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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. 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
     
  2. bcnPete
    Happy Easter all,
     
    Now I have a week off work I am hoping to snuck in a little modelling.
     
    Still need to apply the second coat of paint to the fascia and add some white text which I will try to do this week.
     
    As Phase I draws to a conclusion, my thoughts slowly start to drift to Phase II which is to try and get the layout working again....otherwise its a photo plank and straight onto rolling stock.
     
    This afternoon, I managed to lash up connect my Pictroller and run a few tests...it suddenly dawned on me the layout hasn't been run for almost 5 years Make or break time...
     
    I tentatively placed a class 25 (one of my few locos with turned down wheels) and it grunted and moved into the station rather awkwardly...a truly momentous moment given 4 years of neglect from its debut exhibition May 2010 (apart from cosmetic scenery work ) and the track hadn't been cleaned
     
    At least it meant power was getting there so I dug out an old Peco track rubber (I know I know...) and buffed them rails.
     
    The 25 now worked a lot smoother however there were a few coughs at the turnout in the station...that'll be fettling required then
     
    Then followed some quick tests with a Dapol rtr 56 (from Paddock Wood) and the Dapol class 26...both of these are without turned down wheels and an old class 47 with 2mmFS wheels.
     
    Overall, things moved around and surprisingly the Dapol locos made it through the turnouts most times, despite coughing...which was an encouragement to get the wheels turned down.
     
    I took a quick couple of iPhone videos (avoiding the turnouts of course)...only short grabs but just to give a flavour:
     

     

     
    In summary, I think there is potential to get it running again so once I have finished the tidying up of the fascia this week I will start the design of the new fiddle yard which will be a simple 4 track traverser I think. As much as I like cassettes I would like to have a break from them as I have too many painful memories from misaligned joints (I know that this can happen with traversers too) but folding box file layouts mean far too many joints
     
    So hopefully I now have something to build upon...roll on that new Farish Large Logo class 37/4...a couple of those would be nice.
     
    Now...back to those chocolate eggs...
     
    EDIT: I should point out that the roof needs to be fixed back down on the station building hence the huge movement joints visible at the eaves...
  3. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Work got in the way of LDN modelling this week so I managed to complete a small task originally started in BCN this weekend whilst spending 42 with the family.
     
    Namely, the colour light signals. Firstly, does anyone know where I can get a small 4 way rotary switch from? The Gaugemaster one is too big to allow the hinged flap to fold and the other week at lunchtime I popped into a Maplin shop and asked if that had a small rotary switch to be met with "a Wot?"
     
    Here's the Gaugemaster one...with a bit of coin from the realm for scale...any suggestions greatly appreciated...
     

     
    Having almost got the signals working the other week, I was slightly perplexed how to wire the feather. The 2 aspect and 4 aspect were all fine and I got the feather working individually but couldn't quite grasp how to link it so I could add it to a green or yellow aspect.
     
    Once again, all credit to Matt Turner from https://absoluteaspects.com/ for his assistance here. Matt responded to my emails offering advice as well as signalling links and he even sent a small wiring diagram to enable a numpty as myself to get it working
     
    In short, I have kept the 4 aspect on the rotary switch and I will add a separate slide switch to activate the feather as and when required.
     
    Once the signals were tested I then mounted the PCB's beneath the boards at a height just leaving the concrete base proud for me to ballast. The signals can thus be removed and kept safely in the nice packaging whilst I do more works to the boards in terms of scenics.I have had to move the 4 aspect one in between the main and bay platform only because the hinging flap will interfere with the PCB mounting...but I think it will pass muster.
     
    A few pics just to show it does work including the first shot of me immersed in spaghetti...The iPhone couldn't quite capture the sharpness of the LED's, but trust me when I say, they look very tasty indeed.
     

     
    2 Aspect
     

     

     
    4 Aspect
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Right - Job done - Now need to try and finish the cassettes during the next 2 weeks, then it's the new platform and ballasting with a target of Easter in mind.
     
    Tootle Pip...
  4. bcnPete

    Wenford debut - Uckfield MRC show

    By bcnPete,


    General
    Afternoon all,
     
    Been quiet here of late as I tried to get Wenford Dries ready for it’s debut at the (always) excellent Uckfield MRC 2 day show.
     
    Detail had been added including handrails to some of the bays (yep they were pretty twisted bits of metal sagging in places) signage to the doors (not a typo, that is what the sign said for Lorries 🙄) moss to roofs, some shunters ( huge thanks to Mark B 46444) for painting these Modelu figures, the additional shed lean to and finally some white to the buildings and track areas. 
     
    Also, presentation included a ply track plan showing area modelled, iPad installation showing prototype photos of area modelled and fire retardant black drapes to the front…although they are not as opaque as I would have liked, looking like something from an Ann Summers catalogue 😳
     
    Trust me when I say I had not applied any white to the model until about 3pm, two hours prior to leaving to set up Friday evening 🫣 I had been putting it off and finally tried Talc (didn’t take to card/plastic) White weathering powder (again didn’t adhere) so resorted to good old fashioned dry brushing with white acrylic paint. Was hoping to not overcook it and just give the flavour.
     
    Set up the layout Friday night and did a quick test run. Next morning all was ready for the 10am kick off. My thanks to Andy Stroud (Oldshaw, Blueball Summit) for making the trip to help out and give some lunch cover. Likewise to the UMRC member who also did so on Sunday (sorry, we never swapped names!) 
     
