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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    With only 9 days to go, I seem to have found myself in a worse position than in 2010 when I exhibited KIAB
     
    A dose of bad luck in that the laser cutter at work broke (and has just been reinstated today) has meant that a few things won't be done in quite the way I had envisaged them, however am trying my best to get a reasonable display on show.
     
    This weekend when I fly back there to BCN there is still loads to do including finalising the wiring, finishing the fiddleyards and connecting boards, fascia panels, lighting, installing the signals, painting the third rail...I could go on...
     
    Some progress this week on the canopy though. It started in BCN last Saturday with the soldering of a brass structure onto which I would attach the more cosmetic elements. The legs have been made in piano wire and these have been then covered in small plastic I beams (so the wire runs between the web of the beam on the non viewing side) to give some stability to it.
     
    A simple jig has been formed at work and the idea is (was) to transport this structure back this weekend and install on the platform. The most challenging bit which I was dreading was forming the curved structure of the canopy. A couple of trials ended in disaster so this evening after work I laser cut a base in 1mm perspex and some roof profiles which were fided at 10mm centres so I could wrap the corrugated sheet around it. All was fine until I tried to get the curve to hold and my initial fears of it not retaining its shape were upon me.
     
    This has since been scrapped but talking with my colleague who runs our model shop in the office, he suggested I try and form my own roof from 0.2mm perspex which we will laser cut tomorrow morning first thing and I will try and reattach it at lunchtime. Then there is the fascia which as been drawn and is awaiting cutting.
     
    So I left work a bit low this evening as it wasn't where I wanted it to be at this time.
     
    I attach a few pics of the canopy structure (excuse my still shocking soldering but it won't be seen) and I realise that this will be the last long distance/boxfile layout I produce as despite the size there are too many complications.
     
    More worrying is that my eyesight (already shocking) is just not up to small stuff anymore...
     

     

     

     

     

  2. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Work has been progressing as and when I can mid week and weekends but with not long to go I start to wonder what compromises may need to be made to get things done...
     
    With the laser cutter at work still out of action until some time next week (projected) I have trying to progress other bits and pieces. Last weekend I started to lay the pcb sleepers to make the connecting lines for the fiddleyard boards - slow progress and I will need to crack on with this the coming weekend...in between putting in enough hours with my family...
     
    I order some brass square section, rod and plasticard I sections from 4D modelshop and this weekend I will start the Plan B construction of the station canopy with a view of trying to complete it next week.
     
    A Ratio relay box has been added to the end of the platform as of the prototype and I have a small 25 speed restriction sign to add when it gets painted.
     
    The buffer stops received a red line applied with a fine red permanent marker...not the easiest thing to do with the layout stood on its end and also some painting of the rails was undertaken although this will need to be examined in natural light this weekend as working in the evening in my room digs is not the greatest environment. Excess paint needs to be removed from the running surface visible in some shots below.
     
    I have also managed to install the third rail now too. Following my trial previously I have threaded easitrac chairs to rail and then trimmed them as tight as possible to just leave the rail clasp. The sleepers were then marked with a permanent marker (I used a spacing of 6 sleepers) and small splices of a white plasticard rod were added attached with cyno. The rail was then attached with cyno to these and awaits painting. I might keep the white appearance of the mount and weather it as I recall living in Sussex seeing the third rail supports with the large white bases lying besides the track.
     
    A few photos to demonstrate...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    That's about it for the moment...14 days to go...
  3. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    Full on deadlines at work have affected progress of late and to say I am behind is an understatement, but having given the exhibition manager, Chris R, a commitment a year ago, I intend to honour it, so some how things will get done.
     
    My brother has kindly made me the sub structure on which the layout would sit as I couldn't see a way of getting that in my hand luggage
     
    I sent him some drawings / sketches and he has made a 300mm x 2000mm board which folds in half to fit in his car, and there is a small attachable down stand in the centre for holding the transformers and Gin Tonics - How fitting I shall be exhibiting alongside Jon020, who also shares a fondness for Bombay Sapphire and blue diesels I recall
     
    The structure will then straddle two Draper A frame extendable leg supports which I secured last year as I wanted to exhibit this layout with rail level at 1200mm above FFL having learnt lessons when Kyle was exhibited on a table and peered upon...for me, 2mmFS just looks better set higher.
     
    During last week, I have managed to cut out the pieces for the two fiddle yards and the intention was to build the fascias from 3mm ply rather than my usually thick grey card but disaster struck late last week when the office laser cutter broke and could be out of use for 2 -3 weeks
     
    That also throws the platform canopy into array as I had drawn the awning edge profile and the model shop manager suggested making some very basic small laser cut elements for the canopy support structure...time to rethink these again...and fast.
     
    Also, this evening I flew back the layout to LGW (security at BCN asked me to open my case after it went through the x-ray machine ) and I hope to be able to tinker with it during the week, perhaps starting the third rail. I attach a few pics of the fiddle yard support structures which the folded cassettes will mesh in with (need to add the pcb track at the raised ends) and also a pic of the layout folded into the boxfile as Mike was asking recently for that...thankfully it fits in the box with the signals and the canopy structure bringing it up to lid closure height.
     

     

     

     

     

     
     
    27 days to go...
  4. bcnPete

    ballast...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    The target this weekend was to undertake the ballasting - as usual, a tedious exercise, despite given the relatively small size of the layout.
     
    As usual, I use the Woodland Scenics fine grey chips and these were applied onto pre spread PVA using a mixture of paint brushes and cocktail sticks.
     
    I had pre painted the sleepers and chairs with a view to pre painting the rail and threading it but due to lack of progress I ended up cracking on with finishing the track so I will have to hand paint the rail(s) later.
     
    I also managed to apply the first coat of paint to the buffer stops and checking the prototype was surprised to see they were black with white - just got to do the red stripe now.
     
