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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Quick update on Meeth.
     
    Having condemned all the trackwork on Thurso (a regular episode in my track building ) it was time to stand back and re-evaluate. I decided the best way was try a few experiments and the simplicity of the Meeth layout lends itself to this.
     
    Firstly, a return to turnouts made from PCB and code 40 bullhead. This followed on from my struggles with the easitrac turnout kits...great kits...but just not for me. Also some plain track and some using etches chairs. Unfortunately I found the Versaline system too fiddly for me...and opted not to buy all the jigs required to make the turnouts.
     
    The overall decision is that I will construct turnouts using PCB and bullhead and use easitrac for the plain track. As much as I love to see a layout with all the track handmade, I felt that not having chairs on the plain track was a loss considering the looks of easitrac.
     
    So Meeth track will be built and wired and once it is running smoothly I will put on hold and repeat the methods for Thurso as this has to be complete for the MRJ competition 2019, still leaving time for Meeth for the 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee 2020.
     
    Next up was preparing the curved backscene formers which will be constructed from 0.5mm ply sheet from the studio model shop. This was made in two pieces and cut with a scalpel to fit. They are loose fit at the moment and once the track insert is in place the respective holes can be cut in the fascia for FY access.
     
    Lastly was the track insert, this time using 1.0mm ply sheet, again cut with a scalpel. This is removable to allow the track to built offsite on my DRT (as the fascia is in place restricting access etc.)
     
    This afternoon, the turnout was positioned and easitrac plain track laid. A few cut lost wax brass sleepers are installed at the relevant places to aid wiring. I need to gap the sleepers on the turnout and construct a catch point in the siding (a first for me) but the basic track has been glued down in place.
     
    A few pictures attached to capture progress with newly purchased Farish class 25 which will primarily be used for this project - the aim is to try and get this laid and wired by the end of 2017 to allow it to be shelved and return to Thurso.
     
    Overall, I feel a lot happier about this approach again now.
     

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

    Back to basics...
     

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

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

    View towards where turnout will be located...
     

    View towards where golds shed will be located...
     

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

    Ditto...catch point to be constructed next...holes have been formed for wire in tube operations...
     
    Comments welcome as always,
     
    Pete
  2. bcnPete

    one for my bucket list...

    By bcnPete,

    Afternoon all,
     
    Worry not...this is not another project...just yet...but an idea I have had for a layout for a long time and during my recent track building crisis (now over ) I decided to build the mock up to test it and get it out of my system - having done so, it will drop back into due pecking order for my layout ideas.
     
    I did briefly consider it as a competition entry but it fits with neither the MRJ or 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee criteria so it will be built to the dimensions as planned.
     
    For a long time, I have wanted to capture my memories of standing on the ends of the platform at Exeter St Davids’ during family holidays west. Usually a day would be spent on the west end watching movements up and down the incline. What I loved was the diversity of motive power in those days (most of which I have accumulated over the years of 2mm modelling) and how busy the station was.
     
    As I get older, I am more attracted to building smaller layouts due to available time, space and money constraints. There is also less chance of boredom too - hat duly doffed to all those with large layouts over many years. I prefer extracts of real prototypes with a degree of compromise to include all the elements so as people can recognise them.
     
    My idea is to use the 1/2 station concept and try and capture a slice of the action across the platforms on a typical busy day at ESD. Ironically, I have chosen the eastern end as I felt it was more interesting. It includes part of the bay platform, the goods shed opposite as a back drop and the rather iconic towers on the platforms supporting the footbridge and (I recall) containing the lifts. The platform canopy partially obscures the view so wil be etched at work. Think brute trollies, semaphore signals and BR signage.
     
    The dimensions are 450mm by 300mm depth and uses my same dimensions of fascia as per my recent layouts. This works in terms of viewing letterbox and lighting. One other idea is to have the layout mounted at eye level so you look through and across the platforms - one thing I am uncomfortable about with this is it means it’s not fully inclusive so people in wheelchairs can’t view it. One to ponder more.
     
    The main concept is to have something always moving, be it a HST arriving, parcels wagons being shunted into the bay platform, a DMU departing, a short freight being tripped through the central road or a loco hauled passenger train...oh how I miss those days! Locos would be DCC and ideally sound chipped. No turnouts feature so can all be built in easitrac so if rewheeling gets expensive I can be selective.
     
    The Fiddleyard would be based upon those of KoL using mini shelf runners and a viewing slot to get a cheeky glimpse of the rolling stock.
     
    The other idea is that it can be fairly timeless so although based upon my early eighties memories, it could be wound back to include the hydraulics - this necessitated a rather reckless purchase this week of a Warship and a Western...and lovely models they are too
     
    Here’s a few images, early sketches and pics of the mock up built the other week whilst I was off work. Whilst it lacks depth of field from my phone camera shots and some stock is straight from the box, a hope it conveys a sense of what I am hoping to achieve which will one day give me a chance to run my fairly extensive collection of mainline rolling stock. The new Dapol 50 would be a great addition...when it appears
     

    Extract plan of area to be captured...
     

    Early sketch calculated dimensions based on stock lengths...
     

    Plan shows how FY’s would be crammed with stock...
     

    3D sketch assuming LED lighting (since replaced and as per my current layout fascias)
     

    Front ends...The John Vaughan books always inspire me...
     

    Early ideas have the scenic section moving not the FY’s...
     

    Overall plan view of mock up...
     

    Front fascia detailed as per my other layouts...
     

