wireman

A tempory bench top template fitted to asses placement of the booth, compressor etc. The cupboards either side should provide plenty of storage with shelves and drawers. More updates as i receive them, but I believe a material shortage is slowing things a little at the moment. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

Latest pictures received from Coleborne Junction show excellent progress on the shed. All walls have now been lined and painted plus considerable progress on building the work benches. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

Hi Scott. No not as yet, possibly some railway allotments. I am still deciding about the entry to the fiddle yard. Looks like it will be the normal tunnel mouth again. I am pleased though with the way things have worked out, easier and more flexible to operate. Cheers Brian.

All fixed and working. After refixing the entrance to the yard panel, I realised that I could fit another turnout to provide an engine or guards van bay. As this will not be motorised it will be a simple fit and it will be done soon. Another couple of plus points re. this change is a new small area now available for scenic work, plus it will now only require a single tunnel entrance of some sort. My work bench back in place. It may look untidy but not as bad as normal. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

New fiddle yard track work all in place. This view is from the turntable end. Now, four roads can hold a loco and four coaches. As there is not room to allow all six roads access to the turntable, roads one and two join each other to access the table and form a round round loop. I envisage these roads to be mainly for short freights. The cross over between roads four and three will not be motorised and only used when my wokbench is not in place over the yard. Every thing is connected to the DCC bus and all works fine. Point motor and switch wiring next. Regards Brian. ( wireman ).

Thanks Scott. Yes, carriage siding. I have also been toying with idea of losing the goods shed and having a small refuelling point for the 08. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

After converting Brampton road to a fiddle yard to teminus layout, things have remained fairly static since my last post in autumn. I have spent considerably more time operating the layout now than ever before and have been very pleased that I made the change. The one thing that I found awkward to use was the fiddle yard arrangement and I never ballasted the tracks into the yard whilst I made the decision on what if any improvements could be made. I have had several ideas on changes but none seemed quite right untill a couple of weeks back, when I realised the main problem was that when a train left the fiddle yard, I had to change a crossover so that the train train could approach on the down line and when leaving the station the cross over had to be changed back. something I kept forgetting to do. Plus, the amount of room taken by the crossover was limiting the length of some of the six roads in the yard. Although the situation was the normal one to all modellers, putting a pint into a quart pot, I realised I was doing just that. So why have a double track approach to the station, just make it single line. No crossover, two roads could be increasd in length, I could justify four or less coaches behind a West Country pacific. So, out with the pliers and track lifting began. Relaying the track is not going to be such a problem as sorting out the wiring. However, the present situation has meant time is not a problem. Another major change at Brampton road has been in the control system. I was becoming weary of some of the operational aspects of my ZTC system, so have changed to a Gaugemaster Prodigy advance. Very much easier to use, saves space, on main track programming etc. Hopefully all should be up and running again within a few days. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

Another update on the shed showing the wall insulation now complete. all coming along very well. Although I have not posted on Brampton road since late last year, I have started some modification to the fiddle yard and have posted a couple of pictures there. Regards Brian. (wireman )

A shed update arrived quicker than expected. Electrickery is now connected and the extractor hose outlet fitted. Excellent progress. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

Just received. 6412 waits in the morning sun for departure to Wimhill. A shed update is expected shortly. Regards Brian ( wireman )

82005 looking ex works. plus progress on the shed. Glass has now been fitted and this wall has been lined ready for painting. Regards Brian. ( wireman ). Definitely no net curtains.

An update on the shed roof, insulated and lined, plus light fitting in place. All looking very good. Regards Brian. ( wireman ).

The fine weather over the last couple of days has enabled rapid progress on the shed with a start on fitting the insulation and electrical wiring. It may be a while yet but am looking forward to seeing the end result once we all pull through the present problems. Stay safe. Brian. ( wireman ).

As I mentioned before, Nicks attention now is to fit out an existing shed for the spray booth. After much clearing and cleaning inside, the first step has been to install a window on one side of the shed. Hole cut, frame fitted , just awaiting glass. Materials to insulate and board the shed are to hand and am looking forward to more pictures as things progress. keep safe. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

A very long Freight . Plus 76069 leaving the Loco shed for its next turn. Brian. ( wireman ).

And two pitures of the Grange taken between the overbridge carrying the line to Wimhill and the tunnel to the storage yard. Stay safe. Regards Brian ( wireman ).

Not a great deal to report since my last post in January. I did attend the Eastleigh show which was very good. Apart from the entrance fee, tea and pasty, my entire spend came to £ 4 .15P. Attention at the moment is concentrated on fitting out a shed to house the Spray booth and sundries. Unfortunately the present period of self isolation means we are unable to attend and help with this. A couple of pictures taken during a visit to Coleborne last week. First, a visiting class 33. Very smart with excellent sound.

Not a great deal to report a the moment , but a couple of pictures of a 5 plank wagon, weathered to be used as part of the breakdown train. This train is coming along well. Just need to weather the cr... . Perhaps not. Off to Eastleigh for the Southampton show this morning . Regards Brian ( wireman ).

Quite right Nick. Good job there were no prizes. Regards Brian.

Another occasional picture of the real thing. What was it and what will it be again ? ( one day ). No prizes.

A couple more pictures of 4575 now with added details and crew. The crew are from a standard Bachmann pack but have been re-posed using a hot air gun. It does take considerable amount of heat to bend these figures, a normal hairdryer is not hot enough, a paint stripper gun seems the only way. I have no idea if this releases any toxins harmful to health, but if any one has knowledge of these things, please let us know. I am told this engine is now finished, but who knows. Regards Brian. ( wireman ).

During last weeks visit, I tried to fix two gulls flying over the cliff top. No amount of trying different angles seemed to look right, then I realised that it was because of the shadow being created below them. I took this picture in subdued lighting to eliminate this problem, but I am not happy withthe result and will have a re-think about these two. Some things work, some things don't. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

No. Planning permission refused. Nick has a much better plan for the spray booth. Details early Spring ? Next, my first go with the airbrush, with tuition and further detailing by Nick, here is the finished van. This vehicle belongs to Coleborne but my own PMV from Brampton Road will be making a visit for similar treatment soon. Regards Brian. ( wireman )

Last weeks visit to Coleborne was on Friday, during which the subject of working room for the spray booth was discussed. Certainly, things are a little cramped when the booth is set up, leaving Nick very little room to spread the ever growing number of pots, brushes etc. required. Plus, although not that loud, the running of the compressor and extractor fan together with the obligatory radio 2 all adds up. The answer obviously would be to have a seperate area for this activity. A small shed / building ajacent to the main railway room would be ideal, but where? Probably big enough, just needs clearing , lay a base, erect building, fit insulation, a bench, few shelfs, electrickery for lights and power etc. No worries. Probably be banned from attending Coleborne before long. Mean while. The push pull set has been given a light weathering along the underframes and roofs . Wednesday visit this week if I have not been banned. Regards Brian. ( wireman ). P.S. I did have a quick blast with the airbrush on a baggage van and although may be a little heavy handed, it should be dry soon.

Cold and wet visit to the New Years Day annual bath tub race at Poole Quay this morning, it was, well, cold and wet. Could not really see very much as it was extremely crowded. Never the less, after much throwing of flour bombs and eggs, a good time was had by all. Just as you thought it was safe to go back in the water, I have more pictures of the Grange of which I am assured is now finished. Coal, crew and a few fine details have been added and certainly looks the part. Very Happy New Year. Regards Brian.