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bcnPete

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Blog Entries posted by bcnPete

  1. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Good evening - following on from last time, it was time to progress the inlaid track area. Not really something I was looking forward to again, as last time it became obvious that it was a two part process, however, the base coat to the remaining area of the dries had to be done, so best get on with it.
     
    A few changes from last time to note.
     
    Firstly I wanted to try and get a reasonably clean edge, especially to the front edge as looking at the prototype, the concrete has been cast pretty straight with the grass/weeds abutting it. So I prepared strips of cardboard which were pinned to match the profile line of the buildings. At one point I was considering to make these strips the same height as the rail so I could just run a piece of card across the tops to strike off level, not unlike how how they level screed on site with a batten of wood...then I felt I was taking my work home with me...so I resisted.
     
    Secondly, I gave a precoat of PVA to all the track areas due to receive their first coat of clay. Perhaps it will help - lets see.
     
    Then the clay was applied using the fingers and also occasionally brushed with a weak mix of PVA/water with a paint brush to aid the smoothing process. I also added another level of clay on top of the area undertaken last time, with a little PVA coating thrown in, but I must confess by the time I had reached in between the turnout and frog areas, I was losing the will to live...
     
    A attach a few pics...lets see how it looks tomorrow morning...when it has no doubt all cracked again
     

    Retainers made from card are pinned in place...
     

    Coating of PVA...looks a right mess at this point...
     

    Plan shot of clay applied...a lot of cleaning up required with a screwdriver no doubt...
     

    Once again, a little more encouraging from a lower level...
     
    Tootle pip
     
    Edit: The Morning after...
     

    Some more cracking...but nothing I can't work with...now,...where's that wet and dry paper?...
  2. bcnPete
    Happy Easter all,
     
    Now I have a week off work I am hoping to snuck in a little modelling.
     
    Still need to apply the second coat of paint to the fascia and add some white text which I will try to do this week.
     
    As Phase I draws to a conclusion, my thoughts slowly start to drift to Phase II which is to try and get the layout working again....otherwise its a photo plank and straight onto rolling stock.
     
    This afternoon, I managed to lash up connect my Pictroller and run a few tests...it suddenly dawned on me the layout hasn't been run for almost 5 years Make or break time...
     
    I tentatively placed a class 25 (one of my few locos with turned down wheels) and it grunted and moved into the station rather awkwardly...a truly momentous moment given 4 years of neglect from its debut exhibition May 2010 (apart from cosmetic scenery work ) and the track hadn't been cleaned
     
    At least it meant power was getting there so I dug out an old Peco track rubber (I know I know...) and buffed them rails.
     
    The 25 now worked a lot smoother however there were a few coughs at the turnout in the station...that'll be fettling required then
     
    Then followed some quick tests with a Dapol rtr 56 (from Paddock Wood) and the Dapol class 26...both of these are without turned down wheels and an old class 47 with 2mmFS wheels.
     
    Overall, things moved around and surprisingly the Dapol locos made it through the turnouts most times, despite coughing...which was an encouragement to get the wheels turned down.
     
    I took a quick couple of iPhone videos (avoiding the turnouts of course)...only short grabs but just to give a flavour:
     

     

     
    In summary, I think there is potential to get it running again so once I have finished the tidying up of the fascia this week I will start the design of the new fiddle yard which will be a simple 4 track traverser I think. As much as I like cassettes I would like to have a break from them as I have too many painful memories from misaligned joints (I know that this can happen with traversers too) but folding box file layouts mean far too many joints
     
    So hopefully I now have something to build upon...roll on that new Farish Large Logo class 37/4...a couple of those would be nice.
     
    Now...back to those chocolate eggs...
     
    EDIT: I should point out that the roof needs to be fixed back down on the station building hence the huge movement joints visible at the eaves...
  3. bcnPete
    Good afternoon,
     
    A little distraction this afternoon as I dug out my TPM class 26 which was started 18 months or so ago.
     