    The layout ran smoothly and I have to say the only real problems encountered we’re getting used to 3 link couplings. Some work first time, some take twenty attempts! 
     
    I received some very nice comments all weekend and hopefully it demonstrated that a small but interesting 7mm micro can be undertaken. The 08 did most of the weekend as per the prototype however the 37 did stretch it’s legs a few times and pulled over a few extra people who heard the unmistakable sound of a tractor!
     
    A very enjoyable weekend and thanks to Adrian and his team who looked after us so well. 
     
    A few pics of the layout…
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    There was talk of a possible show invite to Camborne although I understand train’s don’t stop there 😅

    A very enjoyable weekend and I do like the big stuff!
     
    As always, comments welcome…
     
    Pete
     
  5. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    Here’s an introduction to an idea for a follow up layout in 2mmFS. I had been debating whether to move into 7mm and progress further with my china clay layout however maybe there is one more 2mmFS layout in me before the eyes and patience give up
     
    Partly inspired by the excellent Meanach in Model Rail recently, which has prior featured on here and been a favourite too, the lure of the Scottish period in BR Blue is too hard to resist. By staying with 2mmFS means an opportunity to create a ‘train in a landscape’ but keeping it within a size which could still be termed micro layout I have again turned to my favourite Ikea Lack shelves which provide the dimensional restraints. A good flick through of the two Ian Futers Scottish layout books revealed an image (usually just one is justification) of a class 27 passing through a station between a loch and a rock face. Unfortunately I can’t post It here so as to avoid copyright issues.
     
    This photos was the spark and the research commenced. Situated on the scenic line to Oban, the station seemed to be at its heyday until closure in 1968, reopening in 1985 having been simplified to a single line and sprinters. Here is where a dollop of Rule No.1 comes in as this would probably not make for a great exhibition layout, however clearly loco hauled trains to Oban would have still run through it.
     
    So my proposal is to use the 68 track plan but set it around mid eighties so I can run class 27’s and later class 37’s. One of the things that I think has been successful (from feedback) on my interpretation of Kyle of Lochalsh is the layering of the scenery - harbourside water at the front, station at the next level and then mountains in the backscene. This project uses the same ingredients however there will be a larger expanse of water at the front, station at the next level then the intruiging Loch Awe Hotel at high level in bas relief behind - all surrounded by trees, foliage and rock faces. I think this is also why St Ruth is such a popular layout on the circuit as it has similiar levels of depth and perspective 
     
    To put in context, here are a few images to begin with...

    It’s an incredibly beautiful setting...

    The hotel obviously has to form part of the model...
     
    As usual, much has been pondered first by sketches to try and help make decisions. There will be one Lack 1100x260mm scenic board and two 590x260mm Lack fiddle yards. This will avoid having a joint halfway through the water  I can also store the two FY’s in one box and the scenic box in another, not unlike Kyle.
     
    Here’s a series of sketches undertaken recently...
     

    Option 2 was chosen so as not to cramp the two sidings...

    Option B avoids joints in the water...

    Setting out the proportions...

    Operations and track plan has been skewed slightly...

    Presentation ideas and overall feel of layout...

    Dimensions for fascia and viewing...
     
    Following this I have emailed the Architects who undertook a refurbishment of the hotel to see if I can get copies of some drawings. Two emails later, still no replies so plan B will mean producing my own CAD drawing of it and building a representation from that. I need to try and purchase a few books on the line as there is not much photographic record in the early eighties presumably as the station was shut...Trains to Oban will include passenger, oil and mixed freight I assume.
     
    Following this I have made a crude full scale mock up using foamboard from the work studio. As previous mock ups I have used the white balls as Architectural interpretation of trees so no gags about The Prisoner series again please 
     
    Here are some pics with a few trains laid out to give an impression...The footbridge will be modelled  and possibly the signal cabin but I will be trying to convey glimpses of trains through the trees and foliage so the platforms will be kept pretty simple. The half station allows 3 coach trains (I have some pics of Large logo class 37’s on three coaches) which will fit nicely on each fiddle yard at either end. The two sidings allow for some shunting to add interest. 
     

    Google Earth overview...

    Front on view of scenic section...

    Overall shot...large expanse of water at front to be modelled...
     
    I have more photos of the mock up but will perhaps save for a second follow up entry as I think I have exceeded the 10MB size limit...
     
    The plan is to try and finish Meeth for the 2mmFS 60 years celebration in 2020 and that will be used as a test bed to improve my scenic landscape skills as Kyle is pretty urban!
     
    As with Kyle, this again represents my interpretation of a place so is not meant to be an exact scale copy however it will hopefully have enough ingredients that people who have been there can recognise it...and in addition be an entertaining exhibition layout.
     
    Would love to hear your feedback and thoughts on it,
     
    Thanks, Pete
     
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    Subtle reference to the Fawlty Towers 'The Builders' episode in the title there
     
    Little opportunities to do anymore on the FY this week so a splash of grey paint this weekend to keep things moving in the right direction whilst I work out how to resolve the electrical connections.
     
    The fascia has been given two coats of grey paint to match the scenic section and the 2FS logos have been positioned - overall I am happy with the composition which I think highlights the sliding tray stronger now due to the letterbox format.
     
    I include amongst the pics the join between the scenic and FY boards to show how the shadow gap helps to conceal the join, expressed by the two logos.
     
