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bcnPete

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  1. bcnPete

    New kid in town…

    By bcnPete,


    General
    Evening all,
     
    Hopefully a productive modelling bank holiday has been had this weekend.
     
    Just a quick update to share that my Heljan class 37 arrived last week and it’s been well worth the wait  Whilst in reality the loco would never been seen at Wenford it will only make an appearance at home or maybe the last 15 minutes at a show - Rule No.1 
     
    A big thanks to Lee Edmondson of Lee’s locos who not only managed to source the 37 late last year (when everywhere else it seemed sold out) but has also numbered it, detailed it, weathered it and installed the sound. The sound is LegomanBiffo and it certainly captures what I remember from these beasts!
     
    Lee has done an awesome job working from photos that I sent him and he was a real pleasure to deal with - really helpful too.
     
    So the back story is, that it’s actually 37412 primarily for my future 7mm Kyle layout however a few Large Logo class 37’s were transferred down to the West Country 37412 and 37175 being two of them. Hence the interloper…
     
    Much fun has been had shuffling the odd wagon around the sidings with it…no complaints from the neighbours yet…but blimey it’s loud 
     

    Photo - Lee Edmondson

    Photo - Lee Edmondson

    Photo - Lee Edmondson


    Unfortunately I can’t load the other photos I took as they keep coming in upside down 
     
    Here’s a link to a short video of the start up…hopefully this works!
     
    https://youtu.be/3sg3pjg4v1E
     
    Cheers,
     
    Pete
     
     
  2. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Good lockdown progress has been made on the dries since the last update the end of April - a few hours at the weekends chipping away has certainly accelerated where I thought the layout would be at this stage.
     
    Aside from adding gutters and drain pipes to the first building, I wanted to make a start on the second one and get them both to the same status. Using the same build as previously a foam board base was formed onto which various plastic sheets have been applied. I moved a few holes so that the programming track remains hidden but have opened up two bays to give some depth. Again I have gone for construction ease on the roof, so no internal roof trusses have been modelled. 
     

     

     
    For the roof I wanted to capture the slight randomness and not have everything perfect. To do this each of the panels have been cut and laid individually. Whilst it has taken more time I think it is worth it as it has given some slight relief which I can pick up on when I come to the painting and weathering. A slither of plastic sheet at the top of the sheet allows the slight sense of overlap on the sheets.
     

     

     

     

     
    The building was then sprayed grey to help flush out where more work is required and also give a base for the detail painting. At 2.2m long it’s quite some length of buildings!
     

     

     

     

     
    A few drain pipes need to be added to this building as well as glazing the two windows but aside from that it will be time to start adding paints. I think I will work these up off site and then bed them up before any final tweaking and weathering is added.
     
    As always, comments welcome and stay safe all,
     
    Thanks,
     
    Pete
     
     
     
     
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Quick update on progress around Easter - my recently returned turned down wheels were reinserted and after a second period of running in on the rolling road the locos were tried on the layout - some fettling was required to the two turnouts so the bare solder may be visible in some pics below prior to getting retouched in with a paint brush.
     
    With most of the big tasks for scenery, lighting and wiring undertaken my attention has now turned to the rolling stock. My primary aim is to keep it simple as per Gary's wonderful EM Glenuig and have three primary trains operating - 1 passenger, 1 parcels and 1 freight. Some shunting of these will hopefully break this down into further sub divisions...depending upon how many DG's get mounted in time
     
    One primary requirement for Kyle was a rake of 12T vans. My earlier versions date back to a mixture of Peco, Grafar and Lima so this needed updating. One look at the chassis etches for the 5 Stephen Harris kits I have, with a note made 4 years ago to 'ring for instructions over the phone' was not something that I could see happening swiftly from my side and having only made one Association chassis etch so far for my China clay layout, now was not the right time.
     
    My back up plan initially was to buy a fleet of Farish vans and re wheel them to 2FS standards and eventually replace the chassis for them, however when looking at the costs for a set of wheels for each it sort of made sense to put this money towards the new chassis as the axle lengths would be different and I would have the wheels surplus to requirements. Decision made, order forms completed and all the bits arrived just prior to Easter, which was perfect as I had taken this week off work to use up 2014 holiday.
     
