PMP99

All the signals required were constructed some years ago as a batch job, principally using parts from Model Signal Engineering.

After the baseboards were painted a basic brown colour and the track sprayed in 'Sleeper Grime' a start was made on 'paving' the area around the loco shed pits. At the far end the track laying into the station area had been commenced.

An early task was to cut holes for the inspection pits outside the loco shed. The rough holes have been concealed with plastic sheet with the pit openings cut more accuratley. Here track is being laid towards the loco shed, although I omitted the trap point to enable that part to be slightly compressed in length. The mass of holes visible was the result of the rather futile attempt to reduce the weight. A temporary switch panel is visible in the first photo, made to enable testing of the point motors as they were installed.

Construction commenced in my original garage where up to three of the baseboards could be put up at any one time (just!) These views show the split level baseboard to allow for the river at the lower level. The fascia boards and intended lighting supports are now dispensed with.

Hi Andy, Indeed, saw it in the magazine a while ago. Excellent modelling to which I only aspire I'm afraid.

Back around late 2008 I set out with the intention of building a model of Penmaenpool in 4mm 00. This would cover the area from immediately east of the station to the loco shed at the west end. With a certain amount of compression I figured that I could make a reasonable representation on a scenic section of 17 feet x 2 feet, with a four feet fiddle yard at each end. The original intention was to build it as an exhibition layout and after a considerable period of research construction began. However in 2012 we moved, ironically to a just a few miles from Penmaenpool, as part of a total career change. Unfortunately the nature of our business meant that very little progress was made for the next six years until we sold up and retired to the house we had inherited from my Parents. After a further delay whilst this house was completely redecorated and refurbished attention turned again to progressing the layout. By this time it was clear that building it as an exhibition layout was no longer realistic for a number of reasons. Firstly by the time it was ever finished I would probably not feel like hiring a van that it would need to move it and secondly, two house moves had shown that my attempts to keep weight down were not really effective, and it was far too heavy and cumbersome. Therefore a decision was made to install the layout in the garage and rebuild it as a continuous run. This thread will be gradually updated with pictures of the construction so far and the future build, as it slowly progresses!

Similarly to Michael Edge, I have been fitting my 7mm stock with Dinghams as it is only a very small layout and the stock is not turned. I too use DG's in 4mm , however I only ever fit my stock with a loop at one end and a latch at the other end which makes them 'handed'. I believe DG' can be fitted so that they are not handed - i.e. each end having latch & loop but I have never tried as I don't need the extra complication, but you might wish to consider these as an option, unless of course you have already discounted them. Again as a previous poster has said you will find plenty of opinions on here, many of them differing of course!

Just seen that GWR version '6110' and BR black '6145' are down to £105 at 'Bure Valley Models'. Seems a good discount.

You could try 'Forest in a Box' by Green Scene http://www.green-scene.co.uk Or if you are not in a hurry, try growing your own: Teloxys aristata Sea Foam - Chiltern seeds are one supplier

Yes, the fake mystery is particularly annoying!

Only watched the first episode because of the chopping and changing between locations which completely put me off watching the rest of the series. Shame, because the series had potential.

It might if it was written in English!

You'd have to be very small!

Very good show - all quality layouts on display. Well done to the organisers.

Hi, Travelling by car, but combining it with SWMBO doing clothes shopping and food shopping in Welshpool while we are there.

Looking forward to this show tomorrow. Great to see a quality show within easy reach of the west Wales coast

Smiths in Sheringham was being fitted out last week when I passed by. Opens shortly - I think the notice said the 19th.

That's good to hear!

Even sadder last time I was there (about 2 weeks ago)! Closed and for sale as an earlier poster stated

A much reduced range I think.

Ah, it's the dry snow that's forecast then?

Bump?

When I saw the title of this thread I thought it must be to do with the 'Hornby Collector Club'

The link below has some interesting notes about the last 'Cobbler' which was 1990 http://www.leightonlogs.org/86401may90.htm My recollection from when I used it in the 80's was that it was normally an 85 on it. Graham

A rather splendid typo on page 23 introduces us to the 'Peco SL-40 plastic puffer stop kits'