    Although this preceeds the recently released Dapol 26, it is still a very nice model and represents the later style class 26's. It is intended for a Farish class 33 chassis and although this means the underframe detail will need some mods and I was wondering about using some of the bogie sideframes from the Dapol 26 (the Dapol chsssis won't fit...already tried that one ) I think Bernard originally designed it to fit another international chassis which is now unavailable.
     
    I will finish this model as 26043, which if I have my history correct, visited Kyle and will have headcode discs and two headlamps for working the Kyle line (I have a pic of it sitting in Kyle station)
     
    16 months ago I sprayed the body all over in yellow (can't get railmatch aerosols here) with the idea of spraying the body BR Blue when I went back to exhibit the layout in 2010...however, this never happened as I ran out of time, the class 33 chassis packed up, the layout got boxed and then Dapol released their 26.
     
    However, I would like to complete the model it as it certainly holds its own next to the Dapol model. This afternoon, I masked out the fronts and gave a mist coat of grey primer and if I get the courage will try and set up my new airbrush. Not having a garage/workspace here does limit me somewhat as I am more worried about the clean up operation after spraying.
     
    Next job on the loco is to add the grill details to the sides and roof, refit the glazing and add some front end detail (Does anyone know where to get suitable headlamps from - I recall Langley used to do small white jewels 20 years ago, but am not sure if this has been replaced since?)
     
    I also managed to strip the 33 chassis down this afternoon and get it working again...despite putting back together and ending up with two small round bits of plastic which pinged out when dismantling it
     
    A few pics...
     

     
    TPM body on Farish 33 chassis...
     

     
    Seen adjacent to Dapol earlier 26...
     

     
    Low level shot with camera poked under bridge...I hope to try and get some more interesting shots of the layout when complete...
  4. bcnPete
    Update,
     
    Finally got around to finishing the basic roof on the old dries building last night. When I looked further at the construction, I realised it was the same as the lower panels, and that the shadow was infact concealing small purlins which aligned with the lower ones...so a bit more tedium I have also lined the rooflight openings ready to receive some glass panels which will be added after the painting/weathering commences.
     
    When I placed the final piece of the roof in place I realised that it was a little untrue in places...but after a while, I quite liked it as the unevenness is a characteristic of the old dries building (wonky freight lines and old buildings seem to suit my modelling )
     
    The obligatory misting of grey primer to reveal all the errors and areas that need a bit of attention swifly followed.
     
    The next mission...is the inset track...so I had better do a little retesting first before it all gets covered up.
     

    Looking down the roof...
     

    From below...you won't get this view from the layout though...
     

    From the entrance to the dries area...
     

    Looking down showing the differing types of building...
     
    One man on a lonely platform...Ah...we fade to grey, fade to grey...
     
    Pete
  5. bcnPete
    Update - The sparks have all but been done now to the third board and bar final positioning of switches for the turnout and isolating sections it all works. For the mini sliding traverser I had tried to develop a system of wipers (using brushes borrowed on a permanent basis from my sons mini scaletrix) and PCB sleepers...but this didn't quite work out as planned. For now I have hard wired this and will resolve that a later date when I have a better solution. This will all be covered by the large industrial shed and the actual sliding unit is covered by a roof structure. I am contemplating building the walls on this unit so that it slides as one complete element so that views into the covered area remain intact rather than broken as per my sketch.
    Also, the PCB turnout has had some tweaking with the soldering iron to let the rolling stock run through a little smoother...I am not sure if it is possible to tweak turnouts which are of glued construction in quite the same way?...
    As a tester for the apron, I infilled between the tracks with cardboard. Artists card to build up the levels and postcard between which just bears on the chairs of the easitrac but is slightly lower than the rails which should help with track cleaning. What this did reveal to me is that card is not the way forward for this as it is a bit thin in places and I think that a thin layer of plasticard will bond better with the easitrac chairs.
    I attach some pics and a short video. The video is more of a first upload tester as has not been cut/pruned/edited and is a bit out of focus, but it does demonstrate that the DG couplings with permanent magnets buried beneath the track work fine in this situation. The loco was a bit sticky as it has not been run since it spent all day when I exhibited Boxfile Kyle 4 months ago...its strayed a little off territory too with its mixed freight from the Highlands

    sketch showing mini sliding traverser which is covered...

    the test train...

    the mini sliding traverser...

