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scanman

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  1. scanman

    Itch scratched...

    By scanman,

    Over the last couple of weeks, packages have begun arriving at chez scanman - amongst them two packages from shop 2 of the 2mmSA. The advice on the Associations website is to 'start small' and try a wagon. So I decided to try several - which would work the 'quarry' line. This photo (use with permission)
     

     
    shows Corsham Station stone wharf around 1910, with a variety of different planked wagons, most used in stone transporting.
     
    5 packets of 'RCH 1887 5-plank' (10 kits) gave me:-
     

     
    and then the underframes arrived... I should have pre-read the instructions on the website which states 'build the underframe first'. Oh well, no harm done -
     

     
    When the Association says 'start small' - they're not joking! The 'triple-layer axlebox overlay' has the highest 'ping' factor I've ever met - and one 'box will need to be carved from plastikard. Anyway, the 'itch' is now 'scratched' - I can (just about) work in 2mm!
     
    Tommorrow it's back to 'big boys toys' - starting the baseboards for 'Ambridge'
     
    If anyone want to see historical background for the Box Quarries - follow this link -
     
    http://www.choghole.co.uk/PHOTOGRAPHSOLD.htm
     
    My grateful thanks to Derek Hawkins for permission to use the image above.
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  2. scanman

    Box in a box Pt 1

    By scanman,

    Well, if you've read my latest 'Upton Dene' entry, you might guess what's coming next!
     
    Basically I need a 'test bed' for a 2mm layout, and I rather like the 'boxfile' idea. All credit here to people like BCNPete who carry the idea out so well! The other inspiration for this entry came from a chapter entitled 'Corsham to Quarry Tunnel' in Colim Maggs's book 'Branch Lines of Wiltshire'.
     
    The building of Box Tunnel revealed the presence of large quanitiies of Bath stone, easily winnable and the GW even provided a single line 'branch' running from the quarry entrance by Box East Portal to Corsham station. Early in the quarry's life, there were crossover access from the Main, but later these were removed as large stone wharves were erected at Corsham . Even better, the track is crossed by two road-bridges whhich along with Box East Portal will provide ideal 'scenic breaks' athe box edges! So the overall layout will be thus:
     

     
    Whilst the whole section (in real life) runs in a deep cutting, the view pont will be from the 'southern' side as though the viewer were half-way up the cutting side - eg trespassing!
     
    Access to 'GoogleEarth' shows several good (if 'modern image' - Yughhh)views of the area.
     
    With only plain track, the build should not take too long - it will then be populated (slowly) with prototypes that will - eventually- run on the 2mm version of 'Upton Dene'. It will also provide a nice counterpoint to working on the 'Ambridge Branch' as discussed in my other blog.
     
    This blog will very much be an 'as & when' development so don't expect regular updates!
     
    Anyway at last I can give in to my craving to visit the local stationers and look at their boxfiles!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  4. scanman

    RSU - the trial results

    By scanman,

    First - my thanks to Kenton for the comment on the 'Soldering Station' entry - sounds like someone who has used the same unit!
     
    The unit has four ports - the top three (red) marked A-C, and the final port (Black) marked D. The instructions show power combinations using combinations of all four. I'll admit now I 'bottled' on settings like A/B or B/C - the power leads are red & black, and that seemed to me to be a clue! I will say now that the instructions give very little in the way of clues other than to suggest the process used here (trial and error)!
     
    Please note that in the following images, there has been no 'cleaning-up' of solder residues, and all the images are cruel enlargements!
     
    So The first set-up was two pieces of 20 thou brass, edge to flat using the fence to gain the rightangle. No tinning but using solder paste (Neals). Here'a the set-up - note the use of magnets.
     

     
    Using setting A/D achieved the following result:
     

     
    the carbon tip glowed red-hot, but using the fence resulted in a fair rightangle:-
     

     
    The next test was to solder 5 thou to 20 thou as a flat mating:
     

     
    The initial setting was A/D , but a second attempt with B/D worked just as well
     
    Moving on to 5thou - 5 thou flat:
     

     
    again using B/D
     
    Then 20-thou -20 thou flat:-
     

     
    Again, more than acceptable on B/D - but note the 'burn' caused by removing the carbon tip from the work before releasing the footswitch!
     
    Then what I considered the 'ultimate test - 5thou on edge on 20 thou:
     

     
    This was not too successful using solder paste - there is not really sufficient bearing surface on the 5 thou. However, keeping the tip active and introducing resin-core resulted in a perfectly acceptable joint:
     
    .
     
    Using the above as an indicator, I then attempted to 'tin' 20-thou using resin-core solder on the B/D setting:-
     

     
    All in all not bad for a first attempt, and certainly more positive than I would have achieved with a standard iron in the same time. Hopefully I'll get better with practice and advice like Kenton's!
     
    On with the kit!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  5. scanman
    This should be subtitled ' Reality Strikes'!
     
    Those following this blog (and the entry in the 'layouts' forum) will remember the initial concept was for a series of dioramas depicting a Great Western secondary main line and an associated branch - the branch would leave the main and gain hieght (effectively on a helix) - mostly unscenicked - reaching the terminus at Ambridge via an intermediate station & various lineside industries. The concept was designed round the layouts original home in a large garden shed with a layout area of 10' x 7' 6". The hope was that, at some distant future, the layout would move to larger premises and become more 'lifelike'. However, you will appreciate that there have been fairly drastic events in the last year - and the layout is now going to be constructed in a space of 12' x 6' 6".
     