    Next task is to hopefully lay the track to the short connecting roads and get the alignment in place for the sliding tray.
     
    Any comments always welcome,
     
    Pete
     

    Overall...
     

    From FY end...
     

    From inside...
     

    And again...
     

    The join...
     

    When complete...
  10. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    A quick update on progress this week following the initial entry last week and very encouraging comments.
     
    Decided to take on board Rich B's idea (thank you Sir) for losing the corner post to the right hand end and cantilevering the fascia to complete the corner. That corner was troubling me somewhat as it would have meant covering up a part of the dockside in addition to looking like there was a piece of back scene missing.
     
    I sketched out the components and laser cut them at the office using 2mm grey card to match the previous fascias constructed in BCN. Mid week I brought them home and did a quick dry assemble and as initially feared the 2mm grey card was not up to the cantilever despite me notching the corner joint. I also realised that the 25mm top band was a little too thin and needed increasing in size to 50mm.
     
    The mods were made to the CAD file at work at I recut the pieces the next lunch time, checking the same evening with another dry assembly. This seemed to work a lot better so this weekend I began to fit in place with PVA.
     
    I also removed the back-scene and after a quick email exchange with Chris Nevard he recommended getting it printed directly onto 2mm or 3mm foamex - I need to give a few calls this week to get some quotes as it looks like it don't come cheap
     
    As part of the assembly, small formers have been made which will carry the IKEA lights above. Am thinking I will now make this unit removable to allow access to the layout.
     
    Overall, I am pleased with the new fascia and the initial photos with the lights shows it will make a difference even if it ends up a static diorama. It's funny to see the back scene with the old blue sky in place as I think the photographic back scene really helped give it context.
     
    Here's a few pics to go with the above description.
     
    Any comments most welcome as usual.
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

     

     

  11. bcnPete
    Good Evening,
     
    Last night I managed to complete the new platform which replaced the first one ripped out...not sure I will ever get to make a layout where something doesn't get ripped out
     
    The previous one was in card and was probably going to fall my usual 2mm approach of card carcass followed by a sheet of fine wet and dry on top to represent the apshalt, however I was looking to try something as an alternative to that.
     
    My first thoughts were to use Scalescenes sheets which would be soaked onto a plasticard carcass using Liquid Poly etc. Thanks to Tony Simms for dropping me a PM on his experiences with this
     
    For my sons 4mm roundy roundy, I used the Scalescenes platform kits which came together fairly quickly and looked the part and I was keen to try this for PWBIAB. That said, my only reservation had been the use of PVA and Spraymount adhesive which had resulted in some delamination occuring.
     
    Enter the conversation, Ian (Scanman) who then suggested instead of using Liquid Poly etc, that I print the Scalescenes sheets on A4 self adhesive sticky labels...and he even sent me through a few trial sheets to test it on
     
    This was done and a visit to Rymans followed last week where I was able to buy a smallish pack for £6.99 or so. I should just add that Ian's excellent range of roof tiles are using the same principle and a few peeps might recall that's how I had tiled the roof of Kyle station.
     
    The new platform carcass was built this weekend in BCN and they were packaged and brought to LDN along with the Scalescenes sheets that I had pre-printed on the SA labels.
     
    Last night I spent an enjoyable couple of hours cutting and applying the sheets. I must say, that this method is quite straightforward (and without noxious fumes) and the sheets are quite workable allowing a little repositioning in places.
     
    Looking at the pics I have of the station, the bay platform seemed to use wider paving slabs along the edges whilst the through line had much narrower so I spliced them to represent this and give a little interest to the asphalt surface.
     
    Here's a few pics starting with the new plasticard shell...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Overall, I am quite pleased how quick and straightforward the process was and I will fly them back this weekend, position them and then the ballasting can commence
     
    Pete
  12. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    A bit of a quick entry this having arrived late from my evening's commute - when the train journey from Gatwick to Victoria takes longer than the 1hr 55 flight, then that really says it all
     
    Haven't posted for a month or so but work has been progressing on the cassettes during the week days as this can be done relatively low key in my rented digs...no need for soldering, painting or foul smelling adhesives More on the cassettes in another separate entry soon I hope.
     
    A few days back in BCN for a long weekend meant I could try and wrap up the work required on the PW so the scenics can commence...scenics mainly being ballasting and crud etc. Firstly, I had to re-do the ends of the trackwork I was not happy with, where I had used lost wax sleepers split in two to try and manage a neat wiring solution. This backfired as the sleepers started to twist at the ends if the baseboard joints so I had to strip them all out and replace with PCB ones. Not a huge task of course, but only having weekends on it now meant a fine tune of my time between the layout and my wife and children.
     
    So one week I stripped it all away, the following week I added back the PCB and this weekend I was able to replace and renew all the wires back to the underside and retest that it was all working still. Following this was to then splash a bit of grey primer around and then a splash of rail match sleeper grime to these areas ready to start ballasting.
     
    Whilst going backwards, I also decided to rip up the base card platforms as I will redo these in plasticard using scalescenes material sheets. I would quite like to try the method used by (Missy and Tony Simms I think) of applying Liquid Poly/Mek-pak onto the paper and soaking it until it bonds with the plasticard.
     
    I have also managed to figure out how to mount the PCB signal bases to the underside of the boards so the folded section doesn't interfere with it too much.
     
    A couple of crude pics attached - the track needs a clean up but will tackle this next week.
     