    View across platforms...
     

    Class 50 on failed HST...
     

    Always loved to see class 46’s arrive...
     

    Class 33 from the Waterloo Exeter...
     

    Backdated to include hydraulics...
     

    Again, another view across the platforms...
     
    Overall I am very happy with the test mock up. Even at the paper track stage it excites me enough that with a small but well detailed scene with a lot of depth it could prove an interesting, albeit unusual exhibition layout. There should also be some nice photographic opportunities using a variety of rolling stock.
     
    As I said at the start, I have done enough now to test the idea so will shortly be back on Thurso once I have the track sorted and built for Meeth.
     
    As usual, any comments welcomed...
     
    Thanks, Pete
  3. bcnPete
    Afternoon again from me,
     
    Whilst I had eluded this project would be a slow burn, it has been escalated up the priority list to combat my current track building crisis emerging from the Thurso layout.
     
    Being very simple in track layout, it seems the ideal place to start my trial of the Versaline track system using PCB sleepers, etched chairs and rail...cosmetic chairs that are available will also be considered.
     
    So to do this, I decided I needed to build the baseboards to allow me to get the project to a stage where the track, wiring, fascia and lighting could be built...and then come back to it for the scenics once Thurso was completed.
     
    CAD drawings were prepared at work last week using the same dimensional format as for Thurso but with the base altered to give the required 600mm x 240mm competition dimensions. This was then cut using 3mm plywood on the studio’s laser cutter one evening as am off this week for 1/2 term.
     
    The pieces were laid out like a jigsaw on the DRT yesterday before a quick dry assemble was done using masking tape. That afternoon, it was assembled with PVA and masking tape was used this time just for keeping pressure on joints.
     
    This morning I added the lighting behind the fascia and have used the same lights as for Kyle and Thurso, namely from Screwfix (insert usual disclaimer here ) Due to the length of 600mm I was able to use one fitting which is about 550mm so just enough length for the power cord plug which will be routed across the top.
     
    Here’s a couple of pics taken earlier...
     

    Components laid out...no OCD here then...
     

    Dry assemble with masking tape to check fit...
     

    Following application of PVA...
     

    Lights on...
     

    Light is concealed at front edge...
     

    3mm removable layer for track base...
     
    This week I will start my test track building...hope to have something to show by the end of the week
     
    Pete
  4. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    Those peeps familiar with my blogs will note that I seem to follow a similiar pattern...at some point, normally to do with my track building, I decide to scrap it and start over.
     
    This layout is no exception
     
    Following the one day show at BHMRC, I began to further the wiring and take each siding road by road. However my test trains would just not run smoothly through the turnouts. Despite packing away and a couple of fresh starts the layout nearly took flight across the Living Room from the DRT
     
    I have now come to the conclusion that unfortunately I just cannot get on with the Easitrac turnouts. Some can, as it’s a wonderful product but I just can’t seem to build them to the standard I would like and I am not keen on the lack of adjustment. It really is no point in me building a layout that will give problems later on so it’s time to bite the bullet - the track has all gotta go
     
    I made this decision, not lightly, after much thought and I have now decided to return to PCB methods. Rather than solder rail to sleepers (again, some peeps make this look fantastic) I have decided to try the 2mmFS Versaline system.
     
    I now have the jig, some chair etches and hope to make some progress this week testing whilst I am off for 1/2 term.
     
    The plan is as follows: I shall build the track for the Meeth layout which forms my competition entry for the 2mm Diamond Jubilee Challenge as it consists of one turnout and one siding. Once I have this to a level I feel acceptable, I will put that back on hold and recommence the trackwork for Thurso. In terms of timescales this looks to be ok and I hope to be able to post something again on this thread this side of Christmas.
     
    I feel a lot happier now I have a new plan of action...
     
    Pete
  5. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    A quick entry following an appearance at the Burgess Hill MRC annual one day show yesterday. I used to be a member 35 years ago but now am happy to help out each year either exhibiting something or being a steward. This year I did a bit of both as I offered to plan the exhibition as I could do it in CAD. Then on Friday evening I arrived at 6:00pm to mark out the halls which seemed to go quite smoothly - Note to self for next year, as the bleacher seating in the main hall didn't appear on the School CAD plans provided so we had to lose 1.2m off the hall length...done by pinching a little off each display without compromising the minimum 2m wide circulation zone.
     
    This year I offered to show work in progress on Thurso and also represent the 2mm Association. Paula kindly loaned me the display as well as books for sale and spare copies of the magazine. I managed to sell one copy of the Track book and a few people took the prospectus and a few sample magazines - hopefully we will have some new members soon.
     
    I took both the Thurso mock up to explain to people how I work and the benefit of doing such a test bed. I also took some plain track bases to explain how simple it is to produce the straight track. The new style pegged turnouts were also visible on my layout albeit with the tie bar as pcb which I prefer. Although I have only just started the wiring it was possible to move the 37 and the 24/1 (up until the turnout) about 300mm to show the DCC and sound as my Daisy had just arrived back from repair.
     
    Generally it was well received and people showed great interest, particularly with the sound. I only managed to build about 6" of track as much time was spent in chat/discussions
     
    About 3 hours into the show it also occurred to me that the layout was too low. I normally exhibit KoL on trestles so 1200mm above FFL but they were both on school tables which doesn't really help so I did a quick switch around during a quiet spell at lunch. This also had the benefit of moving the rolling stock away from small fingers as one little boy tried to push the 37 by its nose until I hinted it could move under its own power Lesson learned
     
    Here's a few pictures taken yesterday of the display and set up before and after switch:
     

    Initial set up...
     