    From the outset I felt it would be difficult to create what I wanted in a layout with about three interconnected levels and some hard thinking (aided by a calculator) showed that really the concept was impractical given the requirement for baseboard clearances, working gradients etc. Something would have to go - either the 'main line' (a 'roundy-roundy' or the branch & it's terminus. Neither option really appealed - I wanted the ability to 'watch the trains go by', and shunt the terminus with associated industries such as the dairy, a brewery, a gasworks etc (greedy, aren't I!)..
     
    At last the light dawned. I could get about 80% of what I wanted by bulding TWO layouts, one above the other..
     

     
    Ambridge & its environs will sit above 'Upton Dene' with a decent heiinterspace of 450mm (about 18"). Whilst there is no direct linkage, by using a 'cassette-type' fiddleyard on both layouts, the 'branch' trains can leave Upton Dene, arrive on a cassette on the lower level & be hand-transported to the upper level to complete the journey. I'm pretty certain this is not an idea unique to me - in fact IIRC Peter denny used the same sytem on 'Buckingham' - and even automated it!
     
    I hope the above diagram makes everything clear, including access to the operating well. The lower f/y will be mounred on wheels, somewhat like a tea-trolley & be capable of removal into the operating well or aisle (it backs onto the workbench area). Operators will then 'duck under' the upper layout whilst passing through the gap.
     
    Desgin parameters:-
     
    These have not changed really. Set in GWR territory (Cotswolds area) with a time span of 1920-1934 and modelled in 'EM'. Track construction will be the 'EMGS' 'rivet & ply' method using 2mm headed rivets. Cosmetic chairs will be added to scenic areas. Minimum radius (unfortunately) will be 36" ( set by the 6' 6" operating area). Baseboards will be 9mm ply for sides & trackbed with high-density urethane foam for ground-work - see the 'Dairy for Ambridge' entry in the 2010 comp. Operation will be via DCC - and yes, I'm aware it is not as easy as 'two wires does it al'!
     
    One regret is that the dairy/viaduct scene will have to be re-built as this originally spanned 7' 6", but hopefully the modelling will improve anyway! I will also take the opportunity to add another lineside industry (to mask the f/y) - probably a railhead for a cotswold stone mason ( a little like the one at Box).
     
    A major consideration is the minimum radius that all stock will have to negotiate. Whilst I do not imagine a 'King' & 14 thundering by on the main (the fiddleyard will only be about 5' long!) I do have a 'Hall' in the 'wundy box' andthe 'Bulldog' under construction may need 'adjusting' too. To that end, modelling has already commenced with a 'test track' - a B6 LH curved point, 9' 00:straight-switch (GWR Practice before 1925) with sufficient leads on main and branch to take a 4-6-0 tender loco or a 70' toplight coach. It will also allow me the opportunity to evaluate 'Dingham' & Sprat & Winkle' couplings etc. as it will have to be a 'mini-baseboard' to accomodate the 'Tortoise' PM &electrics!
     

     
    Of course, I've still got the old workshop to absorb into the new room, and decorative work to do on the new house. And of course - sell the old one. Anyone want a nice 3-bed semi with workshop, garage & chalet shed???
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  6. scanman
    A few days ago, I posted a query as to whether anyone else had constructed the 'Albion' kit for the GWR re-build of the MSWJR 4-4-0. The silence was deafening (and perhaps now I see why!) The kit is now marketted by 'Roxey Mouldings' but (from the date on the etches) started life in 1986. Which probably explains a few things in the 'etched kit technology' department, as we shall see...
     

     
    The cat wonders 'Wots in the box?' (& knowing my cat - 'can I eat it?'). Opened up it reveals:-
     

     
    Several etched sheets covering the loco & tender chassis & the tender body, with whitemetal for the loco body & detailing parts. As usual, motor, gear-box & wheels are extra. My kit also contains a set of sprung buffers. As I bought the kit in 1995, I cannot remember whether or not they were included! For the technically-minded, the etches are in brass (20-thou for the chassi, 15 thou (I think) for the rest. One nice touch is the inclusion of the 'absrbed' number- and works plates for all the locos. The instructions give a run-down of the class after it entered GW service and reference details for further sources. However, agin the '1980's approach' comes through - there is no exploded drawing (the only line drawing of the class is the one on the box-lid!) and the detail drawings are pretty limited too. I think the kit originated with Rod Neep (of Perseverance chassis fame) and the compensation uses that system - but it's not well-detailed. The etches are carefully packaged...
     

     
    Too carefully! After 26 years or so, the Cellotape was very difficult to remove, and left a form of oxide residue
     

     
    which has to be removed! Surgical spirit? Nah. It laughed off cellulose thinners too - and 'Cillit Bang'! It only sucumbed to 'Hob-Brite' (a cream cleaner) and loadsa scubbing with the (ex-) toothbrush.
     

     
    At last - down to the workshop - only to find I'd cleaned the wrong etch... Back toi the kitchen sink, and finally I was ready to start work. Once again the '1908's came to the fore. The horn-block inserts have to be removed. In modern kits these are 'tacked'' in place with broken-etch lines. These are half-etch, and a s-d to remove accuratley, as the horn-block guides have to be soldered into place behind, then opened out for the hon-blocks themselves. Accuracy of wheel centres may be an issue... Probably the easiest item was the fixed guide - however there is no indication as to which way round it should be fitted. I fitted it with the bush outside. Bet it's wrong!
     