     

     
    So a bit of going backwards to go forwards, but I think it was for the best and I hope it will now start to gather some momentum both from works in BCN and LDN.
     
    82 days to exhibiting...
  13. bcnPete

    raking it in...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Unfortunately the title is not a comment on my financial status...its nice having an income again after 5 years of fluctuating circumstances, but those new Dapol releases are dangerously giving rise to impure thoughts
     
    It of course refers to my rake of wagons which I began the other week and thought it would take me an evening or two to crack - how wrong I was, but building the first did throw a few issues up that I thought might be worth sharing.
     
    I touched on before the rapido removal and I would say again that removal of the box is fiddly and does take some strength away from the chassis. In the end I opted to use a scalpel and some pincers to hack it away but it does look better without it and hopefully more so with a Mathieson 3 link coupling.
     
    Also, hacking away the Farish underframe including some lugs beneath the body was again more fiddly and difficult to get the scalpel into...but it all gets covered by the discharge unit.
     

     
    As wonderful as the TPM etches are, they are also very delicate and much care has to be taken whilst folding the ladder assemblies etc...I lost count how many times these hit the carpet under a raft of extreme fruity language. I even found that on some it was easier to attach the ladder and walkway assembly to the ends before attaching to the body.
     

     

     

     
    But at least they are sort of finished, and ready to paint although am still unsure when that will be. Look forward to have them hauled by a 47 or 56 taking up the slack after the signal check.
     

     
    I do need to crack on with the layout starting this weekend by replacing some brass sleepers with PCB for strength, then painting and ballasting can at last begin.
     
    Then there's the new platform, third rail, canopy structure, fiddleyards, casssetes, lighting ...and all by 11 May 2013...when I started this blog it was intended to exhibit this at the 2014 show...and then I stuck my neck out and said 2013...
     
    Chin up...bought this T-shirt on e-bay to wear at the exhibition which I thought was appropriate
     

     
    Tootle pip
  14. bcnPete
    Update - Some more progress since restarting the layout again...
     
    Firstly, the backscene has had a first coat of blue paint. I am going to keep it simple and use the same technique as my diorama by adding some foliage at the base and then a screen of trees in front of it along the length of the layout. It needs some sanding and smoothing where the joins are but I have run out of the paint so will redo next month. Perhaps some clouds added after but overall its a plain blue sky painted using Wilko 'cloudless' tester pot. Note to self: Buy 5 more pots when next in UK.
     
    Secondly, the front fascia has had the located screws removed, filled and first coat of the grey paint. I need to revisit this, sand and smooth off but I like this colour for fascias now in preference to black as I think it looks quite smart...sophisticated even
     
    Thirdly, I have tweaked the turnout. The operating switch has been located and this will be hidden by some foliage and trees accessed by a finger through the hole in the backscene. Rather than rebuild the turnout completely (for the third time ) I set about removing the frog area and made new ones. After refitting and tweaking, the 25 and a 47 seem to rumble through it quite nicely. Some of the wagons cough a little but I think they need some weight added as the etch chassis is very light even with a Parkwood body on.
     
    The next phase will be to spray the track in grey primer, redo the small sliding traverser in the dries area to release locos, add the sculptamold to the ground contours and then have another crack at the infill trackwork area
     
    I attach the sketch done previously that demonstrates with a small cassette it may be possible to run this board on its own and change the eras of the stock to represent clay hoods through to PCA's etc. I have included a few pics of some surprisingly lengthy visitors to Moorswater...and happily the ferrywagons can squeeze around the tight curves at Moorswater...need to rewheel that 66 pretty sharpish too.
     
    Some pics...
     

     
    Front on view...its smartened the layout up a little...
     

     
    And 3/4 view...what's that 'non BR Blue alien' doing in the dries...
     

     
    Original sketch showing the ideas for it to be a stand alone board...
     

     
    Farish 66 on Dapol Ferry wagons...
     

     
    Hoping to get some nice low level shots through the trees once the scenics are underway again...
     
    EDIT: Apologies for the scraggy scenery in a couple of the shots above...this will all get covered when the 'cake skimming' sculptamold team arrive soon...
  15. bcnPete

    presentation...

    By bcnPete,

    Good morning,
     
    In between working on Kyle, I have been doing a little further work on this project, sometimes sketching with an espresso and in this case a small model to test ideas.
     
    I think I have said before that I am very interested how layouts present their public face at exhibitions, as a pet hate of mine is to see a fantastic layout...and beneath it, a fairly scruffy base or a piece of cloth tacked along like a washing line...
     
    Firstly, lighting. The first outing for KIAB, I did not introduce lighting and relied on the venues lights, but I think the more we can provide ourselves it means there are less surprises when we turn up to exhibit, as a ceiling at 2.5m high with downlights is very different to a Sports Hall of say 8m high with florescent tubes in cages.
     
    I am considering using the small strip lights from IKEA (I had to get a bit of IKEA in this model ) which I hacked around for use on my diorama comp entry. It needs some more thought but I will try and incorporate plug in strips above the front fascia. I am also toying with the idea of a 'floating sky' above the through line and this will enable views through or access to problematic rolling stock...sketch as below...
     

     
    The IKEA lights would be mounted as a continuous strip this time...
     
    Secondly, as another development from CJM I would like to incorporate a screen into the front display to show some photos of the context, the build, the boxfiles and perhaps even the display the F.A.Cup scores as BHMRC always seems to have its exhibition on Cup Final day...not normally a problem for me as I support Stoke City but they actually made it to the Final last year so I am glad I wasn't exhibiting then...Man City beat them of course...
     
