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bcnPete

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  1. 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...
  2. bcnPete
    Bonjour Tout Monde - Good Moaning - Good Morning - It's ironic that being some 150km's South of Paris, and the weather a good 10°C cooler than Barcelona, that I am missing doing some modelling - Next week, I will return and probably set out the layout, ponder a while and put it back uninspired to move forward.
    Whilst in France, early morning mountain bike rides, to escape 'The Outlaws' for a while, are enjoyable as there is a deserted railway line adjacent. What is it about discovering a few rails in the undergrowth and then following them that is so appealing? Is it just me who stands and tries to recreate the scene in my head of what the line used to be like or am I just like others? And what the hell has all this to do with Coombe Junction?
    Well...something I do need to do is start the next layer of scenery on Boards 1 and 2 and so I am taking the opportunity to have a good look at the way the vegetation surrounds the track bed and route, paths etc and record it in photographs. I know its France and not Cornwall, but there seem to be similiar patterns of tree formations etc which I hope I can learn a few lessons from - Rest assured, there won't be another project coming from this as I have no interest generally in French railways...however, trains are trains after all and there is something very compelling and magical about seeing old railway networks to let the mind dream a little...A few pics attached...A bientot...

    Savigny Station...now a home...

    And again...

    Not unlike the branch to Moorswater of today...

    Always cottages adjacent to level crossings...
  3. bcnPete
    Update - The Spanish heat has certainly supressed the Expo fever somewhat - last week, I took out Board 2 to work on it, spent 15 minutes looking at it on the table, before concluding it was complete pants, putting it away and watching some TV
    Remedy - Leave the layout and concentrate on rolling stock. I decided to carry on with 37142, namely adding wire handrails to the front end and lowering the body on the chassis. Bachfar introduced the wire handrails on the front of the recent 37254, but not the first model of 37238. Small holes were drilled and the handrails formed from 0.11 thou Guitar wire.
    In terms of lowering the body, firstly, I should like to thank Steve N (Pixie) for sending me a detailed description of how he did an excellent job lowered his 37 last year - Can't wait to see his 2FS layout.
    This involves removing the locating lugs from the inside of the body, trimming the PCB for the lights at the ends, trimming the cab interiors (I haven't replaced mine yet) removing the 4 internal squarish panels from the sides and finally removing the locating lugs and reattaching the fuel tanks directly to the chassis.
    Overall it improves the appearance I feel - I have added a few pics below and set it against 37238 which will soon receive the same lowering treatment as it begins its transformation to 37207. I just need to try and work out how to get the depth of field right now on my camera
     

    Front end with new wire handrails...

    Side view having been lowered...

    With out of the box 37 for comparison...

    Front ends...

    Doubleheaded 37 at Coombe Junction...chance would be a fine thing...
  4. bcnPete
    Update - Still suffering from Expo fever and thanks to all the encouraging comments from my last post of my first wagon etch chassis build, I was keen to progress it.
     
    The body is a Parkwood kit and a number of modifications were required to get it to fit better on the chassis. Firstly, the width of the buffer beam was reduced as this would have made the wagon too wide. Secondly, the overall length was trimmed to fit better. Thirdly, the moulding on the buffer beam was removed and a 2FS coupling hook was added.
     
    I overtrimmed the base so had to fashion a new one from plasticard but this will be covered with a 'hood tarp' eventually. Buffers are from the 2FS shop and the chain for the 3 link was found in a model shop here amongst all the detailing bits for boats (canons, anchors, me hearties!) I would like to couple these hoods as fixed rakes of 8 wagons with 3 links between and DG's at the outermost ends.
     
    There still remains to do the correction of the brake lever, addition of brake gear, vacuum cylinder etc and clean up and paint but I feel ready to take on the next 17 now...
     
    I attach a few pics (sorry if a little out of focus) and the last one is a comparison of my new 2FS hood with my previous 20 year old conversion of a Peco 5 plank into a hood...these will now be consigned to the skip
     
    Pete
     

    The 2FS chassis etch...

    Parkwood kit...from the packet...

    Buffer beam and sides trimmed...

    Body mounted on chassis...

    Buffers and 3 link coupling...