    My first chassis build took me 4 hours and that didn't include the axle boxes and DG couplings - I was feeling a little underwhelmed at the thought of the 7 others to complete...however I got stuck in deciding to get a production line going so as to see the fleet growing rather than on a wagon by wagon basis. One oversight made was that I had ordered all 10ft chassis however I also ordered a couple of the Farish cattle vans for a mix and these are 11ft chassis - my back up plan was to ream out the plastic, fit in some top hats and drop in some 2FS wheels - short term solution in case I run out of time to replace them.
     
    As usual my soldering skills have been pushed to the limits and I confess to using some cyno adhesive in some parts...interesting fumes this gives off when you put the iron where previously there had been glue Today has seen the six wagons completed to a point where they need a good clean, scrub and prime prior to seating beneath the Farish rtr bodies. I have just rested them on top for now to see how they look.
     
    A quick test run of the 26 pushing them into the sidings this evening was very satisfying as it does really make a difference to the running quality and they are visually more delicate in appearance too.
     
    Need to move onto the locos quite soon...still plenty to do. Few pics below:
     

    Farish cattle vans with 2FS wheels as short term solution...
     

    Work in progress...
     

    New chassis awaiting clean up and painting...
     

    26 awaiting to leave...
     

    Dapol 26 re wheeled...
     

    Kyle finally has some vans...
     

    Time is marching on...
     
    Comments welcome as usual,
     
    Pete
  7. bcnPete
    Update - The nights are drawing in here and its getting colder so the mojo starts to gather momentum again....
     
    Firstly, a big thank you to Mark (46444) for sending me the photos taken of the dries area...coombe junction...and a cat...but that's another story
     
    I knew that I would never be able to include all of the dries area on the layout however I am hoping that what I can show will give a flavour and imagination can fill in the pieces missing. There are various elements I wish to include (as dicated by the board width) and these are; the settling tanks, the old clay dries, the loading bay, the rotary dries and the rotary stores. I would upload a photo to help put it in context but can't quite see a way to avoid copyright issues
     
    The old clay dries have been started using artists grey card as a base. This will be clad in slaters embossed stone sheet (can anyone recommend a glue which won't delaminate as it did with the bridge?) and has a corrugated metal roof. I have formed the openings used to load the clay etc which have been infilled with breeze blocks in later years as this building is now redundant. Seeing as I am representing 1980/1, I thought I had better show them open, however I will paint the insides black as I won't be including much detail (I think they were vast open spaces anyway?) I have also made a start on the Settling tanks and I will probably line these with plastikard and try and pour some white resin to represent the clay. The building is cut into the landscape so I will just represent a hint of greenery at the corner as shown by a card mock up edge at present. The roof has a slight curve at the end and then the roof skews slightly which will be fun to make I have cut a template roof, which needs some fettling before I make the final one - have included it to help set the scene.
     
    I attach a few pics to show progress - I have made the building/base removable so I can work on it with ease but sometime it will be bedded in the layout. Before I start cladding it, I will now map out the loading bay and rotary dries and stores (which cover all my shocking temporary sparks) as this building needs to be elevated on a podium with ramped access. When that is done, I will return to add more detail to this one.
     

    Plan shot showing extent of area to be modelled...

    Am using a hood and a CDA to check heights and clearances etc...

    Temporary roof removed...the interior will be sprayed black and not reveal much...

    Edge detail showing an extract of the settling tanks...
  8. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    A debrief from the excellent Stafford show of last weekend. I did draft up the post last week but as I was getting used to the new software I managed to delete the entry just as I was about to post it   Start again, fresh eyes...
     
    As previous entries have described, I decided to replace the two turnouts to try and improve running as they were built almost 10 years ago. This turned out to include other remedials and more than I had anticipated in the last few months. The two turnouts were laid, tested, painted and ballasted. I had removed the front fascia to make access easier and the backscene, ramp and bridge was also removed as part of the upgrade. I had printed three backscenes originally so had two spare - the previous one was removed to reveal the curved vinyl sheet I had found in our studio - I had forgotten it had a gold outer side so it made for an interesting in progress shot  I then applied the backscene and the two new fascia pieces laser previously cut from 3mm plywood. Whilst I was at it, I decided to upgrade and simplify the operators side fascia. This has removed the redundant switches from the DC operation and now has just the two turnouts and the five uncoupling slots. The fascia was cut from 1mm veneer and the trackplan and slots formed using a sharp scalpel, changing the blade regularly. To achieve the red effect it is mounted onto a sheet of stout red card from our studio. Finally the fascia was repainted and the lettering reapplied. 
     
