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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. bcnPete
    Evening all, 
     
    As per Andy’s blog update, there was a 2mmFS Supermeet in Tutbury yesterday. I have posted a few thoughts and photos from the day on the exhibition thread so here’s an update on Kyle as part of the show.
     
    Took the day off Friday to run some tests and check my two 37’s ran ok as had just received them back from Coastal DCC - Kevin had done a great job hard wiring the lights and also introducing a stay alive to them. In trying to reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ I usually take to exhibitions I decided to knock up a quick A4 workbench as my A3 one is a bit overpowering to travel with...and slides around the car during hard cornering 
     
    Armed with a brand new A4 cutting mat and some scraps of foamboard I fashioned this which fits neatly in one of the plastic crates.
     

     
    Below, is a small drawer inset, a remnant idea from my Moorswater viaduct RMWeb competition entry...allows me to be selective in tools and leave the kitchen sink back home!
     

     
    I set off from London around 2pm for the scheduled 2hr 45 journey but our Tom Tom spat me off the motorway into this...
     

     
    ...lots of hard braking to avoid tractors and farm vehicles ensued  Finally I was back on a motorway around Brum and arrived around 6:05pm 4 hours after I set off...nice timing in fact as the Village hall opened at 6:00pm 
     
    Arrival in Tutbury was marked by seeing the castle on the hill, where apparently Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner about 500 years ago...
     

     
    The layout was fairly quick to set up and I ran some quick tests - I apologised to my immediate neighbours (the superb Lightermans Yard) that I had some sound fitted engines and would be providing some background music for the Saturday  I brought along some of my recent mock ups (Loch Awe and Exeter St David’s) and also my work in progress DJLC entry Meeth to get some feedback.
     

     

     
    Some new traversers have also been built with the idea they can be used on a number of differing layouts.
     

     
    The evening was capped off by meeting Bryn, Pixie and Matt (who had timed a visit over from New Zealand for this) for a few beers and a curry...
     

     

     
    The next morning after a hearty breakfast, the track was cleaned again, stock set up and the event kicked off at 10:30am. A very nice relaxed informal atmosphere was had, wandering amongst the layouts, demo stands, 2mm Association shop and ‘N’ Brass stand. So good to meet old and new friends and put some names to faces. 
     
    The tractors performed well and overall I was pleased with the running quality aside from a couple of derailments and the usual DG coupling alignment issues...must get around to re set all the heights. I think I may also dispense with the Dapol knuckle couplers between coaches as they are quite rigid and can sometimes help derail stock.
     

     

     

     
    Matt kindly helped out with cover and at 6 foot 10” I was slightly worried that he would have back ache from stooping over to see the DG’s had worked  
     

     

     
    Overall I received some very nice comments on the layout and also some great feedback and interest on Meeth and the mock ups. It was a great gathering and am very pleased I attended as I came away very inspired.
     
    Many thanks to John Aldrick and all the others who organised the event. I look forward to the 2mmFS 60 year gathering in Derby next summer
     
    Pete
     

     
     
  2. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Following on from my last entry, I wanted to undertake some tests on the inset track and ballasting for the layout. The only ballasted section will essentially be the track along the front whilst most of the area depicted had a concrete type apron. As mentioned before I have had a few disasters on my 2mmFS layouts with both of these so thought a few tests would be a good start rather than wade in.
     
    I assembled a 60ft length of C+L plain track on a 5mm foam board base and this was first sprayed with track colour weathered sleeps as a base.
     
     
     

     
    I then built up two different options for the concrete hard stand using 5mm foamboard and a card top layer. The first option runs the card tight to the rail, whilst the second option stops it short to create the gap as described by Scott in a reply on my last blog entry. 
     

     
    I then filled this gap with a proprietary ready mix filler which was sanded when dry so slightly lower then the rail - this is twofold, firstly to create the infill gap and secondly to have something slightly lower for when cleaning the rails.
     
    I then applied two coats of some acrylic paint although I am not so keen on the brush strokes. 
     

     
    Ballasting was then applied using two types of ballast obtained from Green Scenes at a show. Looking at the prototype pictures I wanted to create the very dark (almost black) ballast seen at the dries rather than my usual light grey ballast. PVA and water with some detergent was applied using an old syringe and left to dry over night. Incidentally, my son and I prefer the slightly larger ballast than the smaller and I purposely did not buy ‘7mm ballast’ as people tend to say it’s overscale.
     

     
    This morning, I first picked out the chairs in acrylic rust colour and then toned them down later with weathering powders. The same mix of black and brown powers was applied to the ‘concrete’ running the black powder into the small groove next to the outer rails. Joints in the concrete were scored with a scalpel then gone over with a 0.7mm lead pencil, adding a few cracks too. Finally I applied some static grass to the track and also in the cracks as well as the groove alongside the rails as I am modelling the scene circa 1983 just before it closed, so would like a little evidence of neglect.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Overall I am very happy with the results. To get rid of the brush lines to the concrete I might spray the top layer of card before applying it in place. I might do this in sections too creating some thin joints rather than scoring them.
     
    This now allows me to start to prepare the base for the inset track on the layout and then get the ballasting on the go. Once these two large elements are done it will allow me to turn my attention to the dries buildings...and I have started to have some thoughts on those too.
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
     
     
  3. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Aside from the BV kit posted earlier this week, I mentioned I was hoping to do further works on the layout having taken the 4 days off work. Am happy to report some good progress has been made.
     
    First up was acquiring a Digikeijs DR500 which James at DCC Automation had suggested to me last year as I was worried about continually plugging and unplugging the wires on the Uhlenbrock Daisy between layouts. One of the great things about this bit of kit is that it has a socket which the Daisy handset can be plugged into. It also has 3 Amps so am told has more oomph for 7mm. Having mounted it in position and connected the track outputs and programme track, I plugged in the Daisy handset and off I went - It can also be connected to a laptop and also allows running stuff off your phone / tablet 

     
    Next up was spraying the track as despite most of it is inset, I wanted to ensure no silver bits can be seen between the gaps. This was done using Phoenix Precision track colour (weathered sleepers) and I do like the colour it gives as a base. The main road along the front will be ballasted so am looking at using black ash based on some colour photos I have of the line in use. Am still in two minds how to do the inset track as it’s been a disaster for me a few times on my 2mm layouts. I think after talking with Gordon and Maggie I will try card as they have done on Arun Quay - that looks fab  
     
    Then, the backscene was also filled and a first coat of off white put on to lighten it up. This was done using Wilco match pot testers. Most of it will be taken out by the dries buildings so it is more the sky for this model...and I try to avoid pure blue as it never seems to work for me  Some more filling and sanding required to finish this.
     