    A few pics:
     

     

     

     

     
    Next job is to make the station canopy...
     
    That's it really - small progress, short blog entry but at least moving in the right direction...which it needs to with only 39 days remaining...
  5. bcnPete
    Buenos dias a todos
     
    Actually, its been raining here all weekend...can't win em all...
     
    Slightly flimsy blog content this one, but just a small update as I secured the new platforms in place yesterday and have been pondering the next move to make. Rather than rush into the ballasting today I have decided to leave that until the Easter weekend...especially as I just found out this morning that the Outlaws are coming to stay next week for 12 days meaning they will be here, and still here, the next 2 weekends I fly back Rest assured, the show MUST and WILL go on as there's 54 days to the exhibition...
     
    The main decision taken this weekend is to replace the cardboard fascias with 3mm ply which I will cut using the laser at work using some offcuts my colleague has promised me. Whilst I am a big fan of cardboard, this will hopefully give a little more rigid stability to the overall set up. The new fiddle yard bases will also be in ply to match the 2 main baseboards.
     
    I have drawn out all the components in CAD and will hopefully make a start in my lunchtimes this week.
     
    Here's a shot from a previous entry on framing:
     

     
    Now the platform has been repositioned and the colour lights are in place so after ballasting the platform canopy will be the outstanding largest scenic to be started - had better start drawing that out soon, which will probably be a plasticard structure.
     
    Here's the latest with the 4 CEP in place and a few wagons to set the scene and the mini-me model of what I am hoping to achieve:
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Tootle-pip...
  6. 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
  7. bcnPete

    boxing clever?...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Time for an update on PWIAB. In short, the original idea was for the layout to be exhibited in May 2014...but this was far far away so it has been brought forward to May 2013
     
    After much sketching again at 35,000ft en route to UK recently for our week in sunny changeable Cornwall, thought was given to the baseboards as I wanted to get these underway before crimble. Particularly, lessons learnt from Kyle when it used to reside in a boxfile. This time a decision was made not to use foamboard as they twisted and were also too light, tending to want to move everytime you slid the dpdt switch for the turnouts. I recall that Anthony Yeates had used 3mm ply on his inspiring Inverneuk boxfile layout so something similiar was sought.
     
    Not being a gifted wood worker and lack of workbench/garage also shaped the decision and I found a product in a model shop here which was wood like in appearance and 3mm thick...and it was reasonably priced. It cuts with the grain with a SM 10A scalpel blade and requires a little more work across the grain but is has allowed me to work on a cutting mat on the dining room table.
     
    Having worked out the maximum dimensions, I knew I had to extend the width by a slither but this was necessary to allow the trackplan to fit. The pieces were cut, numbered and laid out and then glued with PVA. Another lesson learnt from alignment issues was to incorporate a hinge and this will be visible on the front and may/may not be covered by the front fascia. The boards will be then unfolded and bolted through on the inside, again to iron out problems previously arising.
     
    Finally, the last thing was to incorporate the folding section. You may recall that in order to add a little more operational interest a through line has been added the other side of the bay platform and this is provided by a folded section so as to sit within the depth/width of the boxfile. A strip has been formed secured with hinges and Araldite (I may add screws later for belt and braces) and once unfolded this is kept in place by a timber base which has recesses to incorporate switches for the turnout and signals to be added at a later date - More on that in the future as its presently in the sketchbook/my head at present.
     
    In terms of signals there will be a two aspect starter for the bay platform and a four aspect with feather for the through line. I am currently in extended dialogues with Matt from Absolute Aspects (formely Roger Murray) and I must say that he has been extremely helpful in his way of working as we try to work together by exchange of emails with the minimum depth of the baseboards (only 30mm) It may be that the two signals are removable and Matt has engineered the 'below baseboard' stuff to fit with the 'above baseboard' signals potentially 'plugging in'.
     
    Finally, thanks again to Chris (EastWestDivide) for sending some more photos recently which are helping with context and train formations.
     
    As always, a few pics to better describe all the above
     

     
    The first is a reminder of the idea showing the through line which folds for storage...
     

     
    And gives extra width to the boards...
     

     
    Baseboards folded and located within depth allowing for scenics...
     

     
    Once removed they look something like this...
     

     
    And on the underside, this...
     

     
    The edges unfold to reveal the hinged section...
     

     
    The baseboads unfolded give this...hinge on front face as not to interfere with folding mechanism..
     

     
    Looking down and at the rear, we see the through line folded in stored position...
     

     
    And once unfolded, they increase the width to allow the through line to fold up against the platform face...
     

     
    Final zoom in showing recess which will incorporate switches and DIN sockets etc...
     
    Next I need to order some more Easitrac components and cut the slots for the signals...until the next time...
  8. 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...
  9. bcnPete

    cassettes...revisited...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Two blog updates within a week
     
    Whilst trackwork mods and sparx has been ambling along in BCN, whilst in LDN I have been working on the replacement cassettes needed. To recap briefly, a simple folding affair was made using a wilko hinge, some thin timber sheet and some brass strips, as per this:
     

     
    Whilst the concept worked, they were too short as the 4 Cep needs a 600mm length cassette and to be honest, longer ones would mean other more interesting train formations. First job was to source some brass strips from 4D model shop and these had been machined at 305mm long - perfect!
     
    Secondly, having struggled with cutting out the 3mm timber before with a 10A blade, I wondered if I could make use of the laser cutter at my new place of work. Following induction, and a quick model for the current project I am working on, I prepared a drawing using Microstation Software. This was then set out to meet the retraints of the cutting bed and then this was sent to the laser. Paul the office model maker kindly let me have some offcuts of 3mm ply from the recycle bin. A quick screen grab using the phone to indicate how it looked.
     