    DG couplings engaged...

    couplings disengaged...

    loco sets back ready to run around...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Wf_n1yTdo
    the short video...
  6. 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...
  7. bcnPete
    Update - The question of a backscene was raised in the previous post and although I originally never intended to have one, I am now coming around to the idea. The idea has been tested further...
     
    You may recall this 1:10 scale model previously made to test the compactness of the layout for transportation to and from its home in BCN...
     

     
    This morning, I have added a backscene, to a height which I would feel comfortable with. I think any lower than the viaduct and it will look strange, so the idea is that the viaduct passes through it and I won't need to photoshop the continuation of the tracks etc. Most of it will be light grey with a hint of some rolling valleys which will be obscured by the lengths of trees which will run in front of it...
     

     

     
    The last shot shows the 1:10 scale model in comparison with Moorswater viaduct...
     

     
    I think I am now more convinced to have a backscene and of course I welcome any comments in support or otherwise...
     
    TIA
     
    Pete
  8. bcnPete
    Update - Thanks for all the comments of yesterday - really fired up to continue but unfortunately will have to hold off until early next week as a 'self invited' friend of my wife arrives to stay with us for the next 4 days
     
    Been thinking again...which is always dangerous...and it's a possible 'future' extension for the layout, mainly arising from the discussions re the dries. When I originally conceived the layout on three boards, I had to make some compromises but as a minimum I wanted to include Coombe Junction halt, Moorswater viaduct and Moorswater dries to give an extract of the line. Various options were drawn and most included the actual 'Coombe Junction' where the line divides to Liskeard /Looe and features the steep incline, however I finally decided to drop this as I felt it didn't really add much to the operating potential of the layout and both lines would need to disappear into a clump of trees. It was always felt that this would be the logical future extension to the layout one day.
     
    The extensions I have considered to date have never concentrated on the opposite end of the layout, namely the run-a-round loop in between Moorswater Viaduct and the dries. Here the wagons are run-a-round and propelled back into the dries by the loco which normally returned to Liskeard inbetween loading/unloading. Subsequent shuffling of the wagons in the dries was done by the EE shunter Sharon and more recently a modified county tractor. With space at a premium, I dropped this loop, hence my mini traverser concealed in the covered loading bay area to act as a loco release.
     
    With this in mind, I sketched out a possible 'future' extension...which after all, is another IKEA shelf (I have a lot of spare ones in our cellar) and considered to add in the loop which would mean repositioning Moorswater viaduct (shown dotted on the sketch)
     
    Here's the idea...
     

    Extra board (shelf) inserted as thus...
     
    And here's a few pros and cons that I can think of so far:
     
    Enhances operations as trains will be able to run around and propel wagons back into dries / more interesting train movements
    Overall layout increases to 4.4M
    Easy to add in another board as its just another IKEA shelf
    One rake of loaded wagons can be in the dries whilst another rake of empties arrives in the loop, is propelled back and the loaded ones removed
    Shunting in the dries can be undertaken by a scratchbuilt version of Sharon
     
    The loop cannot be on a gentle curve as the prototype as it will need to follow the profile of the boards
    Will increase the display frontage but will it be boring as it is amongst trees?
     
    It's not something I will do now as I want to keep the focus of the layout on the three boards and I do not want any further distractions but Moorswater Viaduct is already being made to be removable due to its height so it would be no problem to relocate that on the other board.
     
    I would welcome any comments on this as usual - thanks for staying with me
  9. bcnPete

    up on the roof...

    By bcnPete,

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

     
    Overall plan shot...
     

     
    Rotary Dries building...
     

