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grahame

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Blog Entries posted by grahame

  1. grahame

    Tall building comparison

    By grahame,

    Here's a full size mock up of my suggested compromised height for 'New London Bridge House' along with the large signalling centre and a train for comparison. It's five inches shorter than true scale but roughly nearly scale width. I'm pretty happy with that compromise. Any taller and it really would be up with the fairies and probably over-dominate the scene.
     
     

     
    G.
  2. grahame

    Class 50 upgrade

    By grahame,

    While waiting for some transfers for the class 47 (the wrong ones were sent and I've had to return them) I've been playing around with
    class 50 body I had to try and improve it. One aspect that I considered 'wrong' with the Farish moulding was that the front end was too
    flat (like it had been slapped in the face) and lacked the slight protruding nose under the front cab windows of a real class 50. So as well
    as opening out the exhaust outlets and body side windows and cutting out the circular roof grille (hoping to replace it with a better
    etched one) I also filed off the front end details and added a layer of plasticard to produce the nose bump. I've also started to add some
    details (such as drilling holes for the light) to see if the nose extensions look any better;
     
     

     

     

     
    G
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. grahame

    Class 47 re-paint

    By grahame,

    I'm going to be brave and attempt a first for me; to re-paint a new Bachmann class 47 (one of the blue ones) in to NSE livery. I started by stripping it down of all the glazing and bits and pieces and then attacked the paintwork with Phoenix stripper. I've also plated over the boiler exhaust and added Ratio hi-intensity headlights and then given it a coating of Halfords grey primer. Currently I'm going through my books and the internet to decide on exactly which number to represent. I nearly settled on 47521 as pictured in the 'NSE years' book but then noticed in a pic on a website that it was different at each end; one end had a recessed headcode panel while the other was filled and smooth.
     

     
    G.
  9. 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.
  12. grahame

    Update

    By grahame,

    I’m conscious that I’ve not updated my blog for some time now. I have been undertaking a number of modelling projects but they’re not particularly appropriate to write up here.
     
    One bit of news is that the second issue of my magazine - N’spirations - is currently at the printers and hopefully will be available shortly. I’ll post up news as soon as I receive them back with details of how to obtain a copy.
     
    I’m also hoping to be at the 2mm SA anniversary expo in Oxford (first weekend in July) probably helping out on the DEmU stand. Drop by and say hello.
     
    G.
  13. 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.
  14. grahame

    That DMS again

    By grahame,

    Back to finishing off that DMS bus. Bernie Taylor (TPM) is hopefully going to produce etched window sliding vents and replacement doors (two part glider doors as well as the original four part folding ones). They will certainly help Anglicise it and make it look a lot better. And as I've got more of the KMB busses on order to convert they will certainly aid the production line. Fingers crossed they get produced, and soon.
     
    I've had to make up fictitious side and front adverts for this sample as I don't know of any suitable decals - unless you know better. And I still need to add the white LT roundels. Ideally I'd like to use transfers - so again if anyone knows of any that are commercially available in 2mm scale - otherwise I'm going to have to hand paint them again........
     
     

     
    G.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. grahame
    Yesterday I scratchbuilt the angle truncated chimneys that go on the rear engine bustle under the upperdeck
    overhang of the DMS bus to convert it to a 1980s B20 variant with white upper deck window frames. Now that
    the TPM etches have arrived - very neat and fine they are too - I can get on and start to fnish some of them
    off.
     
     

     
     

     
    G.
  19. grahame

    Diorama progress

    By grahame,

    Progress on this has been slow but I've had a stab at ballasting the Easitrack. It still needs finishing off, especially at the shoulders but I really need to establish the embankments first, and painting to weather it down a bit. However, I'm pleased how it's already starting to look. It should prove a suitable scenic background for photographing stock on.
     
     

     
    G.
  20. grahame
    Yesterday I quickly knocked up a warehouse facade and assembled a Knightwing portacabin for my little photo diorama. They’re both rush jobs as I wanted to get the diorama nearer completion and neither have been fixed down, finished, detailed or weathered. I’d also recently managed to get some ‘grass’ laid on it.
     
    However, I doubt I’ll be able to get it finished in time for the NGS AGm due to a lack of time and other commitments (including the looking after of Aussie relative visitors, the Ely exhibition and a Spring break to France). Still, I have started looking for a house so I can move and start the ‘Last Big Project’, and have been putting together the second issue of N’spirations, but other than that modelling has been on a back burner recently.
     

     
     
    G.
  22. 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.
  24. grahame
    .
    .
    or even from this later pic with temporary top floor cladding added. Obviously there's lots of other detaling work
    and painting to be carried out. And apologies for the poor quality photos.
    .
    .
    .
     
     

     
     
     
    G.
  25. 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.
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