TEAMYAKIMA

I have decided that my building is too boring - the station needs 'sexing up'. I originally planned to have a signal cabin alongside like this ... But now I think the depot needs to be more interesting and so am planning to add an annexe - toilet block? Rail workers canteen? So there are two options Option # 1 Move the cabin forward and build the annexe quite narrow (low relief) behind it .... Option # 2 Make the annexe deeper but that leaves no room for the signal cabin I want to use the signal cabin somewhere and the platform seems a good place. The other option is to use it as a long abandoned building on the waste ground along the front of the layout which is just empty scrubland where an old freight yard used to be and this would be a building left behind when the yard closed, like this .... or this ..... In option 2 the line would be controlled from offices inside the depot. I think I prefer option 1 but not sure if it 'works' in the space available Opinions???

Firstly let me say that my knowledge of DCC is very very basic and my knowledge of DCC sound is far less - and I'm not being modest! I have 6/7 non-British steam locos fitted with Soundtraxx Econami US sound chips.............. so far so good as I am learning how to adjust them. I have now bought a Bachmann (non-British) steam loco with factory fitted sound and I have discovered that the basic functions don't align with what I considered universal norms. BTW I use Digitrax. For example Fn 1 turns chuff on/off when I expected it to be the bell. It has been suggested to me that this Bachmann chip is set to European norms as opposed to US norms ............... does that make sense? The model was new but came with NO paperwork as regards DCC - none at all! Can anyone guide me on this please? Thanks

Are there any viewing figures for episode 2 yet?

Have been working on the doors - again still a work in progress ...

Sorry, but GMRC is about the televisual - and it's the best publicity that the hobby has had for years - lets build on that.

FYI the doorway is too low, that is still a work in progress and I will also shave something off the walls above the top row of windows. Paul

Update on the depot.... Here is the inspiration .................... Or maybe it was this ... Either way, here is the model, so far

Thanks for that I am using Bachmann 40ft gondolas - is there a size to fit?

I don't think we should worry about Googlebox reviewing the programme ....................... There was a Monty Python sketch about Oscar Wilde whiche ended with ' The only thing worse than being talked about .............. is not being talked about. ' Googlebox review might get even more people looking for the programme on-line to see what all the fuss is about.

TBH the shots of the loco with wheels off the track might have been shot after the actual judging and just cut into the final version

Absolutely loving this week's episode!

Hello I am looking to make scrap bales for my HO layout can you please show how they were made - thanks. And further ... do you or anyone reading this have detailed photos of prototype scrap bales please? Paul

Hello Firstly may I say that I don't model British, but I think what I'm trying to model is universal. I want to model compressed metal scrap that might be going to a steel works for recycling into new steel. I understand they are crushed/compressed into virtually standard size 'bales' I was thinking of using DAS modelling clay to make these bales Does anyone have photos of the real thing? Or photos of their efforts or any info to share please? Thanks Paul

I thought there was nothing tooooo bad about that review. I was expecting worse from the comments of those who had already read it and I'm happy to take the last paragraph at face value. We mustn't get too touchy. Live and let live I say.

Although our layout is set in 1925 and run prototypically at exhibitions we do stretch that a bit on Friday nights!

Wasn't there a sitcom based in a country railway station starring many of the same actors that were in Hi-Di-Hi? Shot I think on the Severn Valley.

What l'm not 100% clear about is whether teams were given a free choice of topic within the overall theme. So as regards TV theme was there a free choice of programme ? Or a short list to choose from or were each team just given a topic?

The depot is back on the agenda ...

Wanted : Bachmann China Rail S12 cabooses .... I need up to three examples please . Paul

Have also been checking/improving locos. This is a PIKO DF7C - it is fitted with a NEM coupler pocket and so it need a NEM mount Kadee. At Bristol it was fitted with the 'standard' Kadee # 18 (medium length) as it was a 'quick fix'. But when looking at it in the cold light of day it's ugly and sticks out a lot. I have other uses for #18's and I have a stock of unwanted Kadee's EXTRA LONG NEMs (#20's) and so took one and cut it up ....... With the modified # 20 on board things look a lot better.

I have been working on the layout - honest! But as usual lately not much to show for it. Have completed the second 'improved' wood load and also made a pipe load This is very much a posed photo .... this loco and wagons will never find themselves on the industrial line, but the lighting for photography is better there. I had wanted to keep the more decorated QJs for the showcase as they were not that common and this one 6800 (Iron Bull) had been withdrawn and plinthed by 2005. But am short of QJs as two are still sitting in Hong Kong awaiting collection and so 6800 and 2470 will have to cover for them.

About 15 years ago there was an internet channel 'The Railway Channel' produced for the serious enthusiast and run by TV professional Mark Found. It was a subscription service. It featured visits to exhibitions etc and clubs including my club Twickenham & District MRC. It was a serious channel for enthusiasts.

I thought tonight was even better than the first week. One bi-product of this series may be a broadening of what is seen at exhibitions. For years/decades the holy grail of exhibition mañagers has been the most prototypical realistic layouts ..... which has meant that many layouts we see are somewhat formulaic .... Bring on the odd-balls!

All joking apart, there was a dinosaur (as a wagon load) on what is considered to be possibly the best American HO layout ever built - the G&D by the late John Allan. From memory it was a stegosaurus - on a flat car!