    2FS hood and Peco hood...
  5. bcnPete
    Update - I thought I would give the hoods a break tonight
     
    What follows is an idea that started brewing around the Expo weekend. I am not sure if it was influenced by discussions with Bryn on future layout plans, Kris's decision to adapt Avonwick into a roundy roundy or seeing the long trains running on Fencehouses.
     
    I had been thinking for a while now, how to resolve the problem of running in my new locos. Both Coombe and Kyle are not suitable so for now I have been using a loop of old Peco N set track...code 80 even, I hear you shudder.
     
    I am not a big fan of the 'scenic test track/plank' expression (sorry if that offends anyone) so I began to think of how a double track diorama could work as a mechanism for running in new locos, photographing them as well as watching a few trains go by.
     
    I chose a location that I grew up near, Clayton Tunnel on the London - Brighton line, with its famous Grade II listed tunnel mouth portal, which has the advantage of a road bridge crossing in front of it, which could effectively act as scenic breaks each end. The thought of running a 4 cig, or a 47 on the Brighton - Manchester Picadilly was quite compelling from my old spotting days.
     
    The main idea being for a double track loop of Easitrac, with 2 identical minimum curved end sections and a long straight run at the back. Black boxes would be integrated into the diorama ends to ensure that the sense of tunnel darkness is captured.
     
    And then it got me thinking...the other location that I remember from family holidays was a strip of beach near Parsons tunnel in Dawlish where the trains suddenly appeared between the tunnels as you were swimming. This too would make a great diorama...all those HST's, Peaks, 50's etc also stirred a few nice memories.
     
    So...this was further developed, and with a bit of careful planning, I think it would be possible to make a continuous non scenic circuit, for running in new locos, with different 'plug in' dioramas to make it more interesting. The dioramas could be stand alone pieces in their own right even.
     
    I am not sure if and when this will be built...but I just wanted to table it...and put the hoods on the backburner before I destroy another one
     
    I attach a small 1:10 model made this evening which I hope, with a few sketches, outlines the idea.
     
    Pete
     

    The components - Diorama, 2 curved sections and one long straight...

    Components come together as thus...

    Remove this section...

    And add Clayton Tunnel diorama...

    Or add Dawlish diorama...

    Components and both dioramas...even add a fiddleyard!...

    Sketch 1...

    Sketch 2...

    Sketch 3...
  6. bcnPete
    Update - Brimming with enthusiasm from the Expo (was it really a week ago that I was flying back?) and keen to try and avoid the usual summer recess of modelling, I decided to try and have a go at my first 2mm wagon etch chassis.
     
    One thing that really struck me at the Expo, was not only the overall quality of the layouts and the trackwork, but how much the rolling stock makes a difference. Up until now I have been rewheeling my old N gauge stock (some of it 20 years plus) and while r-t-r standards have obviously improved enormously in that time, there is in comparison, a fineness and delicate quality to the etched chassis's available.
     
    So, armed with Carr's paste and a hot iron, last night I started to assemble the chassis for the first of 18 clay hoods for the layout. Previously on RMWeb 3 I had sourced the Parkwood UCV kits and assembled one kit on the recommended Peco chassis. First job was to remove the chassis from the body...with disasterous results...meaning I am one body down
     
    However, I have assembled most of the 2FS chassis now and considering my soldering is at best, hopeless, I think I can improve on the next one. The main problem I found was folding up the axleboxes in 3 layers...I might rethink this for the next one as I believe the cast white metal versions remain out of stock.
     
    It does run 'sweet as' and the next job will be to build the body and attach to the chassis. The Parkwood kit comes with a buffer beam and although I wanted to remove this and use the chassis etched buffer beam it will involve too much modification of the kit ends as the steel ribs protrude, through the beam at one end.
     
    A few pics of initial progress and overall I am pleased with my first etched chassis build - the comparison with the Peco chassis is I think, self evident...1 down...17 to go...
     
    Parkwood UCV on Peco chassis...

    2FS 9 foot chassis...

    I am hoping the solder will clean up a little...

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

     

     
    Pete
  8. bcnPete
    Update - As in the UK, its been very hot here of late and there has been little enthusiasm to plug in the soldering iron and complete the turnout, however the last two evenings have seen a bit more progress.
     
