Leith Centrl

Will be there on the Saturday exhibiting the clubs Talybont O16.5 narrow gauge layout. Will no doubt get some filming done and some shopping for Leith Central in as well. Hope to see plenty of you there. http://www.elmrc.org.uk/talybont.php

Morning all. Thinking of putting out some videos alongside my Leith Central updates looking at short trains suitable for modelling in any space. Would these be of interest to people?

Latest Update

Yeah, Ive written an alternative history that I will get round to posting on here eventually. Its a lot smaller that the real thing (Roof still over a metre long though) aiming to keep the Character of Leith Central but fit it into my space and bring it into mid development phase around 1990. Station Roof was the main interest and I am incorporating buildings I like in the Edinburgh area. Idea being that it looks like the area not an exact copy. Really enjoyed doing all the scale drawings for the roof, not so much looking forward to having to build 7 identical roof spans (so 14 ends) but relishing getting started on the main frontage as seen here http://www.edinphoto.org.uk/1_edin_t/1_edinburgh_transport_railways_rce078_leith_central.htm I am changing the support walls to similar to the Klyondyke Wall in Edinburgh Waverley as in my alternative history the station was a combined effort by the Cally and North British to Save costs. (Also moved it 90 degrees to the other side of Leith walk as I want to build a section of Pilrig Church on top of the tunnel scenic break. I'll post the full story in the blog at some point.

Its been one of those months at Leith Central. Work and Family commitments all over the place and not a lot of time for modelling. Got round to ordering the parts I need to get the board ready for starting ballasting. Point motors to fit, dummy point motors to go on, piano wire surface mounted motors and accurascale buffers for platforms 3 and 4 are on their way as are some more peco platform edging. Currently finalising the design for the Roof support wall footing and aim to start building this on Monday evening and have it painted and in place ready for the platform 5 ballasting to start during February. I am currently in discussion with KS Laser Designs for the main part of the support walls and hope to have these on order or delivered along with the bridges for the outgoing end of the board sometime in March. Before the bridge can go in the base layer for platform 1 will need finishing, About a metre of Card top to finish once ive got the platform edge run the full length. The peco parts are clipped together currently and will face these up as I do the faces for the Support Wall footing as it uses a similar process. More platform sides will be needed for platform 2 and 3 but the short 4 and 5 is now ready for its top to be started and will chip away at this as time allows. Researching what type of lights ill be using on this currently and once ive got the position of these finalised ill get the lift off top section started. The station building has had little progress with the first section of wall started, ill do bits on this as other things get dull to keep things interesting. Shopping list for model rail Scotland is forming. Will be there Saturday with the clubs Tal-Y-Bont (0:16.5) layout and hopefully with shots of the cracking layout line up at Model rail Scotland and work on the layout February should see a lot more updates to talk about and film than January did.

Morning Folks. Been a bit quiet on the modelling front this month but the holes for the point motors and platform 4 and 5 wiring are now drilled. Point Motors, Mountings as well as 2 Accurascale buffers and some detailing bits on the way from rails (who have a sale on as do TMC, got the Pair of Scotrail MK1s cheap so they are on their way too). Expanded the bus fleet recently as well and getting the itch to do some small dioramas with the big spare pile of polystyrene and wood ive got lying around. Ive also now got a plan for the main retaining walls for the station roof based of the KS laser walls and currently waiting on a quote for a tweak to their kit and will need over 2m worth of wall. Once this is finalised these and the double bridge for the station board end will be ordered. In the meantime I plan on starting the wall footing this week that way I can get platform 5 and the buffer ends ballasted. making this end of the platforms complete. Stock wise a parkside VEA is currently in progress and the B1 is away with Garry from ELMRC for work on the tender and weathering. Got the detail parts fitted and just need to get a crew and some lamps for it. Finally I hope to see plenty of you at model rail Scotland. Will be there Saturday with Tal-y-Bont for ELMRC so come say hi. Will be filming at the show as well as probably spending some pennies. Slowly writing a shopping list. Once the box of stuff arrives from rails ill have something worth showing on Leith Central. Until then happy modelling