    Lighting really demonstrated importance to integrate it within a display...
     

    2mm Association information on display...
     

    The sum total of my track building yesterday...
     

    Rethink of display which was much better...
     

    Class 37 was happily ticking over all day yesterday...
     

    Hoping this view might be possible through the glazed end...
     
    Overall, really enjoyed the day.
     
    Next weekend I hope to crack on with the wiring and progress again will revert to my MRJ Cameo thread.
     
    Thanks for looking and hello again to the peeps that I spoke to yesterday
     
    Pete
  6. bcnPete

    peeling back the layers...

    By bcnPete,

    Afternoon all,
     
    Firstly, many thanks for all your interest and kind comments regarding this project - that helped me realise that it is indeed a goer...once of course matters Thurso are dealt with.
     
    That doesn't mean I can't tinker around with it mean time though especially as I really enjoy the research period for a new project.
     
    It's quite difficult to source photos of the line off the Internet, many being the rail tours at the end however a couple of book purchases have been made and these arrived yesterday which revealed new information to me.
     

     

     
    I never realised that the siding in fact was a loop which now explains why a class 31 was sitting at one end which I thought was land locked. This is good news as it increases operational interest as I can have clay trains emerging through the building structure rather than just the main line.
     
    I had initially placed the shed tight to the fascia as a view blocker but it now means this can be a separate additional road on that Fiddleyard. I am guessing that they never actually ran onwards from here so the opposite Fiddleyard may just be a single road to allow run off beyond the turnout and reversing. At once stage there was quite an intense Narrow Gauge network adjoining it...but this remains outside my era and scope of interest.
     
    I also did some sketching to think about the Fiddleyard designs. As I mentioned before I think I might make two separate ones and hinge them so they can fold around and protect the front of the layout during transit. It also means I can incorporate a couple of viewing slots into them as per KoL to give a sneak inside to avoid rubber necking
     
    My initial first sketch before the mock up assumed I had more space and that the turnout could be halfway down the display - how wrong that was! So glad I mapped out the physical dimensions to lay it out with the rolling stock.
     

     

     
    Construction of the baseboards and fascia will be in 3mm ply so I might start to draw that in CAD and get the pieces printed one night at work.
     
    It looks like I now have an opportunity to buy the new Farish 25 as when CJM was scrapped, attention has been on matters Scottish for a while. This of course will be sound chipped to enhance what will be a simplistic layout. Then there's a class 31...and other variants of 25's that worked the line Who said you only need one loco for a small layout
     
    Pete
  7. bcnPete

    hat thrown into the ring...

    By bcnPete,

    I think I can thank...or blame Ian (Scanman) for this as his recent blog entry got me thinking.
     
    Am currently building Thurso and entering it into the MRJ Cameo layout competition so when the 2mm Association recently announced their 60 years Jubilee layout competition I had decided not to enter. Then Ian's blog made me realise that the MRJ competition would be submitted April 2019 which would give circa a year to make something for the 2mmFS competition.
     
    The rules are fairly simple which states a scenic layout of 600 x 240mm (excludes FY's etc.) and includes one turnout. I have always liked the following picture of Meeth in North Devon and have considered this as a project before in both 2mmFS and 7mm.
     
    http://www.derbysulzers.com/25080meeth80.jpg
     
    So Ian's post got me pondering, sketching and researching and during a two day work trip this week to Germany and Austria to inspect some cladding, a plan was hatched
     
    The first thing was to actually mark out the measurements physically and to be honest it's pretty tight however I decided to use today to make a full size mock up. This is my chosen method of working, informed through my day job as an Architect and a good way to understand constraints and flush out any problems prior to build.
     
    The track plan was laid out on a 1mm piece of card and it became clear the single turnout would need to be at one end in order to accommodate the siding. Next I built the enclosure in 5mm foamboard, using black for the fascia and white for the hidden elements. This is all bonded together with double sided tape and PVA glue. The more observant of you will see from the pics that I have made the 1mm base slightly inboard so it is removable. This could be to allow tweaking or even a different idea should this one falter!
     
    Using the minimum information I have at present I built the shed from guesstimating from photographs although I will try to see if I can obtain some books on the line which show some old maps. 5mm foamboard represents contours and as a reappearance from an earlier CJM blog post I have used polystyrene balls/eggs to represent trees (cue jokes about The Prisoner again ) I looked briefly at rotating the layout 180 degrees however I prefer this way with the view into the shed and it's acting as a partial view blocker.
     
    The Fiddleyard(s) will be either plug on cassettes or I looked at an option to make concealed Fiddleyards - that one needs more thought. In terms of running I understand it was class 25's or 31's on china clay until about 1982 when the line closed - this fits in with my beloved BR blue era
     
    Whilst the layout will be fairly limited in operation I see this project as an exercise in restraint and trying to improve my rural scenic abilities. Attention will be paid to the track, lineside fencing, landscape etc. whilst lighting will be concealed in the top of the fascia - I have used the same dimensions for this as my KoL and Thurso layouts for consistency.
     