    First of all, during my periodic scans on EBay to see if I can find anything related to Coombe and Moorswater, I managed to find the two items depicted below, duly won and received. Steam days 2009 had a series of colour shots of the Looe branch and whilst pre diesel it does have some good photos which will help with colouring and tones for the scenics. The other 'Rambles by Rail', has some interesting dialogue, but the picture alone on the front in colour also fills in some missing detail from the prototype.
     
    On Board No. 3, the EASITRAC has been laid throughout the sidings and the turnout using PCB methods has been completed. The rewheeled GUV was my test vehicle and after a little fettling with a file on the point blades, seemed to trundle happily throughout the turnout in all directions.
     
    The solution for the loco run around is now sorted (electrics excepted) and I decided to move away from the aluminium cassettes idea as I realised that when a train runs under the covered area of the dries, there is visibility into this area. I thought it might look a bit naff to see some crude aluminium so I have decided to form two tracks on a sliding cardboard insert which will have both side walls of the shed pre-attached. The insert is slid out towards the operators side, only when required to turn the loco (by hand as only one end is fitted with a DG) and then reinserted. The majority of the time the insert will remain in place and the view into the covered area will hopefully look like a continuation of the building/track.
     
    Other than that, I am looking forward to attending the EXPO this weekend and when I return I hope to get the electrics complete for this board so the dries can move forward.
     
    A few pics attached...
     

    All useful reference material...

    Turnout completed awaiting sparks...

    Loco release is undertaken under the covered area (base buildings removed for clarity)...

    Overall shot towards dries...
     
    Pete
  9. bcnPete
    Update - With apologies to Sinatra , I think I have now found a solution to be able to transport the layout to the UK for my target date circa summer 2012.
     
    Originally, the idea was to transport it in one large box, but courier costs were ridiculously high (one of the factors for withdrawing the layout from the GJLC) I then began to search other options, namely custom made cases, although these were expensive items alone.
     
    It then occurred to me that the boards could each have their own box and providing the weight was kept under 20Kgs then perhaps they could fly as luggage on a commercial airline. After looking at camera cases, then rifle cases, I then found This company who make flight cases to transport keyboards for musicians - The sizes vary, they are not too expensive and the helpful chap from the company even suggested if I send through the sizes, they may be able to custom make them for almost the same price as the standard keyboard cases.
     
    The travel solution being thus:
     

    Book flight for family of 4 (each entitled to 1 piece of checked in luggage)
    3 N°. Coombe Junction boards each have their own cases checked in
    1 N°. Suitcase containing family clothes for a weekend checked in

    Therefore: 4 Passengers, 4 pieces of luggage and (providing one of the boards doesn't get sent to New York ) the layout is shipped to the UK ready to fit on a (as yet unmade) premade supporting leg/lighting structure.
     
    I have also calculated that my backscenes, of height 300mm from track level so as to align with Moorswater viaduct, will be detachable and can lay flat in the relevant boxes. Most probably, the viaduct and dries builings will also be removable too to keep the height of the three cases similiar. This means I can now start to make the backscenes confident in the fact they will fit within the cases.
     
    So...all I have to do now...is crack on with the layout...and get it up too a standard that will hopefully be worthy of a 2012 exhibition invite...
  10. bcnPete
    Update - Fairly mundane tasks but some progress tonight. Firstly, adjusting Board No 3 to the same 'working plane' height as Board No 2, secondly building up the track bed to match (I ran out of imported DIY cork floor tiles so had to use card) and thirdly, laying the track down to form the gentle curve in the dries.
     
    The mock up buildings previously made will need to be trimmed to match the curve of the run-a-round loop but there is enough room for a loco to pass and I have now adjusted the length of the loco lift area to just squeeze a 66
     
    Next week, I will try and complete the turnout and try and get some basic wiring in, strictly for 'testing' purposes only you understand.
     
    A few pics, featuring my 'desperately awaiting some attention' Farish 25...'patiently awaiting conversion' Bachfar 37...and 'soon to be pensioned off' 25 year old Peco clay opens complete with my hoods made (I recall) from those silver foil dishes that take away food usually arrives in...
     