    I have one of those photo frame thingys bought for CJM, but this time I was wondering whether to use an iPad instead...
     

     
    I think the screen could provide an interesting balance to the layout...
     
    Lastly, I have been thinking on how I mount the layout and also viewing heights. I think the easiest option will be to use some adjustable saw horses (which my brother can store in the UK for me) and then he will also construct a piece of timber for me which will act as a base but also will be where the black cloth is attached to. The layout will then sit on top of this. One problem with Kyle was being small and light, when you pushed the turnout dpdt switch, the whole layout wanted to move too...so perhaps this time I will use ply construction and something to hold it in place on the base board. Sketch as below...
     

     
    This shows the assembly sequence. In essence...Land in UK,arrive with IKEA hand luggage (I kid you not!) unpack, assemble, operate, pack up, fly out...
     
    From this I decided to make a quick 1:10 model as I wanted to see how the 1200mm above FFL looked. I mentioned previously that for me, 2mmFS layouts look better at this height as when looked down upon on a table it loses something. Being an Architect I am also aware of the DDA legislation and so it is important to try and strike a balance between able bodied, less able bodied, children etc when considering sight lines...
     
    The following photos show the assembly sequence of said layout and I have made a few 1:10 scale peeps to see how it all looks...
     

     
    The components...
     

     
    First, spread the legs...
     

     
    Then, position the baseboard...a piece of hardboard or ply with some cross bracing beneath...kindly constructed by my brother...
     

     
    Next, attach the black cloth to suit...
     

     
    Finally, position the layout...
     

     
    Behind the scenes...
     

     
    Add peeps...an operator and a couple of punters!...
     

     
    This is most likely one of my two sons..."are we nearly finished Daddy?"
     

     
    1200mm above FFL means that less able bodied wheelchair users should also be able to see the sight lines...
     

     
    And finally, unlikely the layout will ever get that popular!...unless I invite all my family at once (my mother uses a wheelchair sometimes)
     
     
    That's about all for now. The next entry will start to talk about some of the rolling stock that I am gradually accumulating for this project.
     
    Pete
  16. bcnPete

    coombe junction - 2mmFS

    By bcnPete,

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

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Please feel free to leave comments...
     
    Pete
  17. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Not had a chance to do any modelling since the exhibition of 11 May 2013 so I guess the next best thing is to think, read and draw about it...
     
    You may recall that this layout is on the list to be scrapped when we move back to the UK in a couple of months, all being well.
     
    Whilst I have had fun making it...and then remaking it, I have to be ruthless in some of my decision making to set the example in our apartment as we have a lot of pruning to be done...plus we have far too many train projects going on so it would be unreasonable for me to bring them all back.
     
    Cut to this weekend back in BCN and I just thought I would have one last look at the layout (its on a shelf high up on the wall so needs me to stand on a table to look at it) and whilst pondering whether I should try and keep the station building (as it took so bloomin' long to build) a slightly mischievous thought entered my head
     
    What if I just stripped it back to the scenic bit, losing the fiddleyard and rear space behind the backscene which make up the 1100 x 260mm IKEA shelf?
     
    Granted, it wouldn't be operational...but it would pack much smaller and it could also serve to be a photo plank for my 2mmFS (purely Scottish ) stuff...which may well expand one day.
     
    So, on the morning plane back today, out with the sketchbook to try and see what it would entail...dot dash lines represent the cuts...
     

     
    And then finding an old photo of the layout I guess it would mean just keeping this much...
     

     
    Which I thought with a much smaller footprint, could be bubble wrapped and form part of the stuff to keep and could maybe make it along to a 2mmFS event one day as a diorama should it be of interest.
     
    So, with this in mind, I might get the saw out next weekend and see what emerges...
  18. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    A productive start to the New Years modelling as with the Landlady away all last week I snuck in 4 consecutive nights of modelling...never managed that in BCN The work centred on the ARC wagons from my last post but more on that later this week...
     
    Tonight I wanted to talk about signals...but not semaphores as have been demonstrated excellently on here of recent by other 2mmFS modellers (you know who you are ) but colour light signals.
     
    I needed two for this layout, to make operations a little more interesting and decided to commission Matt of Absolute Aspects (formely Roger Murray) to build them. https://absoluteaspects.com/
     
    I began conversations with Matt circa the summer re design and prices etc and enjoyed a healthy exchange of emails with him, including my sending pics of the two signals from the location. The main issue was whether the heights would fit in the box file depth (top of baseboard to lid) and also the gubbins beneath to wire them.
     
    The signals come as a push in connector to the PCB and the suggestion is to ballast around the base with bluetac once located to allow removal, but I decided I wanted to minimise the amount of items that were loose so I asked Matt to build them in the available depth (38mm) and also for a little extra he can do a reduced thickness for the PCB too, so that was a must also.
     
    I required a simple 2 aspect home (starter?) for the bay platform and a 4 aspect with a right feather for the main line...the feather is actually for the junction off my board scope for this project but I thought it might be a nice touch.
     
    I also asked if both signals could be the same proportion so they looked similiar in appearance, which may have resulted in them being a little lower in height than the prototype but they should both fit and the bottom aspect is the same height (about rainwater gutter level on the coaches) and looking at the prototype the heights did vary at each end of the station.
     