    What follows is some photos of my quick n dirty mock up produced today with a little bit of old N gauge stock included for scale and scene setting. I will need to purchase both the new Farish 25 and 31 with my old Peco 5 plank clay hoodies replaced by a set of Parkside kits and 2mmFS chassis's from my Gloat box, initially bought for my Coombe Junction Moorswater layout (sorry Jeremy!) Am still trying to work out if passenger stock was used on this line but if not I can always try and recreate the photo of the 25 in the link on the rail tour.
     

    the stage set awaiting the main act...
     

    the proposal...
     

    face on view...
     

    google earth type shot...
     

    with some old stock to set the scene...
     

    full frontal with stock...
     

    cassette type option...
     

    concealed fiddleyards option...
     
    That's about it. It will be a slow burn this one as I want to concentrate on Thurso and not get distracted however some stock may be purchased and research will be continued.
     
    As always, comments welcome and thanks again Ian
     
    Pete
  8. bcnPete

    Oxted debrief...

    By bcnPete,

    Evening peeps,
     
    Back from the one day show at Oxted School today. Nice little show with a mix of layouts although as my youngest son couldn't attend today I didn't get to see much. Nice Spanish HO/009 layout San Maria Gandia.
     
    Overall the layout behaved itself and as always a couple of little things for the 'to do' list prior to the next show (DG couplings and tweaking one of the turnouts)
     
    The layout was primarily run with the 24/0 and 37/4 sound chipped locos and a 26 and 27. The 24/1 appeared to have a short but I am due to send it to Kevin at Coastal DCC to sound chip it, so thought best to leave it for its strip down. I receieved some nice comments with people intruiged by the sound and the coupling mechanism. I also received a couple of informal invites for shows next year which will be followed up.
     
    Nice to talk to a few RMWebbers. Hope Mark (Portchullin) enjoys the U2 concert tonight (not jealous )
    and thanks to Nigel Ashton who held the fort allowing me to grab some lunch and have a quick nose around. Nigel grasped KoL operations within about 3 minutes flat
     
    Show finished at 4:30pm and 25 minutes later I was packed and on the road, getting home by 6pm to a cold beer - Job done
     
    A couple of pics of the layout as didn't manage to grab any of the other exhibits.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Back on Thurso track next week
     
    Pete
  9. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    It's been a while since I posted on this blog as I have been developing Thurso as an entry to the MRJ Cameo layout competition.
     
    Back at the Tonbridge show, I was invited by Dakota Dibben, to a one day show he is organising next Sunday 9 July 2017 in Oxted. Details as below:
     
    http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/other/events_detail.php?eid=15071
     
    Hopefully there will be a few new things on show. First up, Kevin of Coastal DCC has sound chipped my 24/0 so now there are two sound locos on the layout. Kudos to Kevin who replaced the chip f/o/c after the first one fried
     
    After the show I will be sending my 24/1 conversion to Kevin to also sound chip it. Am hoping to do the other 37 myself later in the year so at the Stafford show in February 2018 I hope to have two class 24's and two class 37's with sound. Addictive this sound malarkey
     
    I have now weathered the class 24/1 and am awaiting a decoder to get this in service. It's a bit grubby but then again so was the photo of 24124 that it is based upon.
     
    The class 37 has also had a little more weathering to the roof as the LL liverys did tend to get grubby on the roof. I have just used weathering powders dry brushed on as per usual.
     
    Finally, the inspection saloon which I bought some time ago has been weathered, DG's added and rewheeled to 2mmFS. The latter represented a challenge as the 15.2mm axle coach wheels are rarely in stock at the 2mm shop and I only had a supply of 12.25mm axle coach wheels.
     
    I decided to improvise by drilling a sheet of plasticard and inserting some brass top hat bearings. The plasticard was coloured with a permanent black marker pen and then small squares cut out around the bearings. These were tapered with a scalpel and the assembly located in place with superglue after reaming the hole in the bogie a tad. This then closes the gap and allows the use of 12.25mm axle wheels
     
    Here's a couple of photos and do come and say hello if you drop by next Sunday
     

     

     

     
    Thanks,
     
    Pete
  10. bcnPete

    cut it out...

    By bcnPete,

    Afternoon all and Happy Easter
     
    Had last week off work and a short trip to BCN with my sketchbook and a couple of cold beers in the sun meant progress and next moves were hatched
     
    It was brought to my attention that the MRJ were running a small cameo layout competition and upon purchase of said magazine and a couple of read throughs I felt perhaps that I could enter Thurso for it. Looking at the criteria it seems to fit within the description and the layout was intended that it could be run as a separate stand alone layout (using the KoL fiddleyard) or be coupled to KoL to extend the operating interest.
     

     
    Having tweaked the design in my last blog entry to a place I am now happy with the next move is to make the baseboards. Lessons learnt from the KoL layout was to try and prevent something that bowed in the middle despite the cross bracing it had. The obvious choice is to make them from 3mm ply which has the benefit I can cut them on the laser cutter in the studio model shop.
     
    Various sketches were done to best try and understand the sequence of build which will this time see me construct the fascia and lighting before any track is laid. The lighting will use the same as KoL which is a small strip light from Screw fix which can be plugged together in sections (usual disclaimer )
     

     

     

     
    The basic structure once sorted in my head was drawn out in CAD and then the fun started trying so work in the tabs which should help give added strength especially for the cantilevered corner. This was developed over a series of days using colour coding to help me understand he build sequence.
     

     
    This has then been transferred onto a series of rectangles which represent the maximum size of the laser bed and arranged in the most economical way I could see fit.
     

     
    I hope to get these cut at work one evening next week however the laser cutter is very busy and seeing as how this is not strictly work, I have to find the right window of opportunity.
     
