Willl

1 hour ago, NHY 581 said:

 

One of the key issues, wonky boards aside was the performance of the Hattons P class and the Rails Terrier through the Peco Bullhead points. This led to a change to Peco Code 75 streamline. However, as a consequence of my trip to Bracknell Expo EM, I want to move away from Peco Streamline, so I need to resolve these issues. Now I either sort the Bullhead points to ensure good running or I adopt a different brand of kit built trackwork, such as British Finescale. I am however aware that others have had issues with Peco Bullhead points. 

 

 

I can't comment on the Rails terrier, but i'm intrigued to hear you have had issues with the P. I was going to comment I've not had that issue with mine but then realised I fitted it with sound and a stay alive (quite a tight squeeze) before I build Pattyndenne, so it never ran on bullhead sans stay alive. If you're willing to do some DCC fiddling you can put a Lais stay alive in the left hand water tank without too much work (you have to 1. remove the 6 pin socket and hard wire it and 2. remove a small weight from the chassis which is held on with a screw. The decoder is then put in the right hand water tank).

I've had my fair share of issues with bullhead. In particular, the points seem to bend and warp quite badly (maybe temperature related?) which has given me grief with smaller locos. However, until now i've assumed thats just due to bad track layout or my use of track pins rather than glue.

Sad to hear that Rob but it sounds like the right call. Do you think you'll have another stab at the SECR branch line idea or are you taking a break for now?

This weekend I finally got around to correcting the lighting setup on Pattyndenne. I removed all but one of the warm white LED strips from the roof of the lid and added two to the front of the 'arch'. With the original RGB LEDs set to green (which weirdly actually produces blue light!) it gives a decent impression of natural daylight. It doesn't really come across on camera but it's much less yellowy now. 

(The photos make the lights look much brighter than they actually are, especially the bright spots on the back scene. These aren't visible in person)

I'm still planning on replacing the lid with a hardboard construction, so this is more of a proof of concept to see what level of lighting is required. 

I also added the big oak tree at the right hand end of the layout. It needs some more foliage and a few sea foam trees/taller hedges to make it a bit less prominent. When viewed from the front it blocks the fiddle yard exit nicely, although when looking down the layout it looks a bit odd as you can see the back scene through the foliage. Still a bit more fettling to do on this, then I'll wire up the signals and it should be job almost done. 

Thanks all, I'll have a look at the back to backs and see if that's to blame.

I’m a bit late to the party but I recently got a second hand ‘Maude’ and have been having issues with it derailing going over bullhead points and sometimes seeming to be lifted off the struck slightly even when on straight track. Has anyone else had this issue? It’s almost like the flanges are too deep for the code 75 track

A few minor jobs done on Pattyndenne this weekend just gone.

At last the new station running in board is fitted

The layout also has its first human inhabitant. This chap seems to be waiting for his horse to come back.

One thing I love about the micro layout format is the option to run the layout outside (weather permitting). It really comes to life in natural light, although the sea foam trees are a tad vulnerable when exposed to the scale equivalent of typoon level winds!

I've not got around to making a dedicated topic for it, but the colliery layout is also proceeding at great pace.

7 hours ago, Captain Kernow said:

The new layout is definitely looking very good, but I'd certainly consider starting a separate thread for it, to do it justice if nothing else.

 

Sounds like wise advice. Think i'll have to come up with a name for it then! 

Much progress with the new industrial layout thingy.

Hills built up with polystyrene left over from Pattyndenne. As much as I was reluctant to spend £5 to buy a sheet of something you normally get for free and then throw away, it's definitely gone further than the overpriced and frankly pretty disappointing expanding foam I have previously used.

I then spent many many long hours painting the track. Everything was first given a quick blast of brown spray paint, and then dry brushed with white acrylic. Then followed what felt like an eternity brush painting each chair and the rails in a slightly lighter, but frankly almost indistinguishable brown! The bullhead track is a real pain to paint as you can't run a brush along it in the same way as you can with normal code 75 or the 009 track. Fortunately I won't have to do that again for a while!