     
    Old dries building...
     

     
    View along top...
     

     
    Seen from track level...
  10. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Quick update from the Mid Essex one day show held yesterday. A nice small show with a selection of quality layouts and good traders. Was a nice surprise to see Ian Futers there, having met him some years ago - bit of a modelling legend for me as his P4 Lochside layout was so instrumental when we were growing up...also was an inspiration for Kyle.
     
    The layout performed well overall with just a loose wire in the Fiddleyard noticed prior to the start of the show. A crocodile clip came to the rescue to see me through the show
    A few things on my list to try and sort prior to my next show later this year. Received some nice comments on the layout including the ‘where’s the other half of it’
     
    Nice talking to 2mmFSer David Eveleigh who visited and discussing his plans for a DJLC competition entry...David won the 50 year layout competition previously.
     
    Well looked after at the show by Ken and his team including being delivered Fish + Chips and Apple Pie + Cream to my layout as was operating on my own all day.
     
    Next layout outing for Kyle is Wycrail on 2nd November - do drop by and say hello if you are attending
     
    Until then,
     
    Pete
     

     

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

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

     
    Which I thought with a much smaller footprint, could be bubble wrapped and form part of the stuff to keep and could maybe make it along to a 2mmFS event one day as a diorama should it be of interest.
     
    So, with this in mind, I might get the saw out next weekend and see what emerges...
  12. bcnPete
    Good evening,
     
    As Phase I of the 2014 refurb draws to a close (second coat of paint added to fascia and new lettering has been applied) I turned my thoughts to the new fiddle yard.
     
    As mentioned previously I would like to give cassettes a rest for a while and revert back to a traverser running on mini 150mm shelf runners that I acquired some place in BCN.
     
    One of the issues to be addressed was due to the track layout, for run-a-round the train needs to back the stock almost halfway into the fiddle yard so a short 'transitional ' piece was required which was worked out the other day to be about 200mm. This means the traverser can move independently without the train bridging it.
     
    Another issue was not being restricted by the travel length of the traverser meaning all roads could be used. It occurred to me a cheeky little slot could be formed in the facia allowing the traverser to slide out as and when required and also give sneak pics of the rolling stock (don't you just love to crank your neck at shows and get a preview of what's about to emerge?)
     
    With this in mind, sketches were happening during my work week as follows:
     

     
    Yesterday I had a brief visit to the Epson and Ewell show and suitably topped up with enthusiasm from seeing St Ruth and Diesels in the Duchy, I decided to make a mock up this afternoon. This is to test a few ideas as most of it will be laser cut at work so I wanted to flush out any immediate problems.
     
    Using a couple of sheets of 3mm foamboard I began to map out the enclosure to first get the continuity of the all important front presentation to the viewers. This will all be painted dark grey to match the recent fascia work. I also wanted to express the 'transitional' piece on the front (which also masks the join between the scenic section and FY) so have done so by introducing two 3mm shadow gaps to provide a neat solution. This will also incorporate the 2mmFS logo which I have from the first time it was exhibited.
     
    The traverser itself will have 5 roads which should be enough for say 3 fixed train formations and a couple of spare for run around etc. The ends of the roads will have a simple DPDT switch to isolate each individually - no complex sparks from me I am afraid
     
    There is also scope for one possibly two shelves built above the traverser to hold additional stock - will need to review this with the lighting positions.
     
    Having completed the mock up I can already see a few areas that need further work but overall I am happy with the results. One thing I quite like is the possible glow from the traverser slot when seen from the front.
     
    Here's a few iPhone pics with a little stock provided for scale...sorry about the light etc...its not so easy to take the layout outside as I used to do in BCN...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Any comments most welcome...
     
    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
    Update - The last two nights have seen some more progress with the rotary dries, the rotary stores, loading bay and surrounding base scenics.
     