    So all all set to go but the weekend before revealed some inconsistencies with the two turnouts which was still there Friday morning 3 hours before I was due to leave for Stafford  My thanks are due to Mark F (2mm Mark of this Parish) who kindly came to help resolve it...By various tests with my meter and probing Mark found the station turnout had a dead frog feed and both switches to operate the turnouts were dead  Knowing was there little time to replace them we set upon a temporary lash up to get me through the weekend, with two new switches hanging out the backscene to change polarity and the old switches disconnected but used for changing the point throw only. Shortly after I was on my way to Stafford, arriving to set up the Friday evening - have never been to a show where you can back up your car virtually to your exhibition space  Was also extremely honoured that Kylie (as Mr Yorke refered to it ) was depicted on the front of the show catalogue - many thanks Colin.
     
    The layout performed well at the show, bar some loco failures (prompting a bit of an overlap between time periods) and I have a few things for the to do list. I received a lot of nice comments on the layout, a lot of people surprised how small it was...one commented the picture on the catalogue was bigger  
     
    My thanks are due to Bryn, Andy H and David L all of this parish for helping out some periods allowing me to get some breaks as well as see the show. A lot of nice layouts, it was great to see some old faces and meet some new ones. I also trialled the new Kylie T-shirt (when temps changed from early morning cold to very busy hot) which Mark B (46444) joked that I should produce...it has the current Kylie tour dates on the back...the layout just needs some roadies now 
     
    Here are a few pictures showing some progress as well as the layout at the show. 
     
    As always, comments are welcome...
     
    Pete
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  9. bcnPete

    scenics started...

    By bcnPete,

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

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

    Track was primed and then sprayed...
     

    View looking towards goods shed...
     

    View towards turnout...
     
    As always, comments welcomed...
     
    Pete
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    A resume of the day yesterday where KoL 2015 had its first exhibition since it was flown over as a box file layout in 2010 - same venue BHMRC one day exhibition.
     
    The first show resulted in a number of changes to be made namely, viewing height, lack of lighting, redoing the back-scene, build the station building, build a fiddle yard, more appropriate rolling stock, general running qualities etc as depicted by the image below:
     

     
    Following the two makeovers since (the first was to the IKEA shelf, the second removing it from said shelf!) addressed a fair number however the most recent in London tackled the lighting and presentation. I also prepared myself a 3 month programme of activities which was knocked into a final 'to do' list in the last few weeks - this has helped me focus and prioritise the works.
     
    The layout set up was very quick and trains were running before 10:00am concentrating on 3 rakes, passenger, parcels and vans. This was carried throughout the day with help from my youngest son and also Jon020...including our usual 3pm G+T reviver
     
    Overall the layout received some very nice comments and it was really nice that people recognised it and told me stories of visiting the station from days gone by. The main two areas that need attention are the turnout in the station had a few stalls at times which we think might be a power issue and also some DG coupling loops/buffing plates need some height adjustments.
     
    It was nice to see Nigel and David from the 2mmFS Association along with some RMWebbers too.
     
    Overall I was pleased with the exhibition and I have since received my first invite to appear at the Uckfield show on October 17/18 later this year - well chuffed about that.
     
    Here's a couple of pics and I need to think about trying to get a 24/1 and 37/0 to boost the motive power and if I feel brave enough build the 5 Stephen Harris grampus wagon kits I have
     

     

     

     
    Many thanks for all the support and encouragement for the layout in the lead up to the show.
     
    Pete
  13. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Two weeks have passed whilst I awaited a print to return (more on this shortly) coupled with some intense periods at work
     
    Before I complete the fascia framing I had to redo the back scene. Not only had it faded badly but being paper, spray mounted onto a card former, it had also bubbled and delaminated.
     
    Chris Nevard had suggested getting the image printed directly onto sticky backed plastic or onto 2 or 3mm foamex however after a little research, not many printers could do 2mm and some doubted it would bend to a tight radius as I required. Few peeps do 1mm as well, plus the minimum order cost was £75
     
    Then followed a chance visit to a printers adjacent to work and they suggested printing on matt vinyl. They gave me a free sample and after trying different plastics at work, I happened upon a thin plastic sheet which was black one side and gold the other...funky
     
    The print was ordered and due to its length was set out on an A1 sheet in the shop by the Graphic Designer. He told me that we could squeeze two more on (allowing me cock ups and future replacements) and the price was £30...effectively 10 notes a shot. The PDF was uploaded and sent to Germany to be printed and 5 working days were required for printing and delivery...collected it yesterday after work.
     