Cracking model look forward to seeing more

Being an 80s/90s modeller the influx of intercity stock is great. Especially buffer power cars and class 82. Tempted by an A2/2 and a 10000 though

Having given it some thought as to how I would like to progress the layout over 2020 I have come up with a list of 10 things I intend to get done on the layout this year. Also a list of projects id like to start and hopefully finish this year. So Leith Central Plans 1, Order, install and track work down for the second scenic board and assess the best route forward for the fiddleyard board and maybe even get this ordered as well, 2, Build the main station building and roof supports ready to start on the overall roof centre piece of the layout. 3, Motorise all points on board 1 4, Start on Ballasting. 5, Source and get in situ the Board 1 bridge at the start of the station curve. 6, Finish the station forecourt and start on the bus station side properly 7, Run the first train into the station 8, Do at least 1 update video per month 9, Design timetable once all scenic track laid. 10, Install buffer end furniture to platform 3 and 4 and install platform 1 and 2 OLE (Ballast and wiring permitting) Other projects and video ideas. 1, Visit other peoples railways to vary the interest on the channel (Visiting my dad and brothers work in progress layouts later in the month and club layouts to start with) 2, Crane centre piece mini-layout/diorama for under £225 3, Get to track laying stage on N Gauge mini-layout 4, Start on operation Speedlink & Enterprise (RTR Weathering, Kitbashing and scratch building wagons for Leith Central). 5, Build my first fully scratch build item of stock. (Suggestions welcome but aiming for something simple and Scottish) This as well as Train and bus updates on the Youtube channel should keep me nice and busy through the year and I am excited to get started. There is plenty to get on with time permitting and this quick entry will give me something to look back at in a years time to see how far I actually got. Hope you enjoy following the model and I always appreciate feedback, help and suggestions. Equally if you have a layout your proud of id like to see more. I have taken great inspiration form Dean Park and Everard Junction among other great layouts online and also found Club membership fun and hope to meet more modellers and see more great videos over the coming year. Thanks for reading. Tom

Bachmann 38-803 Crane RS1097 BR Breakdown Red RRP: £249.95 Paid: £224,95 Length: 33cm Box: Card/Blister Plastic Scale: 00 So I finally braved getting one of these and first reaction is WOW!!! Getting it out of the box and just placing it on the bench was impressive. At over 30cm long and around 15cm with the jib up it does have a great sense of size to it. Moving in closer you realise the level of detail we have come to expect is in evidence in every corner of this immense model. Every rivet, piece of chequer plate and even the control leavers in the cab all look spot on compared to the real thing. The tops of the small runners are a joy with fine rod linkage to the turning handles and intricate see through construction. The same is true of the tool boxes on the runner wagon, Although looking like a box from a distance there are hinges, rivets and even the eyelets where locks would be fitted. But on a detail front the crane itself is the true main event as you would expect. Machine gunned with rivet detailing is just the start. The lattice of the Jib is a joy to behold as are the printed details on the data panels which are also supplied in etched brass form even up to the full red plate on one side, all clear and legible and not a hint of paint blur anywhere including on the wasp stripe sections. The cab internals are also beautifully done with levers, boiler detail and colour all spot on What really wins this model my stamp of possibly my favourite in the fleet now is the functionality of the model. When you move the jib and hook using the very cleverly disguised workings every external part that should move does, right down to the angle indicator reading on the side of the superstructure, i can see why this model took time to hit the stores but it was well worth the wait for this as the real thing functionality. Pose-able outriggers, Cab roof, Cab step and chimney only add to the brilliance of the model and over time i will surely find time to photograph and pose it in every possible mix. The moving parts also feel sturdy and durable if properly cared for and the magnet system used to get into the working parts is a great idea. Separate detail as well as the plates already mentioned include the cab ladder and the usual end details. The guide book is clear and has simple effective drawings to guide you (even these show the rivet detail) All in all this model has absolutely blown me away and in my view yes its worth the price tag. My advice is if it fits your model and you have the money. Go for it. Someone at Bachmann deserves a promotion for the workings of this crane its one of the best pieces of mass produced model engineering Ive personally seen. Looks the part and works the part what more could you ask for.

Looking for it in 4mm sorry Duncan should have said

Is this still available anywhere id like to attempt one or two of theres

My favourite shots of the real thing from 2019 hope theres some inspiration in here.

