PMP99

And at the end of the day that is all that really matters!

Yes, I noticed the tender wheel resistance when I was ‘height checking’ the fitting of a DG coupling to the rear. It will be Monday at earliest before I can test it’s haulage. Driving real steam loco tomorrow! I have now blackened the front face of the wheel rims (tyres) using a Sharpie marker, certainly improves the appearance.

Are you able to post any pictures? Just intrigued to see what the shade of green looks like? Graham

I’m not going to try and do precise measurements, but from putting a rule and mini level across the top, I can confirm the top of the safety valves (just above the top of the bonnet) are the highest point on the loco. Give or take, I would say the top of the cab roof, top of the safety valve bonnet and top of the capuchon are pretty much the same height.

I don’t think there’s much doubt that the firebox slope is slightly wrong, which in turn causes the steeper boiler taper. When viewed at ‘track level’ as per my later photos it is fairly apparent. However, when viewed as per my layout photos, where my eyeline is roughly 2 feet higher than the model, so you are looking sort of 3/4 down if that makes sense, then that angle of viewing certainly disguises the error. As that is basically how I would always be viewing it, that is acceptable to me, although others will obviously feel different. It is a pity though that it wasn’t done correctly in the first place.

Hi Rob, Best I can do quickly. Hope they help. Loco and tender still not fully connected. Tension hook couplings removed. The close ups do tend to pick up the chimney taper. However, as per my original post, from normal viewing distance not as prominent as I worried it might be, at least to my eyesight! Graham

Hi Rob, I’ll try in a bit, might put it on my non scenic test track. Bit busy with other matters for a moment!

Although I have ordered a lined green one from Accurascale, I decided to take the plunge and order 7819 from Dapol. Not convinced with Dapol shade of green just from pictures, so at least this wouldn’t be an issue with a black one! A few pictures quickly posed on the layout. The loco and tender are not fully pushed together here, as I will run it in a bit on the rolling road before fitting DCC. Yes there are inaccuracies that have been heavily discussed on here. However, from a normal viewing distance does it look like a Manor? I think so, although I accept not everyone would accept the compromises.

Some ‘layout posed’ pictures on the Kernow site now.

First attempts with the static grass. The piece around the buffer stop, and directly behind the platform supports, was done with a ‘precision’ applicator. However, the slightly larger area between siding and road was built up using the bigger sized ‘micro’ applicator as the capacity of the precision one was just too small. All the bare areas will be treated in due course.

The station area has been ballasted. Also, the supports for the two platform shelters have been made and installed. Next is to try applying some static grass near the siding and each side of the main line in places.

Platform supports going in. The hole in the foreground is awaiting some ‘water’.

Hi Andrew, It does cover big areas very quickly and pretty economically, although takes a lot of trimming. I’m going to try and add some static grass to some places fairly soon, as I’ve not experimented with that yet. Graham

Hi Andrew, Yes, just various artists acrylic. The first lot I did at the other end of the layout I made too thick and wet. This end has worked better with the paint only slightly thinned and more like a ‘dry brushing’ technique used. Even that has matted a bit more than I wanted in places, but I’m happier with the end result. Graham

A little more progress with the fur.

Most of the fur now applied and a start made on colouring it.

I like my Bachmann one too, however it is fitted with the Hornby Grange chassis and DCC so runs pretty well. However, I dare say I will be looking at upgrading, or adding to, the fleet once I have assessed either manufacturers forthcoming models.

Back to progressing this layout. Further plaster bandage scenery has been built up, and teddy bear fur starting to be applied.

Thanks Andrew, the lights do make the interior a bit more visible which makes the work that went into it a bit more worthwhile.

Dusk falls on Liscombe! When work resumes in the autumn, there is platform lighting, ground cover, static grass effects, hedging along the station road end of the layout, and better larger scale low relief buildings to consider. Graham

A few more pictures with a train at the station

Hi Miss Prism, Simply because the kit has three platform doors, I divided them up as waiting room, booking office and ladies waiting room. As the kit has no doors on the non platform side I just went for internal doors to access booking office and ladies toilet. I did look at putting partitions perpendicular to the platform but it didn’t work with the door and window locations. The partitioned rooms are really too small, but the size of them was dictated by the location of the fireplaces under the chimneys. It is all just an attempt at giving the feel of something, rather than genuine accuracy. Graham

A couple of pictures with the lights and flickering fireplace lights on. This will be the last post for a while as I shall turn my attentions back to the 4mm layout in the garage. Graham

Further details of signs, seats, luggage etc added.