The layout was designed with composition in mind. The idea is you'll be able to look up from the standard gauge shed and see the narrow gauge locos in the background. The two sheds also act as view blocks for both the fiddle yard exits.

The Dapol shed is just a placeholder. I've got an MS models corrugated shed all painted up, but it wasn't on hand when I was taking photos.

The narrow gauge swings over the standard gauge and then heads perpendicular towards the front of the layout. This will help disguise the fact that the standard gauge runs straight up to the end of the baseboard, as if carrying on down the valley. 

Once the backscene and enclosure are on this view won't really be possible, but it pleases me greatly. I'm trying to decide whether the halt works here or if it should be next to the shed as above. 

The gaping hole in the cliff / embankment is where the tipping mechanism / chute will be. I've not figured out if I actually want to go ahead with this, for fear it will make the layout feel too toy-like. I've also struggled to get the tippers to work consistently, and for whatever they're filled with to actually go down the chute rather than just piling up and derailing the wagons when you go to pull away!

19 hours ago, NHY 581 said:

 

Hi, Will. Are the Pesky Pecketts on a different part of the roundy roundy or is that a developing cameo layout ?

 

Handy to see your wooden engine shed in situ. Mine's tricky to visualise with the layout in it's current state. It was bought second hand and not quite as described but I can get around the odd blemish that it came with. 

 

The station building I'm using on Project W  is a  Hornby RTP Butterly waiting room, same as that destined for the Mid Suffolk project, Flockfield. Flockfield's  was acquired in a bit of a sorry state. 

 

 

Hi Rob, it's a new layout, now in development. I'm thinking part NER, part freelance industrial layout. It was originally intended as a 009 layout for running quarry hunslets but the scope grew and grew. I blame it on my shunter addiction - the growing fleet of industrials meant it was the only sensible thing to do.

The clapboard waiting room definitely gives a nice SER feel, even if the location is kept vague. I may have to steal that idea in future!

Will

Progress on Pattyndenne has slowed as of late. There are still a few little jobs to do (new pelmet, change the lighting setup, replace misspelt station signs etc.) but these haven't really been inspiring enough so are currently being put off. 

I've been distracted by a new project. The recent acquisition of a pair of Bachmann quarry hunslets prompted me to start thinking about building an 009 layout. This morphed over time into a dual gauge industrial scene, originally intended to be a pit village (hopefully with working coal drop/chute to allow the 009 tippler wagons to load the standard gauge). Although i'm planning on following the cameo format again, I thought i'd employ a more complex track plan, so it's a bit more focussed on play value than Pattyndenne. 

The layout is 1500x500mm with a 600x200mm fiddle yard. Buildings so far are a mix of MS models 3d prints, an old scenecraft shed, and a Fair Price farrier. Undecided whether to make a separate layout thread for this or post it here.

Things aren't ALL industrial though. I've been weathering up my Hornby SECR terrier, as well as some more stock for Pattyndenne. I'm still toying with the idea of switching the couplings for the Pattyndenne stock to Kadees to allow hands-free shunting but the price is putting me off for now. 

Further distraction has been caused by the sudden (surprise) acquisition of a Dapol O gauge Jinty and Terrier - the prices were just too good to turn up! They'll have to wait a while for a home though.

Will

Looking good Rob! Who is the station building from?

Also like the use of the scenecraft wooden shed. My roundy roundy train set type layout also uses this and I feel it suits the pre-grouping theme well. 

Excuse the horrible attempt at a backscene!

I see what you mean about the size but personally I think there's something quite appealing about a shed that dwarfs the engines it serves. I suppose it also works well as a scenic break.

(That's your peckett 560 now in its new home)

Looking forward to seeing how this progresses!

Will

8 hours ago, Richy59 said:

Is the glazing easy enough to remove? Looks like a good option for adding the windows - even though they should have been clear in the first place.