    Today, I began by cutting a template for the plastic sheet, using strips of A4 paper taped together. Once I had this I overlaid and cut out from the plastic sheet. This was then offered up to the layout and trimmed to fine tune as necessary...couldn't resist to take a quick photo too (as below) showing Kyle with a gold sky
     
    This was removed and the vinyl applied from the top and smoothing down as required with my hand - it is low tac but bonds very well to the plastic sheet. The sheet was then positioned working from the platform end secured to the card former by heavy duty double sided tape however I peeled the vinyl back from the curved end whilst I secured the plastic end in place.
     
    Finally, I set back down the vinyl around the curve and smoothed with my hands using a steel rule to get the edges flat. Am very happy with the result and hopefully now I can finish off the fascia panels in the next week or so meaning Phase 1 will be soon complete.
     
    Ironically, the name of the Graphic Designer in the shop who set out the sheet layout... was called Kyle
     

    The paper template...
     

    The funky gold sheet...
     

    Final matt vinyl image...
     

    Gold sky at Kyle...
     

    Curved corner...
     

    Station end...
     

    Final overview...now need to finish the lighting!.
     
    EDIT: this pic was taken in natural light today to try and compensate for those ones above
  14. bcnPete

    layers...

    By bcnPete,

    Back again...
     
    Think I have found the new way forward for the station building construction...been experimenting this evening.
     
    Following departure from plasticard, I was thinking that perhaps a mixture of overlaid thin card layers might give a better result. Onto the 1mm card base, seen last night, I first allowed a layer of clear plasticard for the windows. I had been in two minds whether to scribe and fill with white paint for the frames...or use tape etc...however I thought I would see how far the layering took me.
     
    Onto this, I cut out some openings for the window frames again using thin white postcard and then another layer was added on top which may be either scribed to resemble the planking or this will be another layer on top. I scribed a small amount of planking separately as an overlay just to see how it looks. The door frames and doors will probably be made separately and prepainted before positioning.
     
    The following is a pictorial description of the above with a few assembled shots at the end...please excuse the slithers of masking tape holding it all temporarily together...
     

     
    Base frame from 1mm white card with openings...
     

     
    Clear plasticard layer for glazing...
     

     
    First white postcard layer for window frames...
     

     
    Second white postcard layer to sit on top to give relief to frames...
     

     
    Third white postcard layer scribed to resemble planking...
     

     
    The whole lot stacks together as per this...
     

     
    And with a penny for scale...
     
     
     
    In summary...No cut fingers, No Gin Tonics and No loss of mojo this evening...
  15. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Good evening,
     
    Was hoping to continue with the roof cladding this week but realised I had used up all my supplies of the Evergreen sheeting so will have to wait until next week now
     
    Work has been progressing on 4 no class 37's required for the layout. Two of which will feature in the 80's period of running and the other two perhaps only making guest appearances as they fall outside my chosen time period.
     
    It's a sign of old age creeping in when you need to label each loco with a strip of masking tape to prevent mixing them up
     

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

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

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

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

     
    That's all for the mo....
     
    Pete
  16. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Whilst checking my blog settings earlier, I realised that my blog has now been viewed 10,000 times since I began, so this being my 76th entry I would like to thank you all for your support, comments, enthusiasm and motivation for this blog. Whilst there has been the odd diversion along route (Kyle in a boxfile) this layout began life 25 years ago in my head and finally got going in 2007 shortly before we left the UK.
     
    I thought a few (some previously unseen) images to show where it all began would be a nice way to mark the 10,000 views...even if 5000 of those was probably me checking to see if anyone had left any comments (Am I the only one who does that?)
     
    Beginning with....
     

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

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

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

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

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

    And here is one of the most recent shots of the station with 37238 (about to be renumbered this week) at Coombe Junction Halt.
     
