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grahame

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  1. grahame

    Vehicles

    By grahame,

    At yesterdays High Wycombe show Cheltenham were selling Oxford DC cars for just ??1.99 each. I purchased
    a couple more taxis to add to my collection;
     
     

     
    Now why would I need so many?
     
    G.
  2. grahame

    Latest efforts

    By grahame,

    Modelling effort has been taking a back seat as I've been attending hospital three times a weeks for a course of UVB treatment and as I prepare for my annual jaunt to Australia for the month October.
     
    Nonetheless, I've undertaken a little work on some projects such as a planned Gatwick Express set where I've now got sufficient mk2 coaches and have painted the seating inserts and started cutting the end recess for the waist level jumper cables. And I've been working on N'spirations3 which is hoped to go for printing when I return from Aus.
     
    I've also taken delivery of a set of Maruka 1:150 construction vehicles whch are rather nice. Included are two container reach stackers, 3 bulldozers, 3 concrete mixer lorries, 2 road/rail crawler boom cranes and 2 container artics. They include separate handrails and wing mirrors that need to be fitted. I don't need the all of them so will probably sell the ones not required but the reach stackers are needed for a container depot project that has been bubbling along with a few people for some time now.
     
    Here's some pics of some of them;
     
     

     

     

     
    G.
  3. grahame
    There's been a little progress on the diorama I'm trying to put together for photographing locos/stock models on (and to try out the Easitrack option). The horrid reddish brown colour is just some acrylic burnt sienna paint that I had spare and added to the water and PVA mix that I painted over the plaster to seal it. Next I need to re-address the ballast and finish it off properly with a neat shoulder, and then consider some ground cover and weathering/painting the trackwork. A fairly rural scene is almost a first for me - any suggestions as to a suitable grass to use bearing in mind the small scale?
     
     

     

     

     

     

     
    G.
  4. grahame

    Photing models

    By grahame,

    As an early Christmas present to myself, and to enable me to take better model snaps, I've purchased a couple of photo lights complete with flourescent daylight bulbs (technically they're 5400K Ra >90 which apparently means they're better than many others although I'm not sure I understand). Here's the portable set up;
     
     

     
     
    Hopefully, I'll be able to take improved studio type snaps although I probably also need a decent new camera and a bit of tuition. I'll need to do a little bit of experimentation to get the best lighting set up (probably need that white foam board as a reflector) but here's one of the first off the cuff;
     
     

     
    G.
  5. grahame
    Yep, before the first one is completed, work has begun on the second high rise block - Southwark Towers. Overall sizes have been considered and design work based on photos and google has been sketched up. On my dining room table you can see some of the rough working drawings including a scale size footprint.
     
     

     
     
    And this afternoon the first of the three wings went up. At 100 metres it's slightly taller than New London Bridge House but as soon as I've got the basic shape completed I'll have a better idea and understanding of how they will fit in. These are the two tallest buildings I need for the new proposed layout - the next tallest one I might possibly need is only 13 storeys and about half the height. However it wasn't built until 1986 and could be too modern for the era I'm trying to represent. Also it may not be required as it might not quite fit in the final plan which needs a little slimming down.
     
     

     
    G.
  6. grahame
    .
    ...
    .....
    .......
    .........
    ........... and this is what my model looks like so far. It's not an exact scale model replica as I've needed to
    cut down the footprint area, but hopefully it captures the look and character of the original. There's still lots
    to do on the model including detailing and painting;
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     
     
    G.
  8. grahame

    Modelling development

    By grahame,

    I've made a start on the little modern signal control box at the west end of the through lines. I'm not totally happy at the way it's turning out - dut to my lack if modelling ability - but I'll see what the finished item looks like as there is still a lot to do;
     
     

     
     
    I've also managed to get hold of one of those 1:150 scale KMB Daimler Fleetline buses (the old London Transport DMS) as recommended by Bernie Taylor and I'm very happy with it. It dismantles in to the consitituent parts (body, glazing and inners) simply by unclipping, so it should be easy to re-paint in to LT red. Consequently I've ordered another four, dispite the relatively high price due to the poor pound exchange rate and air postal charges from Hong Kong. I've striped the paint back to the plain plastic and given that a coat of primer. The pic shows it without the glazing, engine compartment and innards, and roughly perched on the wheels/chassis;
     
     

     
     
    The DMSs lasted in LT service from 1970 to 1993 although withdrawls started in the late 70s so I should be able to justify them on my LB layout's mid 70s to mid 00s period. Certainly at least until someone brings out a decent more suitable modern 1:148 bus.
     