    The signals arrived a month before Crimble so I then had to wait to collect from my folks on the 26th but it was well worth the wait IMO.
     
    This weekend I managed an hour to try and relocate them in the baseboard (but not test wire them yet) cutting slots as necessary...need to check it all folds back in the boxfile as intended next week
     
    So....a few pics...starting with the packaging which is very nice...its like buying an Apple product, where for me, a lot of the pleasure is just spent looking at the design and layout of the box it arrives in
     

    Nice presentation...
     

    Lid off and we can begin...
     

    Well protected too
     

    The signals and plug in bases...
     

    And again...
     

    2 aspect home...
     

    4 aspect with feather...
     
     

    From the end of the bay platform...
     

    Looking the other way...
     

    New N gauge Inspection saloon also collected at my folks house...
     
    In summary, very pleased with these and just wanted to plug Absolute Aspects as a great service received from Matt. Once they are wired in I will post a few pics of them working...
     
    Over and Out...
  19. bcnPete
    Good morning,
     
    As promised, another update on the development of the cassettes and rolling stock to grace it.
     
    Firstly, the cassettes...
     
    For the first incarnation of Kyle, the cassettes were fashioned from easitrac and card and used sleaved brass rods beneath as a way of power and connection. In that respect they performed fine at the one day exhibition but I was looking to try something different this time from before...pic below...
     

     
    Kyle Mark I cassettes...
     
    Following Chris Miner's suggestion in my last post, I have decided to build cassettes using brass strips. These will then clip together using brass sleeves as before, but this time they will be on the top surface than beneath. I also wanted to try and have a small 'feeder' section as sometimes (IMO) its a shame to see a piece of ballasted track adjacent to a huge piece of aluminum etc and the scenic break at PWIAB is pretty minimal. This feeder piece will be about 100mm in length and most likely will be a permanent fitting of the fiddleyards, on both sides. The cassettes themselves will be 2 x 250mm brass sections (clipped together) with one end of half of them having a 100mm extension piece permanently attached (stay with me on this) giving an overall cassette length of 600mm, enabling some decent length trains.
     
    To better explain, a did a mock up of them in card and boy was it fun pushing some rolling stock up and down them
     

     
    Here is the two number 250mm brass sections with the 'feeder' 100mm section in orange to highlight it...
     

     
    Joined together gives this...overall is a 600mm cassette with 100mm attachment and this will attach to the 100mm feeder strip...
     
    For the sidings area at the front a special double cassette will need to be fabricated as its impossible to squeeze two cassettes adjacent and when a train is abridging the joins it needs two lines to enable run-a-round...a snag found on Kyle when using the Fiddleyards as part of the run-a-round process unless tracks are well spaced. I have ordered 10mm strips from Eileen's and also some 5mm strips for the insides.
     

     
    The double cassette and uses 5mm brass strips for the inner rails...
     
    And now the rolling stock. First, a big thanks again to Chris (Eastwestdivide) for supplying yet more photos and also describing typical train formations from the time. Random searches on the web are providing the odd pic of trains from the era too...and I do enjoy the research process. I have been gradually building up a selection of rolling stock over the year and with impending releases from Farish and Dapol I hope to add to that prior to next May and the exhibition...251 days away...
     
    Here are a selection of typical trains that will be seen on the layout and some notes to accompany them...
     
    Beginning with the star of the show...well, the whole reason for building the layout...the Bachfar 4 CEP...in blue grey...
     

     
    A 33 will be converted to a 33/1 using the TPM replacement ends I now have...this will run on MK I's...
     

     
    A 47 will run on the ARC PGA's...and hopefully a Dapol class 56 in blue once it is released...
     

     
    A 73 on the vans...New BG's will be purchased from Bachfar and hopefully the new CCT's will be available...
     

     
    A class 33/0 on VDA's...I have TPM kits of these awaiting to build so these are just a placeholder at present...
     

     
    An 09 will be resident shunter for the yard (my new Bachfar 08 is with Bob Russell at present...after I swapped the wheels for 2FS ones, I couldn't reassemble it)...
     

     
    A 33 on oil tanks - These are 25 years old (excuse the weathering) so will be replaced with Bachfar TTA's and 100T tankers...
     

     
     
    That's all for now...any more purchases will be added as and when including a rake of Sealion/Seacows...
     
    EDIT: I knew I shouldn't have hurried the upload whilst my wife was telling me we were late for a lunch appointment...I forgot to upload this...which I think makes an interesting train...
     
    Large logo 73 on VSOE pullmans...well, as good as you can do with the Bachfar ones...
     

  20. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    An update on progress of late. I have still trying to tackle some of those smallish bits and pieces I have been putting off but once I got stuck in I kind of enjoyed it. It began with completing the lining to the clay settling tanks in white plasticard and I can now think about how to best try and represent the clay...I'm currently thinking resin mixed with milk of magnesia
     
    The last piece of roofing has been made and now covered in profiles sheeting in the same manner as described previously (I had to check my own blog entry to remember how I did it as I had so many goes at it!) This roof has been made removable just in case any train failures as the access from behind is a tad limited. This roof will be primed soon and then painted and weathered as of those recently described.
     
    I then started work on the smaller structures comprising the clay dries. Unfortunately, most of this has disappeared now since becoming a cement terminal so I am working off a small selection of photos cobbled together over the years researching. Whilst I would have liked scale drawings etc, I think that if we can capture the appearance of something then that is a good compromise. Scott (Stoker) kindly marked up a photo I had the other year which has helped give names to some of the equipment at the dries area.
     