    When I first posted the layout on the last version of the RMWeb, I recall there was Missy, Bryn, Mark and Kris as the only other 2FS modellers, but since then, the 2FS numbers have been steadily growing, and its great to see an increase in the number of 2FS layouts. The forum has been instrumental at keeping my enthusiasm going for the project and without it, this layout might still be stuck in my head. Thank you to you all for staying with me through the thick and thin.
     
    Here's to the next 10,000
     
    Pete
  17. bcnPete
    Update - my humour level has adjusted in line with my children's
     
    Not much to show I am afraid...I was hoping to complete the cladding to the building this side of 2011, but work commitments dictated diverting my time making a model of an architectural project rather than for the layout.
     
    Last week I did manage to progress the cladding a little further so now I just have to complete the roof and cladding trims prior to the first coat of car primer.
     
    I would just like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those who stuck with me through the highs and lows of CJ - M, over the last year, with your helpful comments, suggestions and enthusiasm and for me personally, which can be best summarised as follows:
     
    Low point 2010 - Cladding crisis...
     
    High point 2010 - An article on Coombe Junction - Moorswater appears in the 2mm Magazine...
     
    I would just like to wish you a Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2011.
     
    Pete
     
    EDIT - Typos and Grammer as I was quite drunk when I posted this last night
     

  18. bcnPete
    Afternoon,
     
    2nd attempt as I lost the last upload just as I was spellchecking
     
    7 weeks since my last blog update - work has been full on of late but at least I get to travel to Oxford once or twice a week so I get to see a bit of 'real' railway action to compensate...class 66's on long freights are growing on me somewhat
     
    On the last entry I had just been redoing the backscene giving something like this:
     

    New backscene and fascia...
     
    However, when I placed the layout up at proposed display level (1200mm above FFL) I felt the top frame was a tad low and clipped the sky over the mountains. Once of things learnt whilst working in Norman Foster's studio was to also keep questioning what we are doing...and not be frightened to redo something if felt not quite right. So it was redrawn in CAD increasing the opening by 20mm and then re laser cut.
     
    The extra gap does allow some breathing space to the mountains and that all important storm cloud above too All this was done about a month ago and waiting repainting and finally I managed to visit the shop and get some grey paint mixed for the fascia as the previous tin is somewhere hidden in our garage.
     
    Overall, I am pleased that I made the effort to redo it, even though I momentarily felt I was taking a step back in my reduced modelling progress but long term it was the right decision.
     
    Here's some quick iPhone pics with the first coat of grey paint on (gap between new and old fascia needs filling) with and without lighting:
     

    Revised fascia without Ikea lights in place...
     

    View from RHS with lights...
     

    View from LHS with lights...
     

    View from RHS but slightly lower...
     
    Next job is to locate the lights as one strip has been positioned temporarily (hence the slight shadow) to get a few pics. Also on order is some small self adhesive white letters to redo the layout name.
     
    Any comments always welcome...
     
    Pete
  19. bcnPete

    a few more pics...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    A few more pics to share courtesy of Chris, (eastwestdivide) who kindly sent a selection through.
     
    These show a bit more of the layout as I was conscious that my pics from the show tried to capture the overall presentation.
     
    What is apparent and was commented on during the day is the lack of backscene. You may recall, that when I first started sketching the layout idea, I posed the question of a 'floating backscene' which was suspended across the back but was open at the base and top, a bit like a boob tube (can I say that on here?) to allow views of the station in case of derailments.
     
    Some peeps were concerned by whether this would work or not so I left it off but it might be time to revisit that when I redo the fascias.
     
    Thanks to Chris for his pictures...
     

     
    PWB as it is today...
     

     
    And from the Operator's side...
     

     
    Old Farish 33 waiting in the siding for the magic wand to cast it into a Dapol 33...
     

     
    73 deputising on Passenger (the bogies on the 33 kept snagging on the 3rd rail)
     

     
    4 CEP leaves the Bay...Fuel tanks on 33 kept drooping
     

     
    VSOE Pullman passing through checked at signal...
     

     
    The ARC hoppers also never got finished but were placed to show the mods undertaken to date...
     

     
    Last one from me...here's how it looked 6 months ago...
     
    I would like to get some more close up shots of it in natural light as I did with Kyle but I need to do the mods first and also work on the rolling stock accordingly.
     