    Another development was to add a mirror as per Marc Smith’s suggestion at the start of this project. Rather than get one cut, I first tested the idea using some mirror sheet we had in our studio. It’s only 1mm thick so fairly easy to score and cut with a scalpel. I must say I am very happy with the result even though it’s just been dropped in temporarily - it needs bringing flush with the rail heads but first impressions is that it will give the dries added length...and double the amount of hoods as I only have 4 
     

     
    I also finished the lighting installation. Both boards/shelves are lit by a Screwfix type LED light, 911mm in length more usually used under kitchen cabinets giving a cool white light. As I wanted to have continuous lighting and no gaps, it occurred to me I could mount the 911mm fittings each end and then add a 300mm fitting to bridge the gap. This means the 911mm fittings are permanently mounted and secured with a glue gun. Once the layout is assembled, the 300mm fitting is then slid into position to link them. The beauty of this being, if I want to only work on one board/shelf at a time, I can still plug in a cable and light the 911mm strip whilst I am doing scenics  
     
    In the style of the Karate Kid Master...
     

    Lights off...
     
    Lights on...
     
    Finally I gave a couple of coats of my usual grey paint to the front fascias. One end will have the mirror, the other will have a clear perspex sheet. Am thinking of cutting two openings in that should I decide to add on a small cassette at a later date - this will be explored through sketches...watch this space  The layout name was also added in my usual font by self adhesive letters.
     
    The end of the week saw me having a little running session with the 08, hoods and BV kit. Much pleasure was derived from that sound chipped 08 shuffling a few wagons around. I have attached a few pics already so size restrictions prevent more. If I can upload a couple of vids I might do this as a separate follow up post. Overall, am happy with the way things are moving on this project.
     

     
    As always, comments welcomed...
     
    Pete
     
     
     
     
     
     
  4. bcnPete
    Good evening all,
     
    Decided to skip Ally Pally this year as have a few shows coming up and thought I would put in a shift at home...which also allows me to go off piste to do some modelling
     
    Research has been continuing on the project and firstly many thanks to Argos of this Parish who has provided a lot of new information about the line and history. I also posted a thread on typical rolling stock to Oban and this has heralded some great leads too.
     
    A couple of small tasks for the mock up were undertaken including adding a new fascia to the base of the water as well as the top to frame the view/conceal the lighting.
     

     
    In addition, one of the things I realised from the information received was that the siding closest to the hotel was in fact a loop...so to increase operational interest I think I will extend this to the fiddle yard so a train can pull in and wait...or perhaps leave a few wagons.
     

     

     
    I think I will make the signal cabin which can just be seen in a cheeky photo taken of the Ian Futers book which shows top left the original image which caught my idea for this layout proposal.
     

     
    The sketchbook has also taken a beating this week between meetings and journeys to work. Ideas on how to create the water (using a technique told to me by some nice chaps doing a demo stand next to me at the Steyning show) so as to create some depth to the loch.
     

     
    I have also looked at the fascias and realised that the main scenic board needs its own return ends (as opposed to using the fiddle yard ends) so that I can curve the backscene at both ends.
     

     
    Finally an alternative tweak to the track plan by splaying the line to the centre to try and capture some of the curve at the end of the station. The jury is still out on this as it may reduce some of the water at the front and I am not so convinced about this.
     

     
    Following on from the train formation information received I dug out some of my old N gauge stock to represent an oil train - excuse the crass weathering which was done when I was a teenager  This will be redone of course. The 27 has been posed as I have sent both my 37’s to Kevin at Coastal DCC to see if he can take a look at them and solve the problems experienced recently. Am also trying to gauge whether I can include a mixed freight composed of Railfreight wagons...must admit I always liked that livery
     

     
    A few more photos of the mock-up. It is crude enough to allow me to add/subtract, hack and chop it about - the key is to not be too precious. Time spent in foamboard is cheaper than when the timber has been cut... 
     

     

     
    As always, comments welcomed...
     
    Pete
     
     

  5. bcnPete
    Morning all,
     
    A quick update from Kyle’s appearance at the one day Steyning show last Sunday.
     
    Whilst not actually a Model Railway Club, the Wielden Railway Group have a one day show each year attended by members layouts and those they choose to invite. Andrew Knights kindly invited me when we met at the Essex show last year. Seeing as how Steyning is only half an hour away from my folks, it seemed a good opportunity to visit them and throw the layout in the back of the car too 
     
    Since the Stafford show, I haven’t had much time to work on the layout (ahem...a new layout idea mock up may appear as a blog here soon!) but I did solder and realign the rail to the siding which David Long will be pleased to hear!  
     
    Arrived at 08:30am, set up, cleaned track and it was business as usual for 10:00am kick off. 
     

     
    Andrew told me this was the first Finescale layout to appear at their show and during it attracted some good interest and nice comments.
     

     

     
    I was pleased with the way it ran considering the loco wheels had not been cleaned since Stafford although both 37’s still need looking at. Once ace runners, unusually for Farish they both suffered from intermittent cutting out which is something I think with the lowering and delicate wires from PCB to the lights. This will be sorted however they still look and sound the part when they do run.
     

     
    Overall it was a nice small show (10 or so layouts) with a couple of invites offered for the Burgess Hill in September which I help plan. Really nice people organising and hosting in a friendly environment. The show finished at 4:30pm, I packed and was on the road at 5pm and home at 6:30pm - a great day and chance to run a few trains. A few more pics below including a few cruel close ups 
     

     

     

     
    The next outing for the layout is the 2mm Supermeet in Tutbury in June this year for which I aim to have replaced the two turnout switches as well as sort the two class 37’s.
     