    Firstly, I add some steps to the fuel oil tank. These are curving away into the background to meet an access deck but I haven't thought whether I will make the curved handrail yet. I started to add a curved handrail to the top but stripped it off as it started getting all 50p piece like ...save that for another day that one.
     
    Secondly, a smaller deck structure which protudes from an opening halfway up the cladding in the rotary dries building. This has been formed from Evergreen I section and various plasticard offcuts.
     
    Next, the structure which supports the steam exhaust stack and exhaust scrubbing unit and this again formed of Evergreen I section and plastic sheet/rod etc. The tube of one of my sons felt tip pens seemed to be perfect diameter for one of the cylindrical elements....hence the writing on it at present! The steam exhaust pipe has been connected through to the roof of the rotary dries building and will be fixed in due course.
     
    Then the walkway that connects the old clay dries with the rotary clay dries. The access to the old clay dries is through the small 'add on' structure in the roof whilst the deck spans across the tracks to the rotary dries building.
     
    Finally, a small exhaust vent added from the roof of the rotary dries. There will be a few other small stacks (some large ones too) added so this one was more of a test to see how it looked.
     
    The handrails are made from Evergreen styrene rod and whilst it would be nice to etch them, it would take a month of Sundays for me to draw them all out, organise them and order them and it will just prolong progress on the layout. Besides, I kinda like the slightly wonky not quite perfect effect...reminds me of some Contractors I know...
     
    Enough of all that waffle...lets see it in pics...albeit unpainted and whilst individually they don't look like much, when placed together insitu it hopefully helps to capture the scene of the clay dries. Still quite a bit to add but what I thought was going to be a chore turned out to be quite fun.
     

    Roof completed...awaiting grey primer to flush out nasty bits!...
     

    Fuel oil store with steps added...freaky shadow eh? The propeller of the Titanic perhaps?
     

    Small protruding access deck structure...
     

    Support structure for steam exhaust stack...
     

    High level deck structure connecting old dries with rotary dries buildings...
     
    And then gradually placed insitu to show position and build up the scene...
     

    Walkways in place...
     

    Fuel oil store positioned...
     

    Steam exhaust stack positioned...
     

    Overall showing the test exhaust vent at the roof of the rotary drier in the foreground...
     

    Lastly, a tree shamelessly stuck in the earth temporarily to help try and set the scene...static grass and foilage will be a separate exercise...
     
    That's all for a little while from me as the end of next week we will be heading for slightly colder climes in the form of a week in Cornwall and I hope its as good as our trip their last year. Whilst dropping in on my folks I will also collect various strange railway related goodies that have accumulated mainly 2mmFS related...and a few senior scale elements which are best not discussed on this here blog...
  21. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    A quick update on general progress of late. Lots of small bits and pieces undertaken since the last update. First up the station sign. The original layout has had two different signs during the last two years starting with the Scottish blue one before I swapped it to the British Railways black and white sign.
     
    I have always had a soft spot for the blue signage so set about recreating it. The previous one had been undertaken trying to match the typeface and colour to pics but this time I recalled the famous Michael Palin trip and the sign featured at the end...namely because he got to take one home and fix it to his back garden wall. I remember taking some screen grab stills of the DVD in BCN in order to help with detailing and using the shot from the garden I was able to import it into Photoshop and (with the help of a colleague at work) sharpen up the white text and tweak the blue colour.
     
    This was then printed to a 20% reduction on our colour printer and duly applied to the wall of the ramp. So a real copy of the original two piece metal station sign shrunk to suit in case anyone queries the typeface at the exhibition
     

    original pic screen grab from tv!...
     

    packaged ready for MP to take home...
     

    completed sign in place...
     
    Next up was replacing the bridge handrail and roadway. The road was redone with fine wet n dry paper and the paving using one of the scalescenes downloads. The handrail took a few attempts and was formed using various sections of Evergreen plastic assembled using liquid poly.
     

    bridge handrail redone...black out below bridge described below...
     
    The quayside had some repairs including new metal bollards formed from small model wooden boat accessories from a model shop in BCN which specialised in boat models painted rust colour to match whilst the excellent TPM metal Herris type fencing was repaired following a disaster when the strip light fell from above during temporary positioning of it
     

     
    Another important addition to the base of the ramp is the classic telephone box which is a rather lovely little etched kit from Shirescenes - this awaits a prime and red coat top colour.
     

     
    A slightly bizarre and time consuming job was the alignment of the power connector between boards. This involved some reverse engineering somewhat as one side had been prefixed to the scenics board and now in an effort to simplify the wiring I tried to position the opposing side on the FY boards...except there was no end to this board as it had been hollowed out to get the wires in. What followed was a fairly Heath Robinsonish affair of locating the connector whilst continually checking the tracks above were aligned and then setting this within a surround so that when I plug the two boards together they align and do the power - Note to self: next layout I build will have this all resolved with C+L board connectors prior to track laying
     
    Finally, a small experiment to help block the view when taking pictures. A small hinging flap made from cardboard and coloured in using a black permanent marker pen is located above the bridge on the inside face to lower and help block out light and hopefully get more realaitic pics - more done as a trial to see how I get on with it...the fourth pic down shows the benefit(?) of it in place...
     

    small cardboard hinged mechanism...
     

    which can be folded out of the way when not required...
     

    still chipping away...
     