     
    I then watched in awe as it cut out the pieces beautifully...and with a great smell of burnt 3mm plywood lingering afterwards! The small set of rectangles are for packing underneath the strips to give clearance to the folded hinges.
     

     

     

     
    These were then taken home and assembled over the last few nights. Its slow work as I need to leave the sides to set with PVA overnight before tackling the brass but am trying not to rush it. This evening I glued the brass strip using yellow Zap adhesive as an alternative to araldite which seems to take ages to set.
     
    Finally, a few pics of it completed. It now needs a bolt through the ends as before to keep it together once folded and the electrical connection between the middle. Am thinking this time to just hard wire that rather than my insect like rail thingys from last time. Apologies for the picture colour at the end...the Landladys floor is a bit highly varnished in places
     

     

     

     

     
    1 down...5 to go...
     
    That's all for this week I think...tootle pip.
  10. 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...
  11. 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...
  12. 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
  13. bcnPete

    Wagon(s) roll...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    A very good evening,
     
    Almost six weeks into my new job now, my weekends of commuting and re-adjusting to colder climes, I finally found time to do some modelling this evening. I must confess, although I had snuck a small basic kit of tools in my luggage when I first arrived, it took another few weeks to work out what to tackle here. Its going to be pretty limited too, as soldering irons and nasty smelling glues or paints will probably upset my landlady...so, with her gone for Christmas yesterday, I saw a small window of opportunity.
     
    My original intention, having bought a truck load of mathiesons couplings was to begin to gather rolling stock for PWIAB and close couple together in rakes of 4 with a DG coupling at each end. First up being 8 Bachfar PGA's in Amey Roadstone Company livery - a nice model, if a little plasticy in colour.
     
    I thought this would be a nice straightforward task to ease me back in after a 6 week or so break, but then I forgot I had bought 8 packets of PGA conversion/detailing kits from Bernard of TPM - so I thought I would tackle that before close coupling them together
     
    First up, the wagon itself, straight out of the box - apologies for pics am relying on an iPhone/iPad combo
     

     

     
    Being a TPM kit, not only does it come with comprehensive instructions but a neat little etch and some white metal castings too...all nicely packaged up too I might add:
     

     
    The existing wagon is firstly deconstructed and excess bits stripped away, namely the underframe detail and the end walkways and ladders. This took quite a bit of time and rather than tackle all 8 stage by stage I am glad I can use the first one as a learning curve. The other thing to note is that due to the need to fit DG's and the Mathieson 3-link couplings, I also cut away the ugly rapido box whilst I was at it, which cannot be denied does help give a little strength to the chassis.
     
    Then, the etches are folded and glued together with a neat little assembly but care has to be taken as they are rather delicate. A small fold from the end etch became loose which I will have to reattach or use a slither of plasticard. The ends are formed and then the walkway and ladder structure is added. These were then attached with cyno and the discharge base was added beneath the chassis. Next up was the brake equipment which was added at the requisite end attached with cyno. The final touch was to strip off the old brake wheel, cut back the moulding and fix new etches.
     
    Before you say it, I know I know I should have painted all the components before attaching them...but I know what I am like and they will never get done...especially in my temporary digs.
     
    I attach a few pics of the completed wagon showing the mods undertaken but ironically, no couplings have been fitted yet until I complete the other three for the rake (should probably paint them before that but you know what I am like )
     

     

     

     
    And finally a couple of comparison pics:
     

     

     
    So in summary, its definately worth doing as the fineness of the etches are apparent when viewed against the Farish ones, but I need to incorporate the lessons learnt from tonight and also remember that they are very delicate to handle from now on...as most things 2mmFS are I guess.
     
    They may get another blog entry update once they are close coupled and/or painted but in the meantime, its good to be back modelling and posting again.
     
    Pete
  14. bcnPete

    ch ch ch changes....

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    It's been a while...and there's a few things to share.
     
    Firstly, my circumstances are changing, namely that after 5+ great years here in Barcelona we have decided to relocate back to the UK next year...at the end of the boys School year. It's proving too difficult for us to work in Spain and it hasn't been helped by us arriving 3 months before the economic crisis hit...which as you are aware is hitting Spain very hard.
     
    Following a trip to London 10 days ago, I had an interview and start working in a new job tomorrow It will be strange to become an employee again after more than 5 years of being my own boss...but I will sure look forward to a regular salary again. I am going to be commuting in this transition year so last plane back to BCN on Friday after work and then last plane back to LGW on Sunday evening...to spend as much time with my family.
     
    How will this affect my modeling? Hmmm...not sure at present, as having opted to come to Spain to try and find a better work/family balance I was also able to restart my modelling again after a 20 year break...that said, I have packed a cutting mat and a few tools in my hold luggage. The thinking is maybe I can sneak in some modelling on the weekday evenings at my digs in London...I am thinking of flying back and forth some rolling stock on a weekly basis in my hand luggage...let's see how that maps out.
     
    Also has some thoughts on my new avatar...rather than change my name for simplicity and continuity I thought I would opt for a stripped down version...as BCN will always be a part of me...
     

     
    So...back to modelling...the dreaded electrics which I so wanted to complete before starting my new chapter. Having wrestled with it for a couple of weeks, I can thankfully say it is all now working. Who would have thought a layout with one turnout could give me so much grief...especially in DC
     
    As most of the work was being done upside down, it became apparent that the buffer stops (at present they protrude higher than the platform) were in danger of getting damaged. So I came up with a simple solution of 4 card strips which bolt through the pre made holes for the fascia(s) and once upturned this allows work to continue unhindered...after they are removed and kept for future electrical work. Once the platform canopy and colour light signals are added, they will be remade to reflect the increased height as required.
     

     
    The layout has two separate control panels which 'fold under' for storage in the boxfile...all has mapped out as planned except for the rotary switch for the 4 aspect signal which is larger than I expected...so either that needs to be detached during dismantling...or a smaller switch sought.
     