 

The roof pops off with very little force and you can then just pry off the glazing. I'd recommend using something wide to do this as I initially used tweezers which cracked the glazing (only the thin bit connecting the two windows fortunately)

Fortunately the glazing is just painted over - I've taken the bold step of guinea-pigging removing the paint and it comes off just fine leaving the glazing underneath (using, of all things, toothpaste and a cotton buds - my ruston will also be the most minty fresh of all)

The side 'windows' (if they still count as windows when painted over) have actually got some nice lining on so I may leave them as is. My conscience is happy with the rear windows clear as I think the little 1/76th high drivers would find that sufficient.

Will

5 hours ago, James Hilton said:

I think you’ve created something wonderful here. Lovely work.

 

I wonder if adding a passing loop would spoil the feel of the layout somewhat, its compact nature possible due to its limited complexity? I’d also suggest you’ve perhaps ‘overlit’ the layout? I would be using only one strip of LED in something of this size, glued to the inside top edge of the pelmet. If shadows are a problem, a second strip mid way would help, but I’ve never had a problem needing to use a diffuser. If you search in my blog I think there is a link to the brand of LED strip I use on all my projects these days.

Thanks James,

You're probably right re the passing loop. I've always had a bit of a tendency to overcomplicate track plans and this layout was really intended to be an antidote to that.

However, this moment of weakness is mainly because when using the layout for shunting (which I typically do due to the lack of turntables and the short fiddle yards) the trains have to enter from the right side, and I'd ideally also like to be able to run in from the left. Regardless I definitely won't be changing the track layout of Pattyndenne as is - I'm thinking more a future layout with a similar setup to Old Parrock, with a small loop and one siding rather than two sidings.

I do think the basic track plan is the greatest strength of the Peasmarsh Road plan (and my layout) as it gives lots of scenic space for such a small layout, which really makes it feel bigger than it is. One of my main qualms with smaller layouts is they often have very complex track plans, which wouldn't really work for me as the scenics is my favourite bit of building a layout. 

I actually originally tried that lighting setup (with 2 strips of RGB LEDs on the inside of the pelmet), based on your YouTube video on lighting for micro layours. I ended up bodging together the current setup just because the layout was too dark and I was in a rush to get the lighting sorted before leaving home for a while. It may be that one strip of the new warm white LEDs would be sufficient. I'm going to play around some more with the enclosure as I'm just generally not happy with it, plus the foamboard is in a pretty poor state after being painted. It didn't take the emulsion paint well so when I get time I'll make a new pelmet out of thin MDF or ply.

Thanks,

Will

Thank you all! The response to this thread has been really encouraging and it definitely helps with the motivation.

A few more bits and bobs.

Unfortunately the paint made the lid/lighting rig warp quite severely. A night with some heavy weights has gotten rid of the worst of it but it's still got a bit of a dip in the middle. I might remake it with thin ply, but it'll do for now.

One job on the list is to add something to diffuse the light from the LEDs as it's a bit harsh. I also need to add another strip of the warm white LEDs to the front facia piece. 

I've also weathered some more wagons, and dulled down the Austin seven and sentinel steam lorry. I somehow didn't notice the lorry is LMS liveried lesser modellers would cave in and re-badge it, but I happen to know thos was a particularly sporty lorry, and was thus pushed over 88mph, transporting it back in time the Goudhurst Road, just past Kilndown, around 1915.

I've added some more sea foam trees at the left hand end to hide the fiddle hard exit. They slightly get in the way of the point levers so I'll have to move these. I've added some fence posts for the post and wire fences but the wire is yet to come.

I'm also planning on putting a big oak tree overhanging the farm track. This will hide the right hand fiddle hard and also add something more imposing to the right end of the layout - I'm not expert on composition but the lack of height variation at this end of the layout makes it feel slightly lacking. The oak tree will be attached with copious amounts of hot glue. Hopefully this will also allow me to raise it slightly so the branches don't hit passing time-travelling lorries.