Really looking forward to these Accurascale are on form with know what id like at the moment

Hi folks. Going to be starting a new project alongside my layout Leith Central in the new year. I have an abundance of set track in 00 and N i have accumulated and sound large polystyrene sheets and it got me thinking of 2 mini layouts. Here is the outset plan: 1, Explore using lightweight baseboards from card and polystyrene similar to i used for platforms on leith Central. 2, Build a 00 layout to feature the Bachmann steam crane for less than its RRP £245 3, Build an N gauge representation of a scottish terminus. 4, Buildings in card to compare building techniques with plastic used on leith central to give a wider range of interest on the channel. 5, use set track that is of no use on Leith Central. 6, Explore The reuse and recycled bits and pieces to build the layouts on an imposed tight budget. Thought and ill post updates as i start the project here.

So with christmas upon us let me first wish everyone well with the festivities. Its been a fun and changeable first year with Leith Central. Going from some drawings and photos to having the first board progressing nicely and also an expansion of the fleet in both Steam era and for Leith Central. Highlights of the year have been having my first exhibitor experience with the Edinburgh Miniture Railway Club at Model Rail Scotland, which i especially enjoyed the engagement with fellow modellers and seeing behind the scenes of the show. Personal modelling wise i am very proud of the platform end area i kit bashed for Leith Central platforms 1 and 2, this took time and developed slowly over a few months around other work and was always fun to come back to and currently forms the centre of the expanding work on the layout. Model wise my favourite projects have been the renumbering and weathering of 92019 and the V3 fleet project i did. Iam really happy with the way these models turned out as my first renumbering projects and look forward to moving forward with further projects like these. As for what has joined the fleet i was blown away by the Accurascale Silver Queen Cement Tanks, i intend to add to the 6 i have to complement my rake of Presflo wagons which has now grown to 15. The presflo is really underrated model from Bachmann in my book and one of the most interesting short wheel base wagons on the market and produced to a really high standard. I only hope the forthcoming prestwin will match these 2 wagon models. Loco wise the Duchess i reviewed in November is one of the nicest models ive seen in a while and i do like the appeal of the more utilitarian modification to the rear pony truck. Hopefully ill get to further enhancing this model with weathering, crew and lamps in 2020. I will always be a class 37 fan and the fleet is now at 6 with a good few more on the wish list for the new year. Adding scottish classics 37403 & 427 in scotland specific liveries has been nice as has the addition of the Maroon RTC class 47 early in the year. Looking forward to adding more to the fleet and hopefully starting on operation 08 in 2020, which i intend to have one of repaints done of all the Haymarket one off livery 08s, more on that as i get to it. My Winners of 2019 are: Manufacturer: Accurascale Steam Loco: Hornby final design Duchess Diesel Loco: Bachmann Class 37 Wagon: Accurascale Silver Queen Coach: Bachmann MK2 DBSO So what for 2020 With the experience gained on Leith Central and as a means to have something for running sessions i intend to start on 2 mini-layouts, one in 00 and one in N after coming across a supply of new N gauge track for free locally. These models are also going to be used to explore the light weight baseboard theory and see if i can produce a model for under £100 using available track and bits from around the house. So a Reuse, recycle, recover approach. Maybe one should represent a recycling centre The 00 layout will be built around displaying the New Bachmann breakdown crane with the idea being the layout must cost less than the Cranes RRP when complete. So a complete model railway reading to operate for £245. Things im looking to get, have preordered or excited about in the new year is a long list but heres the top 10: 1, Accurascale class 92 2, Bachmann Breakdown Crane 3. Dapol Class 21/29 4, Bachmann VEA van 5, Bachmann Scotrail MK2s 6, Bachmann Prestwin 7, Accurascale ore hoppers 8, Bachmann Blue class 47s (435, 711) 9, Accurascale Deltics 10, Bachmann Narrow Gauge Quarry Hunslets Now that all important wish list 1, More Provincial liveried stock mk1 & 2 2, Class 82 in intercity rerelease 3, Class 308 4, Class 320/321/322 5, MK3 sleepers in intercity Anyway have a happy christmas and i hope to get some modelling done over 2020 once the hand is back in business fully.