    The competition was originally set for next May 2018 but has since been revamped to 2019 with the winning entry displayed at Railex I believe. Whilst there will be no doubt lots of stunning entries in different scales, I do like the idea of having a deadline to work too and as a minimum it will hopefully give me a layout to be able to present at the 2mmFS 60th Anniversary in 2020 (depending on its location )
     
    As always, comments welcome...
     
    Pete
  11. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    In between work deadlines, I have been trying to finish my 24/0 conversion to a 24/1, in this case 24124. This is essentially the Farish 24 with Alan's (etched pixels) nice set of etches allowing a 24/1 or 25/0 conversion.
     
    24/1's were a staple of Kyle and more regular than the 24/0 so it really needed doing. It didn't quite make the last show but it is now almost ready to be weathered and represent a nice grubby version using the pic I have seen of 24124 at Kyle. It may well be that this gets sent for a sound chip conversion after I get to hear the one Kevin is undertaking on my other 24.
     
    In addition, fuelled partly from my experiences at the last show, I have prepared some business cards for the layout as when people asked for details, I had left the pre-printed A4 information sheet at home Thanks to Pixie for the idea as detailed on his excellent layout thread.
     
    These were designed in Indesign and then saved as PDF files and uploaded to Vistaprint. They turned them around in a few days and the quality is very sharp considering the size.
     
    Whilst in Ryman's yesterday I noticed a small acrylic stand (meant for other uses I think) and I had the idea to scale down my information sheet to A5 size and have this as a small stand alone display adjacent to the layout. The card is actually a copy of the above mentioned information sheet so it contains a small description of the layout and on the rear the operating dimensions should someone enquire.
     
    Here's a few pics...
     

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

    The business cards...
     

    Display stand holds information sheet and business cards...
     

    Rear shows critical,layout operating dimensions...
     
    Am now considering my next move and whether I start to make the boards for Thurso or whether I get side tracked again on my 7mm project
     
    Food for thought indeed.
     
    Comments welcomed as usual...
  12. bcnPete
    Morning all,
     
    Yesterday was the one day show at Tonbridge with the layout operating to the paying public for the first time on dcc and with the sound chipped 37/4.
     
    Nigel Ashton and I were flying the 2mmFS flag at the show, each with a corner slot although I think Nigel faired a tad better in his location in one of the main halls Fair play to the exhibition manager who came to check everyone an hour before doors opened and realised his floor plan had been a little ambitious given we were 7 exhibits in a fairly small room annexe. The placing just meant if peeps were viewing the adjacent MPD layout the fiddleyard was out of view...when in reality I consider it to be as much of the display as the scenic portion.
     
    Despite setting up at home and testing the day before the usual gremlins struck but it was my class 27 and 24/0 which were the star performers on the day, both having been given some TLC by Pixie the week before. The 37/4 with sound chip was well received and the feeling was the level of sound was spot on without causing undue annoyance to my fellow neighbours - this is untouched and how it came from Digitrains FYI with no fiddling from myself.
     
    The layout settled down in the afternoon and apart from the odd DG occurrence of random uncoupling the only thing I need to crack is the station turnout which I still can't fathom if its electrical or the loco. The Dapol class 26's seem to cough and stall on it, the Dapol class 27 is fine, whilst the Farish 24 has no problem. The class 37/4 was having its moments too yesterday. No regrets moving to dcc though and some people commented on the smoothness and slow running qualities.
     
    Overall I received some nice comments on the layout and I always get a few stories from people who visited the station in the 70's and tell me which part of the platform they stood on, which I enjoy.
     
    I received about 3/4 enquiries for shows which will be followed up in due course. Nice to meet up with some RMWebbers too who came over for a chat whilst my son kept things moving.
     
    I never managed to finish my class 24/1 for the show, despite a last minute surge and thought better to keep back for the next show as I had plenty of motive power. I left the class 24/0 with Kevin of Coastal DCC who is going to install a sound chip for me...involves some milling of the chassis which is a for me. I will follow this up with the 24/1 later in the year and I am hoping to chip my 37/0 myself so I will be able to run it with sound using either 2 x 24's or 2 x 37's. The Dapol locos are a little more challenging to get sound in I understand.
     

    My son holding the fort in our corner slot...
     

    Still some painting tweaks, headlights and front end detailing to add to the 24/1...
     
    Thanks for all the nice comments and I do need to get the baseboards up and running on Thurso as the mock up for the extension seemed to be well received too.
     
    Pete
  13. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    Just a quick plug to say KoL will be appearing next Saturday at the 1 day exhibition in Tonbridge, Saturday 18 February 2017.
     
    This will be the first time (other than a preview at the 2mmFS AGM) that the layout appears in DCC mode and since then 37414 has been sound chipped. Have been testing the fleet and big thanks to Pixie who managed to breathe life back into two of the locos
     
    Due to work commitments I haven't been able to finish 24124, 37025 and 26040 but they are chipped and await detailing, respray and final decs.
     
    Here's the fleet in totality during testing yesterday - all are chipped and the next one for sound will be one of the class 24's...
     
    Do come along and say hello - I shall be there with my youngest son Jo who is chief operator now
     

     

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

     
    First coat of primer...
     

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

     
    Am tempted not to have the lights working in these as per above but the high intensity light on the 37 is quite nice.
     
    Am hoping to have the 24/1 and the other 37 ready for the Tonbridge exhibition 18 February 2017.
     
