rob D2

That's a good question Scott ,

I quite like the approach of SMP track with peco points in code 75, but as Ian pointed out its not as robust as peco throughout.

I'll have to have a good think about it I guess

Thanks guys - yes, I've still got the military stuff to make , Warflats and some more little tanks to go on them.

I've then got various locos of the period I'd like to Bodge together inc, 37116 ( in progress ), 37516, and a chassi awaiting a green 47 body to make 47004.

I don't anticipate anything being built beyond this until next year as we are now getting near the busy summer, I don't stop for summer but the time is even more limited. So if I can get some of the rolling stock done that'll be it

About the best I can do, from the fiddle yard.

I still need to move the military container to its rightful spot.

I've learnt a lot making this thing

- I no longer want to use code 100

- don't start stuff at the front until you've finished the back

- don't start anything until the fiddle yard and backscene are in place.

- don't underestimate the time and cost of even 5' of model.

I could extend it ( 2017) but I have some other plans for other planks based on this period - inc the dreaded TMD ( I want something based on bescot ), or maybe a quay ( cross between hamworthy and fowey?) but I'll concentrate on detailing and rolling stock for this one for now.

Interesting stuff.

I see the princes risborough - Aylesbury was a WR turn, although this was often a class 25 - strange.

And the local Maidenhead trip to pick up ford lorries - it was only recently I learnt what those sidings were for

Yes, I'll try when I get a minute . Cos the rooms so narrow it'd have to be length ways to cover all 5' !

Well, with the final fence in place, I've been adding more foliage

Basically, the plank is now complete ! Of course detailing is ongoing...

The first ' layout ' I've finished in 15 years since I started up again.

I'll continue to post updates of detailing and rolling stock projects as and when.

Thoughts also turn to possible expansion. The purple is the existing layout, the green is options.

Green one is to add another 5'x 1' board off the fiddle yard as a TMD and free up space in the fiddle.

Green two is a possibly 180 degree extensions cross the box room and down the opposite side - this would be problematical as it would have to be folded away when my mum comes to visit as she uses a fold up bed there.

Finally, happy Easter. ASDA has taken a big delivery.

Class 60 is super.

I'd like to do that one at some point - I've had the fox transfers and nameplates since 2001 !

Reason being it was the first loco I saw at the legendary Toton open day in 1998 , not part of the display but on an engineers

You'd need a crew of 15 if all the ' as required ran ' !

I like the idea of a timetable - gives it purpose like the real thing.

Keep it up !

Canoe club needs a new sign !

Just need some canoes now. Concrete fence has extended.just a bit left.

Class 60 popped in off MgR trains, from the establishment in the distance.

I'm thinking of making the left hand siding into a fuelling point, something basic like didcot without the shed.

Reason being I can justify the 60s coming in more often, if it's for fuel.

That's nice !

The sides look dirty, without trying to look dirty if you know what I mean !

I'd wager you'd be in the running for 47016

£62 was the cheapest I saw but mine was already ordered

I may even add it to the possible resprays into EWS colours .

Interesting plan - don't see many third rail layouts even these days.

I would have thought you'd compress the chimney a bit anyway as 72cm may dominate the model a bit much ?

Like the views of anger stein as well - surprised no one has ever modelled this on the Thames complete with millennium dome

Thanks Rob,

 

it was a combination of things, until 1985 when I was working in Bristol TOPS I had a midweek rest day each week to use,

or if I was on a late turn 14.00-22.00 I sometimes went over to Newport to take photos in the morning.

From 1985-1988 I then worked at WR HQ at Swindon 08.00-16.00 SX which involved more travelling time from Weston,

so little free time midweek to photo freight trains. At weekends I was going down to Exeter on saturdays to watch football.

Also I did not really like the new freight liveries that were introduced and what I saw as some of the nonsense and wastefuless

of sectorisation.

That and beer drinking!

 

I regret stopping now, but hindsight is a wonderful thing

 

cheers

 

Well, I can see how anyone brought up on Br blue maybe wouldn't like the brash new greys and the stupidity of sectorisation, with its somewhat restrictive loco use.

That's also quite a commute , we live in Swindon now but frequently got to Weston as the in laws have a flat there.

I wouldn't want to do it every day though !

I've taken a look at mine today with the view to fitting a flashing tail lamp.

They come apart VERY easily which is a bonus.

Lots of space for the circuit board and battery and no issues on running the wires.

Easy enough to put extra weight in.....

Finally the bogies, yes they are the clip in type and they can be a bit tight.... Some of the spigots may need a delicate trim.

image.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpeg

Cheers,

Nick

I see you already removed the bullion

Last bit of security fence ! I shall bore you with no more fencing...

Started adding some photographic bits to the backscene. I'm not sure if they work that well and our printer is pure rubbish, but maybe they lend a certain geographical area feel.

That's from MOD caversfield near Bicester

That probably doesn't need a description.must fix that corner of the backscene.

Continue to work on this. The replica cantrail lining doesn't adhere to corners so I need to get some decal softener or bin it and use an orange gel pen. Not sure which yet.

Spray cans of testers dull cote arrived as well.

I've also ordered a RES 47 by Bachmann. At £65 I couldn't resist. Good thing is these were used on some enterprise services - notably in the south Newport - pontrilas, and some of the gidea park and paddock wood stuff. I'm hoping to get some OTAs to put behind it - again these were seen on the above and also the Eastleigh - Carlisle service which came through Oxfordshire. So I'm just stretching the truth a little.

TTFN

Nice photos Kevin !

Why did you choose to stop taking photos in 1986 ?

Even if it is a lemon, it's worth a punt at that price .

There's a few bargains about inc the backy 47s going for £65

I've had similar dilemmas with bridges - I'm not an engineer either, but I'm sure there are examples of that sort of span.

Personally I'd put an beam underneath across to beef it up - but that'd be for aesthetic reasons I think.

Prodigy advance ? Good choice I reckon ! I've had it 10 years now. Handset needed repair once and gaugemaster were very fast to get it back.

Only thing I can't get on with is ' old school consisting ' IE double heading with less function Chips - I've tried it twice and it doesn't work and then you can't get them to work independently after.

It's a c mom on problem and there are ways to recover the addresses , but I wouldn't bother again.

Keep up the good work !

Looking good James - I don't remember the virgin 47s, I was all about freight then. I should have paid more attention !

You'd think so, as they'd be stuck with thousands of no one wants them

Theres quite a link between metal and toy trains-

I showed a photo of myself and old colleague Bruce Dickinson to someone running a layout and he was well impressed.

I've still got some flight 666 memorabilia in the loft from one day concerts we did to Valencia and Trondheim.

That's probably given away who I used to work for

Saw the article on the online RM,

Great looking layout !

The obviously feel the error is not enough to detract from the sales, and if they sell they'll be right.

I didn't expect the rivet window screen to be changed as they didn't announce a re tool at all but those battery boxes don't look anything like the original image of the model or the real thing ( hattons still has the original Bachmann image which is unweathered and the tanks look like 035 ).

Glad I'm not actively modelling blue stuff just at the moment as I'd be a it disappointed.

I think I'll get one of the cheap RES ones instead !

Looking good and well thought out !