    The short circuit that was baffling me for two days is so embarrassing simple that I can't describe it...but having walked away from it, it suddenly became apparent what the problem was...testament to the fact that sometimes its good to walk away and clear your head when things are not going well...and I promise no alcohol was involved either
     
    The wiring still needs tidying up with cable ties but here is a quick shot of it from below...anyone who is not keen on spaghetti avert your eyes now...
     

     
    The only remaining wiring to be done is to install the two colour light signals which are currently being produced by absolute aspects...hopefully there will be no traumas with that wiring. The layout will be controlled using a PIC hand held controller as used by Jerry...so far in tests it gives very nice smooth running.
     

     
    The left hand control panel is basically controller input/output and two isolating sections for the sidings using Gaugemaster simple slide switches.
     

     
    The right hand side control panel is the turnout control using wire in tube and two switches which will operate the two signals. You can see the problem with the rotary switch but everything else tucks in when folded to fit in the boxfile.
     

     
    Lastly, I will replace a few of the lost wax brass sleepers with pcb as my idea to cut them in two is foiled at baseboard joints as all rigidity is lost and I need to realign a few of the joints again.
     
    That's about it really. Not sure how much more I will get done on the layout between now and crimble but I have committed to the BHMRC 2013 exhibition next May so I will find a way to honour that...possibly flying the layout back and forth in the new year to develop it. But I guess my updates on here may not be as frequent as they used to be whilst I undergo the transformation period.
     
    Better go...need to get a good night's shuteye before tomorrow...
     
  15. bcnPete

    cassettes...in short...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Good afternoon - Wiring has continued on the layout and most of the droppers are now in place, just the turnout to wire. Then I need to work how I am going to connect them all. No pics of this as its relatively boring and nothing has changed much visually.
     
    Whilst this has been ongoing, to relieve the pain I have been working up ideas for the cassette(s) You may recall I was going to make them 500mm in length with an extension piece at each end as the 4 CEP needs 600mm length.
     
    The initial idea (based on Andy's son Chris highlighting it on the cassettes used for South Yard) was to use brass rod sleeved, however I wanted to try and reduce the amount of physical 'plugging in and out' of components. I then decided to try an idea where the cassettes were hinged in 2 x 250mm sections and upon butting themselves together the electrical contact was made. This was developed further using the brass strips from a well known UK supplier however I was a bit miffed when the 24 No. 250mm Brass strips arrived, to find out they had been cut down individually and actually, no two pieces were the same length...infact some were less than 250mm
     
    So, I decided to hack them down myself using my hack saw and try and use 240mm as a common dimension which at least they would all have. Following this, the same 3mm timber strip was used as the bases and a Wilko hinge left to set with Araldite. The cut down brass strips were then araldited in place using the 2mm Association track gauges to space accordingly and once again, left to set. I then added the sides in the 3mm wood, but had to modify the side profiles to enable them to close once folded...as the first one didn't
     
    Once cleaned up it was time to test it and (not surprisingly) although the loco crept along one half of the cassette it would not make the second half as the electrical contact was not strong enough...hmmm...time for a rethink. I did not want to introduce the sleeved brass again (in the middle) as I will use this at each end to connect to the fiddleyard fixed track so instead I decided to make a simple bent shape which could flex a little once the cassette was brought together and would still maintain electrical contact. These were made from code 40 plain rail and soldered into place and cleaned up. I was tempted to give all the brass a clean using my fibreglass stick...but thought better of it after the recent excellent 2mm article on the associated dangers of them
     
    It was then tested again with the loco and it worked perfect this time back and forth...the springiness of the rail means I can flex it occaisionally to keep its shape. A hole was then drilled to enable a small nut and bolt to be inserted to keep them together once in the folded position in the boxfiles.
     
    Only then did it occur to me that the cassettes were then a bit on the short side, coming in at around 480mm in length...not much good for the 4 CEP...or indeed other trains. So, a quick search on the web and I managed to source a quantity of different brass strips which although are fractionally narrower, they are in 304mm machined lengths...so I get back to 600mm (608) cassettes which will attach to a 100mm fixed portion of ballasted track at the start of each fiddleyard - this will be where the plug in and out connections will be done.
     
    So although this one is a bit short, it has served its purpose and will be kept for shorter train formations. I now feel I have a workable solution for the cassettes for the layout.
     
    A few pics including some sketches showing thoughts on connections etc...
     

     
    Ideas on hinging at the middle...
     

     
    Looking at heights regarding connection to main boards...
     

     
    Overall cassette unfolded...
     

     
    Zoom in of joint showing code 40 rail to maintain electrical connection...
     

     
    Once unfolded they protrude a tad...but nothing that worries me...
     

     
    And the cassetes folded up and secured together using a small nut and bolt...
     

     
    Overall plan shot...480mm is a tad short...
     

     
    Gratuitous shot again of Farish 33 on the vans...it just fits...
     
     
    The idea now is to try and complete the electrics (I have a few switches awaiting collection when I visit UK in a couple of weeks time) and then start on the ballasting and platforms. Any comments, always appreciated.
  16. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Good evening - The electrics are continually slowly...but I am trying not to rush it and make a complete dogs breakfast as usual.
     
    One thing that had been troubling me for a while was how to deal with the turnout control for the layout.
     
    Normally, I use good old fashioned wire in tube as namely my sparks skills are pretty basic, I am still on DC operation and the folding track section at the rear of the layout looked as it it would not be suitable due to the need to be folded 90 degrees.
     
    Obviously depth is a big problem here...and a tortoise looked like it wasn't going to fit So I began to look at Seep...and then Peco and then I began to ask myself do I need a CDU for just one turnout? This continued for a number of weeks over numerous espresso's and then I wondered why couldn't I save myself the problem by trying to get the wire-in-tube to work.
     