    Again, profiles have been cut in grey artists card, to be clad in plastic sheet afterwards. I have laid on a couple of offcuts of some evergreen corrugated sheeting on the roof and I think the overlapping of the sheets will give some much needed relief to these buildings. Working from a mixture of Mark's (46444) detailed photos and my back catalogue of older photos I have been able to map out the changes to the dries area presumably when it became a cement terminal. A number of new ramps have been omitted from my model to represent it from the early 80's. I have also reinstated the cylindrical structure (?) which has a cut down bottle of shower gel as a placeholder at present.
     
    For the surrounding base scenics, I have used my previous method of mapping out the contours using layers of brown corrugated cardboard. This is fairly fast work and allows a quick understanding of the levels prior to it getting a coating of sculptamold to form the land. It's all looking a bit crude at present but I hope once the buildings start to be clad and the land profile is formed it will start to come together.
     
    I attach a few photos with my part finished lowered 37142 and a rake of CDA's to help set the context whilst I await to build my rakes of clay hoods...
     

    Overall shot showing crude land contours...

    Plan shot with test evergreen profile sheeting on the roof...

    The raised platform to the foreground has some ancillary buildings surrounded with trees...

    Am trying to recreate this classic shot of a 37 awaiting loading of the CDA's...
  15. 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...
  16. bcnPete
    A very good BH Monday afternoon to you all,
     
    Yes, you did read that right...now that Kyle is near completition (bar some additions to the rolling stock) my thoughts turned to my next project. I had assumed I would drop straight into 7mm but perhaps I will hold off a little longer as there is unfinished business to attend to
     
    Seeing Graham's recent terrific blog upload on Trevanion Dries and some very helpful conversations with Nigel Cliffe on DCC/sound also got me thinking...so armed with my sketchbook I departed for a weeks hols in Greece and inbetween swimming, snorkelling, good food and wine I pondered and came up with the following objectives if I were to rebuild CJM:
     
    - reconsider size and format of the layout (that incline was a missed opportunity)
    - improved track work (most was my first hand built efforts prior to easi-trac)
    - reuse the Moorswater viaduct and dries buildings rescued from before
    - wire/prep the layout for DCC and sound (I need to make the break sometime)
    - incorporate run-a-round for Moorswater
    - phase construction to allow two possible stand-a-lone configurations if possible
     
    With this in mind sketching began including various scenarios with regard to the layout length. My preference is to still use the IKEA lack shelves as I think this will give the width I need as well as possibility for storage etc. which may need to be in our garage. Previously I had 3 x separate 1100mm lack shelves giving 3300mm overall however this time I am considering using 2 x 1900mm shelves giving 3800mm overall and an extra 500mm to incorporate the additions. Let's see.
     
    The idea to include the incline (or at least a part of it) will please Mickey (who unfortunately is no longer part of this forum) as he always campaigned for it I will also hint at a stretch of the line to Looe which will terminate within a wooded area large enough to bury a Bubble car/2 car DMU and will hopefully increase operational interest.
     
    The other idea to incorporate a small run-a-round loop between the viaduct and dries is more protypical as after I started the original layout I realised that locos did not actually enter the dries and run the hoods/CDA's around despite there been a loop. The trains were run-a-round and backed into the dries which will avoid the overcomplicated sliding arrangement under the building I had previously.
     
    The next part of the process is to start to map out the track plan on tracing paper and see how it fits as my sketches were primarily done under the influence
     
    Progress will be slow as Kyle will be exhibited in October at Uckfield and I would like to try and work on rolling stock for that mean time, however I do have a new surge of enthusiasm for this as it was a hard decision to scrap my previous attempts, but we have to keep moving forward and believe better things will emerge. The only thing I can't decide is which phase I start first...I can see pros and cons of each. Will ponder that some more.
     
    Here's a few images to supplement my drivel and of course, comments are welcomed as always:
     

    salvaged MW viaduct...
     

    salvaged MW dries buildings...
     

    overall plans in two phases...
     

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

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

    we spray to grey...

    By bcnPete,

    Good evening,
     
    Just a small update to end the week.
     