     
    So two hours after finally sitting down, this is where I'm at. Think it's going to be a while befre we hear 'choo choo'!
  7. scanman
    Oh no not another blog entry...
     
    Actually it's been about six months - been busy with the '2012 comp' (2entries) project managing the house refurb (still ongoing) and having a pacemaker fitted (ticking along nicely!).
     
    So why this entry? A couple of weeks ago, as a break from architectural modelling (see the comp) I went and looked at some REAL buildings as part of Farnham's 'Heritage Weekend'. Ther I made the aquaintance of a leading local architect, & the subject of modelling came up... He's asked to see some of my work - however this is mostly in 4- & 7mm, hardly archtectural modelling scales.
     
    At the same time we looked at some of the town's 'yards'. Today we would call them 'service areas' but back in the 17th-18th century they were actually farm yards! Now here was a potential project (about 40 0f them)! One of them -
     

     
    struck me as ideal. Tucked away off 'West Street', one of the main thoroughfares, it is basically cart road serving what were originally 18c brick-built buildings - a mix of domestic and light industrial (might even have been a weavers with workers dwellings opposite). Plenty of scope for differing brick finishes etc and an impressive (I hope) demo piece.
     

     

     

     
    However, waste not, want not. I'd hate for all the upcoming effort to just sit on a shelf, so I'm actually going to model it at 1:150 (makes the brickwork even more challenging!) and will incorporate it (somehow) into 'Upton Dene' village area.
     
    First order of business - a 'concept model' in plain white card. Start Wednesday I think.
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  8. scanman

    Box in a Box - mark II

    By scanman,

    Having just purchased a BachFar 'Warship, 3 BR Collett coaches and a Class 108 DMU set,I've found out something that should have been glaringly obvious from the start... a boxfile fiddleyard ain't BIG enough!!! Cannot imaging how I'd run a '28xxx' & long coal train or a 'King' & 14 bogies.... So some lateral thinking has been applied. I'd like to continue with the 'minimal' baseboard concept and I do like the effect of running in the deep cutting that the boxfiles give. Current options are to
    1. Cut new boards from 3mm ply (old wardrobe sides) (free, fairly rigid but still light) or
    2. Make the new boards from foamboard. (Easy to work, LIGHT and still fairly rigid)
     
    In either case the boards will each be 750mm long with 100mm sides/ends to allow for the depth of the cutting. There will be two scenic boards with a cassette f/y at each end. the cassette boards will have 'fold-down' outer ends to allow for longer cassettes when necessary (the 'King' & 14 etc!)
     
    Re-vamping will also allow for the prototype curve between the tunnel portal and the Potley Lane bridge - which I hadn't accounted-for in the original in the original. It will also allow more visual impact in the scenic section.
     
    Okay, it's not a boxfile layout any more but I'd like to think I'm still complying with the spirit.. Feel free to tell me whither I'm wrong!!
     
    Got the ironing to do which will take most of the day - but will give me 'mulling-over' time re the choice of materials. Once again - comments welcome!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  9. scanman
    Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending 'Expo2mm' at Wallingford. Held in the local sports ground apart from the modelling there was the advantage of 'Doom Bar' at the bar and the 'Lions' first Test against the Aussies!
     
    Several of the layouts on show will be familiar to many RMWeb readers - but it was nice to see them in 'real life' so in alphabetical order -
     

     
    'Calne' (or 'Smokey Bacon' in the 'layouts thread). Nice to see that Steve has reached a point where scenic-ing has become a distinct possibility - and he has a nice new shed to do it in! 'Calne' was linked to 'Witney Euston' (of which more later)!
     

     

     
    David Eveliegh's 'GE' - based operation - long rambling branch across the wilds of East Anglia... One can almost feel the wind off the North Sea!
     

     

     
    I last saw 'Freshwater' at the 2mm AGM last September. Ian then was quite apologetic that it was a 'static exhibit' as he was busy re-wiring the layout. The work was obviously worthwhile, as the running exhibited this weekend was extremely good. On with the scenics then!
     

     

     
    Any introduction needed?? 'If 'Highclere' is an example of 'modellers block' I wish I had the same problem - and it looked even better with 'GW' liveried loco running on it.
     

     

     
    No apologies for 'Highclere at night' - the Tilleys even flickered!
     

     

     

     
    Again another layout familiar on these pages. It was the first time I'd seen the layout 'in the flesh' and it has to be one of my favourite stations (I'd actually considered modelling 'Marazion' - the next station up the line - but couldn't find space in 4mm). Running to a sequence which was displayed on screens allowed sense to be made of the movements (better than the often-seen 'flip-over cards!).
     
    And finally -
     

     

     
    I don't know why, but the temperature always seems to drop a few degrees as you aproach Mark's exhibit! A beautiful layout with an unusual but very well done scenic theme...
     
    And finally finally -
     
    The evening Barbie...
     

     
    I got the impression by the time I left at 10pm that a late-night 'session' was commencing - helped no doubt by the availability of free camping! Unfortunately domestic duties on the Sunday called!
     
    My personal thanks to the team that organised the event, and to the operators who gave up their weekend (and in the case of Henk Oversloot at least) and travelled long distances to entertain and inform us. Whilst there were few 'organised' demo's all exhibitors were more than happy to take time out to explain interesting features. Having attended 'ExpoEM' in the 'early years' - this show had the same 'family' feel to it. Long may that continue.
  10. scanman
    Having just returned from three weeks in 'Oz', time to share some memories! We spent some time in Melbourne - justly renowned for its extensive (and cheap!) tram system!
     