With the first year drawing to a close and the final drawings about to be started for the station building here is a look back at the first Leith Central Video. So much has changed and developed since then and its nice to look back and also give background on the original drawings i did which are proving a handy point of reference.

Latest Update and Duchess Review

Take a look at the first video it has the track and building plans on it. Will get ground to getting them all uploaded on the blog ive started when I get time.

Hello and welcome to my first blog around Leith Central and my modelling projects. The Background. In a parallel universe somewhere the Waverley Route is still open in 1991 and Leith Central Station is located 90 degrees round from its current position on the other side of Leith Walk and retained to relieve traffic pressures on Edinburgh Waverley and handle the East side of Scotlands parcels traffic. Forming the point of a triangle from Abbeyhill and Powderhall (curve closed and in the process of track recovery) the 5 platform station handles mostly Scottish Internal passenger traffic as well as all terminating services from the Waverley Route which are worked from the Trans-Pennine pool at Crewe Diesel. Daily passenger services see loco haulage from class 37s and 47s with occasional rare appearances from classes 26, 31 and even 45s. Supported by 1st and 2nd generation DMUs Freight wise helicopter parts, cement traffic, speedlink and MOD traffic work as required into the nearby yard as well as engineers trains from the work lifting the Powderhall Curve and redeveloping the site for Binliner traffic. The fleet also contains a good stud of steam locos to support the ELMRC layouts and steam running sessions with the stud of 4 V3s forming the core of this side of the fleet. 3 have been renumbered to Scottish examples including Berwick Pet 67690. Pride and joy of the steam fleet is a renumbered and weather Bachmann 9F as Carlisle 92019 which is one of few 9Fs known to have worked to the Edinburgh area. Anyway the current areas of work vary from the tedious to the intricate. The process of building up the 1st board area to platform height continues with only 1 piece of styrene then 5mm card then 1mm plasticard top as a base. This construction can be seen over my past few uploads. As this develops im slowly getting base road paint and Metcalf paving slabs in place to divide up this long slow job. On the work bench currently are a set of ticket gates for platform 1 that require painting and some wills platform edging to complete the buffer ends and edge of platform 1. This is just a quick overview ill post some more in depth blogs as I make progress. Thanks for reading and feel free to check out the videos

Here is the playlist, latest video and back ground on my modelling project Leith Central Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6kkbOWid-cY3qlvAQ6Gu6npqnP9Y-glk Latest Video https://youtu.be/KgXvSb9vKdE The Background. In a parallel universe somewhere the Waverley Route is still open in 1991 and Leith Central Station is located 90 degrees round from its current position on the other side of Leith Walk and retained to relieve traffic pressures on Edinburgh Waverley and handle the East side of Scotlands parcels traffic. Forming the point of a triangle from Abbeyhill and Powderhall (curve closed and in the process of track recovery) the 5 platform station handles mostly Scottish Internal passenger traffic as well as all terminating services from the Waverley Route which are worked from the Trans-Pennine pool at Crewe Diesel. Daily passenger services see loco haulage from class 37s and 47s with occasional rare appearances from classes 26, 31 and even 45s. Supported by 1st and 2nd generation DMUs Freight wise helicopter parts, cement traffic, speedlink and MOD traffic work as required into the nearby yard as well as engineers trains from the work lifting the Powderhall Curve and redeveloping the site for Binliner traffic. The fleet also contains a good stud of steam locos to support the ELMRC layouts and steam running sessions with the stud of 4 V3s forming the core of this side of the fleet. 3 have been renumbered to Scottish examples including Berwick Pet 67690. Pride and joy of the steam fleet is a renumbered and weather Bachmann 9F as Carlisle 92019 which is one of few 9Fs known to have worked to the Edinburgh area. Current work is focused on the 1st board which is the terminus end and will eventually have a 110cm long version of the Leith Central Roof. Work is currently focused on building up platform level scene with Ballasting on the list for the winter with the aim being to fabricate Board 2 next Summer. Will post updates as replies here but please feel free to Subscribe as I post videos of the real thing and buses also. Hope you enjoy and any ideas and feedback are most welcome