    After a few sketches and head scratching sessions, I realised that the w-i-t method could probably be made to work, using the usual dpdt switch to do both throw and polarity change, as long as it was installed early on before the wiring to enable a simple routing of said tubing. Using a 2mm Association turnout operation unit (which unfortunately would have been too deep overall) I took the right angled extrusion bit and set about trying to incorporate this beneath the turnout - the thinking being that the w-i-t could always be disconnected from this element prior to dismantling the layout.
     
    Here's the sketch of what I was thinking....
     

     
    This afternoon, I drilled a hole near the side of the turnout and fixed a small length of brass tube with cyno to protude benath the surface. The right angle extrusion piece (name escapes me) was then slipped over this brass tube (an almost snug fit to the chosen brass tube) having been spaced off the underside of the board by a small section of the brass thread that comes as part of the turnout operation unit. Then a small slotted hole was made in the position beneath the tiebar to aloow sufficient movement. The vertical link to the tie bar is through a map pin which is secured with cyno and then soldered into the PCB tiebar (the top needs clipping and filing down flush still) This is then connected back to the dpdt switch by a length of wire in tube which has been held down in place by a gluegun.
     
    The switch will be replaced after I collect a small package of electrical goodies from my folks later next week and this will be set into the right rear fascia ensuring that the switch does not protude wider than the recess to allow it all to pack away in the boxfile.
     
    There is some messy work to be cleaned up around the turnout sleepers etc prior to paint and ballasting but it seems to work okay and now I can hopefully complete the wiring and run a few tests before the PW team arrive.
     
    A few pics to explain...anyone of a nervous disposition, should avert their eyes as there is a 'work in progress' shot beneath the baseboards of my wiring
     

     
    Turnout tiebar in place and brass tube inserted...still needs lots of tidying up around it...
     

     
    Overall shot beneath showing my simplistic electrics...
     

     
    And zoomed in...
     

     
    Here we see the mechanism acting as a pivot...
     

     
    Plan shot...wires have been glue gunned to keep clear of mechansim...
     
     
    That's all for now...hope to get another update in next week having got the wiring out of the way...
  17. bcnPete

    terence...the tractor...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    I was having a trawl through the KoL images earlier for Chris Higgs and I happened upon a pic that I always liked but it never made it into the final cut.
     
    It was taken on my iPhone, with me balancing dangerously on the edge of our desk in our spare room late one night with only the small directional ceiling mounted spots directed at the layout as it is stored out of use about 2m high on the wall.
     
    I always liked this pic as the light coming in from the right threw some nice rays across the quay and all I have done is drop the image into first 'Irfanview' and then 'Paint' to rotate it square and add in a little colour between the body and the bogies to mask out the pick ups and small steel rods which stuck out.
     
    It's the old Farish body too so I am awaiting Bachmann's 2mm release of 37407 in Large Logo livery so I can reshoot some pics of Kyle to depict the tractor period, however in the meantime I thought I would share this for any tractor fans out there...
     

  18. 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...
  19. bcnPete

    you've been framed...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Good afternoon - some more progress this week in terms of trackwork and fascia.
     
    Firstly, the start of the sole turnout on this layout and remainder of the siding(s) has been started. More easitrac sleepers were prepped and prepainted as previously described and individual sleepers were then cut, trimmed and stuck onto a B8 turnout template on the layout. It was only when I dug out all my turnouts jigs and bits I realised that I only had vee crossing jigs for B7 type turnouts ... so that all got ripped up and redone using a B7 turnout template.
     
    Due to my previous failings with removing the crossing from the jig I decided to construct the turnout as I would a PCB one, so only the vee has been constructed and laid in position. The adjoining rails of the crossing will be added separately...well, that's the plan anyway The straight rail and curved rail are in place and I hope to try and complete the turnout later this week.
     
    A little warping was noticed in the boards so some strengtheners have been added beneath to try and curb this...seems to be working ok.
     
    Before I get too far with the fiddleyards I wanted to work a little on the fascia boards. The idea is that these fold up into the boxfiles too, but with the amount of space taken by the two layout boards and also the other with the two fiddleyard boards, it looks like I might need a third boxfile for this layout The idea this time...which I wish I had done with Kyle was to frame the view of the scenic area...not only to concentrate the viewpoint but also provide somewhere to install some layout lighting (again this was lacking on Kyle) The height of the fascia is 230mm which fits within the boxfile, gives about a 120mm viewing slot and allows for the inclusion (if I decide to continue with it) of incorporating a digital window frame at one end of the fiddleyard.
     
    Once again, I have chosen my favourite medium for the fascia, cardboard and in particular 2mm grey artists card which is pretty strong. Bit of a pain to cut, but with a sharp 10A scalpel blade it does the job. The sides were cut, the opening formed and the two were hinged together using araldite and some wilko hinges. These panels will be painted dark grey and be bolted through the front of the layout at the base. Using holes already formed to lock the layout together in the box, additional holes have been formed along this lower edge. The fascia has been clipped short at the base to reveal the hinge which folds the layout in half...a nod perhaps to its 'boxfile credentials'.
     
    For lighting, I am again using the IKEA type used on my 2011 RMweb comp entry, mainly as it is small and neat and relatively inexpensive. This clips together in small lengths so the idea is to have two long runs of it over the scenic area extending to partially cover the fiddleyards. Its sold in a three pack mainly for lighting under kitchen units...but I might try and plug two packs together and see if it still works.
     
    I am quite pleased with the letterbox view so far. I have had to introduce a vertical at the back centre to support the front edge but this will also help support the lighting too and without it, I can't quite see how a fold up pack away layout can work.
     
    Here's a few pics...sorry that some are not best quality...they were taken work in progress with the iPad as it was a bit gusty today in the garden...
     