     
    The 'City Circle' route is actually FREE - jump-on/jump off as many times as you like - a great way to explore the older area of the city cenre. These trams date from the 1930's (I think) and a variant provides the 'tram diner' service which runs during the evening. A tip - if you are travelling to Melbourne & fancey a 'meal out with a difference' - book the reservation at the same time as the holiday. It's POPULAR!.
     

     
    The 'normal' tram service is extensive, costs 3.90 AUD(about £3..00) per ride and
     

     
    come in a huge variety of types
     

     
    and colour-schemes.
     

     
    They also handle some pretty impressive gradients!
     
    'Oh Gawd he's even found a model-shop!
     

     
    Wifey wasn't impressed when I found this on the first morning! I was even more surprised that there appear to be no commercial models of the trams. Must be a market there....
     
    29th May (my birthday) was spend doing the coach tourist bit - out to the 'Puffing Billy' preserved line above the Yarra Valley -
     

     
    Actually a 'Victoria Railways' copy of a 'Baldwin' 2-6-2 more familiar to us as a variant of the 'L&B' loco 'Lyn'
     

     
    However, she's not the only loco on the line....
     

     
    I even got to talk to the driver - who had just returned from a trip to the 'L&B'!
     
    After an 'interesting' ride to the first station on the line
     

     
    Safety Elves noticeable by their absence!
     

     
    Even the wife enjoyed it...
     

     
    whilst I got on with some detail shots (might come in handy later...)
     
    Unfortunately the trip was all too short as we were part of an organised coach, so had to visit several winerys and even a micro brewery -
     

     
    proing that the Aussies CAN organise a p...-up in a brewey!
     
    We even visited a chocolatier with it's own railway -
     

     
    but everything thing except track & baseboards was made of CHOCOLATE. (the wife now has some more ideas...)
     
    However, en route we saw more evidence of a flourishing 'heritage railway' scene - with the 'Healsville Railway' under active preservation -
     

     
    Back to the city with time for a few quick shots of the current system -
     

     

     
    ]
     
    With its superb Victorian Architecture -
     

     
    Which (on another occasion) looked just as impressive from 300m at the top of the 'Eureka Tower'...
     
    A terrific trip and I cannot wait to go back!
  11. scanman
    Progress has been somewhat slower than I would have liked... A combination of a 10th Anniversary weekend in the Cotswolds, a rotten cold and work in the house (NOT housework!) has severely limited time in the box!
     
    As the previous entry showed, work had started on the 'quarry line' -
     

     
    here the 'Up main' and another track ladder can be seen giving an impression of track centres etc. The ladder on the 'down main' eventually migrated to extend the 'up main' almost to the pointwork for the quarry which is now basically complete, including
     

     
    the trap point which protects the main.
     
    Both points and their respective signalling will probably be operated by 'wire in tube' to keep everything as simple as possible (although on reflection I might ask Rich Brummitt to build the ground signal!
     
    About 4 more 'ladders' should complete the trackwork which, after painting will be laid on 3mm 'Depron' foam with 3mm ply at the baseboard joints. At my current rate this should occupy the next couple of weeks!
  12. scanman

    Box In A Box - Mk2!

    By scanman,

    Decision made, 5mm foamboard purchased - time to start cutting! As many will appreciate, foamboard is extremely light (good) and somewhat flexible (bad!) so using it for baseboards tends to indicate it needs bracing... Design parameters were for the boards to be 750mm x 300mm, the sides to be 100mm deep, with the baseboard top at 75mm. Using 5mm board this left 20mm below the bed for (simple) electronics, signal and point actuating mechanisms.
     
    Each board would have 3 supporting cross-members at 187.5mm centres - made from foamboard (I can add diagonal bracing if it becomes neccessary). Rightangle 'knees' would ensure square-ness.
     

     
    The 'subframe' was made first (this is the 'west' fiddleyard) and when dry the baseboard was inserted -
     

     

     
    A view of the 'basement'! One advantage over boxfiles - somewhere to put the wire-runs so they'll be available when the gremlins strike....
     
    Baseboard ends were made from 6mm ply, attached to the boards with 25mm square softwood to aid rigidity. 'Foam2Foam' and fastgrab PVA where used at the relevant interfaces. Accurate registration of the endplates was achieved by the use of 8mm brass dowels (used to be available through 'Red Dog' baseboards - anyone know whats happened to the firm 'cos I need some more!) and the boards will be retained in place with cupboard overlatches.
     
    Having 'proved' the technique on the west fiddleyard the scenic baseboards were cut and the (simple) trackplan drawn out.
     

     
    Looking from the west - the quarry line is on the left (no,it's not a runround loop- just digit error!). In reality this continued as a 'single track' all the way to Corsham station. However I felt this would be a 'pointless' (get it??) exercise, so merged it with the 'Up Main' just before Potley Lane Bridge (the east end of the scenic section). At this point I'd like to thank Rich Brummitt for passing on several examples of pointwork, one of which fitted the bill exactly. I will of course need to make the trap point that protects the main line.
     
    Both scenic boards were then framed as above.
     

     
    View from the halfway point of the scenic boards
     

     
    with a view of the 'West fiddleyard'. The gap at the opposite end will allow for longer cassettes - I've still got a 'King' and 14 in mind!
     