    Until then...as always, comments welcomed...
     
    Pete
     
  6. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    A debrief from the excellent Stafford show of last weekend. I did draft up the post last week but as I was getting used to the new software I managed to delete the entry just as I was about to post it   Start again, fresh eyes...
     
    As previous entries have described, I decided to replace the two turnouts to try and improve running as they were built almost 10 years ago. This turned out to include other remedials and more than I had anticipated in the last few months. The two turnouts were laid, tested, painted and ballasted. I had removed the front fascia to make access easier and the backscene, ramp and bridge was also removed as part of the upgrade. I had printed three backscenes originally so had two spare - the previous one was removed to reveal the curved vinyl sheet I had found in our studio - I had forgotten it had a gold outer side so it made for an interesting in progress shot  I then applied the backscene and the two new fascia pieces laser previously cut from 3mm plywood. Whilst I was at it, I decided to upgrade and simplify the operators side fascia. This has removed the redundant switches from the DC operation and now has just the two turnouts and the five uncoupling slots. The fascia was cut from 1mm veneer and the trackplan and slots formed using a sharp scalpel, changing the blade regularly. To achieve the red effect it is mounted onto a sheet of stout red card from our studio. Finally the fascia was repainted and the lettering reapplied. 
     
    So all all set to go but the weekend before revealed some inconsistencies with the two turnouts which was still there Friday morning 3 hours before I was due to leave for Stafford  My thanks are due to Mark F (2mm Mark of this Parish) who kindly came to help resolve it...By various tests with my meter and probing Mark found the station turnout had a dead frog feed and both switches to operate the turnouts were dead  Knowing was there little time to replace them we set upon a temporary lash up to get me through the weekend, with two new switches hanging out the backscene to change polarity and the old switches disconnected but used for changing the point throw only. Shortly after I was on my way to Stafford, arriving to set up the Friday evening - have never been to a show where you can back up your car virtually to your exhibition space  Was also extremely honoured that Kylie (as Mr Yorke refered to it ) was depicted on the front of the show catalogue - many thanks Colin.
     
    The layout performed well at the show, bar some loco failures (prompting a bit of an overlap between time periods) and I have a few things for the to do list. I received a lot of nice comments on the layout, a lot of people surprised how small it was...one commented the picture on the catalogue was bigger  
     
    My thanks are due to Bryn, Andy H and David L all of this parish for helping out some periods allowing me to get some breaks as well as see the show. A lot of nice layouts, it was great to see some old faces and meet some new ones. I also trialled the new Kylie T-shirt (when temps changed from early morning cold to very busy hot) which Mark B (46444) joked that I should produce...it has the current Kylie tour dates on the back...the layout just needs some roadies now 
     
    Here are a few pictures showing some progress as well as the layout at the show. 
     
    As always, comments are welcome...
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  7. bcnPete
    Evening all and a very Happy Christmas to you,
     
    Have been chipping away at progress and almost ready to start scenic repairs again.
     
    The second turnout was installed in position yesterday having first gapped it, cleaned with Vim and then sprayed with a coat of primer...as before sky blue was all I had at hand
     
    One thing you will note is the backscene and also the ramp/bridge have been removed now. This was twofold, firstly the bridge railing was getting damaged and secondly the tie bar was sitting right beneath it so installation of the turnout aligning with two diverging roads at one end and the traverser board was difficult
     
    They have been set aside for repairs and reinstallation. The turnout was added, new wires added where necessary and the wire in tube has been replaced with new run partly as it fell in the next sleeper bay. Once levelled and aligned using work business card slithers, it was attached with superglue.
     
    This morning I got to run a few tests with the locos and most locos run through a lot smoother now including to the siding at the front. It looked a bit loco heavy at Kyle this morning during testing
     
    The wiring despite being simplified to DCC now is still a bit complicated for my liking involving lots of chocolate box connectors and 4/5 wires streaming from them ...before I tackle the scenics I might just take a look again at this with fresh eyes and see if I can install some busbars.
     
    Overall, a lot happier now and hope to do some more over the festive period.
     
    A couple of pics from earlier and vids if I uploaded correctly...
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Best wishes to you,
     
    Pete
  8. bcnPete

    Kyle - Further update...

    By bcnPete,

    Evening all,
     
    Following on from the last entry I have since managed to simplify the wiring and the new turnout is in place and trains run through it - a couple of locos need a check on their Back to Backs before I start tweaking the frogs...which was a downfall of the previous ones I think.
     
    With this in mind I decided to build the second replacement turnout under the road bridge as the layout has quite a few shows over 2019/2020. I started this yesterday afternoon before bad light stopped play and continued fresh this morning. A test wagon and coach appear to run through smoothly so next week it will be gapped, primed and then a few key wires added as before.
     
    This will be an interesting fit as just overlaying it with the two diverging roads means the tiebar will sit right at the edge of the scenic baseboard so I will need to rip out the existing wire in tube under the platform and reroute a new one.
     
    I will try to get the old turnout cut out and the new one installed this side of Christmas to leave redoing the fascia and scenics in January.
     
    Overall, progress is on programme I think
     
    A few pics...
     

    Old School on the turnouts using the 2mm Association jigs...
     

    A few easitrac sleepers on the ends to keep alignment...
     

    Dropped in place for test fit...
     
    Comments welcome as always...
     
    Pete
  9. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Viewers alerted by wiring nightmares should avert their eyes now... As per usual with my blog entries they are a mix of positive and negative experiences but it’s all about the process and how we get there, right?
     
    This weekend I looked to test the turnout in situ before spraying and glueing in place. The loco ran smoothly up to the turnout and onto the frog area then kept shorting out...I swopped over wires and checked for gaps on the PCB...then it occurred to me that I had not gapped the tie bar made from a PCB sleepers turned on its side... Once this was sorted it ran through, but then shorted when the blades were switched the other way As you know, electrics are not my forte so I pondered whether to re-wire the layout from scratch. The main problem is the basic electrics were done 10 years ago as a DC layout and then modified more recently for DCC. So switched sections all add to the extra wires underneath.
     