    The next level of detail has been added to the station building. Slithers of evergreen strip have been used to create the verticals and framing to doors and windows.
     
    Windows will be (I think) formed of individual 'cut to fit' clear perspex with a paper or thin plasticard frame mounted on top. I would like to have gone the etch route, but I have one eye on the clock as I would like to keep the project moving until christmas time and seeing as its almost November that equates to about 16 modelling slot evenings for me.
     
    I then aim to get back on CJ-M in 2012, allowing this to fulfill its role as a mini operable layout with small detailed fleet of rolling stock...errr...most of which is still in flat pack etch format
     
    I have given the station building the requisite misting of grey primer to see how it fairs. The roof tiling will probably be strips of paper overlaid. I am now considering revisiting the colour scheme and perhaps will finish it in cream with all timber joinery picked out in green. The blue I think represents Kyle of later years, whereas I will sort of pitch mine early eighties, with the Kyle of Lochalsh blue sign...which I believe Michael Palin has hanging on his garden wall
     
    I attach a few pics (terrible light as its been persisting it down here) of it having its grey mist coat and a little stock as garnish...where's Bryn's tasty grubby class 24 when you need it?
     
    Have a good weekend all...
     

     
    Class 24 arrives on parcels...
     

     
    And a little more zoomed in...platform due to be resurfaced and will close the gap...
     

     
    Farish GUV rewheeled and with DG's awaiting collection...
  18. bcnPete
    Evening all,
     
    Just a quick update to say that work on the layout has now seized ready for the one day exhibition at BHMRC tomorrow.
     
    Today the layout was erected on its support structure and last minute jobs ranging from works to the front fascia including a few descriptive images and storyboard to the rear fascia track plan diagram with notation for the magnets, isolating sections and turnouts - old school stuff this
     
    Here's a few pics and I will report back after the show on whether Kyle will get to stretch its legs further afield or its a disaster and will get early retirement
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Many thanks to Don, David, Mickey and Mark for their PM's of good wishes - will respond when I can.
     
    Thanks, Pete
  19. 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
  20. bcnPete
    Update - A number of activities have been taking part of recent, and so to blend against those new FC Barca RMWeb colours I thought I would try a few black and white photos.
     
    Firstly, I recognise that I do need to improve on my photographic skills. The neat Canon A590 digital camera bit the dust recently so I have been using our 'entry level' Nikon D3100 and am still struggling to get good light/depth of field despite using a tripod, manual settings and selftimer simultaneously...
     
    Back to in front of the lens, rather than behind it and work has now almost finished on converting the Bachfar 24 to 24113.
     
    Front end detailed to include pipes, plated over door, headcode discs and the front edge of the buffer beam painted blue on 24113 as opposed to yellow as on the Bachfar 24035 model. Although what remains now...and I keep putting it off...but can't for much longer...is much needed weathering. I aim to have a go at this and the 26 sometime this week...oh well, there's always modelstrip if it goes 'orribly wrong
     
    The station building has been finally glued in place after finishing the flashings to the roof and a first dusting of weathering powders applied to the roof. It certainly looks a lot better now toned down but perhaps still needs some further work on it. A Langley cast whitemetal telephone box is a placeholder for a brass etched kit...if such a thing exists in 2mm?
     
    The hardstand area adjacent to the quayside (which was never really very convincing as painted plasticard) has been overlaid with some scalescenes concrete 'scaled down' from one of the 4mm diesel depot kits waiting to be built for my sons roundy roundy. The quayside has had a little white paint (inspired by Gary's Glenuig) to represent a little froth gathering around the boat and the water lapping against the wall. I would like to work further on the quayside, perhaps using some colour pencils to try and give it some green/algae type textures.
     
    The ballast has been infilled and patched in places especially across the middle of the layout (from when it used to be in two pieces) and has bugged me for ages.
     
    I still need to add some lengths of 60ft rusty rail, a little more clutter and keep applying the MIG weathering powders to provide the necessary grime from the diesel era.
     