     

     
    Views down the length of the scenic section taken from the two 'civil engineering' areas (Potley Lane Bridge and Box East Portal).
     
    Lastly a 'compare & contrast' image showing old and new. I certainly think the new format is better suited to this project...
     

     
    Next job is to run a test on the insulating properties of the card that sheathes the foam.... Hopefully this will be successful and I'll be able to build the track ladders' in situ. If not I'm going to have to trace out the track centres and use some ply....
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  13. scanman

    Back in the Box...

    By scanman,

    So back to Box - working on the second scenic board, intending to start tracklaying... However -
     

     
    I found I needed to paint the trackbed first! I thought I'd already done that, so drying time was required for the layer of 'Mud Hut' from 'Dulux'.
     
    Whilst the paint was drying I indulged myself in giving consideration to the method of point-control. The only two points - a switch and a trap are on this board along with the signals needed to protect them. So I'm seriously considering 'wire in tube' - particularly as I have this -
     

     
    left over from a previous layout. It's actually a servo wire unit for the model aircraft makers (I get some good ideas from them!). The brass-plated wire actually fits inside a steel rod which is threaded at one end - s there are distinct possibilities here including using the threading as a fine-tuning mechanism at one end or the other. Current thoughts are revolving round a 'bar in slot' arrangement beneath the tie-bar.
     
    Having given myself brain-ache enough for the evening I decided ('cos the paint still was not dry) to turn my thoughts to the scenics on board 1. So a start was made 'roughing out' the cutting walls using my favourite wall insulation -
     

     
    As the walls are close to the tracks you suddenly realise just how deep the cutting into the east portal really is - thats a '2800' for scale in the distance - and I need to increase the height of the tunnel wall...
     
    Well that can wait for another evening!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  14. scanman
    After an enforced layoff ( three contracts for windows - very nice) and the loss of my mum-in-law (b....y awful) it's nice to be back in the workshop modelling for myself (gerrynick - if you;re reading this I've not forgotten Hellingly's windows!). During the break I received a set of LRM axle jigs, so the next phase is the setting-up of the suspension units.
     
    First, build the coupling rods! These are in two parts, both of which are reasonable thickness, so when sweated together do take on the 'massive' look of the prototype. The crankpin holes were then drilled out to take Gibson bushes.
     

     
    (yes, the bush is one of the long versions. The way they tend to 'ping' rond the workshop I didn't want to risk a short one)!
     
    One of my teenage memories is going on a trip round Swindon Works with the school model railway society (do any still exist?) and seeing a coupling rod formed from a single blank of steel. So impressive!
     
    On to the chassis. The rear axle is fixed, and had already been bushed. The leading horn-block/bushes were assembled and reamed 1/8th". Then the problem arose... The jig axle was marginally too big to pass through the bushes... (anyone else had this problem?) . I checked using the reamer and a Gibson axle - both passed through and rotated freely... Only solution - take a file & emery cloth to the jig axle! About an hour of file/check - file/check & the jig finally did what it was supposed to do.
     
    I then 'loaded' the front jig with the hornblock assemblies - and then found the chassis is slightly thicker than the etched outer portion of the hornblock. Result - the outer face of the bush doesn't clear the chassis . The solution will have to wait until tommorw. I propose to file 'flats on the outer face of the bush. This will slide in the chassis - but prevent the bush from turning. I hope.
     

     
    The axle jigs roughly assembled!
     
    It's nice to be back
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
     
     
  15. scanman
    Blimey, nearly a year since the last entry... However, the house refurbishment is finished (I'm writing this in the new study), I have a new (part-time) job and opened up a new enterprise - model-making (surprise surprise) (check out the FB page - https://www.facebook.com/PerfectionInMiniature )
    ). Personal modelmaking has been somewhat limited, but it's time to get back to it. But what - there's so much unfinished business! So I'm starting at the smaller end - back to 2mm (this week, anyway)..
     
    The 'quarry siding' on Box has (had) a nasty little kink -
     

     
    nothing ACTUALLY derailed running through it - but the potential was there, and visually it wasn't good. Its replacement would also determine the feasability of track modification bearing in mind the construction methods originally used (the 'baseboard' is actually 'foamboard, and the trackbase is 'depron foam')... first step, cut through the rails etc:-
     

     
    (the new 'Dremel Tool' is a little marvel) (and tax-deductible!) The foam trackbed was then removed using a table-knife and, lo & behold, the 'baseboard' was undamaged...
     

     
    The original track was pcb sleepered, but I had some 'Easi-track' bases handy so decided to experiment with them. I must say it was a lot quicker to build the replacement by this method (But more expensive... !)
     

     
    To save soldering to the adjoining lengths, droppers were attached at one end.
     
    A new section of trackbase was cut from 2mm 'Depron', 'ballast shoulder' formed, and laid in two halves (the old track centre marks still being visible)
     

     
    and, like the original, painted with Dulux 'Mud Hut'. A little pot goes a long, long way - in 2mm!
     

     
    Finally the new track panel was inserted with care to line up the rail-ends and the whole section covered in fine budgie grit. Job jobbed!
     

    I'm tempted now to get on with one of the 2mm chassis (for a '57xx') but I think I'll wait until 'Box's next turn (in about three weeks. However, there is a LOT of retaining wall to be made for the cutting. 6mm Depron I think, with each stone hand-carved. Should keep me out of mischief this evening...
     