     

     

     
    Good night
  11. bcnPete
    Update - Earlier this week, I returned from work to find a package outside the front door - the rituals of opening said packages were recently covered in someone elses blog and I must admit, one nice thing about ordering from Hattons is they still wrap parcels like this...

    more on the contents a bit later...but first back to matters in hand...
     
    As a break from loco detailing, I have started the track for Board 3, which will comprise both Moorswater dries and the viaduct. Following my recent experiences with turnout construction with KIAB, and not wanting to lose motivation, I decided to build the turnout with PCB and code 40 Bullhead and use EASITRAC for the plain track. Most of the track in the dries area will eventually be covered by the flush concrete apron for loading/unloading so the thought of all that time soldering individual sleepers...and then covering most of it up again For the apron, I am thinking to do this in thin card on card/foamboard formers as I think the card will just sit on the edge of the outside chairs of the EASITRAC and keep the rail slightly proud for cleaning purposes.
     
    The frog, straight and curved rails are in place and this time using 2FS straight lengths, the turnout was built off a sheet of grey cardboard with the rails allowed to overhang as necessary (The first turnout I built for CJ resulted in lots of unnecessary extra joints as I built it as a stand alone piece) The track will need to be packed to the level of the adjacent board 2 and apart from adding the switch blades and check rails, I can hopefully complete the track to this board, as soon as the components I ran out of arrive.
     
    The current thinking for the concealed loco run around is a kind of 'loco lift' cassette which can be removed and spun 180 by the operator as I am only putting DG's at one end of the motive power.

    Overall view...track temporarily in position...

    PCB turnout...don't zoom in on my shocking soldering skills...
     
    And finally...the package...first up is Bachfar 37238 which will be converted to 37207 (pre William Cooksworthy/Cornish Railways) with detailed front end and snow ploughs...

    37238...prior to surgery...

    And view onto dries area...
     
    and secondly...I couldn't resist it...a Bachfar 66 in Freightliner livery. Although I am a strict BR Blue man , so many of the images of Moorswater these days include the 66's on the cement trains. Although it will in reality never run on the layout from Moorswater through to Coombe Junction, I thought it might be interesting to have a 66 so I can photograph this board in isolation of the others to represent the location from more recent times as little seems to have changed at Moorswater dries since ECC gave way to become a cement terminal...

    Bachfar 66 - It's kinda growing on me, this loco and livery...
     
    Pete
  12. bcnPete
    Update - My wife has gone out tonight, the kids are in bed, so a perfect night to sneak in a bit of modelling, right ?...wrong ...seem to have lost the mojo tonight...so have thrown the towel in early rather than risk topping up the swear box.
     
    A bit more progress on 37142 though - need to buy some more micro drill bits tomorrow to do the handrails on the nose, however I did put some orange and red paint on the pipes/hoses and will tidy up edges tomorrow with a scalpel - Note to self...next time paint the ******* prior to securing with cyno
     
    The other small thing, which I think makes a big improvement was to use a black permanent marker pen to tone down the faces of the reprofiled wheels. I attach a photo showing one end done to compare and the other photos help portray it better, even though the body could still do with lowering a tad.
     

    Black marker pen to left hand end - right hand end untouched...

    The loco now seems to sit lower...

    With less visible clutter through the bogies...

    Buffer beam detail picked out...to be tidied up tomorrow in good light!...
  13. bcnPete
    Update - Work started this evening on converting the Bachfar 37238 into 37142. This will have a black headcode as relevant to my era and 37207 will have the yellow headcode.
     
    The decision has been made to omit couplings completely one end on in favour of buffer beam detailing, with a DG on the other end and as much detail as can be worked around it without compromising operations.
     
    To begin with the NEM(?)pocket was removed and a small rectangle of plasticard was laid over the end to allow the bogies to continue to be removable. The jumper socket has been added together with a few hoses. One from Bachfar as supplied and the other from the Dapol accessory pack, after some plastic had been removed and a new hole formed. A Dapol screw coupling has also been added. I may need to remove some of these to pick out the relevant bits in red, yellow and orange etc, so not all have been glued in place.
     
