37 just fits!
     
    I attach a few progress shots, which include the second mock up in the background for comparison and also the 'straight out of the box Farish 24' and a few old Mk I's just to give it a 'Kyle' flavour.
     
    Comments as ever are welcome.
     
    Pete
     

    Overall plan shot of both boards...

    Giving this...

    Mock up in background...few minor modifications have been included...

    The turnouts have been made using continuous lengths of rail...

    The peco buffers are just a placeholder until I construct from rail...
  13. bcnPete

    coombe junction - 4mm

    By bcnPete,

    Happy Christmas to all! The title is not a misprint, early April fool, nor the result of too much red wine but an exercise that has been flying around in my head for a while and I just wanted to see how feasible it would be.
     
    On the last RMWeb3, there were comments that it would be interesting to build Coombe Junction in 4mm - Seeing as how I have started to build up an appropriate amount of BR blue rolling stock for the layout I am building my sons [i will set that blog up next year] it occurred to me that again using one of my preferred IKEA shelves , then a reasonable model of Coombe Junction could be made - Size a mere 1900mm x 260mm.
     
    Using some left over Hornby set track, some Peco flexible, a Hornby hut and a cardboard platform knocked up last Christmas day for my sons I mapped it out earlier today on the shelf, if nothing else, just to get it out of my system. The layout would use Coombe Junction crossing and Lamellion bridges as scenery breaks at either end, with simple trains loaded on Cassettes. Although it is represented with proprietary track, it would be nice to handbuild the trackwork, to Finescale standards and also detail a small fleet of rolling stock.
     
    I attach a sketch done a few months ago and a couple of pics from today which if nothing else, demonstrate that a small extract from the branch could make for an interesting layout.
     
    Am I going to build it??? Well, never say never but with 3 layouts currently under construction in our household, that's just say that I don't really want to start 2010 with my wife divorcing me
     
    Thanks for all your support and comments throughout the year on both RMWeb 3 and this forum which have been informative, inspirational and motivating. Very best wishes to you all for 2010 <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':icon_biggrin:' />
     

    Original sketch...1900mm top and tailed with cassettes...

    Overall...Coombe crossing at lower end and Lamellion Bridge at the upper end as scenic breaks...

    37 on clay hoods passing 121 Bubble at Coombe...

    Looking towards Coombe Station...
  14. bcnPete
    Update - Still awaiting my package of tools/equipment from the UK to get cracking again, so thoughts again turned to the backscene. After reviewing a number of other terrific layouts on the forum here, it occurred to me that perhaps it might be better to intoduce a 'proscenium arch' type enclosure to view the layout. This would align with Moorswater viaduct, with the lines passing through as a cut out. The resulting top of the frame could be used to run some small discrete strip lights along the front edge. To get a feel for it I have added it to the 1:10 scale model, which can be seen in the attached photos. I now have to ponder materials suitable for its construction.
     
    I am still in two minds as now the concept of the layout is changing. Originally it was supposed to be a layout constructed on 3 Ikea shelves which, due to the absence of a dedicated railway room, would allow the shelves to be removed, the layout worked on and then the shelves returned back on the wall. The construction of the shelves as bought, whilst are not ideally suited for baseboards, are lightweight, cheap and pretty solid. My concern is that with the introduction of a Ply or MDF front and backscene will make them too heavy. Foamboard as an alternative may be prone to damage due to removal and reinstatement of the shelves on the wall <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_confused.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':icon_confused:' />
     
    Comments on the proposals would be very welcome <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':icon_biggrin:' />
     

    A notch is cut to allow the mainline to pass through...

    The fiddleyard screen height datum is set by the viaduct...
  15. bcnPete
    Update - Whilst I should be cracking on with Coombe Junction, I keep getting distracted to the Boxfile Kyle layout, however today, I decided to re-engage with Coombe and begin to think about the final board, number 3. This will feature an extract of the much photographed 150ft high Moorswater viaduct and also Moorswater china clay dries.
     
    One thing that has always entrigued me about this branch is the scale comparison between Lamellion Bridge and Moorswater viaduct soaring behind in the distance and this is something I really wanted to create on this project - the ability to run the china clay trains on the branch, but contrast it with the mainline running over depicting a flavour of rolling stock which would never get to frequent the branch.
     
