Enfys_Rainbow

On 03/07/2019 at 23:11, petejones said:

Great work so far! I'm going to attempt to scratch build a signal box soon too, so will be watching your progress with interest.

Thanks for the positive comment! I've never actually scratchbuilt a signal box before either so I'm learning as I go. 

Some fiddling with windows tonight and the addition of a corrugated roof (all held together with masking tape!) 

E_R

Hi Nick

Thanks for your comment. When building the model, I looked at the photo in the following thread (last photo on page 2) which shows cut slates on the roof. 

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/79470-5050s-eclectic-photo-mix/page/2/

E_R 

Plodding on. 

E_R 

Bit of progress:

My decision to use bigger windows has meant that the relationship between the box and hut is slightly out. I still think it captures the look of the original though so I'm pressing on! 

E_R 

Hi all, 

Thought I'd share a project that I'm working on at the moment here. 

Talerddig signal box was constructed in 1874 as one of the first Cambrian Railway boxes. It remained in service until 1988 when it was demolished but rebuilt, albeit slightly differently, alongside the A470. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/47422047@N07/33211624095

https://www.flickr.com/photos/63164772@N05/9629659088

It's from seeing the rebuilt box on my many journeys to and from S Wales that really sparked my interest in the box. 

My model is not going to be a completely faithful representation, but is going to be closely based on the prototype. 

Here's my progress so far:

Construction is from 1mm plastic sheet clad in SE Finecast embossed brick sheets. 

The upper windows will be where I deviate mainly as I will not be representing the style of the original windows. 

Thanks for looking 

E_R

I have just found out that scrubbing the sticky mess with white spirit and a toothbrush seems to work. 

23 minutes ago, Corbs said:

Did you scrub with a toothbrush as well? 

Like an absolute demon! 

I've read numerous accounts of how good Dettol is at stripping paint so I thought I'd give it a go. 

I've had a Lima bodyshell in Dettol for two weeks and while it has removed the majority of the paint, what's left is a sticky mess. 

I'll probably give up now and try brake fluid instead. 

E_R

Well I did the hard part, drove to York from N Wales on Sunday, booked a hotel with the intention of attending today. Then 9 month old baby had a meltdown on the way to the venue so had to abandon it and head home!

So near yet so far, at least the weather was nice and we managed a visit to the NRM!

E_R

It's layouts like this that inspire me the most, and make me want to build my own layout.

It's the way everything ties together, nothing stands out as being an afterthought and even the smallest details are modelled to the same high standard.

Amazing work.

E_R

Hi all,

Let me start by saying I've bought numerous items from Hattons over the years and been very happy, both with the items and the service.

Recently, I've started wondering if their pre-owned section is really that good value. Granted there are some unusual and good value items there from time to time but often I'm left wondering "why would I spend £X on a pre-owned item when brand new is not much more". I accept that livery etc comes into play, but if that isn't the deciding factor, there's often not much point - there are some items that are only £5 more expensive new if you're not adamant of a colour.

Also, how are prices worked out for older items, especially when there are multiple separate lots for essentially the same item. Obviously if something is damaged, has a part missing or a damaged/replacement box I understand the price being lower but some items are as new, but priced different.

This isn't meant to be critical, it just makes it difficult to decide if something pre-owned is a bargain or not!

Enfys

Hi Tom, do you have any close up photos of the Presflo wagon - it looks good!

E_R

Amazing!

Any close up photos of the completed and painted bike?

E_R

That was the point, Martin...

 

Actually, if you put it in front of me, I probably would make a reasonable job of speaking it, but would have no idea what I was saying. For all I know, I’d be calling myself a lamb’s willy. (I believe that’s a Welsh-language specfic put down for something floppy and useless.)

More likely used to describe someone who is a fool!

I've travelled this way today. Still find the scenery captivating...never get tired of it.

E_R

Thanks E_R!

 

I've tried to capture the line as if it was in regular use, although still showing signs of overgrowth particularly lineside. Having said that, the more 'out in the wild' parts of the line seem to be less overgrown, with the line clear boundry to boundry along much of it's length and ballast and sleepers in good condition!

 

It's a very big shame! I've always imagined trains running over this bridge, so sadly now there's a very slim chance that'll ever happen again. At the minute nothing had been said about what they'll do, whether it's extensive repairs to the current superstructure, a new bridge or simply leave a gap until they need a bridge there,The bridge was removed from it's parapets today for the first time since it was installed (barring a few knocks), leaving the parapets and wingwalls looking very bare!

Yeah, a real shame. I'm familiar with the line, having walked sections of it several times and having a real interest in its history.

I was hoping it may reopen as far as Llangefni one day, but this may be the excuse they were looking for to not invest further. I've seen the video of the bridge being removed on FB...sad times!

E_R

Lovely work, captures the feel of the branch really well.

Shame about the bridge on Glanhwfa road isn't it!

Fantastic video...but not as fantastic as the Dr Who theme!

It's a fair question E_R

 

I suppose the simple answer is I have no desire to do it. I'm happy to build kits etc....but the thought of scratch building fills me with dread....it really does. I suppose it's the same reason I didn't build the baseboards, it doesn't inspire me at all...and if it doesn't inspire me, then gradually I lose interest. I'd hate to produce something that was sub par (granted it might not be) but when it comes to accurately working out sizes of things etc....yeah my stomach turns.

 

Thankfully I've found someone extremely affordable and will do a lovely job on Cwm Prysor, plus the eventual long term goal of Bala.

Fair enough Tom! Thanks for explaining and either way, it's going to be/already is a cracking layout.

E_R

Hi Tom,

Lovely layout and an area I'm familiar with. I think you've captured the bleakness perfectly.

Hope I'm not out of line in asking this but as you're such a talented and capable modeller, I'm curious why you are having things like buildings made for you by other people? Like I said, I'm just curious!

E_R