    Next up will be renumbering (any suggestions on how to remove the existing graphics numbers would be welcome)and the additions of the handrails to the front end noses.
     
    I really need to get an airbrush as I cannot buy or indeed get any Railmatch paints here in Spain...nor do the car shops seem to have good colour match aerosols for BR Blue and also the warning yellow looks too plastic like.
     
    Weathering etc will also await the arrival of an airbrush.
     
    Anyway...it's my first attempt at detailing a loco, a few pics are attached of the first phase of the work.
     
    Pete
     

     

     

  14. bcnPete
    Update - Following Alex's question on my last post, I couldn't quite manage to upload an image within a reply so have added it here.
     
    Whilst being something of a 'tradionalist' and liking to see a nicely presented layout complete with full length fabric to disguise the support structure, a pet hate of mine is to see the fabric pinned to the front of the layout or resembling something of a washing line running along the front edge.
     
    For CJ I am aiming to align the black fabric with the front face of the layout with the fabric spaced neatly from the layout by use of a 'shadow gap' as detailed in my last post.
     
    I attach a sketch showing the idea.
     
    Firstly, the leg support structure is assembled.
    Secondly the black fabric (shown by the dot dash line) is double sided taped in the correct position.
    Thirdly the layout boards (IKEA shelves) with pre-attached black painted softwood downstands are located into the support structure which in turn helps keep the fabric in place.
     
    Thus the shadow gap gives a neat and tidy joint as well as giving the impression that the layout 'floats over' the fabric.
     

     
    Pete
  15. bcnPete
    Update - I have been refining the schedule of motive power/rolling stock that will be represented on the layout. The period chosen of 1979 - 1981 will allow the phasing out of the class 25's and the overlapping and replacement by the Class 37's, which ruled until the arrival of the class 66's.
     
    Locos have been strictly selected upon prototypes that visited the branch and include:
     
    25155 - BR Blue - Bachfar (with reprofiled 2FS wheels and one fully detailed front end - DG to the other)
     
    25080 - BR Blue - Bachfar conversion or 'It's N gauge' resin body or Bachfar 24 with Etched pixels etches (with reprofiled 2FS wheels and one fully detailed front end - DG to the other)
     
    37142 - BR Blue - Bachfar (with reprofiled 2FS wheels and one fully detailed front end - DG to the other)
     
    37207 - BR Blue - Bachfar (with snow ploughs, reprofiled 2FS wheels and one fully detailed front end - DG to the other)
     
    101 DMU - BR Blue grey (Farish model with 108 chassis or new Bachfar revised model...if it ever happens! - Fully detailed front ends)
     
    121 DMU - BR Blue grey (Dapol or Worsley Works kit or 'It's N gauge' resin body - Fully detailed front ends)
     
    2 x rakes of UCV clay hoods - Parkwood kits on 2FS chassis's (One rake to include ECC blue tarps)
     
     
    Obviously this is quite limited so my original idea is to have a removable type cassette to Moorswater viaduct and this will allow a rotating static display of motive power which would never frequent the branch i.e. HST, classes 46, 47, 50 etc
     
    It is sometimes tempting to purchase a Freightliner Class 66 and a few CDA's to see what it would like like in Moorswater dries, but my strict compliance to BR Blue forbids this...a few ECC clay Tigers would be nice though
     
    Work on 37142 is programmed for next week - the attached photo showing it in it's current state.
     
    Any comments on the above list are welcomed, as usual.
     
    Pete
     

  16. bcnPete
    Update - Further to the last post and comments received, I kept thinking through the proscenium arch and looking at the 1:50 model...and then...seeing an ariel view of the display at the Railex exhibition, I realised that I didn't want a formal proscenium arch as such...more an implied one.
     
    The problem of how the lighting beam at the front was going to be supported had troubled me for some time, but now I have a revised solution I am happy with, in that the lighting beam runs the full length of the layout, flush with the front edge but 'floats' over the display, in particular the fiddleyard end by use of a cantilevered structure.
     
    This beam will also contain the name of the layout, freeing up the face of the fiddleyard screen to place images from the prototype and a potted history of the layout.
     
    Another sketch and a new model gives this...which I am much happier with.
     