    Toodle pip,
     
    Pete
  15. bcnPete
    Evening peeps,
     
    Following hints in the last post that I was going to make some alterations and having got the week off for 1/2 term to thin out the garage it was natural that a suitable slot would be allocated to do some modelling. Still brimming with 2mmFS mojo after the AGM and the news that the Dapol 08 has slipped again meant an opportunity to revisit the Thurso mock up.
     
    As noted in the last update, I was dithering about the treatment of the end with the train shed between letterbox and end return. I also felt the platform was too wide and comments suggested that more of the goods shed modelled would add depth. Initially I was worried that this would mean too much track, but having laid it out I am happier with this configuration. Besides, as with most of my models it's an extra of a prototype to try and catch the flavour...and on the real thing, there's a lot of track in the arrangement
     
    The first move was to reduce the platform width and bring the train shed (without the side projection) to the edge of the board. The side and rear of the train shed will be formed in clear perspex but I will etch onto the glass the windows/openings...this will give a sense of scale but is also like an imaginary cut through the building...architectural license card played now
     
    This also helps 'anchor the corner' and allows the second move is which is to remove the end fascia and cantilever the upper fascia corner. This will provide a nice counter to the end treatment of the Kyle scenic board as well as allow views down the end of the layout.
     
    Final move is the introduction of the siding through the goods shed, which due to the width now allows the track to pass through. Whilst I cannot get all the goods shed in, it has a more significant presence than it did previously.
     
    The arrangement of the two turnouts are positioned to allow a 3 coach train to be runaround without restricting the traverser movements...one of Kyle's shortcomings but was necessary to keep the overall length down.
     
    The mock up has been modified using quick n dirty methods of cut and paste and patch. The key to this is not being too precious I think...better to carve around in card then the finished article. I have laid out some stock to help give a sense of it...overall I am a lot happier with it now and it should give better operating potential too...again another counter to Kyle which is fairly limited.
     
    Thanks to Mark Tatlow for sending me some work in progress CAD drawings of Wick train shed...which is very similiar to Thurso and will be used to check dimensions.
     
    Here's a few pics to illustrate...
     

     
    sketch shows new corner arrangement with cantilever and clear perspex...
     

     
    overall looking towards the train shed...
     

     
    from the train shed showing corner treatment...
     

     
    mini google earth showing new turnout arrangement...
     

     
    turnout position allows runaround without obstructing fiddle yard traverser...
     

     
    just works for 3 x Mk II's / Mk I's...
     

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

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

     
    the formal proceedings...
     

     
    nigel identifying the problematic turnout...
     

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

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

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

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

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

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

     
    pixie's class 24/1 - etched pixels mods to a class 24...
     
    All in all a fab day out and thanks to all for their kind comments.
     
    Pete
  17. bcnPete

    dcc arrives in kyle...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    The layout is due to appear at the 2mmFS AGM tomorrow...in fact it's the first AGM I have ever managed to attend having joined the Association just before departing for BCN.
     
    Having made the break to DCC at the end of last year, chipped a few locos, then got distracted by the senior scale, it was time to try and get it working....and this seemed a good milestone. A few extra wires to solve some dodgy track connections and things seem to be running...albeit no sound. One step at a time.
     
    Most of the locos don't have lights as when I detailed them some time ago the fragile Dapol wires seemed to detach very easily...though am not so worried as the lights weren't as intense from my memories...37's excepted
     
    I took the morning off today to set up and do some test runs. The class 27 is out of action but I think help is on its way for that tomorrow
     
    I would just like to thank Nigel Cliffe for his advice and knowledge on DCC (and replying to my numerous numpty emails on the subject) and suggesting I look at the Uhlenbrock Daisy II system...very happy with it so far.
     
    Here's a few shots of the set up from this morning and I shall take my Thurso mock up along to get some feedback.
     
    There might be a few visitors to Kyle tomorrow so I hope to report back with some shots capturing this.
     
    Just a word of warning though - the same rule applies for the layout as the Contractors tell me when I snag the building cladding...don't stand any closer than 3 metres to view it...
     
    Toodle pip,
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     
    [
  18. bcnPete
    Evening peeps,
     
    Long time since my last entry on this as am dipping the toe in the senior scale at the moment (well I did turn 50 in April so felt it was time ) however this is still simmering away on the back burner.
     
    I am currently in the process of converting Kyle to DCC so the intention this will be wired to suit as you may recall the idea is to attach to the other end of the Fiddle Yard. Whilst trains will not run through as such, some of the rolling stock will be used with the Thurso regular locos topping the formations.
     
    One of the other reasons this project went on hold was I was still not convinced by the overall arrangement and configuration. I had changed the station end losing the letterbox slot view for a more open arrangement but it still bugs me whether this is the right move.
     
    Whilst looking at the layout in context with the Fiddle Yard and Kyle it struck me that maybe it was too long. Granted KoL is short but I think that maybe I can remove a chunk and still capture the feel of Thurso. After all, the station building at Kyle is considerably longer in reality but peeps still equate the model to the location.
     
    I am also thinking of reducing the width of the platform too as I have modelled it to represent the edge of the bay. I am going to bring the building to the edge thus losing the asymmetrical edge to the station building. This should gain about 18mm and it may be that the goods shed can be modelled wider and incorporate the siding as per this pic:
     
    http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2878388
     
    The good thing about making the mock up is it allows you not to be too precious about it and it can be marked up and adjusted accordingly prior to making the baseboards.
     