    Thanks for looking...
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete
    Afternoon all,
     
    3 months since last post Actually have been suffering the post exhibition dip, loss of mojo and snowed at work...however, am on hols for a couple of weeks now so might try to make some headway. My two boys also want me to progress their 4mm shelf layout too which I promised I would do.
     
    Following the one day exhibition at Burgess Hill I have now had confirmation of invite to this years Uckfield exhibition which I am rather excited about. One of the main objectives was to give the layout support structure a trim as it was using the system built by my brother for the Paddock Wood layout two years before. That was a longer layout having a fiddle yard at either end.
     
    The overall length was 2500mm and considering the total length of KoL is approximately 1500mm, it was clear that there could be some pruning. I produced some simple diagrams which proved that shaving 500mm off each end would do the job as well as make the support structure lighter and take up less room in the back of the car. To compensate for this I will build a small wooden deck that will sit between the Draper legs and act as a platform to stand on...this will help my youngest son who spent most of the time at the BH exhibition standing on the base supports as this gave him an added 150mm or so to look over the back scene.
     
    I have also been drafting a small flyer leaflet of information that could be sent to exhibition managers if the layout is of interest...This gives an overview of the layout in addition to the space requirements for the set up. I have included the short version here so you can see the modifications, all of which will be hidden courtesy of the black sheet which sits below the layout to complete the display.
     
    I have cut the excess timber off this afternoon and will start to make the lower support structure this week. I am also hoping to start work on a 24/1 conversion having bought a s/h class 24 off e-Bay recently....that and building 5 Stephen Harris 2mmFS mermaid kits
     
    In other news, the layout was recently visited by Chris Nevard...watch this space on that one
     

     

  21. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Can't believe this time last week I was weathering the roof canopy, painting the track and adding brute trolleys to the ends of the platform
     
    On reflection this week, I have been giving a lot of thought to the future of PWBIAB and indeed all my layouts with our impending move back to the UK. What is clear is that we will have to cutback big time on space requirements so some layouts will have to go.
     
    Firstly, PWB and some upgrades to it will be: replace all the cardboard fascia panels with 3mm laser cut ply, install the digital photo frame depicting images etc, redo the station canopy, rethink the fiddleyards and detail the rolling stock. I think this layout has some mileage as its quite simple and once the appropriate rolling stock is gathered could be interesting to hang on to. The new Dapol 33's could be rather attractive additions to the fleet.
     
    I think that it may well be my last boxfile layout not only due to the lack of need to travel with it by hand luggage anymore but mainly as it creates too many joints...the alignments being the main problem at the debut show. I did think of doing a Kyle style upgrade to a 1900mm Ikea shelf but that will equally give length problems for travelling so am now thinking of permanently joining the two scenic boards together and having two similar length fiddle yard boards which can be stored in a modified 'double box file' arrangement.
     

     

     
    Kyle I think will have to go. It was fun to build and do the upgrade and, I learnt a lot from both builds but in terms of operations PWB has much more potential.
     
    Of my sons two 4mm layouts I will ditch the large roundy roundy and try and keep the 1900mm Ikea shelf layout which forms part of a layout thread on here somewhere. It all works fine and needs ballasting and detailing etc but I guess it was always built with the future in mind where they could shunt rather than race trains
     
    My growing 7mm collection of rolling stock will stay but I will hold fire on building the Wenfordbridge dries model just yet (another 1900mm Ikea shelf layout) as it seems silly to start something else too soon.
     
    That just leaves Coombe Junction - Moorswater. I started the week with a view to scrapping it all...but as the week went on, I felt more and more uncomfortable with that. At 3.3m long it has its problems, not to mention my very first hand built pcb trackwork which is a bit dodgy but it occurred o me yesterday that a good compromise would be to keep the Moorwater board. This one has had the most work on it to date and will include the viaduct and the dries buildings whereas the other two boards could be scrapped to make space...and perhaps I can rebuild them at a later date, when we have more room.
     
    I did post an entry some time ago saying the Moorswater board could perhaps go it alone and whilst it wouldn't be the most exciting of layouts at an exhibition, it could be fed with cassettes depicting various train movements.
     
    Here's a more pictorial view of what I am proposing:
     

     
    I won't be ditching stuff just yet so perhaps can take some photos before but at least it does start to thin out railway stuff as it is quite apparent how the collection of train related stuff has grown in the last 5 years or so.
     