     
    Front fascia panel folds away in boxfile...
     

     
    Unfolds to give this...
     

     
    The IKEA lighting...from their best customer
     

     
    Mock up showing fascia in place and trackwork...
     

     
    And from the other side...
     

     
    Fascia bolts into lower base of scenic boards...
     

     
    The IKEA lighting crudely placed on top at present to check light levels...
     

     
    Lower viewpoint trying to hide lighting...
     
     
    After the turnout is completed I will do an initial wiring session and begin the control panel. The brass strips should have arrived from Eillens so then the fiddleyards can be started and maybe...just maybe, scenics started before Christmas...leaving a decent time to work on the rolling stock...
  20. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Whilst there is a flurry of activity on Paddock Wood at present, this is a small update to show that work is continuing on CJ-M albeit at a slower pace.
     
    The last entry which covered some of the recent detailing of the Moorswater buildings touched on some other works, namely the buildings to the adjacent area. This has changed of recent since becoming a cement terminal but research shows there were 4 small buildings, a mix of huts and a portakabin in this area. Using pics and drawings, they have been scaled and proportioned but once the carcasses had been made in plastic sheet and they are placed in position they look like Monopoly houses/hotels...hence the blog title...I had better not paint them green and red either
     
    I think part of the problem is that they are adjacent to two quite large Industrial buildings so are always going to look strange...the question is do they look ridiculous? Perhaps once finished, painted, bedded in, weathered and surrounded by a few trees they will look better...but at present they unnerve me slightly.
     
    I also had a first bash at the gate which separates the works area. This has been made in plastic rods but since doing so, it has twisted and warped so I will have another go using brass rods...which will enhance my soldering skills no doubt. I would like to try and get this gate working in some way (it swings to close off the road) be it a motor or Heath Robinson pulleys beneath. Drawing a train of wagons up to the dries/terminal and then waiting for the gate to open will I hope add a little extra to this area.
     
    Also to note, after searching I was quite pleased to find some interesting industrial handrails from Scalelink. They will be used on a lot of areas in the dries, including sitting on top of the retaining walls, as well as topping that curved structure off...they are soft enough to bend and form into a circle. I will also use them for the high level walkways at roof level on the larger dries building and depending how they look, may replace the handrail I built from plasticard on the bridge link across the tracks.
     
    Lastly, a huge thanks to Mark (46444) who recently donated me some of his 2mmFS rolling stock whilst he concentrates on matters 4mm. I like to think of it that I am actually 'holding on' to these for Mark until he is ready to undertake a little 2mmFS again, but I promised to take a few pics of them in their new home. One of the items was a Dapol Cargowaggon which has been excellently weathered by Mark. I think I might send Mark my 3 bright yellow/blue Dapol ones to weather as it really looks the part.
     
    Then Mark also produced a FGW 153 (Dapol) and a FGW 150 (Farish) using, if I understood correctly some terrific decals produced by ewsjo and resprayed to suit FGW colours. They really look smart and the FGW livery has really grown on me the last couple of years.
     
    Herewith a few pics to set the above in context:
     
    EDIT: 150 now swapped for 153 (thanks Rich)
     

     
    The Scale Link industrial handrails...
     

     
    Mark's Dapol Cargowaggon...very nicely weathered...
     

     
    Those 'Monopoly' houses/hotels...
     

     
    View of gate from outside the dries...will be better in brass rods...
     

     
    Looking down on the huts...
     

     
    Perhaps with a few trees they will look better...
     

     
    Mark's 153 reprayed to FGW and with decals...
     

     
    And side on...
     

     
    Mark's 150 reprayed to FGW and with decals...
     

     
    And side on...
     
    Work will carry on between now and the end of this year detailing the buildings/surrounding area as I wanted to make big progress with this board to try and feel a sense of 'getting there'. As usual, any comments welcome and I would welcome observations on the Monopoly dwellings...
  21. bcnPete

    i'll third that...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Me again
     
    With the rolling stock on one side awaiting chassis etches from Shop 2, thoughts turned this week to the trackwork...namely how I was going to tackle the third rail. Firstly, I would like to thank Nick Bastable for all his help to date on this (note to self: add Nick's name to the list of beers now owed to UK citizens)
     
    I think conventional ways to construct the juice rail have normally revolved around soldering a length of rail to evenly spaced pins drilled in the sleepers...and this was how I was originally going to proceed. But before I parted company with some cash for some seemingly quite expensive minute pins I thought I would try something else out.
     
    For me, the two things that I recall seeing during partial growing up in Sussex were a few of the supports lying around besides the trackbed...and these had curved white bases with a clasp on top for the rail. I wondered if it was possible to try and recreate this by using a hacked rail chair on top of a small support. I raided the rummage box for small plastic rodding but alas its all been used so as an interim I have made a small white pad from white plasticard and using butanone (which is kept in the fridge, hidden behind the Dijon mustard and ignored tolerated by my wife) mounted the hacked chair on top.
     
    I then fixed these on every 6th sleeper (need to double check the spacing on the prototype) and threaded the rail. The rail has been turned down at the end to create the slope found at the start and end of typical runs. I then took out the Bachfar 4 CEP and to my horror, the pick up shoe seemed to stick out dramatically wider than the juice rail. Infact, one of them fell off and it was fiddly trying to get the small two lugs to clip back in...so I decided to hack the lugs off and superglue it back in place...result...it now sits a lot tighter to the bogies.
     