    Here's a few pics showing the cut and shut proposals on the mock up - uncoupling positions have been indicated previously by a red dot.
     

     

     

     

     

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

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcome,
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete

    kyle 2016: a new hope...

    By bcnPete,

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

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

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

    TMC unweathered limited edition Farish 37...will become 37025
     
    I think the addition of this to Kyle will hopefully give a new dimension to the operation of the layout with the sound a later addition when I have recovered financially from Barcelona
     
    Pete
  21. bcnPete
    A very good BH Monday afternoon to you all,
     
    Yes, you did read that right...now that Kyle is near completition (bar some additions to the rolling stock) my thoughts turned to my next project. I had assumed I would drop straight into 7mm but perhaps I will hold off a little longer as there is unfinished business to attend to
     
    Seeing Graham's recent terrific blog upload on Trevanion Dries and some very helpful conversations with Nigel Cliffe on DCC/sound also got me thinking...so armed with my sketchbook I departed for a weeks hols in Greece and inbetween swimming, snorkelling, good food and wine I pondered and came up with the following objectives if I were to rebuild CJM:
     
    - reconsider size and format of the layout (that incline was a missed opportunity)
    - improved track work (most was my first hand built efforts prior to easi-trac)
    - reuse the Moorswater viaduct and dries buildings rescued from before
    - wire/prep the layout for DCC and sound (I need to make the break sometime)
    - incorporate run-a-round for Moorswater
    - phase construction to allow two possible stand-a-lone configurations if possible
     
    With this in mind sketching began including various scenarios with regard to the layout length. My preference is to still use the IKEA lack shelves as I think this will give the width I need as well as possibility for storage etc. which may need to be in our garage. Previously I had 3 x separate 1100mm lack shelves giving 3300mm overall however this time I am considering using 2 x 1900mm shelves giving 3800mm overall and an extra 500mm to incorporate the additions. Let's see.
     
    The idea to include the incline (or at least a part of it) will please Mickey (who unfortunately is no longer part of this forum) as he always campaigned for it I will also hint at a stretch of the line to Looe which will terminate within a wooded area large enough to bury a Bubble car/2 car DMU and will hopefully increase operational interest.
     
    The other idea to incorporate a small run-a-round loop between the viaduct and dries is more protypical as after I started the original layout I realised that locos did not actually enter the dries and run the hoods/CDA's around despite there been a loop. The trains were run-a-round and backed into the dries which will avoid the overcomplicated sliding arrangement under the building I had previously.
     
    The next part of the process is to start to map out the track plan on tracing paper and see how it fits as my sketches were primarily done under the influence
     
    Progress will be slow as Kyle will be exhibited in October at Uckfield and I would like to try and work on rolling stock for that mean time, however I do have a new surge of enthusiasm for this as it was a hard decision to scrap my previous attempts, but we have to keep moving forward and believe better things will emerge. The only thing I can't decide is which phase I start first...I can see pros and cons of each. Will ponder that some more.
     
    Here's a few images to supplement my drivel and of course, comments are welcomed as always:
     

    salvaged MW viaduct...
     

    salvaged MW dries buildings...
     

    overall plans in two phases...
     

    phase one will tackle the incline and CJ halt...
     

    phase two will tackle MW dries, viaduct and run-a-round...
     
    Thanks, Pete
  22. bcnPete

    design development...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Unfortunately work has been busy and mojo zapped since the flurry of activity on my week off which got the project up and running.
     
    That said, sketches still prevail in my sketchbook during journeys to work or en route to meetings.
     
    A number of comments were received which questioned the small letterbox to the train shed...my youngest son was the first to express doubts...and he seems to be developing a critical eye for this sort of stuff. The idea being to complete the 50mm border to the fascia as per Kyle and then reveal the station building with a glass wall prioviding the view into the shed supplemented by the roof light which is on this side too. The other side of the roof can be made removable in case of any problems/track cleaning.
     
    A couple of sketches were undertaken to test the idea and then this was modified on the mock up - one of the benefits of not being too precious with a mock up is allowing mods to happen...a lot easier than hacking the final product. Sketch here:
     

     
    Another thought was how to produce the back scene as Richard (Ben Alder) advised me that the view has changed somewhat over the years so not as straightforward as the mountains of Skye for Kyle - perhaps the use of a conventional backscene with a row of vans photographed and used in the foreground as Richard had done...this got me thinking on how that might work...stretching my photoshop skills somewhat sketch here:
     

     
    Another modification was cutting back the platform a tad as it felt too long and would give rise to a little more greenery/foliage to this end...another counterpoint to Kyle if they get joined together.
     
    Next up, use of the mock up to gauge where uncoupling magnets will be positioned. Using the 'if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it' analogy I will probably use the same system of slide in/out permanent bar magnets to keep things simple. These have been indicated by red self adhesive dots so I can co-ordinate with wiring etc. beneath.
     
    The end of the Fiddleyard board will eventually require modification to allow through running so a quick thought on how this might happen and the need to get power to the strip lights concealed in the fascias. Sketch here:
     

     

     

     

     

     
    As always, comments welcome...
     
    Pete
  23. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Here's a welcome to my new project which I eluded to on my recent Kyle blog entry. I say new, but actually it's an idea that first surfaced in 2009 whilst I was building Kyle in a box file. It was based upon building a similiar small extract from the prototype but centred on Thurso with the idea it could be attached to the other end of the Fiddleyard. Whilst the trains would not physically run through as they were two different lines, there would be overlaps with rolling stock that could work with both and the two layouts together would double the amount of movements at an exhibition. The idea was sketched and even a small white card mock up made for a box file before I decided to scrap it, possibly due to its appearance of too much track in a short space.
     