    Next up, I might try and build a 7mm kit I have just to see what it is like working in that scale...but I think after last weekend, despite my eye deteriorations and frustrations, I still enjoy modelling 2mm FS too much to completely turn my back on it.
     
    Have a good weekend all
     
    Pete
  22. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Good Afternoon - There's been progress of sorts, but most of this week down have been down with man flu...and reading that Scaleforum thread hasn't exactly been medicinal
     
    To begin with, the turnout is virtually complete, bar wiring and mechanism (more on that in another entry) Note to self: When using an item of rolling stock to check/test running through the crossing, remember to first check the back to back's are right Yep...it's a ridiculous as that...ages trying to tweak smooth running then realised said item was the problem
    Anyway, its now done, it's not pretty but hopefully once I have added in the cosmetic chairs around the frog area, painted all etc, it will pass okay. I doubt I will ever be able to produce beautiful sweeping flowing trackwork, but most of my layouts seem to have a maximum two turnouts these days. Hat off to all those that can do so though.
     

     
    Turnout complete...ish...
     

     
    May need to redo the point blades before I crack the mechanism...
     
    Next, a start has been made on the wiring. Still not got it clear in my head but I have started to add droppers at the ends of the baseboards which may all end up being fed to a multi-connector so only one gizmo to plug together. The 2mm Association lost wax brass sleepers have been spliced and the wires soldered beneath in an effort to dry and minimise wires soldered to the sides of the rails from my previous efforts. The baseboard has then been scraped with a scalpel to accommodate the soldered wire beneath and this has then been fixed in position with cyno. Again, not the tidiest of work, but hopefully paint and ballast to the rescue. I am about 70% through this and trying not to rush it so to reduce problems in the future. The cables have been lashed together at the ends with a cable tie at present until I decide best methods of bringing together...I'm no sparks me
     

     
    The start of the sparks...it doesn't get much tidier than this from me...
     
    Next up, a quick test with a magnet for the uncoupling. There will probably be only two uncoupling positions in the front yard sidings to allow run-a-round of freight trains so I am aiming to use fixed magnets. The folding flap/through line whilst gives the extra width and line is compromising in other ways especially for the layout controls but I think I have solutions for that now. One of the magnets used on the sliding stick system used on Kyle has been 'scotched' into position under one of the sidings and thankfully it is powerful enough to work through the thin baseboard construction. So, it may be that I can install a few more for layout future proofing as they work fine in this way.
     

     
    Small magnet scotched beneath track...works fine...
     
    Lastly, I have built two of the neat Chris Higgs etches for SR buffer stops. I started by tinning the etches as recommended began the folds and then my pathetic soldering skills kicked in and I could not get the etches to stay together after various attempts. Nothing to do with the etches ...everything to do with me.... So, as per the last ones made for Kyle, I assembled these using Cyno Sorry if that offends...and its probably why I still have a huge batch of 2mm Association kits awaiting to be built, but me and soldering just don't make for happiness. The stops have been fixed in position and I have substituted the cross beam for a piece of plasticard to prevent the electrical shorts and using one of each of the etches to act as cutting template for the plasticard. A tie bar has been added in plasticard rod at the rear. Once again, paint to the rescue.
     

     
    Buffer stops in position...
     

     
    And from the rear...
     
    Finally, a few gratuitous shots showing some stock placed to help give the layout some context...
     

     
    This shot pretty much shows the 707mm extent of the scenic portion of the layout...
     

     
    That's a blue tea tray to block the rubbish and not the BCN sky in the background...
     

     
    Old Farish 33 needing some work (lowering and drooping battery box for a start) unless Dapol come to the rescue...
     

     
    Looking down as 33 awaits to depart on a short fitted freight...
     
    That's all to date...perhaps this layout may make it to a 2mmFS event one day...depending how long we survive here in Spain...
  23. bcnPete

    bubble-icious...

    By bcnPete,

    Good afternoon,
     
    me again...back to back posting
     
    This posting is twofold really...
     
    Firstly, my Dapol BR Blue bubble finally arrived today from Hattons...well 2 of them actually, due to a mix up between Hattons and myself. It will go straight back as I prefer to keep the money for the Blue Grey version...when you are ready DD..
     
    I have been awaiting this model for some years now so I guess my part built worsley works 121 etch...will remain par built. It really is the one bit of rolling stock the line needs so forgive me for plonking it straight OOTB on the layout to see if it feels at home.
     