    Now the fascia has been removed it’s not so easy to flip the layout upside down anymore so a few temporary card sides were cut to give a good surface to review the base. It really is a mish mash and although has been reliable at shows (bar the intermittent turnout) it is too complicated and am not sure why I compounded this by using about 6 different coloured wires!
     

    What a mess for such a simple layout!...
     
    So I pondered over lunch and a few glasses of white wine what to do. Decision was made. Strip out and renew as much as I can, but simplifying in the process. I will leave the DC capability but permanently wire the sections together. I also drew one of those wiring diagrams with the two coloured pens as a I tend to use blue and red these days for + and - and yellow for turnout frogs. This was drawn reversed so I can compare when the layout is upside down.
     

    Wiring diagram from below...
     
    I then took out the cutters to start snipping. It reminded me of that 70’s movie with Richard Harris (I think) where they had to defuse a bomb...”cut the blue wire...no, cut the red wire” ...So I cut most of them and then labelled as I went along with simple blue and red tags as to what I think they ought to be.
     

    Wires cut and tagged ready to be rationalised...
     
    That’s pretty much where I left it as the light was fading and I think I need to start this with fresh eyes and a few hours run at it. Hopefully next weekend I can make a start. It means a slight step back in programme however in the long run it seems to be the right thing to do as I have quite a few shows lined up for 2019 and some in 2020.
     
    Hopefully once it’s complete, the layout will run a lot smoother and the simplified underside can match the simplified top side!
     

    Hard to believe that a layout with just two turnouts could be a mess of spaghetti underneath!...
     
    As always, comments welcome...
     
    Pete
  10. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    The trip to Wycrail yesterday allowed me to make a few purchases and undertake some further work today on the new track insert(s) - A set of Xuron track cutters, new soldering iron 2mm chisel bit and a soldering iron cleaner were ticked off the shopping list.
     
    First thing today I finished the tie bar started with Mark the other week. This was first drilled to allow for the wire in tube mechanism. Once installed it allowed me to trim the frog ends of the turnout to match the existing trackwork diverging roads. The new track cutters are perfect for this. Then the toe end was trimmed to suit.
     
    To pack up the height a tad, I cut up a few of my spare business cards - a good stout piece of card and a little free advertising before I cover with paint and ballast I could then drop in the turnout and check fit and look at connection to the existing wire in tube which protrudes from the platform face. A slot was also cut as the tie bar is a sleeper turned 90 degrees.
     
    This has been modified by inserting a new fresh piece of wire and I need to do further work to get the throw right with the switch - previously had an omega loop but have cut open the back of the fascia incase I need to reroute it.
     
    I then soldered some feed wires to the turnout namely outer rails and frog and holes were drilled through baseboards accordingly. Gapping the turnout was completed once I had run a through bits of stock through it and so far it seems to have taken to its setting quite well. Next weekend I will look to hook up the wires and check running ideally before glueing it in place. The last exercise was to wash and scrub the turnout with Vim using a toothbrush - must remember to stash it in my tool box than let it find it’s way back into the bathroom...although my teeth could do with whitening
     
    Here’s a few pics from today and as always comments welcome.
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

     

  11. bcnPete

    kyle - makeover III...

    By bcnPete,

    Evening all,
     
    Something I mentioned in my last blog update was that I wanted to replace the turnout(s) which had intermittent faults. The more troublesome being the turnout in the station having power issues as well as the odd derailment when running around. The other suffers the occaisional derailments when reversing wagons.
     
    Mark Fielder of this parish kindly offered to help me as viewers of my blogs know my track building skills need improvement Seeing as how I took this week off for 1/2 term, a day was arranged with Mark and yesterday we started by first analysing the problem. Essentially no power was getting to part of the frog area so generally the 37’s made it across it but the 26’s and 24’s were temperamental. It had to go rather than remove offending material.
     
    We started with an overview of turnout building in PCB and rail as the previous turnouts I recall were built as a hybrid first easitrac kits with a few interlaced PCB sleepers. This time I wanted to use all PCB. We used the 2mm Association jigs and began with the straight rail, followed by constructing the V and then dropped this in after adding the curved rail. At this point I was happy for Mark to take the lead and I watch as the frog was always my downfall. Mark had lots of great tips and techniques which I hope to employ on the next turnout I construct. The tie bar is work in progress not helped by me leaving it at Mark’s house that afternoon!
     
    This afternoon I decided to remove a few areas to make the work easier. Firstly, the removal of the telegraph pole, pallet and very fine TPM mesh fence which will be reinstated. The small projecting sign was also removed from the station building for good measure.
     
    Next up, the fascia had to go to actually get into the area as it will need some creative thinking wielding a soldering iron at some point The fascia will be recut at work on the laser cutter but I will probably opt for a different material as card is a bit too vulnerable.
     
    I then cut out the old turnout which had to be in pieces due to the ballast holding it firm. The wire in tube operation can just be seen poking through the platform so I hope to be able to link up with that. We made the turnout oversized and once I purchase some Xuron track cutters will trim it to the required length and then look at packers to bring it level. I will finish the tie bar and gap the turnout ready, cut to size and then (after a clean up) spray it grey primer before inserting it. Painting will only be completed once it is in place and trains are hopefully running smoothly. I will then make a judgement on whether I replace the other turnout which is located partially under the bridge
     
    The deadline is to have it revamped in time for the Stafford show early February 2019 as that is a weekend show so I need the running to be much better than it is currently.
     
    I would just like to extend my thanks to Mark Fielder again for his time, patience and help in building this turnout and I hope I can get it looking as good and as smoothing running as all his layouts
     
    Here are a few pictures...
     

     
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcome!
     
    Thanks, Pete
  12. bcnPete
    Evening peeps,
     
    A small update on progress. Been busy at work with deadlines but have managed a few work sessions on Wenford to keep mojo going.
     