    Now, I can put this aside and start looking to build some track for the final board
     

    Revised sketch...the light beam is continous and floats over but focus's the view...

    View from the public side...

    Layout title will run across the front of the lighting beam...
  17. bcnPete
    Update - After about 6 months of neglect due to the Boxfile Kyle layout I now turn my focus again to Coombe Junction. My renewed enthusiasm for it is twofold: Firstly, of disappointment that I had to withdraw it from the impending 2FS Golden Jubilee Layout Competition and secondly, after exhibiting Kyle, I realised it had been over 20 years since I had last exhibited and it was thoroughly enjoyable (albeit) a little stressful at times
     
    Ironic then, that Coombe Junction was never conceived with 1) the GJLC in mind and 2) as an exhibition layout. It was planned as a layout on a few IKEA shelves in our spare room, without a backscene or lighting which just happened to fit within the GJLC requirements.
     
    With the above in mind, and imposing on myself a target completion date of summer 2012, I started to seriously think again about the possibility of getting the layout to exhibitable standards and things which were never part of the original plan...i.e. display height, a proscenium arch, lighting, backscene etc.
     
    The original 1/10 mock up model had been amended last year to show a proscenium type arch to frame and focus the view and looked something like this...

    ...where the height of the viaduct determined the backscene height. However, it occurred to me that any rolling stock crossing the viaduct would not be lit and may look unintegrated floating above.
    So...having decided that the rail height of the Coombe to Moorswater dries section will be 1200mm above finished floor level, the backscene would need to be 500mm above that to clear the viaduct with some breathing space.
    Of course, only then did it occur to me that the height of the layout would restrict the operator from actually seeing anything , so I decided that the middle section of the backscene will be slightly lower to facilitate this. This should prove a good vantage point to see any occuring disasters
    As a test, this morning, I threw together a 1:50 scale model of the layout proposal so I could see it against some scale architectural figures I have from my work. Also, using some grey card, I mocked up the step in the backscene to see how that would feel and I think I am comfortable with this. The proscenium arch/lighting beam will remain at the same height across the front of the layout for uniformity and clarity.
    I attach a sketch and a few photos and since this morning I have decided to reduce the backscene by 100mm giving 400mm above railheight lowering too 300mm for the centre section...

    sketch showing overall display and cutout to centre section for operator visibility...

    the viaduct will meet the backscene and may pass through an aperture...

    this will allow rolling stock typically of the mainline to be lit as well from the front light bar...

    1:50 scale model of display from the public viewing side...

    the front arch frames and focuses the display...

    view from the operators side...
     
    We don't really have space in our apartment to erect the layout in its entire length and at the correct height so I may have to find a way of getting some legs built in the UK, and concentrate on just the layout here, however that's a little way off yet. I now feel that I have a target to aim for and that one day, perhaps I might get a chance to exhibit Coombe - Moorswater which was originally conceived as a 'stay at home' layout
     
    Comments welcomed as always...
  18. 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
  19. bcnPete
    Update - Good morning - my final update as I start to pack my hand luggage for our flight today.
     
    There are a good number of things we didn't get done and a fair few that I am not happy with, but I have now run out of time and the layout will make its UK debut tomorrow at the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club Exhibition as planned.
     
    I am hoping their will be time this evening to do some last minute stuff, i.e. toning down some of the scenery, applying some MIG powders to the rolling stock etc. Unfortunately my TPM class 26 will not be making an appearance. Despite getting some BR Blue aeresol sent to my parents address for some pre exhibition loco painting , when I ran the loco chassis the other night it must have split gears, so I will leave it for my return.
     
    I did not manage to start the station building but rather than spray it grey I thought I would just leave it in white card as a 'work in progress'.
     
    I attach a few pics showing the components and will report back after the exhibition with my thoughts.
     
    The first photo shows the state of the some layout 18 days ago and the following pics demonstrate what has been achieved spending on average 3 hours a day in the evenings...
     

    18 days to go...

    Packed in the boxfile...

    Fascia removed - Supports for fiddleyard - holes for fingers!

    Rolling stock boxfile

    Unpacked and ready to assemble

    Scenic boards unpacked and ready to assemble...

