grahame

I remember when it was called 'The Harrow', the 'Wheatsheaf' had three floors and the infamous 'Becky's Dive Bar' around the corner was still open.

Yep, agree. And my limited basic knowledge is that there are various types of resin. For example when I make resin castings (not 3D printing) the resin is SG2000 PU Polyol/isocyanate. I understand that with some casting resins there can be a 3% shrinkage on curing which needs to be taken in to account when making the master/mould. However 3D printing generally uses a type of acrylic resin although I understand there are various types/additives. Presumably if there is any shrinkage it is documented and taken in to account when printing if it is likely to effect the finish accuracy. I also understand that FDM printing (fused deposition modelling) is rather old fashioned as many people using home 3D printers prefer SLA (stereolithography) where a liquid photopolymer resin is polymerised by shining a UV laser in to it where the laser hits a solid surface (either the build platform or the previous layer). But I could be wrong.

Things have moved on a little with the east end of the viaduct, bowstring bridge and abutment:

I've scraped together this from plasticard. It's not brilliant but, with some more details and a paint job, should be okay as a placeholder until I can produce something better:

This morning I knocked up the east side abutment. This is the right hand edge of the layout where trains will enter/exit the scenic area, basically from behind the biscuit factory building on the right below. Next to crack on with the bridge side:

The bridge at the end has a bowstring truss side. I've cut a basic template to size, and I guess it's going to be fiddly and time consuming to cut the gaps to form the vertical and angled cross struts. But hey, that's what modelling is all about - making things even if they are tricky rather than just purchasing and making do with RTP. I've also managed to bash and jiggle the section where the signal box sits and overhangs so that the underbridge pier fits snuggly and the cast concrete base now looks less chunky. I'll probably add a thin fillet along the underside of the box and where it sits on the three arch sections so that the eye is drawn along and it appears even less chunky and over tall.

I've finally got to the end of the arched viaduct frontage with sections of resin cast panels and scratch-built sections (although it needs detailing, painting and fixing in place) to the final under bridge. This bridge is at the right hand edge of the scenic section and roughly represents a mix of less prototypical and more freelance area although the bridge will be based on the real one where Crucifix Lane passes under the viaduct and becomes Druid Street;

Time for break from modelling to undertake some pressing and outstanding domestic chores and tasks. But here's a quick helicopter view of the central and east sections. Some of the buildings/sub-assemblies are not in place and you can see there's a lot to do, including the track laying.

The bottom of the barrel?

A bit more fiddling with the viaduct wall frontage and now there's just a tiny bit left at the far right end to scratch build as a somewhat ad hoc section where a connecting bridge rests on it. But, of course, it all needs completing - fixing, detailing, painting and so on. Here's a view of the Bermondsey Street underpass bridge/tunnel entrance and the signal box which overhands the viaduct wall:

But maybe only just . . . . ? :-)

Yes, please come along and drop by my demo/display stand. You'll be able to see some of the buildings and structures featured on my forum threads, have a chat about my techniques and methodologies and visit and enjoy the rest of the exhibition.

That's right, for when it was in the walkway under Colechurch House. However, it's now moved to new premises in Tooley Street.

A couple of snaps this evening after getting back from the pub showing how things are progressing with some of the buildings plonked in place:

A couple of snaps on the layout thread.

A little progress on the bridge/tunnel entrance. I'm quite pleased with how it matches up with the cast sections, but next to decide how the top section/parapet wall and underside of the signal/power box fit. However, that's it for today as I'll shortly be off for a stroll down to the local for the afternoon sesh stopping off at the PO.

And a start has now been made on the bridge/tunnel entrance for Bermondsey Street:

A little progress on the viaduct wall:

I'm contemplating using the cast parapet walls sections for the entire length of the viaduct from the end of the train shed and obviously excluding where the signal box overhangs.

The plastic bags do tend to keep the magazines clean, free from grubby finger prints, dog eared corners and people coughing and sneezing germs on them. ;-)

The test one out (I also cast one of the three arch lower sections as I also need more of those) seems to have come out well. They do need a little tidying and filing but the viaduct is old and the brickwork was crumbling, damaged and patched in places. Anyway I've started a production line:

This morning I removed the silicon mould from the shuttering and master. And was pleased with the result - no air bubble pockets visible. Later this morning, after a decent cup of tea (currently brewing), I'll undertake a test casting.

For information should anyone be interested, but I'll be 'demonstrating' N/2mm building construction at the forthcoming premier D&E exhibition 'DEMU Showcase 2024' which will be held at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on June 15/16th. Pop along if you want a chat about my methodology and techniques, and to see some of the examples featured in this thread.

Details available on DEMU website, which also includes the demos and societies attending: CAD for 3D Printing Carl White shows you how to use CAD software to design stock for 3D printing. SR EMU Modelling Danny Havlik shows how he has constructed some of his fantastic 4mm EMUs. Modelling Structures in N/2mm Scale Grahame Hedges shows you how he makes his fantastic 2mm buildings from the London Bridge Area. Societies EM Gauge Society N Gauge Society Scalefour Society The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society

Yesterday, before going to the pub and then on to the village club, I glued the completed parapet wall master to a rectangle of plasticard and added sides to form an open box. This morning I've mixed up the silicon rubber compound (two part) and poured it in to the box up to the brim. I spent a while tapping the top edges to make any air bubbles rise and burst in the open - hopefully I've spent sufficient time on that. And then it has been placed in a safe location to cure and firm. I seem to recall it takes 24 hours.