    Now hoping to get onto rolling stock starting with the locos once the wheels return from being turned down.
     
    That's about it - comments welcomed as always.
     
    Pete
  22. bcnPete

    up on the roof...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - Good evening,
     
    Work has continued on the inset track area sanding, painting etc etc but to give myself a break from it I decided to start painting the roof of both dries buildings.
     
    Working from a mix of photos of how they used to be late in the late 70's and also from now(ish) I have applied some base colour over the grey primer that was.
     
    The paints are mostly acrylic from a wargamer shop near where I teach and a few railmatch acrylic. I must admit I am starting to prefer working with these acrylics now then the Humbrol pots which are gradually drying up and the ease of rinsing brushes and lack of smell wafting from the DRT are also a bonus.
     
    Enough rambling - First I applied some blue/grey to the Rotary dries building to the walls and then the roof has been painted with sleeper grime. Once these were dry I started to work in some weathering powders dry brushing with fairly large brushes.
     
    Then for the Old dries building I have painted most of the roof with railmatch rust. There are some newer replaced parts of the roof which initially were painted the blue/grey colour and then some brown powder has been applied to represent rust appearing.
     
    The powders used were a mixture of black, white and brown (I can be more specific if required)
     
    In reality, to represent the buildings when china clay not cement was King at Moorswater I need to give them a good dusting of white powder...or talc as has been suggested. But before that, I am trying to get the base colours to look convincing.
     
    Its early days as I still need to finish the roof construction over the covered area but here's a few pics of work in progress...
     

     
    Overall plan shot...
     

     
    Rotary Dries building...
     

     
    Old dries building...
     

     
    View along top...
     

     
    Seen from track level...
  23. bcnPete
    Good afternoon,
     
    This post is threefold really...
     
    First, the inset track of CJM is stalling mojo at present so a good time to jump on the overnight sleeper bound for Scotland...
     
    Secondly, I had been asked to provide a few photos to the 2mm Association of the track (for possible inclusion in a revised edition of a 2mm article on track) hence the need to photograph it.
     
    Thirdly, I recently bought a Sigma 70-300mm lens with Macro for the camera so I wanted to test it out.
     
    It was nice to slide the layout off the shelf brackets and see it again after the recent period of wrestling with redoing the inset track and the first thing that struck me was that it was a pleasure to have a portable layout that didn't need to be connected and joined together to get running...all self contained on one (you guessed it) Ikea Lack shelf (no royalties by the way)
     
    Upon blowing away the dust and seeing how the backscene has become delaminated again I decided to try and re-photograph the picture I posted sometime ago when I was trying to recreate a scene from the Michael Palin Rail Journeys video.
     
    At the time I had taken a few snapshot stills off the TV on my phone and it was good reference material for the station etc. Here is the picture I was referring to...
     

     
    I had to remove the Scottish blue sign firstly and using the Scalescenes station signs download, I printed some standard BR Black and white signs instead.
     
    And here is my new attempt at it...this one actually shot with my standard 50mm Nikon lens...tripod, self timer, natural light in case of interest.
     

     
    Disclaimer: I know the loco in the prototype is the 'other' end (but I didn't finish front end detail on that yet) and the BR blue colours are a bit different...the ramp is steeper than in reality...oh and the coach should have a Scottish number...and the roof vent detail is different etc etc...but it was the first attempt since completing the layout...
     
    Here's another from a slightly different vantage point...
     

     
    Then using the new lens, this shot was taken from about 2 metres away from the layout....
     

     
    And lastly, again with the Sigma on Macro mode...
     

     
    In summary, it was nice to see the layout again and I would like to get around to working on some more dedicated rolling stock for it, but CJM beckons. I am very happy with the new lens and I hope to be able to understand it better through further use so there may be the odd post again appearing on here.
     
    Must go now...the sleeper is leaving bound for Cornwall...
     
    EDIT: During a 5 min break at the office this morning and armed with an espresso, I dropped an image into PAINT and had a quick play around. I am not that familiar with these packages yet but inspired by the work of Jon Sandhills I had a quick play around with the contrast and brightness and got this...a bit better perhaps and worthy of spending more than 5 minutes on next time...
     

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

    and then horizontal strips laid on individually...

    front end elevation...

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

     
    Overall, I think it is better - the overhang is visible, but not as much, whilst the individual panels can perhaps be picked out during weathering. I will wake my now rejoicing neighbours tomorrow morning by shaking a can of grey primer again and giving it a light wash to clean it up but in the meantime I would welcome any comments on this and whether it gets a Barca or a Real Madrid
     
    Thank you
  25. bcnPete
    Update - me again...but this time some modelling...rather than sketching ideas for the future.
     
    Last night I started to clad the rotary dries building using some corrugated plasticard sheeting held in place with double sided tape and a wash of MEK along the bottom of the plastic. I want to try and make the building look, as it does in reality, slightly cobbled together as it clad in panels which have been patched over the years. I started buy cutting the plasticard into horizontal strips and then cutting these individually and attaching by overlapping the panels vertically. With nearly one side of it completed last night I thought it was going okish but this morning on reflection I thought it looked awful. I kept looking at the corrugations and thinking it was too clumsy for 2FS and whilst a coat of paint may have tided it up, it looked something like this:
     

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

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

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

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

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

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

    First wash of grey primer...

    Hopefully the weathering can start to pick out the panels individually...
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