    A few pics to demonstrate a little of the above waffle...
     

     
    24113 collects some vans to add them to the parcels forming one of those typical Kyle mixed trains...
     

     
    Renumbered using Precision decals...and this time some Klear...
     

     
    Front ended was filled to represent plated over version...
     

     
    One of those 'just arriving by boat' views I hope to improve upon....
     
    EDIT: Here's a better image which I took earlier today - I think it looks better when you click on it to enlarge it...
     

  21. bcnPete

    Kyle's new clothes...

    By bcnPete,

    Update - This week I hope to complete the rewiring...which for me means using more than 2 different coloured wires
     
    I'm not kidding...most of this layout was wired with what I had available at the time...which was only red and green...I even had to find a few old photos on myiPhone taken when last set up to remember how to re connect the wires ...pathetic on such a simple layout too.
     
    This weekend I have formed the new fascias in 2mm grey card from the artists shop. I know its not as strong as ply etc but my workshop is our glass dining room table so with a little TLC and careful manoeuvres through our apartment, they seem to work ok and are lightweight but stiff enough too (I doubled them on CJ-M for strength)
     
    I have cut them to the shape as per the last sketch and they will be painted dark grey at a later stage. The front has been increased very slightly to allow me to redo the water (instead of resin I am thinking of trying the PVA layers method) I have also painted the base for the sky on the backscene using the same Wilko matchpot I used for the diorama...its called 'cloudless'...which I guess it is. I haven't decided how I am going to do the mountains behind...infact if I do them at all.
     
    I have also increased the height of the backscene from 150mm to 200mm as I think that will allow a few better low level shots after.
     
    Inspiration is coming in the form of Gary's excellent EM Glenuig layout on here...which I could stand and watch all day...and hope to try and time a UK visit to see it next year.
     
    I think the 'new clothes' have tidied up the layout and give it more of a presence...I took a few shots and although a little OOF I quite like the 'looking up from the water' images...excuse the crude bits which I am hoping to address very soon...
     

    Front view....excuse the terrace...haven't found out how to crop strange shapes yet...
     

    Rear view...that edge will be refaced and masking tape removed...500mm cassettes fit nice and snug...
     

    Dapol 26 really is a nice model...needs to be detailed and made grubby now...
     

    From below...Quayside will be revisited...
     

    And again...
     

    Side on view...
  22. 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
  23. bcnPete
    Update - Stay with me on this one Inkeeping with the trilogy theme, I shall first give a quick recap from episodes I and II...
    The project initially started out as a Parkwood N gauge kit on a Peco 9ft chassis which was then attempted to be mated to a 2FS 9ft chassis etch. Following helpful comments and pointers from the last post, a new start was made by filing the sides and ends of the kit to mitre them together...making sure the ends and sides were this time correlated
    All seemed to be well...the sides were looking better...the buffer beam was thinned...but then on plan it resembled a parallelogram - I really struggled to get the mitred sides to match and sit square...so Kit No.3 was banashed to the bin and the swear box was suitably topped up with donations.
    I then decided to assemble the Parkwood kit, as it was designed, sides overlapping buffer beams etc and see how it looked. You may recall my main concern was the width meant the metal downstand ribs on the sides would protrude too far from the 2FS chassis, as it was designed for a Peco N chassis. Prior to assembly I applied a file to the ends of the buffer beams to thin them a little and then the 2FS chassis has been trimmed slightly to fit between.
    The overall result is I feel not too bad. If this is the route taken, then a few mods will be undertaken on the 2FS chassis length prior to assembly rather than hacking with a scalpel. It's a compromise of course and short of Bachmann replicating the 4mm hood or the introduction of a proper 2FS etch, they may act as a placeholders.
    I attach a few pictures including a couple posing next to the new kid on the block aka 37142 (I couldn't resist coupling it with the 3 links ) and would welcome any comments - TIA - Pete
     

    Parkwood N kit assembled as per instructions...