     
    TTFN - and it's nice to be back!
  16. scanman
    Here we go again... I received my EMGS Newsletter' today.... Take an area 5' 00" x 18.2" (the '0.2" might be critical!) and turn it into a layout by November 2015... The Plan:-
     

     
    pretty blank at the moment - but various themes are floating round my head.... Oh yes, the hatched lines represent the space taken by the cassette-type fiddle-yard(s).
     
    Theme 1 'Perfection Wharf' -
    - a canal basin
    - Wharehouses
    - wagon turntables
    - high level 'access' line.
     
    Theme 2 'Perfection Brewers'
    - canal basin
    - Maltings
    - boiler-house
    -road crossing
    -Pub (to make use of he one I built years ago)!
     
    3. 'Perfection Sidings'
    - almost derelict small yard, possibly industrial
    -very run-down
    -3-way stub point access
    -overbridges each end (type??)
    -'high-level' access?
     
    5. Halt station
    -industrial setting, possibly using elements of (1) & (2)
    -replace water with station
    - 'Heavy Engineering' location?
     
    Whatever theme I use, it will be 'architecture heavy', and movement light'! The cassettes will only be 12''long, so a loco and two wagons max. However, the potential for movement might be increased by the 'high-level' line in front of a backscene, where the cassette acts as a 'crane-lift' to the lower level. There will be no pointwork as such although the 'yard entrances' (if visible) will probably be represented by a standard crossing-nose or a three-way stup.
     
    Should have something more concrete in the next couple of days. However, because of other working commitments I'm limiting myself to 'wednesdays only' on this one - so about 52 days modelling to finish it!
     
    Oh yes - the baseboard size... 5' = 60" and 2015 will be the 60th anniversary of the formation of the EM Gauge Society. and of course '18.2' (mm) is the track gauge!
     
    Regards
     
    Ian
  17. scanman
    Out to lunch with an old friend on Wednesday, and rubbish weather today, so make baseboards until the sun shines!
     
    As previously explained the baseboard will be of high-density foam edged with 6mm ply..
     
    First, I painted both sides of the foam with white emulsion -
     

     
    I'm hoping this will (a) provide a surface for 'laying out' and b) limit the effects of any solvents etc which might spill on the surface and c) painting the underside should help make things more visible if maintenance is needed. No pointwork, but the wagon turntable and sewage filterbeds will all need mechanisms....
     
    Next job was to build an inner frame. This mimics exactly the size of the baseboard -
     

     
    and is made from 6mm ply 63mm deep (odd measurement...)
     

     
    The baseboard (loosely) fits - I'll be gluing it all together tomorrow.
     
    The sub-assembly will then be properly framed with 6mm ply 75mm deep - so maths will show that the foam is 12mm deep! Most of the ply is cut - just need daylight for the final bit! I'm going to leave the outer panel off the rear of the scenic board - I may well consider extending that upward to make a backscene
     
    However, I've also made a start on hew trackwork -
     

     
    'C&L' sleepers & 2-bolt chairs (Best GW practice!) but of course it is only the viaduct that will be laid thus... The 'ground-level' will be laid on PCB .Some of the 'Tannery Lane' track will be 'tramway' style (more on the production method later) and the sewage works siding laid as 'light rail'. I could have saved a recent order to 'C&L' if I'd thought it through properly!
     
    BFN
     
    Ian
  18. scanman
    I've spent the last couple of days restoring the loco to a semblance of cleanlinesss. It was an 'executors sale' of a former member's stock and this had obviously been sitting in its box for some time.
     

     
    Several applications of 'Cillit Bang' (does anyone else think this product is weaker than it used to be??) and about 15 fibreglass brush refills later,
     

     
    the old lady is looking somewhat better. I still need to get rid of some errant blobs of solder, but that will have to wait 'til tomorrow when I can grind down an old file to act as a scraper.
     
    BFN
     
    Ian
  19. scanman
    I always envisaged that 'Tannery Lane' would be cobbled, with inset 'tramway-type' track. But how to do the cobbling? I gave some thought to commercially-available products - but he cobbling has to conform to both street and track formations, so a 'tailormade' inlay was the only real solution, and accept that it would be time-consuming.
     
    I decided at the outset that the base would be my 'new best friend' - 'Depron Foam'. This is very similar to the high-density closed-cell urethane foam used for insulation. Only in much thinner sections! You often see it in use as 'fast food' boxes, but it is commercially available in large (36"x18") sheets. The thicknesses I use range from 2mm to 6mm depending on the project.
     
    Why 'Depron'? well, it takes and holds a scribed surface. The embossing tool can be anything from a stylus to a biro pen. Personally I use a 0.5mm '3H' drop-lead pencil.. The other advantage (in this context) is that, cut to rough shape, inverted over previously-laid track and then pressed down along the rail-line, a perfect cutting template is formed...
     
    Cut to shape it is then a case of setting out the cobbling and scribing it ... A job best done over several nights!
     

     
    I decided to contain my patience and leave the painting until all the scribing was done. Whilst cobbles are not completely uniform in colour, I wanted the finish to be reasonably homogenous.
     