    There is still the issue of the height of it though...I believe that the juice rail should be set 0.5mm above the running lines and so I made a little jig to check this with my small pads. The juice rail sits at the right height but there is still a large gap between it and the pick up shoe...not sure how to solve this...or whether I will either. Whilst I don't want it to physically touch I can only imagine that dropping the shoe will not be possible and If I raise the juice rail higher than it should be, it might look ridic'. One other thing to mention is that I haven't changed the Bachfar wheels yet for 2mmFS ones and I am not sure I even will yet as this unit will only be running on Easitrac plain track with no turnouts. I guess the wheels won't make much difference as they must be a similar diameter.
     
    So, the plan is to try and have another crack, with some small plastic rod to replace the square pads and potentially raise the support a tad whilst in the process. Who knows, once it's all painted brown, it may not be so obvious. Also, some parts of the rail will have those protective timber sides covering it...all needs to be taken into consideration.
     
    The other thing I have been doing this week is prepping some sleeper bases. I have decided to lay the plain track as I did for the 2011 MV comp entry...that is, paint the sleepers first, lay them, then ballast, then thread the rails. I tip I learnt from David (Kylestrome) I believe.
     
    So, first up was to make a panel of sleeper bases and prime them as a batch as I find the sleepers take acrylic paint better when primed than applied straight. This was then giving a good brushing of Railmatch 'sleeper grime'. I then painted the chairs last night with Railmatch 'rust'...took me a few hours and my wife thought I had lost it completely...but there was a cheesy 70's film with Roger Moore on in the background (cue left eyebrow twitch) to help me through it
     
    Having seen earlier this week, Andy Y's great little vid on weathering sleepers using acrylic paints, I might try and work a little dry brushing in on the sleeper grime. The track on each baseboard will have a brass sleeper at each end and I have now drilled small holes for the droppers.
     
    I hope to start the track laying next week and in the meantime here's a few pics...including the 4 CEP cos it's a luvvvverly model...
     

     
    First crack at juice rail...
     

     
    And with 4 CEP...
     

     
    And again...showing gap between rail and pick up shoe...
     

     
    Low level view...
     

     
    Plan view showing relationship to running line...its tricky to keep it straight...
     

     
    Batch of sleeper bases prepped and primed...
     

     
    Then painted with sleeper grime...
     

     
    Rail chairs picked out in rust...
     

     
    Close up prior to removing and laying next week...
     
     
    Any comments on the colour of the 4 CEP Nick and I might just have to revoke those beers mentioned above...
     
    Comments welcome as usual. Mojo levels seem quite good at the moment...and I need to make some progress on this now as there may be some changes in my professional life soon...
  22. bcnPete

    oooh-bay...

    By bcnPete,

    Update
     
    Good afternoon - Various bits of progress this week on the layout, and with 'The Outlaws' just arrived back in town for another week, things may move a little slower during this period.
     
    First up, trackwork. The first track laid was to the 'mainline' which is the one that folds up/down to increase/minimise the width of the layout. The sleepers that had been pre-painted in the last entry were laid with easitrac white adhesive (it sets pretty rapidly) and a few brass lost wax sleepers have been positioned at the ends for strength and also for wiring connections between boards - Note to self: remember to run the disc cutter through the brass sleepers to prevent head scratching when the controller shorts...
     
    I had wanted to drill small holes in the edges of the brass sleepers to locate some droppers (I think I recall Bryn doing this and it was very neat) but the holes I drilled were too small and so I reverted to turning the sleepers upside down and trying to solder in the small preformed holes beneath the chairs Of course, having tinned the base, once I turned it over, I realised all the solder had flooded and closed up the chairs so that was one sixpack of those trashed...so I will have a rethink on that...
     
    Secondly, the platform base was formed generating said bay. This has been built from 1mm white card and I am not sure how I will develop this. I normally use wet n dry on the surface, but this time I was tempted to use the scalescenes platform download as I can also use the brick bases...have used them for my sons 4mm layout but did find they seem to delaminate after a while...again, need to rethink that...
     
    The track was then laid for the bay platform road as above and this time a few holes were predrilled beneath so positioned for the wire droppers.
     
    By chance in the rummage box I managed to find a 'Cockrobin' 2 aspect signal that must be over 20+ years old so I positioned it to see how it looks. This is only a placeholder, as Matt from Absolute Aspects is making two signals at present, but it's not bad for its age...I recall at the time it was quite a breakthrough as most N signals had been grain o wheat bulbs and these were bright LED's. Not sure if it still works as I have lost the instructions. I am no electrician, but there's a green wire and a red wire...which I'm pretty sure I know what they relate too ...but the Blue one Must be the power...but I can't remember if it was 12vDC or other...seem to remember a resistor in the mix too...sorry, am rambling now...
     
    Lastly, I marked out positions for the canopy, which on the prototype seems to cover only half of the platform in the bay. This suits me, as the layout was conceived so that this would sit on one platform half once folded in the boxfile. The canopy has a pretty decorative awning too (Thanks for the pic Nick) and probably the best way to deal with this would be an etch. Trouble is, will I get my act together to draw it in CAD and see whether any other modellers have spare space on their etches to get it fabricated in time for the exhibition? The legs and support structure will be Evergreen I-section and to check on heights for the roof I have mocked up a small test canopy framework. Using an oblique pic of the awning found on the web, I scaled it and printed and have attached it to the ends of the test canopy...as you will see from the pics, it all fits nicely...so all those drunken sketches done at high altitude working out dimensions seem to have paid off to date.
     
    In other news, some more rolling stock arrived from Hattons today, including a nice rake of Bachfar Seacow/sealions, some TTA's and parcels stock. I will save this for another update perhaps once they have been weathered etc.
     
    Lastly, after reading that interesting thread running at present on layout names, I thought I had better adjust the name of the layout to Paddock Wood Bay (in a boxfile) as after all, as with Kyle was, its only an extract of the place, which I hope conveys the location and I don't want peeps to arrive at the exhibition to see Paddock Wood and expect to see a four track mainline with two bays, freight sidings etc etc So Paddock Wood Bay it is from now on.
     