The layout is definitely in the final stages now. It still needs the signals wired up (and potentially repositioned as I've no idea if they're in the right places) and some more scenic bits and bobs. Nevertheless, the lack of big jobs has me thinking of what to do next. I am now the proud custodians of some Bachmann quarry hunslets, but no 009 stock or layout, so this seems like the obvious next step. In the longer term, I quite fancy extending Pattyndenne to provide a longer run. Alternatively, I may make a completrly new SECR layout - the lack. Of a passing loop on Pattyndenne is a real limitation in operational terms, so who knows - maybe a Pattyndenne 2 is coming. Only time will tell! 

On 09/03/2024 at 15:34, SouthernRegionSteam said:

What a lovely shot of a lovely little layout! Love all the details, especially the old sleepers/wood forming the steeper part of the footpath on the right. You've really thought well about composition not just in terms of the buildings and photo, but also the scenery. There was another shot looking between the hedges and towards the railway which I also thought was rather nice. Plenty of variation to the vegetation, and everything seems to fit so harmoniously together.

A detail I've not seen modelled before that was visible in an earlier photo is the makeshift crossing 'gate' - I.e. a bit or rope/wire and a red bit of cloth!

Nicely done, and I can't wait to see more!

All the best,
Jamie

Thanks Jamie! The crossing flag/rope is actually borrowed from a real photo of the Hawkhurst branch (I think it was from Churn Lane crossing, where the gates had recently been hit and destroyed) - I thought it would be a bit different, plus I was keen not to have the halt turn into a full on station - given I was originally planning on just making some sidings without any facilities at all even the current platform & bench is positively urban!

I made even more progress on the layout on Sunday - I think I tend to go into a bit of a modelling frenzy once I start! It's definitely not quite complete yet (I still want to put more trees in to disguise the fiddle yard exits & add some kind of hedgerow or fence to the big field at the front) but it does feel like in the space of 3 days it went from nowhere near done to being pretty much there.

The main job of the day was to create a lid/lighting rig. I made this from foamboard. I picked up some limited foamboard crafting skills from a past interest in RC planes, and I realised half way through that by cutting a 5mm slot out of the foam but leaving the paper on one side, the foamboard can be folded into right angles. This gives nice clean edges, although I didn't do this at the back so its best not to inspect the enclosure too closely. 

One big issue with the foamboard is its complete lack of water resistance - even a drop of rain will make the paper bubble up, although as long as it doesn't get too wet it will smooth out when dry. However, this did mean that the lid drooped slightly in the middle when painted. It's not too noticeable but I may make a new version with the brown water-proof foamboard in future.

Initially I used some left over RGB LEDs, which were attached to the inside of the front face of the arch. These were an absolute load of rubbish; they were extremely dim, and the white colour had a nasty green tint.

The purple is rather fetching though.

One benefit of the RGB lights though is that the light blue and orange colours can be used to simulate evening and dusk.

I've now fitted some Wickes warm white LEDs which will do the trick for normal daylight conditions, but I like the idea of changing the time of day when the layout is run at exhibitions. Given I already have an Arduino for running JMRI, it shouldn't be too hard to rig up something to gradually shift the colour of the RGB lights, although this may be more of a challenge for the warm white ones as they're mains powered so would need rewiring.

I also added some more sea foam trees at the far right of the layout. I like how the lane disappears between the trees now.

Last but not least, I painted all the visible parts of the baseboards a dark grey. I'm really pleased with how its looking now. It's much more tidy and really compliments the scenics.

I set out with this layout just to try some new techniques and products but seem to have ended up making something much more presentable than I really expected. My main layout barely gets a look in now! 

5 hours ago, Captain Kernow said:

Clearly the local Lord of the Manor has decided to invest in an Estate Railway...

 

The lord of the manor seems to have slipped and bought another one! Now how will he afford to mow the bowling green…

A chance visit to the local shop seems to have ended with me going home with ‘Nesta’ - I was originally out for a open cab quarry hunslet so this came a week too late, but I think two will work nicely either way! 
 