    Colouring was done with 'Vallejo' acrylic paints & washes. I immediately broke the 'dark to light' rule, starting off with the base colour, 'Luftwaffe Blue'. Paint was dry-brushed diagonally across the run of the cobbles trying not to fill the mortar courses -
     

     
    When dry, I then went to the lightest colour used, 'Vallejo's 'light grey wash'. This is in fact an ink, applied WITH the coursing using the flat tip of the brush almost like a knife-blade. I really only used it to 'kill' the glare of the still-visible foam -
     

     
    The third layer is the darkest - a 'black wash' from the same range, which I wanted to use to highlight the coursing. However a quick test on a piece of scrap confirmed my suspicions that, unadulterated the ink would overpower everything. Therefore water was brushed-on first, and the black lifted with the still-wet brush onto the still-wet surface where, in the main it did what I wanted it to!
     

     
    The major areas are now finished, but not yet laid in place. The trackwork still needs painting (a black layer adjacent to the inside of the running-rails to enforce the dark gap between track & cobbles) -
     

     
    The area around the 'Tanners Arms' with its cobbled rear yard & access.
     

     
    The Tannery area, with its own road access (which will lead directly into the building).
     
    Obviously the paving areas need to be resolved - and the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed the apertures in the gutters for the storm-drains. I also need to think about fire-hydrants etc - but they'll come later.
     
    TTFN
     
    Ian
  20. scanman

    A SMALLER Challenge

    By scanman,

    Okay, what CAN you do in a space only 600mm by 240mm?? When the idea was first mooted as a 'Challenge' for the 2mm Associations 'Diamond Jubilee' in 202, my first thought was 'Not much' - even in 2mm, and I made my thoughts plain on the 2mm 'Virtual Area Group'....
     
    However, I am also a member of a local photographic club - who for one of IT'S challenges this year, the subject is 'Transport'. Thinking of THAT I remembered a painting by a member of the 'Guild of Railway Artists' entitled 'Saints & Sinners'. The scene depicted a double-track line bounded on one side by a picturesque village and on the other by a canal with a lock... No indication of the location EXCEPT in the lock was a barge named 'Unity' and the builder 'Robbins' 'Honeystreet' visible on the transom. Now I know a little about that barge - in fact I helped measure its sister in the 'Purton graveyard' in Gloucestershire! (http://www.friendsofpurton.org.uk/Vessels/Harriett.htm) The 'Unity' plied between Reading and Bristol via the 'Kennet & Avon Canal' - so my powers of deduction led me to use 'Google Earth' to find the location -
     

     
    (at this point, if it sounds familiar to some RM Web readers - it is - it was the subject in the '2011 Challenge'! Unfortunately due to an 'Annus Horriblis' I never got to complete what would have been a '3D' interpretation of the scene a la Jack Nelson...)
     
    However, as a location for a 'Transport' image it has great merit -
     

     
    - I just need a better subject (this image was taken within two minutes of arriving at the location on Bank Holiday Monday) and that was the only barge seen the whole afternoon!
     
    HOWEVER all was not lost... What a location for a model with a very limited footprint!
     
    As shown in the GoogleEarth' image, the subject has its own boundaries - the road, the canal and the two bridges. Even then, to squeeze it in will require some selective compression between the two bridges... The one thing that cannot be shortened is the lock itself. It has to be 200mm long (100').
     
    The other requirements of the Challenge are - it must be to 2mm finescale standards (obviously) and include ONE working point...
     
    Another problem - there is no pointwork at this location.. However, neither is there a station - so now it will gain one. 'Little Bedwyn' halt, complete with a siding on the 'up' line for local farm traffic etc. The 'halt will limit the length of the platform - '48xx' loco + autotrailer, (providing an 'all stations' service') or (in later years) a 2-car DMU service for the same. Interspersed will be 'Halls' & Saints' on secondary mainlime services (updated to HST) and 28xx and heavy deisels on their respective period frieghts. FORTUNATELY the off-scene are is NOT limited in length!
     
    Meanwhile the lock will feature barge 'Unity' (of course), or modern-day house-boats dependent on the period depicted.
     
    So all this in about 21/2 years. Wish me luck!
     

    Regards
     
    Ian
  21. scanman
    Having resolved (in my own mind) the issues surrounding area 'X', I decided to build it as a 'sub-model' just to make sure. Not only did it have an interesingt roof, the floor-plan was unusual also -
     

     
    As I was 'backdating' the model it meant I could lose the 'glasshouse' visible in the prototype image from earlier. However, this meant there had to be a certain amount of conjecture over placement of the upper-floor windows. The wall-lines were fortunately visible at the roof, so I followed 'reasonable architectural practice' with regard to the windows (hope you agree Pete!). Even so, with the only windows facing onto a narrow access alley - and overshadowed by the taller building opposite, the lady occupant must have led a dark & dingy life (not to mention a smelly one....)
     

     
    Happy (-ish) with the result, 7a assumed its rightfull place -
     

     
    The remaining buildings were fairly plain sailing, with the 'Weavers building' added next, -
     

     
    and finally the run of hop kilns opposite -
     

     
    The rear elevation of the hop kilns was modelled as these will back onto the station access road. -
     

     
    Currently they reflect the prototype elevation - but 'modellers licence' will probably allow another couple of access doors.
     
    All the roofs and chimneys were then added to bring the model to a basic level of completion -
     

     
    It is interesting that none of the 'outbuildings' such as the hop kilns (which now appear to have been adapted for habitation) actually have chimneys - and ad there is mention of a 'malting floor' in one of the kilns, I would have expected to see at least one. A hypothesis (archeologist 'speak' for 'guess') is that they might have been replaced by roof-lights?
     
    and at that point I realised I'd made a glaring errror! the roof of the building in front of the hop kilns mentioned above should have been hipped at their junction. Ah well, its only a concept model!
     