    G.
  9. grahame

    Blog update

    By grahame,

    Just a quick note to update my blog; modelling is still continuing but on a number of fronts including completing a Fireball XL5 Comet Miniatures vac formed kit and more background research and development for my big London Bridge project. For that I've started putting together a fleet of London Transport busses;
     
     

     
     
    And I've been looking at track options for the project. I've just about decided that I'm going to run with the 2mm Easitrack option using the plain track as it is, but building the points to the latest finer NMRA 'N' gauge standards. That is so I can run N gauge stock without having to expensively change the wheels to 2mmFS (and, of course the latest N gauge stuff is very fine and not exactly noticeable or obvious on modern D&E stock) while getting better running over points and having the points look better with narrower flangeways than Peco commercial track. Plus, of couse, I can still use Peco N gauge track for the fiddleyard and in tunnels which will cut down the building effort and time required. The benefits of the Easitrack on the sceneic section will be;
     
    - closer scale sleeper size
    - closer scale sleeper spacing
    - closer scale rail height
    - better looking finer scale points
    - and improved running (wheels not droping/bumping down in to large flangeways, etc)
     
    I've already ordered a range of Easitrack to test it out and have signed up for an Easitrack point making seminar (being held at my club). Also I've started making a small diorama for photographing locos and stock (for another publishing project I'm working on) and will use Easitrack on that (as soon as it turns up). I've built the base support structure for it from foam-board;
     
     

     
     
    G.
  10. grahame

    Easitrack

    By grahame,

    My Easitrack order turned up today - plain concrete sleepers with flatbottom rail and wooden sleepers with bullhead rail, it's just a shame that, at the moment, there are no wooden seepers available for the flatbottom rail, but I understand it is planned to be developed. Anyway, I've already tried out assembling both types and have laid some on the little photography diorama board I'm building.
     
     

     
     

     
     
    G.
  11. grahame

    More busses

    By grahame,

    Apologies for the seeming mania about N gauge busses on my blog but it's just that I reckon I'm going to need a
    lot for my London Bridge project in the same way that I've already put together a lot of phone boxes and skips.
    This time it's the Cars Workshop KMB Plaxton Pointer 2 of which I managed to purchase two. I've cut back one to
    a 'short' single door version and today I've started adding some paint/decal detail.
     
    Unfortunately this is hampered by the lack of suitable N gauge/2mm logo decals for London bus operators. For the
    PP2 I need some Go-ahead London Central galleon logos. It'd be nice if someone did some suitable transfers for
    companies like London Central, Selkent, Metrobus, Arriva and Travel London - does anyone know if any are available
    in 2mm scale? Anyway I've got to do the side window inserts and finish it before tackling the 'long' PP2 that has
    dual doors;
     
     

     

     
    PS - now added the windows and roughly finished off. Please bear in mind the tiny size - it's less than two and a half inches long.
     
     

     
    G.
  13. grahame

    N'spirations

    By grahame,

    One of the projects I’ve been working on for a while now has been a new independent magazine called N’spirations. It‘s a 4O page A5 sized all colour publication exclusively about British 1:148 N gauge. I am pleased and proud to be able to announce it’s launch here on my blog on RMweb.
     

     
    The aim was to produce a one off publication that would help answer the questions people asked about N gauge while viewing my layout at exhibitions. It is also intended to inspire people who expressed interest and encourage them make a start in N gauge railway modelling. The booklet is specifically suitable for those who know little about N gauge or who are beginners in the scale and is a handy reference guide answering commonly posed questions. It includes inspirational photos of quality layouts with supporting articles and advise.
     