    Scenic boards assembled...

    Behind the scenes...extremely low tech!

    37417 with MKII Hebredian Heritage rake...

    37417...snow ploughs but missing front end detailing...

    The complete package...
     
    Thanks all for your continual support and comments - will update after the show.
     
    Pete
  20. bcnPete
    Update - Yikes...4 days...and not even that...as I will finish working late Thursday and fly to UK on Friday...
     
    After a disastrous end to last week, things have been progressing again. All weekend I was assembling DG couplings. I must have folded about 62 pairs as I wanted to put on all the rolling stock so as to reduce the fixed rakes and allow a few adhoc shunting ops.
     
    Bending the wire hoops was very tedious and the swear box was topped up again after this but I gave up bending all the hoops as it was soul destroying seeing all the brass components laid out on the cutting mat - I am now fixing a few a day to ease the pain.
     
    Coping stone added to top of wall now, platforms have been redone using a plasticard strip for the edge and 'wet n dry' for the surface which I quite like the matt textured finish.
     
    Also overlaid some dark grey plastic sheet to the front fascias for the graphics.
     
    Few pics attached...
     

    Fascia is in grey with white self adhesive text...

    More detail added to ramp, platform and bridge

    Fitting the DG's - the N rolling stock already looks better with 2FS wheels and no rapidos...
  21. bcnPete
    Update - Good morning - I had hoped to have a long productive evening last night working on the layout with the TV tuned to the UK elections...but it was one of those evenings where everything I began, started going wrong
     
    To begin, I painted the platforms a beige colour as from the photos there are two different types of platform surface, however it looked so awful, I ended up overpainting with grey about 3 hours later. Then turned my attention to the backscene, which has been produced using a montage of sky from Kyle photos and then applying on top of a strip of Kyle mountain spliced together. The jury is out at present - I think I will redo it...but perhaps after the exhibition. It has sort of captured the effect I wanted...but not to the standard I was hoping for.
     
    Last thing before I decided to call it a night was apply a little grey paint to the harbour side as a base to add further colours - Its not the right colour but should be easier to apply different layers on top.
     
    All in all, I think I will have a night off tonight and try and forget about it as its going to be a busy last weekend...
     
    Few pics attached...
     

    Overall shot showing relationship between scenic and non scenic boards...

    Close up...sorry about the 90° corner...but its better than no backscene...

    Further to Donw's request...a cruel trackside view...
  22. bcnPete
    Update - Last night I did the second application of the ballast, this time just filling in the centre of the sleepers between the rails. This was followed by another application tonight picking out holes and gaps. Also, the area in between the sidings has a slightly different colour, which will be toned down and a few tufts of grass will be sprouting through. Buffer heads picked out in red and platforms have had base colour grey applied to stone and they have been bedded onto the layout - now need to work on the platform finish.
     
    In addition, I constructed the base of the edge of the harbour tonight and this will be painted soon and weathered prior to pouring the water. The bridge has also had further work, in the form of I beam support structure, pavement, road surface and handrail added. This piece is detachable and stored in the box. The ramped wall has had a base colour of grey added and now needs further washes.
     
    Its a little too big at present but I had my first try at making the Kyle station sign, which although was replaced later, I feel an essential part of capturing the atmosphere.
     
    A few pics of progress...as the clock continues to tick...
     

    Overall from above of scenic boards...

    View towards the buffer stops...

    View towards the bridge (scenic break)...

    View from Bridge of station sign...
  23. bcnPete
    Update - Been putting it off for some time but after sourcing some Spanish PVA, it was time to start. Normally I lay the ballst dry and then give it the good soaking method, however with my concerns that the layout may start to twist and notwithstanding donw's comments to try and prevent this, I decided to work the PVA around the sleepers in short intervals and sprinkle the ballast from a small long stirrer, bought from Muji a while back.
     
    It's slow work and quite tedious as is usual, however once I shook off the excess one hour later, I was sort of ok with it. There are patches that need filling so tonight I will try and spend the evening doing this and the ballast between the sleepers. I have allowed 3 evenings in my programme of work for this, so that I don't rush it as for me the ballast can sometimes be the 'make or break of a layout'.
     