    Before I get cracking on the viaduct, I decided a small mock up [not another one you shout...just get on with it ]was in order to help map out board 3. I spent a few hours this morning producing a basic scale drawing of the viaduct in CAD and this afternoon, built it with foamboard and card. As per the prototype and to make it slightly more interesting I have skewed the alignment of the viaduct so it is not 90 degrees to the board which will give a nice section cut on the viaduct. I also took a razor saw to one of my old farish MKIII coaches to complement the HST power car - a trial run before I slice one of those beautiful Dapol ones <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_eek.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':icon_eek:' />
     
    Overall I am very happy as I think it gives the scale comparison I was after, as well as forming a kind of scenic break between Coombe Junction and Moorswater Dries. The final model with need much further detail to pick out the stone, piers, handrail etc etc but I attach a few pics to demonstrate the mock up photographed insitu with board 2.
     
    As always, feel free to add any comments.
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

  16. bcnPete
    Update - a little progress last night with board 3 as I have now laid the cork sheet below the trackbed. Unfortunately I cannot lay the track as am awaiting delivery of a new soldering iron and solder from the UK - giving myself the benefit of the doubt, I am guessing my soldering started to deteriorate from poor to absolutely shocking, possibly due to the only solder that I can find here was probably meant for joining water pipes together <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_eek.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':icon_eek:' /> So I would rather not progress the buildings further at Moorswater until the EASITRAC turnout and the alignment of sidings has been completed.
     
    Also began to get a feel for the backscene, which you may recall will meet with the parapet of Moorswater viaduct. It will need a rethink of how the turnouts [there are only 2!] and isolating sections will work as without the backscene, they would have been screened by trees. I have made card formers around the Fiddle yard cassettes area and as per one of the comments received the other day, this will be the layout nameboard. For sure, its going to be tall as a backscene, but once it runs along the length of the layout I think it will work well and hopefully give the layout some depth.
     
    A few pics and a sketch attached...
     

    Overall view of Fiddleyard enclosure...

    Bachfar 37 emerges...will need to rethink those switches...

    Close up - Coombe Junction Signal Cabin has been mocked up in paper to get a feel for the size...

    Sketch showing layout with nameboard panel...
  17. bcnPete
    Update - Since mocking up Moorswater viaduct and finding a solution for a backscene, it has helped respark enthusiasm for the project. I have now started to look a Board 3, the final one in more detail. I had always hoped to complete boards 1 + 2 to slightly more detail before embarking on this, however it will help me view the layout contextually with all 3 on the go in various states. Obviously, there has had to be some compromises to include elements, however for me, the viaduct was fundamental for this project and although it will be closer to the dries buildings than in reality, I feel it is better to include it than omit it.
     
    The viaduct will be located on the beginning of the board, as seen in previous photos, and Moorswater Dries will be modelled to give a sense of the large industrial buildings, but they will not be completed in entirety due to the width of the shelves. I am not too concerned about that as I am going to include the two sidings, with locos disappearing beneath the buildings, as in the prototype, to allow run-a-round and I think this will capture the essence of Moorswater Dries. Having studied some drawings and my catalogue of reference photos last night, I may also be able to include a hint of the clay settling tanks in the far left corner.
     
    Originally, I was looking at a small hidden traverser at the end of the sidings to allow them to run-a-round the clay trains, but now, as I am thinking of fully detailing one end of my motive power and fitting a DG to the other, I will need to turn them. So, a small removable loco lift will be used which can be accessed via a small sliding panel at the end of the layout.
     
    I attach a photo and a sketch of the latter to help put it in context.
     
    Comments welcome, Pete
     

     

  18. bcnPete

    coombe junction - Dries

    By bcnPete,

    Update - A little more progress on Board 3 last night. I have started to make the bases for the buildings in grey card and once I am happy with the profiles and the openings are cut, it will receive a cladding of evergreen corrugated sheet, lapped as required as per the prototype. Sorry about the cut down toilet roll holder...it's just that late last night I was looking for an 'off the shelf' cylindrical object that could represent the stone clad drum...it will be replaced by something more suitable soon...
     
    What has become evident, is that more of the trains will be visible from the 'viewing side' as I was a tad worried that they would disappear and be swallowed up by the dries buildings - The cassettes can hold a class 37 and 8 clay hoods which is how I have based the run-a-round loop.
     
    All track for this board will be EASITRAC and I have all the components, so once I crack completing my first turnouts for the Boxfile Kyle layout, I can start here and begin to bed in the buildings.
     