    End view with door and 3 link...

    Coupled with 3 link to 37142...

    Sitting happier with the lowered 37...

    Non opening door end...
  24. bcnPete
    Those not wishing to see something downbeat...please avert your eyes now...
     
    I guess it was only a matter of time before the mojo would suffer a dent again...after managing to stoke it high through the summer, thanks to the diorama competition and then straight onto Kyle for a 3 month 'make-over'...it was on the cards at some time...and I guess a few set backs have fuelled it.
     
    First up, the water (again) Having re stripped the PVA layers off, repaired and redone the quayside wall, repainted the water again, I started the slow process of building up the layers of glue....applying thinly after reading a few stories. Three coats on, it was going fine and although not resembling water yet I was prepared to hang in for the long haul as I believe Mickey had said he had applied 30 coats to get his water effect on another thread.
     
    Then...disaster struck ...I awoke one morning last week to find a patch which had gone white. On closer inspection I now realise that it must have been one of the verticals on the quayside came loose and its movement was enough to affect the glue at the base surrounding it, lifting it to create a very shallow bubble...
     
    The defence calls evidence No.1...
     

     
    Big time unimpressed
     
    So, I think I will scrape it all off and I may even go back to applying some gloss varnish layers instead. I think the PVA method probably works very well but if it is in a situation where it can be knocked or there is some movement adjacent, then perhaps its not the right approach for me.
     
    Secondly, after applying a few more coats of paint to the station building, I decided it looks c**p. You will note I have been careful in my previous close ups of it until now as the plasticard was not going the way I had hoped and I was caught between shall I go on and try and make the best of it....or scrap it? Andy (of the St Ruth blog) made some nice comments of recent on my last post but I have now reached the stage that my build method/approach is wrong and I am not sure I have the enthusiasm to carry on with the building as it is presently.
     
    I did manage to paint the chairs rust colour the other night, when I gave up on the station building but you will see the soft focus comes in to play with the station building again
     
    The defence calls evidence No.2...
     

     
    Track weathering has begun...but it really needs an airbrushing of black all over now to depict late 70's early 80's...
     
    I think I will reconsider redoing the station building but using card...my preferred modelling medium...
     
    So....as usual for me...step back...grab a lemon, a handful of ice and perfume a tonic water with a few drops from the bottle of Bombay Sapphire...
     
    Pete
  25. bcnPete
    Update
     
    Evening all - Managed to sneak in a bit of modelling this evening. Having got the first dries building to a point where I will leave it until I add further details, paint and weathering I was keen to progress the other building which is primarily of stone construction. This one is on a curve so the roof is going to be fun
     
    I have applied Slaters embossed stone sheeting to the card carcass (using double sided tape) and after studying the prototype settled for the larger stones than the smaller, which would have been too small. The inclined walls and pillars have been lined, stone joints aligned and I hope it gives a feeling of 'chunky/sturdy' construction associated with these types of dries. The openings (now blocked up as I think this building is unused by Blue Circle) need to have timber lintels spanning between which will be added next time. A little model filler will help tidy up some joints too.
     
    The roof is at present a rough template and this will be fun to build as there appears to be three overlapping layers to it...possibly some rooflights in the mix there too. It is quite shabby now and in a bit of a state and I would like to try and capture this aspect in the model.
     
    A few pics attached - once again, not great quality I am afraid and I should probably wait until the morning...but then something else always seems to crop up and get in the way so thought better post now.
     

    Overall shot of building - stone sheeting has been applied to the card carcass...
     

    A cruel low level shot but I hope it starts to capture the flavour of the prototype - the roof will help with that...
     
    PS - large brown paper package arrived from Hattons today...a few rather tasty new Farbach blue grey Mk I's and two class 37's - the Mk I's are for KIAB whilst the 37's will form part of my fleet for this layout including guest appearances by 37207 William Cookworthy and 37175 in Large Logo livery. This will form part of a seperate entry to the blog...
     
    Buenos Noches a todas...
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