    Also, whilst awaiting for the glue to dry I applied some Slaters stonework to the walled ramp and beneath the platforms. Its perhaps not the exact type of stone, however, I had this previously on RMWeb 3 with Coombe Junction and I am not into scribing my own stonework to get the exact replica. A little painting and weathering will hopefully give the desired effect.
     
    A few photos...
     

    Overall first application of ballast...

    Stone wall to ramp and bridge...
  24. bcnPete
    Update - managed to progress some more this weekend with a few hours each day.
     
    Most of my thinking and planning of the layout is done is my sketchbook with an espresso. I have attached a few examples of recent issues with Kyle which have been drawn through as ideas to resolve. These include the integration of the bases to the stock box, the internal face of the backscene including uncoupling magnets and the most recent, the slither of water at the front.
     
    I cracked the way to do this was make a seperate 'watertight box' in plasticard which is attached to the front of the layout, detailed and painted and then some 'realistic water' will be poured in.
     
    After one final check of running, I sprayed the track a base brown colour but did not ballast today as I realised my PVA is the EASITRAC adhesive which is quite quick drying - so ballast starts tomorrow. The station building has been mocked in card including a removable canopy and once again, as the ramp, this is permanently attached to the backscene and will sit on top of the platform.
     
    I am guessing I will not be finishing the station building in time for the exhibition but I will start to try and overlay some plastic sheeting very soon.
     
    A big thanks to Andy (aka BackwaterScotland) of this forum who has helped provide me with protypical info, images and even a station elevation to date.
     
    A few more pics...
     

    Sketch of rolling stock box...

    Sketch of internal backscene layout...

    Sketch of resolution of water at front of layout...

    Preattached ramp and station to backscenes...

    Track sprayed, station and ramp in place, base for water made and layout awaiting ballast...
  25. bcnPete
    Update - 18 days left and a bit more progress.
     
    I have constructed the base for the wall on the backscene and also the base of the road bridge which will act as the scenic break to said fiddle yard. The wall (as in the previous mock ups) is pre-attached to the backscene as will be the station building modelled in relief. I am experimenting with the backscene which will probably be some cut and paste and photoshop images from Kyle. Sorry about the 90° corner to the backscene as I can't get a curved one to fit in the box...however as someone once mentioned on the forum, a backscene is better than no backscene
     
    The bridge will be built as an independent piece which is partially supported on the wall of the station and is also supported from a small strip of cardboard on the otherside which forms part of the fiddle yard backscenes. I wanted to make the road bridge be the physical link between the front and rear backscenes and I am comfortable with this as I did not want to create another abutment on the viewing side (in reality it spans quite a distance, hence the deep concrete beams on the prototype)
     
    The card support is retractable formed from another low tech solution using grey card - cheap but effective.
     
    Also constructed a rail built buffer stop from Chris Higgs. Nice etches but my shocking soldering abilities led me to cheat and assemble it with superglue ...To avoid short circuiting the tracks, I have attached the horizontal to a slither of clear plasticard and attached this to the tops of the rail heads. If I switch on and get humming and blue smoke I will rethink this.
     
    As a back up in case I didn't finish my Class 37/4 I managed to win a second hand Bachfar LL Class 37 on ebay from a fellow RMWebber so I will swap the body with my rewheeled 37 as for me, you just couldn't have a BR Blue version of Kyle without a LL 37 in the mix.
     
    The layout will be flown in for the Burgess Hill Model Railway Club exhibition on 15 May 2010 and I have just posted some details of the exhibition on the link below.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/14248-burgess-hill-model-railway-club-exhibition-15-may-2010/page__pid__129464__st__0entry129464
     
    A few photos attached to show progress and hopefully explain the above in a lot more detail - expect a flurry of postings in the next 18 days as I try to keep a cool head
     

    View towards buffers...and 90° backscene...

    Buffers using superglue...sorry but my soldering skills are pathetic at present...

    walled ramp is attached to the backscene...and fits in the box, the depth allowed between top of platform and track...

    Support for bridge slides from behind front backscene...

    From the front awaiting positioning...

    Positioned...and awaiting details...

    Am hoping to recreate one of the most photographed shots from the bridge at Kyle...
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