    First up, and not my strong point was tidying the wiring up. This involved completey redoing the wire in tube turnouts with new wires and plastic sheathing and locating the switch permanently as part of the support structure. This has helped cure the intermittent shorts I was getting when testing. I also bought some self adhesive cable ties from that well known internet site as well as some new mounting pads to lift the layout about 10mm of the surface, giving clearance to the surface mounted wiring. The wiring is about as neat as I can get it and helps just having three main colours.
     
    Today I reworked the lights having yesterday purchased an LED cable strip at 5m in length forgetting the layout is split in two halves Luckily I was able to swap it out this morning for a 912mm cool white LED light. This will be repeated for the second board and I must say really makes a difference when the lights are on. Always good to have integrated Iighting on a layout as when we exhibit it is usually in large sports halls with inadequate lighting
     
    Following this was a quick (Ahem ) testing session. It’s amazing the fun that can be had by just shunting a wagon off the front road and into the small siding - look forward to get the Dapol DCC sound chipped one running again on it. For the moment the BB 08 works perfectly.
     
    Next up will be finish the lighting and then I can start tweaking the trackwork. Apart from the front track, most of it is engulfed in a concrete apron so I will need to think whether I go the DAS route or some sort of foamboard/card infills. Then I can start making the carcass for the buildings in the background.
     
    A few pics below...
     

    The surface mounted wiring...
     

    The addition of the lighting on the LHS really makes a difference...
     

    Rear fascia incorporates a small programming track which is hidden by dries building...HB in Oz too ...
     

    Some wagon shuffling in progress...
     

    Removing the 20T van and relocating in the siding takes some doing...
     

    And then swapping for a clay hood...
     

    End wall will have a mirror to extend perspective...
     

    Lighting seen from operators side...
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  13. bcnPete
    Afternoon peeps,
     
    Followers of my blogs and threads will note this is a usual post in the evolution of anyone of my projects...and now it’s time for Meeth
     
    Following completion of ballasting I was shocked at just how bad the running qualities were of the layout, which prompted the recent foray into my 7mm project.
     
    However a trip to Railwells a few weeks ago, saw Mick Simpson’s superb 2FS Callaton layout and the running qualities were enviable so I decided to get out the scrapers, screwdrivers and various dental tools at my disposal to try and get the layout running.
     
    Following 1/2 hr of said work above, it was still pretty awful so I decided to bite the bullet and rip it up...turnout included. After all, if you can’t get a single track and siding running sweetly, what hope is there?
     
    So, much scraping and hacking later, I have now removed it and I will rethink my tactics. Am tempted to try the method of laying the sleepers, ballasting and then threading the rail. I might also return to the dry ballast and dilute PVA application as for some time I have been applying painstakingly by paintbrush...
     
    In other news I have just returned from 10 days in Ibiza where I managed to break a rib following an accident involving one of those inflatabliles towed at high speed behind a speedboat...so the next 6 weeks may be thinking rather than doing time as it hurts when I stoop over the layout
     
    Here’s where we are at...cue 80’s song by Orange Juice...
     

     

     

     

     
    As always...comments welcome...
     
    Pete
  14. bcnPete
    Morning all,
     
    A quick further update to report that I completed the ply fascia to the second Lack shelf this weekend.
     
    Same process as last time and when the boards were aligned together the two middle ends meet up quite nicely with only a mil or two difference in the top cantilevered fascia. Once its all painted in my standard grey paint finish hopefully it will look the part.
     
    The other good news is despite it being a bit of a 7mm beast in the Matcham household I have found a way to store it so it does not take up a lot more room than when it was just two Lack shelves with some track on. So far, no complaints have been lodged
     
    Next up is the layout lighting and I might return to using the extendable Ikea LED strip lights as I bought a shed load in BCN. Priority after that is to tidy the electrics and secure the wire in tube point/switches in place as the temporary nature of that may be causing sone of the shorts I occasionally get.
     
    A few pics attached.
     
    Whilst I am enjoying this 7mm excursion I do now have a plan in place to replace the two turnouts on Kyle so work on that will make a reappearance towards the last quarter of the year.
     
    As always, comments welcome...
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

  15. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Small update as I managed to get all the fascia cut at work over a couple of evenings - did a dry assembly and needed to cut a few more bits again.
     
    This morning I decided to take the plunge and apply PVA to the 3mm ply pieces with the aim of completing one Lack board today. 50% done and am happy so far - the cross bracing is my usual approach for my recent layouts using 50mm outriggers at the rear to strengthen the cantilever - now the PVA has dried it is all pretty rigid now.
     
    You will note there is a small gap as in hindsight I should have added an extra couple of millimetres onto the Lack board overall dimensions but I can fill this so I did not let that halt progress. I also have cut back the rails on the end with the solid panel as I intend to get a bespoke cut 4mm mirror installed to try and see if this encourages some perspective of the shed - let’s see if this is successful or not.
     
    Next weekend I hope to complete the other end so they can butt together and then it’s lighting next.
     
    Here’s a few pics of today’s progress...
     

    Components laid out on DRT...
     

    Overall front on view...
     

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

    Other end view...
     

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

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

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The next move is to tweak the CAD work and then I can start cutting the fascias in ply and thinking about lighting. It will make the boards heavier and a little more difficult to store but I will ponder that one.
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  17. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    I have decided to set up a blog of my 7mm efforts mainly as I prefer the blog format to the layout threads...too much scrolling backwards to find stuff!
     
    This project was started back in BCN when I was having a 2mmFS lowpoint and I confess there is something nice about jumping between the two different scales. Rather than repeat, I will do a short summary intro here but if anyone would like to read in more detail the thread can be found here:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/12616-wenford-dries-7mm-1983/
     
    Having always been drawn to China clay and my preference these days for building extracts from prototypes to try and capture the atmosphere, Wenford came in to being probably from an image seen in Maurice Darts superb book ‘Cornish china clay trains in colour’. This seemed the ideal chance to build a small 7mm toe dipping exercise in the senior scale.
     
    A Bachmann Brassworks 08 was purchased secondhand and at that time I think the Dapol 08 was not known about. This was followed with 4 Skytrex clay hoods, a Skytrex vent van and a Slaters Brake van kit to recreate the photo from the book. Could this be the first layout where I had bought all the stock prior to layout construction and not end up with an inversely disproportionate stock box to the size of the layout? Well...it could have been if Dapol hadn’t have brought out that 08 at bargain prices!
     