    And finally -
     

     
    The potential for a rail service!
     
    Right - putting this aside for now - next entry will be in 'Box in a Box' (Is that a butterfly that just flew past the window???)!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  22. scanman
    Arrived at my station today to travel to London for my last ever late turn...
     
    Station announcement 'Southwest Trains regret the late running of trains today due to engineering works at New Malden'.
     
    Me..Turn to the one platform staff on duty - 'What engineering works?'
     
    PS..'The notices have been up all week'.
     
    Me.. 'Where?'
     
    PS.. 'In the booking hall'.
     
    Me.. 'And the booking hall is?'
     
    PS.. 'Over there'.
     
    Me.. 'No - the booking hall is ---- SHUT for refurbishment!'
     
    PS.. 'But thats where we always put them'.
     
    I know its 1st April but....
  23. scanman
    As stated (very) late last night, the soldering experiment went very well.
     

     
    This is the card surface after the second rail was added to a section of track ladder - hardly marked, and
     

     
    removal of the card layer shows the foam core was totally untouched. Excellent - so on with the show..
     
    A 500mm track ladder was pinned down over the centre-line of the quarry siding and the second rail added. It seemed a shame to waste this effort so I also decided to try my hand at converting some deseasels I know own.. First out of the box was a Bachfar 'Warship'. The bogies were easily removed - but it was then that I discovered the trailing bogie also requires geared axles & I'd bought plain ones. Worse - I'd ordered 1 pair in 7.5mm and the other (plain) pair in 7mm diameter! DOH (Me thinks it was probably a typo on the order with regard to the diameter issue). However, like a pheonix arising from the ashes I then turned my attention to a Class 108 set.
     
    Blowed if I could see how to do it - but trusty 'RMWeb' in the form of Steve Simms came to the rescue with his blog entry on the same subject. Without that (a) I wouldn't have had a clue how to remove the bogie sideframes and (b) I doubt I'd have had the courage to do it! Anyway - all done now - see the result here
     

     
    Beddybyes now - off to DID in the morning...
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  24. scanman
    It's starting to come together... A large-ish packet arrived from 'Worsley Works' at the weekend.. Tiny or what! Then today a package arrived containing a '5700' body. (if you're reading this - cheers Ken). Just need the chassis bits from the shop now.
     
    Meanwhile a start has been made hacking at the boxes.
     

     
    2 layers of 6mm 'depron foam' were cut to represent the main tunnel portal and a 'road' from the quarry siding into the fiddleyard box. This was then used as a template to mark the apertures on the box itself. The openings were then cut out using a succession of drill-holes which were then linked up. You will notice that I've reduced the tunnel-mouth height at this stage, trying to re-create the effect inside the prototype.
     

     
    The foam tunnel portal has been lodged in place for effect. The quarry line is to the right - but the actual tunnel entrance is set forward of the main portal - you can see the outline of where it will be.
     

     
    Just for effect - and proving that the end cut is a little 'tight'. Some easement required! Better now than when the scenics are in place! I've used 3mm ply (perfect match for the Depron) - to stiffen the exit points from each module. The first five sleepers will be attached to them. Power leads (fairly thin wire) will be let into the foam & taken to the back of the boxfile. prior to ballasting.
     

     
    The other end of the boxfile was similarly treated to represent the run under Potley Lane bridge. This is a real 'generic' opening as I've not yet found an image of the bridge (or the nexrt up the line) to work out how high they are. I am hoping that they will lie within the bounds of the boxfile depth. Site visit next week methinks!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
  25. scanman
    Not on the actual modelling (one track panel is all there is so far) but in aquisiton!
     

     
    Four box files - with the scenic section in the middle two - the end boxes for cassette-type f/y's and storage.. I've also sent off fairly large odrers to Shops 1-3, 'Masterclass', Ultima' etc.
     
    The driving force? RETIREMENT !! We learned on Friday that subject to unforseen problems, we'll be mortgage-free on 29th Feb so we will definitely be 'leaping' that day! I'm jusr short of the 'big 65' - but have an 'enlightened employer' who lets us retire at sixty and gives us our entire Annual Leave entitlement if we do so... I reckon to 'pull the pin' on 4th March, walk out the door & not look back!
     
    Now on to the 'nitty gritty' - the box files are only 'standard' ones from WH Smith (£7.99 for three). Following BCNPete's comment about the height of the tunnel mouth, I did check out various stationers for deeper boxes, but they do not seem to be easily available. However, this is actually not a problem.. Whilst the portal arch is very high (about 21' to the Keystone and 30' to the decorative portal arch) the box depth should allow me to model the distincive portal complete to the parapet. Close inspection of the image that I have tends to indicate this portal is very much a 'false front' as I can detect the actual 'normal' tunnel commencing some few yards inside the tunnel. Might even model this as the f/y entrance...
     
    Track will be code 40 on PCB sleepers, with a trackbase of 2mm thick 'Depron Foam' - a very close cell urethane nore commonly seen in fast-food boxes. Being emminently 'scribable' I will probably use it for the tunnel portal as well. The cutting at this point is lned, with the lining 'stepped back' - I'll look at casting them from a master.
     
    Right 'snuff' for now - got to do an entry for 'Ambridge'!
     
    Regs
     
    Ian
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