    Secondly, I have been meaning to set up the layout along its length in our external terrace as we now have a bit of extra space and I wanted to 'slot in' my 2011 diorama effort to see how it looked, afterall my entry was a testbed for scenery, lighting, fascias and of course building the viaduct.
     
    You have to try and imagine stretching the diorama the 11" along the 3.3 metres length as that's really the feel I would like the layout to have. A hell of a lot of trees, with a small branch/freight line running between them.
     
    I am hoping to restart this in January 2012 and give the layout a good crack next year and see what I can get done before 21 December 2012...or whatever that doomsday date is.
     
    Until then, a few pics and I am heading back to the far North of Scotland...
     

     
    Dapol Bubble at Coombe Junction halt...
     

     
    And a closer view...
     

     
    Overall of layout 3.3 metres in length...
     

     
    And with 2011 diorama 'slotted in'...
     

     
    And a little closer...I know that the branch line doesn't align!...
     

     
    And from the other side...just to give a feel for what I am aiming at...
     
    EDIT...Forgot to add this one yesterday...this is a front end on view showing 'implied proscenium arch' using the lighting beam...
     

     
    The beam is just enough to let the viaduct breathe a little...
  24. bcnPete
    Update - Further to Mikkel's observations about visibility in the dries area, this evening I decided to pursue an idea that I had sketched out last year, as it had also been on my mind in the early planning stages of this board. I always wanted to model a snapshot of the dries area but was conscious that a lot of it would be hidden, as opposed to the excellent Wheal Elizabeth where the dries building faces the audience. With this in mind I set about creating a small 'letterbox' in the front fascia to give small vistas as a train arrived, especially for small (and big ) children. Its all been crafted in grey card at present but will be clad more neatly in stone sheet etc in the coming few weeks.
    Here is my initial sketch from last year...

    And although the dries has now been mapped out in a bit more detail, here is the solution...

    which gives this...

    It's not intended to show everything but I thought it might be an interesting snapshot from a differing viewpoint...
     
    On the subject of openings, I also cut out the one at the rear of the dries to allow access to the mini traverser and turning of locos as I will DG one end and detail the other. The openings are concealed beneath the buildings and there is space to hold a loco, but actually the ergonomics have been based upon the size of a stash of jelly babies courtesy of Mark and Steve's recommendations on operating procedures when exhibiting
    It looks something like this from behind the scenes...

    and poking the camera in a bit closer will give a few other hidden photo opportunities I hope...

     
    The last opening cut this evening, was an idea that I saw Hugh Flynn had used on one of his recent layouts, namely the incorporation of a photo display screen. Most of the ones I have seen have horrible chunky frames, curves and bevels etc so I managed to sell the idea to my wife, that if I found a slick black minimal design, it would be a welcome addition to our apartment...and something I could borrow occasionally when exhibiting the layout This could then display a running slideshow of sketches, research of the prototype, construction and other reference material for the layout rather than string a 'washing line' of information along the front....which can sometimes detract from a layout.
    The idea was to incorporate it in my blank front fascia panel screening the fiddleyard something along these lines...

    and this was the model found...a bargain a €90 I thought...

    where the frame justs drops in behind the fiddleyard fascia on a series of card/foamboard runners and can be easily removed...

    with a nice sharp edge to the screen
     
    That's all folks...
  25. bcnPete
    Update - Returned late last night from a fabulous weekend in the UK
     
    The 2FS EXPO really was terrific. Such a nice bunch of friendly, helpful people, fantastic layouts and for me finally a chance to put a few faces to names from the Association and RMWeb - I won't list names as it will look like an Oscar acceptance speech, but it was a real privilege to spend a weekend and be amongst and talk to modellers who have been and continue to be an inspiration to me.
     
    I would have loved to have got Coombe Junction to the EXPO and I guess it has further motivated me to try and crystalise a solution to make it transportable economically. One thing that came out of Guinness fueled evening discussions was the idea to perhaps start with the Moorswater board (No. 3) and run it with a series of cassettes which could span eras starting with the clay hoods, then on to CDA's and finally with the current PCA's.
     
    Food for thought...In the meantime, I attach a couple of pics of the storyboard display (Thanks again Mike ) and the mock up models that I did manage to squeeze into my hand luggage.
     

     

     
    Pete
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