    It started with a sketch as most of my layout ideas do...and the use of Ikea Lack shelves as boards...
     

     
    This was developed into a small scale model in white card...
     

     
    Mock ups were produced using crude track templates...this took some time to get right...
     

     
    This was then mocked up with boxes to give a sense of the dries building...
     

     
    Track building commenced in UK using C+L turnout in a bag kits...and Deb’s 31.5mm gauges
     

     
    Track was completed and wired a couple of years ago...
     

     
    And then that Dapol 08 appeared which just had to be purchased...
     

     
    Following some running sessions it all went quiet again until now as I am having another 2mmFS low point! Time to refocus and good to zoom out a little.
     
    This brings us almost up to date as the next step is to laser cut the fascias at work from 3mm plywood. I have drawn the CAD plans but decided to mock up the proscenium arch before I cut out 10 or so sheets of ply Armed with foamboard last weekend and a couple of hours I mocked up one end and some of the building at the rear. This led me to reduce the viewable part of the layout to 250mm high which given the width is ok I think proportionately (the initial 300mm height looked too much when first made)
     
    It’s crude but has allowed me to tweak the CAD plans accordingly so well worth the effort. Infact I have just brought home some more foamboard to review and build the opposite end and I may try to undertake that this weekend. Here’s some images of the mock up...
     

     

     

     

     
    The main idea of this layout is to try and demonstrate that it’s possible to have a bit of fun in a small space even with 7mm scale. Although quite limited in its scope, it does allow you to shuffle and rearrange the wagons around and the Dapol 08 is soundchipped with the Paul Chetter DCC sound chip which sounds terrific. Another board could be added to the right hand end to make the passing loop but for the moment the aim is to try and complete this as a way of gradually easing into the scale due to more and more frustrations with eyesight and patience as I grow older
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  18. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    An update from the Billericay show yesterday. A nice small friendly show set in 3 buildings joined by a garden...the Mayor arrived for a scheduled 30 minute visit...and ended up staying 2 hours! His driver was well impressed by the sounds from the 37’s just as he remembered them.
     
    Overall, the layout behaved although some stock has been withdrawn to have a look at on the workbench - my once reliable 37/4 seems to suffer from cut out of the lights and sound regularly - might remove the body and see how it runs without it. The corridor connections from the previous post were actually removed just before as they need thinning down - together with the knuckle couplings it seems to derail them so that’s another one to look at.
     
    The big decision of the day is that I have decided to replace both the turnouts...or rather elements of them, especially the common crossings. This will be an interesting manoeuvre for the soldering iron due to the fascia...I may have to remove it and remake this if it proves cumbersome. The turnout in the station has had for sometime an intermittent electrical fault and the occasional derailment so I have decided this needs to be sorted for the two day show in Stafford February 2019. After all, the track dates back to its original box file incarnation which was for 2010.
     
    Two other outcomes from the day were Stoke City getting relegated (lifelong supporter) and my youngest son deciding that this would probably be the last show he attended with me as he is now not enjoying it as much as he used to. He is nearly 15 now so I was assuming he would follow the same path as his brother did around this age. Shame though, as he has been a reliable operator, great helper in setting up/dismantling and also good company
     
    Back to the show, I had some very nice comments and received three verbal invites, two already sent by email. The seethrough black cloth also gave way to the original black drape I bought for my CJM layout...thankfully and hopefully now the attention is refocused on the layout not the supporting structure
     
    A few pics of KoL from the show...I have posted some other pics of the day on the exhibition thread here if of interest:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/133536-billericay-model-railway-group-exhibition-5th-may-2018/?p=3154062
     

    My son already distracted by his phone after set up...
     

    New black curtain tidies the base...
     

    37025 was the star of the day...great sound from this tractor...different to 37414...
     

    On standby next to the inspection saloon...
     
    Overall a good day out and expect to see the next update on turnout replacements...
     
    As always, comments welcome
     
    Pete
  19. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    Following Kyle’s exhibition last weekend, it’s time to crack back on with Meeth. I will be redoing the turnouts on Kyle (mentioned in the last post) but I want to think that through a bit first.
     
    Following a number of tests with the photograph, David (Kylestrome) kindly offered to take the photo I had and extend it and do some photoshop...namely remove the large tree from it and cut and paste in some smaller ones. David then sent me a new file and I managed to track down the same place that printed the Kyle one, even though they have moved from near our office.
     
    The photo needed to be uploaded to their website as a PDF file and I chose an A1 extended format which gives extra length but restricted height - perfect for what I required. I first prepared a file in Adobe Indesign to the dimensions of the print and as there was a bit of extra height I decided to use this up with a slice of extra sky - this will be used for the cross member fascia support. The file was then exported as a PDF file.
     

     
    This was the image after they returned it - turnaround (printed in Germany I think) was less than a week.
     
    I then cut and made a plastic former as I had on Kyle for this to bond to rather than the ply. I went for the low tac version of the print again, which unlike Kyle had a removable peelable thin plastic layer. The plastic former was cut from a sheet from work and was about 1mm thick so easiest to bend but solid enough.
     
    This was inserted dry into the space various times and openings cut and trimmed accordingly. I then overlaid the plastic sheet onto the printed backscene and gave it an overall initial trim. When I was happy with the white plastic former I attached it to the ply with strong double sided tape as thus...
     

     

     
    Finally, the backscene had its clear plastic backing protective layer removed and it was offered in...no mean feat as it had to be fixed either side of the fascia cross support, working outwards. I smoothed it in with a tissue and then trimmed with a knife at the base and the top, trying to avoid any creases. I then repeated for the other side and as per Kyle, it’s low tac but adheres well to the plastic. Here’s the finished article...
     

     
    This is from a head on camera shot...of course when you look a bit lower you can see the bottom and sides of the fascia mid support, however that is why I printed the extra sky so I can cover these faces...painting the underside blue rather than the grey it currently is
     

     
    Overall I am happy with it. I can now finish the ballasting then add further layers of static grass and blend them in to the colour of the base where the two meet.
     