I took advantage of the nice weather this morning to get some photos of the recent works in better light. Really pleased with how things are progressing - there’s still a fair bit of scenic and detailing work to be done, but I think the time to 1) build the lid/lighting rig and 2) figure out how the whole exhibition booking thing actually works - it may sound stupid but I actually have no idea how people go about advertising their layouts.

the D class must be travelling down to hawkhurst to collect a hop pickers special. Doesn’t explain where the crew went though…

a few more little jobs to report as well. I’ve added some more hops in to make it all feel a bit less sparse, and also trimmed the tops of those hops that had magically grown way beyond their rigging.

I’ve also added some more overgrowth to the farmyard and sidings (some of which can be seen in the morning’s photos).

25 minutes ago, MattR said:

The buffing/polishing looks really effective! What did you use to get that look?

thank you! I’ve mainly just gone at it with cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol for a while until it develops a bit of a shine. The birdcage coaches were already fairly glossy so didn’t need too much work but the E4 Took a bit longer as it was more of a satin finish. Even then it only takes about a minute or two T cut would probably make this quicker. 

32 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

Pattydenne? I thought it was Pattyndenne?

 

 

 

 

 

It is! Unfortunately due to my butter fingers it will be Pattydenne until some new station signs arrive and these ones can be removed.

I’m also trying to decide whether the halt should have a shelter. I bought the scenecraft field shelter for the purpose but it was bigger than expected. The old ratio halt shelter has may also work, although my current preference is not to have any real amenities, leaving the passengers with little comfort other than the posters depicting all the more exotic places they could be!

In other news, an unusual wagon load has appeared in the yard of my main layout. It’s destination is unclear but it will certainly warrant further attention. Hopefully this doesn’t get too expensive!

After a couple of weeks away I’m back with the layout this weekend so should be a bit more progress coming. In the meantime, I’ve been working on weathering some stock and painting up some detail pieces.

first up I weathered the E4. I had an initial ‘oh god moment’ where my usual technique of varnishing, weathering with the airbrush and then removing the excess with airbrush thinner resulted in white staining all over the model. However, whilst rubbing this off I realised I could get a much more convincing polished effect by just buffing the paint and not bothering with the varnish. This gives a really nice deep shine which doesn’t come across on camera but is much more consistent than the clear coat I’ve used previously.

I also weathered up my Rapido SECR brake van and fitted the modelu crew and lamps. This really brings it to life although the guard is so tall his head is normally hidden (and in contrast to one of the other figures I got which almost seems like it’s TT gauge - I suppose one of the interesting things about the modelu figures is they have varying heights depending on who is being scanned. I’d never noticed before how most model figures are a uniform height).

The final weathering job was my olive green birdcage composite. I used the same polishing technique on this and it worked really well. I generally go for a polished look but with dirt in the recesses, as this is how I imagine stock being in the pre-grouping / early grouping period.

work this weekend has focussed on adding little details and creating a more overgrown look to the farmyard and embankments. I’m really pleased with how this is coming together. The whole layout feels much less ‘bowling green’ and more Wealden. I also added some sea foam trees behind the oast which helps hide the nasty corner in the backscene.

I the halt has gained some details as well. Amazingly I managed to paint the running in boards and didn’t notice the typo until I was asked what patty denne was. Won’t be making that mistake again!

the notice board is the model railway scenes parish notice board with the too cut off. I thought I’d put some posters in it. There’s one LBSC poster and two SECR - as with most of the layout probably completely unprototypical but I liked the way the brighton one looked (not that you can see it properly when shrunk down).

I’ve also added this little ballast trolley thing (technical term) which has been brutalised to give the impression that the planks have rotted away and the ballast fallen out.

Hi Rob,

I ordered some plates from Narrow Planet / Light Railway Stores using their existing custom Peckett name plates. I went for 5.4mm long and 2.5mm high (rough measurements taken from my SECR grey Bachmann C class so again may be incorrect if the text should be raised on the type 1 plates). These look a reasonably close match to the SE&CR font to me (although the ampersand is a bit small)

I've not seen a lot of photos of this livery but these ones of Nos 633 and (credit to the Mike Morant collection) may help. I'm guessing they're the type 1 plates you're talking about.

Will