    A few pics attached...
     

     

     

  19. bcnPete
    Update - Received this week from Adam at Electra, a series of overlays, to enable the various different rakes of coaching stock for the layout.
     
    From my research and photos of the prototype to date, I am preparing the following:
     
    - MKI TSO, BG, MKI TSO in Blue grey Scotrail.
     
    - MkII TSO, BG, MKII TSO in Blue grey Scotrail.
     
    - MKI TSO, BG, MKII TSO in Blue grey Scotrail.
     
    - 101 Observation car, MKIIa TSO, MKIIa BSO in Green + Cream Hebridean Heritage livery.
     
    Probably too much for the size of the layout, however due to the limitations of operations, I am aiming to represent a few differing eras [each will have their set sequence of moves] to make it more interesting - the motive power will start with a BR Blue Class 24, moving through to a large logo Class 37, then on to a 156 in RR livery.
     
    I attach a few photos of the vinyls, and today I snapped up some bargain priced MK I and II's from Hattons, which will be getting a facelift in early 2010...
     

     

  20. bcnPete

    Boxfile Kyle - 37420...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - Only a little modelling undertaken this evening as after preparing the new rails for soldering the common crossing I found that my soldering iron has packed up...will check again tomorrow, but it's frustrating after waiting a week to get back to the turnout.
     
    So, a little further work on 37420, being converted from a Bachfar 37/0. Thanks to Bernard of TPM for letting me test some new etches, I have filed smooth the grill adjacent to either opposing end and fitted the correct grills, however some minor filling will be necessary before attaching the other two grills. The new buffer beam has been temporarily picked out in a permanent black marker pen to highlight any initial problems. Once the remaining grills are fitted, it will receive full yellow ends, black windows and grey roof prior to decals etc.
     
    Few pics attached...
     

     

  21. bcnPete
    Good Morning - Fresh start was made on the turnout last night and with a cold beer to steady my nerves things were significantly better than the last attempt. The chairs for the straight rail have been added, the frog has been made again but the curved rail is only pinned in place. I will need to redo the common crossing a third time, but solely due to my own ham fisted soldering skills when connecting the rails beneath for electrical continuity and alignment. I will be in contact [bryn] to discuss how I can crack this! Thanks also to Dave M for advice on laying the sleepers prior to threading the rail.
    These EASITRAC turnout components are beautifully crafted and I look forward to seeing the first of only two turnouts for this layout in operation very soon...after all...I understand that the Bachfar 24 release is very soon and that would be ideal for undertaking thorough track testing :icon_biggrin: - Few pics attached...
     

     

  22. bcnPete
    Evening - I have to report, a disastrous night of modelling...Tried to tackle the turnout and spent over 2 hours trying to make the common crossing...and it looks complete pants :icon_eek:
     
    I am not sure whether it was my bad soldering skills, bad light, bad eyesight, bad white wine...or a combination of them all
     
    I am so embarrassed of my efforts, I am too ashamed to post a picture of this evenings attempts.
     
    All packed away now and hoping to try again another night soon :icon_mutter:
     
    Goodnight
  23. bcnPete

    Boxfile Kyle - Progress

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening - Tonight saw the first part of the construction for the track using EASITRAC. The track will be built on a 1mm card base and then this be framed with foamboard to suit.
     
    Firstly, a simple piece of straight track was made using some 500mm precut lengths from the 2mm Association. Cast brass sleepers have been added at either end to strengthen the joints. Secondly, the turnout base has been laid in position and connected to a short length of straight track - the next work session will begin to make the turnout.
     
    A few pics attached of progress...
     

     

     

  24. bcnPete
    Update - I have now installed the lineside fence om my diorama challenge layout - details can be found here.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/37906-moorswater-viaduct-2fs/page__view__findpost__p__488597
     
    From 2nd October I will be back to scribe on this blog...
  25. bcnPete

    All change...

    By bcnPete,

    Just to advise that having now decided to submit Thurso into the MRJ/Wild Swan Cameo layout competition, progress on the layout will be documented at the following thread below set up especially for the entries:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/122397-thurso-2mmfs/?p=2706961
     
    I prefer Blogs to Threads personally so now doubt after the submission I will revert back to this blog to document the layout.
     
    Many thanks for your interest in the blog which will return....
     
    Pete
×
×
  • Create New...