    Many thanks to David again for his help with the backscene tweaking
     
    As always, comments welcome
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete

    Kyle goes to TOWIE...

    By bcnPete,

    Evening all - smashing weather the last few days
     
    Last year I accepted an invite to the Billericay Model Railway Group one day show on 5th May 2018, so Kyle is Essex bound.
     
    It’s a small one day show which is my preference at the moment juggling the hobby with work and family commitments as many of us do.
     
    I wanted to try and do some work on the rolling stock for the show, having now got two class 24’s sound fitted. My priority was to try and get 37025 (purchased from TMC as 37035) also sound chipped to go alongside 37414...so I could run the layout with 24’s in the late 70’s period and the 37’s as the early 80’s period - all with sound - thanks again to Nic Bastable for sending me in this direction - not green Nic, more red in terms of my credit card
     
    I purchased the same sound chip and sugar cube speaker from Digitrains for the 37/0 with Paul Chetter sound - which is impressive. As before, they kindly pre soldered the chip wires to the speaker. To get it to fit I repeated as per 37414 by removing the lid of the speaker, cutting off the top by a few millimetres and then made a new top from 5 thou plasticard coloured with a permanent black marker pen. This then sits better inside the loco which has less room as I lowered it as with my previous 37...note I prefer this approach than the raising the bogies method.
     
    The other thing was to hard wire the lights. The wires are so thin and temperamental so getting rid of the PCB at each end made for some more room but the thin wire I purchased kept snagging so I ended up using normal layout wire as I call it. I know some peeps think the lights are a bit bright compared to the reality...but the high intensity light is pretty cool...and it does help see which way the loco is about to move off as the Daisy II has a continuous knob for the throttle.
     
    The 37 has been renumbered with Precision Decals, detail added one end and a DG coupling the other end. Final touch was to weather it with some powders.
     
    Next up was some corridor connections which Andy Stroud (Blueball Summit) kindly told me about for the MK II rake. These are MBM and good value for money and close the gap left by use of the Dapol knuckle couplings. I was going to also add them to the MK I rake then realised that the BG was always centred in the three coach trains to be close to the ramp. So I kind of guessed you wouldn’t let people walk through the train...unless someone can show me evidence to the contrary.
     
    Finally (thanks for the tip off Steve Nicholls) some work on the new Bachfar Kyle line coaches which although only available as the digital train set pack, were seen as split out from a pack on E-bay. A must have purchase having asked them at Alley Pally if they would release the coaches separately and been told possibly next year. Would be great if they could replicate the Met Cam observation coach too as per the 00 version.
     
    The coaches were joined with the corridor connections and lightly weathered. They always look pretty clean in the pics I have however the rooves were a bit shiny and so I toned these down and brushed some powders into the bogies and underframe too.
     
    Am looking forward to run the layout at the show in two weeks time and see how the new stock is received. I will ask the exhibition manager if he can set up a thread on here for the show, failing that, perhaps I will.
     
    Here’s a few photos of progress off the workbench...the next update after the show will perhaps have them on the layout itself.
     
    Please do come and say hello if you are coming to the show
     

    37414 and 37025...
     

    Both locos visited Kyle...
     

    Early MK II rake with corridor connections...
     

    Close up of MBM connections...
     

    Kyle line stock...
     

    Close up again with MBM connections...
     

    37025 and Kyle line stock...
     

    37414 and 37025...layout too small to double head them...
     

    Cruel close up...love the lights...
     
    As always, comments welcome
     
    Pete
  21. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    There’s been a bit more progress on the layout recently. David kindly offered to help out with the backscene image so am currently awaiting to do another test print and fit at work before I commit to vinyl.
     
    I have also been working on the track adding chairs, cut from the easitrac sprues and adding to the PCB turnout. These and all the other chairs have been touched in with rust colour paint and a small test area of ballast has been undertaken - firstly the sleepers were weathered with a mix of brown and red powders dry brushed in - am using the same approach as I did on Kyle here.
     
    Next up the scenics were sealed with a coat of burnt sienna bought from the craft shop - this also helps to avoid white patches coming through from the Sculptamold product.
     
    Finally, the first layer of grass has been added. I have purchased a new static grass machine last week and am very pleased with it - replaces the previous teastrainer looking one I had and hopefully less shocks off this one
     
    I have used 2mm dead leaves as the first layer and onto that I will work in other lengths of grass gradually. The idea is to tone it down towards the rear either with paints or straw coloured grass so it dresses in with the base of the backscene...well that’s the plan anyway
     
    I think once the backscene is installed I will complete the ballast and then perhaps make a start on the building...then I can bed that in and work the scenery around it...things aren’t going too bad considering the 2mm DJLC is in 2020...
     
    A few pics of progress...
     

    Brown base colour added...
     

    Test ballast...need to infill under rail...
     

    New static grass applicator...
     

    View 1...
     

    View 2...
     

    View 3...

    View 4...
     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  22. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    A little progress since the last post has concentrated on trying to sort the backscene early so I can dress the scenery into it.
     
    I started to look at a number of readymade backscene available but felt none really suited the context. My fallback is to paint the sky pale blue as there will be trees in front however I first did some research around Meeth and happened by chance to find two landscape photos from an Estate agent selling a house in Meeth and there were accompanying views of surrounding land.
     
    I want to repeat what I did at Kyle which is basically a vinyl colour print which I applied onto a plastic sheet from some leftovers at the office model shop. This has worked really well and has not crinkled or delaminated since applied a few years ago.
     
    The photo was cropped in photoshop and printed to A1 in length on the office colour printer. It’s a little hazy due to being a small image but I kind of like that as it’s supposed to be in the background
     
    The first attempt was cut and carved to drop into the layout to give a feel although the second attempt this morning seems to work better. The scale of the trees can I think hold their own for a 2mm layout. I have dropped in place the building from the mock up to give a bit more of a feel to it and also added the Farish 25 which needs its wheels turned down and sound chipped...
     
    Overall I am quite pleased with it and may well try to get a few images on one sheet as I did for Kyle so I have some spares. It cost about £25 for the printing last time but I think it’s worth it and it means I can crack on with the soft landscaping which will take me out of my comfort zone.
     