    Here's the original thoughts first posted on RMWeb 2009...
     

     

     

     
    The idea resurfaced last weekend whilst exhibiting Kyle. There is something very compelling about these Scottish lines, especially in the BR blue period and Thurso like Wick has one of those delightful train sheds at the end of the platform in addition to some freight interest.
     
    At first I thought I would unplug Kyle and clip Thurso on to the Fiddle yard which meant reuse of this element including the lighting, however after preparing 3 options as sketches, I decided that the third option is the most interesting albeit not the most straightforward option. It involves removing the bay platform and allowing the viewer to see across the platform rather than facing onto it as per Kyle. The run-a-round loop will be included as well as a single siding in front of the goods shed which will be modelled in slight relief in front of the back scene. The entry to the fiddleyard will be masked by the over bridge which will include some grassed banking.
     
    A front fascia board will be formed to include integral lighting and the idea is to cut a letterbox slot allowing a view into the train shed and possibly a view at the end either through another opening or left open as per Kyle as per these initial sketches...
     

     

     
    It will be first built as a standalone layout which will connect onto the existing slightly modified fiddle yard so it can have its own life however it can later form a combined composition with Kyle which is why I will work to the same constraints of depth and height. It will also be DCC operation with possibly sound too as I think it's time to start embracing the future Would mean rewiring Kyle too no doubt...but little by little.
     
    As mentioned in my recent post whilst I thought I would restart my Coombe Junction - Moorswater layout, the latest planning was leading it to be a 4.5m linear layout if I wanted to do it properly and I just don't have the time, space or money for that at present. It's as much as managing my own expectations too and taking on something small but hopefully interesting that will keep me enthused as well as hopefully producing something exhibitable without the need for van hire!
     
    Incidentally, this blog is called Thurso 722 as during my research I noted from a caption in a Thurso picture in a John Vaughan retrospective on class 37's, that Thurso is 722 miles from London...which is where the layout is being built
     
    As always, comments welcome.
     
    Pete
  24. bcnPete
    Good afternoon,
     
    A quick update on last weekend and decisions going forward.
     
    Really enjoyed to exhibit at the Uckfield show last week, the first two day show for KoL...must admit I was knackered at work on Monday - might be better to take the Monday off in future rather than the Friday.
     
    Overall it didn't perform too badly and it received some nice comments from peopleseemingly fascinated by the fiddle yard and back scene...and the compactness. Saturday it performed better than the Sunday and only one point in the show on Sunday morning where the turnout at the end of the layout stopped running, I had to flip the scenic section of the layout on its side One of the drawbacks of the layout being built for box files was that all the wiring is trapped between the layout and support structure - in the end we think it might have been some fibreglass fibres trapped between the turnout blades Thanks to Nigel A and fellow operator Andy H for helping in sorting that one due to my lack of electrical prowess!
     
    Good to see Nigel and his rolling stock and as he suggested, the first kettle on Kyle - shame it didn't seem to see eye to eye with my Pictroller...which my Farish and Dapol blue boxes run nicely with. Good to also seem some fellow RMWebbers at the show too. Still one or two issues with DG's to resolve but I need to make a new jig and set them all to this - hope that irons that one out.
     
    Also received 2 potential invites to shows whilst there so just waiting formal follow up of these. Someone arrived on Sunday morning to tell me he had seen the layout on the Uckfield news website so nice bit of coverage there.
     

     
    I had previously decided that next year I would concentrate on rebuilding my CJM layout however after this weekend I was left with mixed feelings. At 4.4metres long it will be a bit of a beast and we don't really have space to accommodate that at present plus there were a lot of nice comments from the show about the size of the layout and the atmosphere that had been incorporated into a small space. Together with the support structure, legs, rolling stock and workbench it all takes quite a bit of space in our VW (clean diesel) Touran
     
    So with this in mind, I have decided to resurrect my previous idea to build an extract of Thurso, which will use the existing fiddle yard (slightly modified) and will keep within the constraints of Kyle so be 132mm wide. The length may be longer pending mapping out of the track plan. This will use very similar stock to Kyle, namely class 26's and 37's and some freight.
     
    Am quite excited about this and the idea is to try and improve upon my track building skills as well as make the break to DCC...a sound fitted class 37 will add an extra dimension, something that perhaps is lacking from Kyle.
     
    I have started sketching so expect a new blog, some sketches and mock ups to appear soon. Whilst I would still love to redo CJM, I think the compactness and time available to me at present makes this a more realistic proposal. Whilst a separate line to Kyle it could even be added to form a double ended layout giving a '2 for 1' option for shows, which was what my original sketch of a few years back had hinted at.
     
    Here's a few pictures from the show including some interlopers
     

     

     

     

     

     
    In other news, Kyle will feature in Model Rail next month on sale 19 November 2015 and I must say Chris Nevard has taken some fab pictures...
     

     
    Comments welcome as usual,
     
    Pete
  25. bcnPete
    Afternoon,
     
    Just a quick entry to highlight that KoL will be appearing at the Uckfield MRC show next weekend 17/18 October 2015 - Details of the show can be found here:
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/103559-uckfield-model-railway-exhibition-1718th-october-2015/
     

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

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

     
    Need to do some tweaks on the layout and stock between now and then before it has its first 2 day show.
     
    Pete
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