    Enough of this waffle...a few pics to better demonstrate...
     
    EDIT: Thanks to Kris, I now have a copy of the wiring instructions for the signal - FYI, The power is 12v DC and the blue wire runs through a resistor to the negative and the positive connects to the chosen switch.
     

     
    Overall shot showing progress...
     

     
    a few predrilled holes...as I normally forget to do this...
     

     
    With 4CEP in the bay platform...
     

     
    SR rail built buffers and track components have been ordered to complete this...
     

     
    The Cockrobin 2mm signal...
     

     
    And with the 4CEP...
     

     
    Plan view in the box folded back...
     

     
    Signal and canopy sit just within size constraints...
  23. bcnPete

    absolutely vantastic...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Small update to show progress on some rolling stock.
     
    One of the (many) mistakes made on Kyle was leaving the rolling stock until last minute...03:00am in the morning before the show fitting DG couplings is not my idea of a 'good nights sleep' before an exhibition So this time I hope to try and tackle rolling stock building, weathering and the fitting of couplings in tandem with the layout build. Famous last words...
     
    Whilst I await for a track package to arrive from Shop 1, I was havin' a rummage in the gloat kit box, and found the VDA van kits ordered from TPM earlier this year and thought I may as well start them. As with all Bernard's stuff, not only is it nicely packaged, but the instructions are excellent and the mouldings very crisp needing minimal tidying. The VDA van kit comprises two ends, two sides, a floor plate and a roof that needs to be trimmed to suit and filed down flush afterwards. I am aiming to have a couple in Bauxite and the rest in Railfreight livery and TPM have produced separate mouldings for each in appropriate coloured plastic - that said, I may give them a coat of grey primer anyway as I am guessing the colours are not meant to be exact but more act as a good base to paint (feel free to jump in and correct me if I'm wrong Bernard )
     
    The kits are designed to fit with a Farish chassis however I have decided to build them on 2mmFS chassis's as there is a 20'9" air braked chassis available from the 2mm Shop...orders having been placed for these too.
     
    The other kit found in said box was a Chivers 4 wheel SR CCT utility van, originally bought for Kyle as apparently a few strayed up North in van trains. I thought this would make a nice addition to the van train and add a bit of interest alongside the BG's and GUV's. Again, this is a very nice kit comprising of two ends (you have a choice of ends to make the PMV as well included in the kit), two sides a base and a roof. This kit includes a chassis and buffers, just requiring wheels and couplings to suit, but once again I will use a 2FS chassis and DG couplings. The only strange thing with this kit was one of the buffers is visibly smaller than the other 3 ...but I have ordered Oleo's to replace these anyway.
     
    Both kits go together very nicely with minimal flash to clean and I will await until I build a mount the chassis before I post an update on these. In the meanwhile a few pics:
     

     
    TPM VDA's destined for railfreight livery...roof needs to be filed down as per instructions...
     

     
    And the ones destined for bauxite livery...ditto the roofs...
     

     
    Place them together, sprinkle some pixie dust, leave overnight and they increase to 8 vans...
     

     
    The Chivers 4 wheel utility van...awaiting glazing and chassis...
     
     
    I am now working on some experiments with the track and I hope to post an update on this later this week...
  24. 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...
     

  25. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    An update to share some thoughts of recent on the layout.
     
    Firstly, the track layout. I had some thoughts on relocating the turnout onto the other board to try and increase the length of train for run-a-round purposes and this would still allow room for a class 33/73 between the turnout and buffer stops. I then realised that this would increase the amount of visible track in the front edge of the bay platform and one of the things I liked about Kyle was having a little scenic space to allow the siding to breathe. Instead I have now shuffled the turnout to the end edge of the baseboard which buys about 50mm extra in the loop, which could be a wagon length at this scale.
     

     
    Only minimal but preserves the single track to the front baseboard edge...
     
    Secondly, the means of operation for the fiddleyards. I have been wrestling with traversers v cassettes in my mind for a few weeks now (I have always wanted one of those sliding traversers built on draw runners) but alas, its not to be for this layout.It makes much more sense for the cassette type operation as most trains on the through line will be fed from the single track end and then they will be collected and reassembled at the other end to start the sequence again.
    Coupled with this, the fiddleyards need to be hinged to fit in the boxfiles...so more complications with a hinged folding sliding mechanism
    Back to cassettes and the ones below were fabricated for CJM and are 500mm in length.
     

     
    Two aluminum angles on a card base...
     
    I thought about reusing them, but they need to be extended as the 4CEP doesn't fit and longer lengths will enable slightly more interesting trains (more on this in my next update) Next thought was to see if they fit in my hand luggage at 500mm in length and possibly extend them at each end...but I kinda like the idea of everything still fitting into both boxfiles, which still squeeze in my hand luggage. So it looks like I will be splicing them in half to give 2 No. 250mm pieces, hinged together with a 100mm feeder extensions to both ends That's the thinking today anyway...as I try to find a neat solution for power and alignment issues to avoid the same issues experienced on Kyle.
     
    Thirdly, should it be of interest I have uploaded some sketches mostly which were done en route to the UK and were enhanced with a little Bombay Sapphire and Tonic in my bloodstream at an altitude of circa 35,000ft..They show how the solution was developed for the folding hinged through line alongside some thoughts on layout lighting, fascia and electrical supply etc.
     

     
    Overall dimensions and stacking in the boxfiles...
     

     
    If cassettes, that will determine depth of fiddleyard bases...
     

     
    Layout lighting will probably use IKEA strip lighting used on RMweb 2011 challenge entry....
     

     
    Ideas on power between boards and for cassettes...
     

     
    Hinged through line support method and location of control panel elements...
     
     
    The next entry will cover rolling stock and possibly any developments on the cassettes.
     
    As always, comments welcome...
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