    I was able to secure some sponsorship from the N Gauge Society (although the publication remains completely independent and mostly self funded) and have now got the magazine completed and printed. Obviously I still need to sell it to help cover the cost of producing and printing it and hopefully recoup some of the money I‘ve invested in the project. As well as selling it at exhibitions I also plan to make it available by mail order and hopefully arrange for some specialist traders to take a small supply that they could sell from their stands/shops
     
    Although it was originally intended as a one-off publication, the initial and early reaction from those in the know has been positive, and there is the possibility that if it is a success it may be developed with further issues that will cover a broader range of N gauge modelling subjects and projects. If sales are acceptable and a second issue is forthcoming I’ll update this blog to let people know news about it.
     
    However, as this is the first issue and it is not known what the level of sales is likely to be a limited print run has been produced. When they are sold out you will be unlikely to obtain a copy. Therefore, if you would like a copy, it is recommended to place your order as quick as possible. I’ll put details of how to order in the classified ‘for sale’ section of the forum to save falling foul of the moderators or any selling rules.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/11614-nspirations-n-gauge-publication/
     
    G.
  14. grahame

    Container Crane

    By grahame,

    It's been a long time since I added anything to my blog so here is a spring WOMW update; a container crane.
     
    I picked up a Vollmer container crane kit for a fiver at the Redhill N gauge show recently .....
     

     
    ..... and decided to bash it in to something more British looking like this Freighliner crane at Millbrook rather than build it as shown on the box cover artwork;
     

     
    It's taken quite a bit of bashing around and building new parts that incorporate bits of the kit. I had to move over the main single central cross beam and add a second one, and design and scratch build the machinery that travels along between the beams and raises the container grab. I've also built a new grab section and so far it looks like this;
     

     
    However, there's still loads to do and the model in picture above is temporarilly held together with bit of blu-tac just for the photo. Obviously it's not an exact replica and is essentially a freelance design but I've tried to incorporate the essence and style of the Millbrook one.
     
    September 2011
     
    I've finished off the crane now and detals of it should appear in N'spirations6.
     
     
    GRAHAME
  15. grahame

    NGS MAG layout

    By grahame,

    Further to a question in the "Next Big 'Un" thread on my blog, and the reply I gave there, here are further details about the N Gauge Society's Modern Area Groups (NGS MAG) proposed layout.
     
    This will be a modern N gauge layout based on the Milford container depot near Southampton. It will be able to take advantage of all the recent new top quality container wagons now available, such as the ATM KQA pocket wagon, Dapol FEA-B spine wagon, Dapol IKA megafret, and Farish FIA intermodal, as well as the old Farish container flats than can be upgraded in to more acceptable five car FFA/FGA rakes with a TPM detailing kit.
     

     
    The team of modellers for this project is drawn from the ???N Gauge Society??™s??™ special interest ???Modern Area Group??™. The layout is intended to be a group effort and all members are welcome to participate even if that means their contribution is simply manning and operating the completed layout at exhibitions. Currently this layout is only at the planning stage but you can find out further information about it through ???Red Death??™, the electronic newsletter produced by the Modern Area Group, which is sent to all members. Check out the group??™s exclusive website regarding membership and the newsletter at http://www.ngauge-modern.co.uk/
     
    G.
  17. grahame
    I pleased to report that the second issue of my exclusive magazine has come back from the printers. I'm impressed and pleased with the quality and finish, although there is one little problem - some reversed out text on two small coloured panels didn't come out. Fortunately they're small and don't detract from the content; one was about ordering the first issue (on page 2) and the other is a photo caption (on page 19). I've reported it to the printers but to be quite honest there's little they can do now and it is only a very minor and almost insignificant issue. Probably no worse than my spelling mistakes still in it and besides most publications seem to have some errors in them.
     
    Anyway, overall it looks good and is a fitting (well at least I think so) follow up to the first issue. I wouldn't mind some feedback though. For further info and details about how to order see the magazine section;
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/17693-nspirations2/page__pid__169231__st__0entry169231
     
    The contents list is;
     

     
     
    I'm hoping to be on the DEMU stand at the 2mm Anniversary Expo in Oxford on Saturday so will be taking copies along for the traders who sell it for me. However, I understand that DEMU are still looking for member volunteers to help man the stand on Sunday so if you're up for that then do get in contact with them.
     