    A few pics from today - please note it’s a quick n dirty exercise hence the chopping out of the sky around the timber fascia supports - I will of course make a template to undertake the final insertion. By the way, the fascia light is switched on as that is how the final presentation will be perceived.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Following the comments received here’s the first attempt at it...perhaps the scale is better on this and I just need to take out the big tree and fade to sky at the edges...
     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcomed,
     
    Pete
  23. bcnPete

    scenics started...

    By bcnPete,

    Evening all,
     
    Following the decision to drop Thurso and move the Exeter mock up to the garage has allowed me to refocus and concentrate on the one project again - Meeth.
     
    Having wired it at the last entry this weekend saw the installation of the backscene former. I decided to crack on and glue it in place as otherwise I would have faffed about I am in two minds whether to do a plain blue sky backdrop or use a digital photo as per Kyle. I did find a photo of a Meeth landscape last week on a local estate agents guff for selling a property - I will undertake some trials with that.
     
    This weekend saw the track primed first in grey car primer and then sprayed with a track colour (weathered sleepers) bought recently at a show...however, whilst I was expecting brown it appears to be more a grey colour...not sure how this will look with grey ballast - that needs a rethink
     
    The scenery contours were then formed in 1mm white card to get the rough profiles. Looking at the prototype, there is a gentle slope to the rear with some profiled ground to the front. On top of this I applied a layer of Sculptamold, which I always use since ‘Missy’ Julia tipped me off about it a few years ago. Nice stuff to work with and whilst perhaps not as smooth as Pollyfilla it can be sanded afterwards.
     
    Finally the railheads have been cleaned up and I will retest trains next week.
     
    Next job will probably be to apply some brown paint to the land forms and start with a base of static grass.
     
    Here’s a few pics of progress...
     

    Curved ply backscene installed and white card contours applied...
     

    Track was primed and then sprayed...
     

    View looking towards goods shed...
     

    View towards turnout...
     
    As always, comments welcomed...
     
    Pete
  24. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Just to confirm that following a lot of recent thoughts, especially over the weekend I have decided that I will no longer be pursuing this layout so effectively withdrawing from the MRJ Cameo layout competition.
     
    Firstly I would like to say a big thanks to Richard (Ben Alder) for supplying me with lots of information and photographs of the area which enabled much research, one of my favourite parts of the hobby.
     
    It started a long time ago as a stand alone layout...which then morphed into an extension of Kyle which in itself I thought was an interesting idea to have a central Fiddleyard serving trains at either end. Progress on fascia and boards went well but the track making was as always my undoing. My recent excursion into Meeth partially restored that, but when I took the layout out yesterday to review it, it dawned on me that it was just not the right project for me now. Having previously only built layouts with 2 turnouts (2mmFS) and 3 turnouts (7mm), my golden rule being a maximum of 3 , I should have seen the signs with 4 turnouts!
     
    It also dawned on me that Kyle was built as a micro layout and tries to demonstrate that a layout can be built in a small space...this layout was going to be almost twice the scenic length and would mean revisiting all the support structure, additional support trestles and even more of a squeeze to get in the car.
     
    It will be bubble wrapped and stored in the garage but it’s unlikely to see the light of day again. Instead I will complete Meeth for the 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee in 2020 and then perhaps I will start to move into 7mm as wearing a jewellers headset with lenses is taking some of the fun out of the hobby for me. This is coming from a guy who had laser surgery a couple of years ago but still needs close up specs due to my age
     
    I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in the project from the outset, all your comments and enthusiasm and I trust you will understand this decision which I feel now reflects where I am going with the hobby.
     
    Thank you,
     
    Pete
  25. bcnPete

    phase one - check...

    By bcnPete,

    Happy New Year all,
     
    Quick update on progress and perhaps the point to draw a line underneath it...for the moment.
     
    To recap, following my track building incapabilities on Thurso, I decided to build the track for Meeth to act as a test bed for a way forward. After experiments I decided I would return to build turnouts in PCB and use easitrac for the plain track areas. The goal was to try and have the layout wired by 2018
     
    After a flurry of activity in the last few days, I am pleased to have hit my target. It might be a simple layout to wire, but wiring comes a close second to my track building abilities
     
    This time I have tried to use bus wires as the underside of Kyle is not too dissimilar to that well known road junction outside Birmingham
    I have probably introduced more feeds than required and also wired the working catch point so as not to rely on blade contact alone. The main turnout is controlled by my usual low tech wire in tube and a dpdt slide switch. I was trying to link it with the catch point so one throw did both...but having two omega loops gave problems so I will introduce a separate switch for that one.
     
    My latest thoughts are to not have enclosed Fiddleyards as at 600mm long each, it will be a bit overkill for the layout - a 66.6 v 33.3 % ratio of non scenic to scenic on display For testing purposes I have made a 450mm long stick which can be offered up as required whilst I ponder this one some more.
     
    I have run it with DC using one of those battery controllers and yesterday connected it to the Daisy DCC. Some minor fettling of the turnout is required but locos seem to run through ok...in reality probably only a 25 and 31 will be used.
     
    Of more concern is the wagons as they suffer from being too light to propel. This will be one of the main movements of the layout so I think I will have to address this when I build the clay wagons by stuffing some lead beneath the flat tarps.
     
    Here’s a few pics of what has been described above:
     

    Overall set up...
     

    Temporary 450mm stick cassette...
     

    Underside showing wiring...
     

    Wire in tube for turnout operation...
     

    Looking towards the shed end...apertures will be cut once shed is built...
     

    Other end mainly for run off and run around...
     

    Class 25 needs its wheels turned down...but it already looks the part on the layout...
     
    And that’s about it for the moment on this project. I might spray the track brown and pick out the chairs ready for ballasting but I do need to get back on Thurso as that is now behind programme. The slight excursion to get this to a state where I can restart straight on the scenics has not been regretted though and hopefully I can launch into rebuilding the Thurso track ready for say Easter.
     
    As always, comments welcomed,
     
    Pete
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