    G.
  19. grahame
    Yesterday I received a really nice email from someone about my N'spirations booklet that I'd like to share on my blog;
     
    "Just to let you know I think your magazine is an excellent contribution to the hobby and I hope it is to be the first of many. I particularly admire the way you suggest that we all, including beginners, should aim for high standards, without being pedantic about it. The publication presents the information and tips in a refreshingly positive style without specifically advocating the counting of rivets, giving hope and inspiration to those of us with less confidence than those with years of experience. And all this complemented with interesting photographs of a consistently good quality. Keep up the good work!"
     
    I've also had a number of other complimentary testimonials which has greatly pleased me. Anyway, today will be a break from modelling to enable me to undertake some cooking - another enjoyable past-time - and a visit to the local.
     
    G.
  20. grahame

    More cars.......

    By grahame,

    I purchased some Tomytec vehicles at the Warley show yesterday. However, they were loose and unboxed, so I'd
    be grateful if anyone could identify the make and model of each of them (the two on the left are the same);
     
     

     
    G.
  21. grahame

    Byfleet bus

    By grahame,

    I've purchased an OO bus - simpy because it's one of the local busses and goes through my village; Byfleet. There's certainly some very nice model busses in OO scale.
     
     

     
    G.
  22. grahame
    I've been adding a little bit of paint, with a very fine brush, to the telephone boxes and fork lifts.
    The boxes have also had STD phones installed in them and the doors are painted and currently drying
    ready to be added.
     
     

     
    G.
  23. grahame

    N gauge LT bus fleet

    By grahame,

    My N gauge LT bus fleet is starting to grow. And with the promised Farish Leyland Nationsl single deckers due (gawd knows when) and the four DMS now on order I'll have a reasonable fleet. There's still work to be done on the DMSs, incliding re-assembly, but they do have a very bland livery with no white or grey stripes to add a bit of relief to the plain all over red. Also correct route numbers and destination blinds don't seem to be available so I'll have to make the most of the limited choice on the ModelMaster sheet as below. The photographic enlargement is certainly very cruel - they seem a lot better from 'normal viewing distance' ;
     
     

     
     

     
     
    It's starting to look a bit better now, although still not finished. I need to source a suitable decal for the side advertising and white LT roundels. Otherwise I'll have to hand paint them like I did on the Routemaster and Metrobus.
     
     

     
     
    G.
  24. grahame
    I visited London Bridge Station today to collect some more pictures of areas and buildings that I have few details of. Things are changing rapidly - there's a big hole in the ground and some of the steel structual skeleton of the Shard has already appeared. The concourse roof has been cut back significantly and Thomas street is closed to traffic along the building site boundary.
     
    One of my intended targets was the small box at the West end of the through platforms and some of the buildings behind the station.
     

     

     
    However I was approached by a jobsworth on one platform and told that I wasn't allowed to take photos. When I countered that I was allowed he changed tack and said that I needed an identity card from Network Rail. I said I'm not a commercial photographer so it wasn't necessary and showed him a print-out of the Transport Police's website with the details. He didn't seem very convinced but wandered off rather confused before I could explain that the same information was available on Network Rail's website.
     

     
    Fortunately I wasn't further harrassed despite a very large police presence at the station and managed to get all the photographs I wanted. Hopefully they will help me out when I start on building some more of the structures for the project.
     
    G.
  25. grahame

    Fork lifts

    By grahame,

    Welcome to the first posting on my new workbench blog. Basically I'm repeating the last entry on my DRT workbench thread from the old RMweb forum. And it all about fork lifts and in paticular the 1980s fork lift from GHQ. It's very finely moulded in pewter and more detailed than the old British white metal versions I have. Even at the American 1:160 scale it's height is exactly the same as the so called British N gauge ones (presumably 1:148 scale) I have, and is even a little longer so doesn't look at all under scale. It comes with an alternative front part to build it with the forks at high level.
     
    G.
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