Ark Royal

Thanks Martin

Exactly what conclusion I came too Guess thats the difference from a blog to a thread Oh well

Thanks for the info about the link.......can't find a way of posting an image directly in a "reply" to a blog entry so uploaded to My Gallery and provided a link........but it seems my request has been declined presumably by "Moderators" intervention .......mind you was only a screenshot of said pointwork on Eridge Templot So please tell me there is a way to post a picture in a reply to a blog rather than starting a new post ? Mark

Trackwork is all down, bar the short new section with the turnouts on the down end of the platform loops, and work has been progressing well on installing Tortoises for the point operation. So the need for the 'new' control panel is starting to press again, but at least this time with DCC there isn't the need for all the cab control section selector switches and the wiring that goes with that. I will just be doing the 'structural' side of the panel as far as installing all the switches and LEDs but leaving the wiring itself to more knowledgable team members than myself (that's you, Al and Mark ). Well I'm sure we can manage that Rod........ummmmmm........think Al's got a few spare hours at the moment Mark

Hi Rod Never noticed that..... ....no need for committee approval then

Thought I'd add the photos to Rod's previous post. Unfortunately we are at the stage where progress is happening...be it at a snails pace....but the work we are doing has little visual impact. The track-work (all but complete) problem being the but as now its a case of sending the PW gang out to check for missing chairs and insecure rails. So that seems to be the size of it Or Maybe Not Discussions are on-going about adding the cross-over pointwork at this end which will allow for nice pictures to be taken through the bridge. In general i think "the committee" are in favor of this proposed extension. Meanwhile the tortoises are being attached....the popular misconception that this wouldn't take long has now been thoroughly dispersed...Although we are now only 3 away from completing this task...oh prior to the planned extension mentioned above. As this is a two-man job with the board on it's side, Al has been busy with his red and black marker LOL And the rest of the crew with their paint brushes Before After Amazing the difference some paint can make though this is just stage 1. Mark

Don't be so hard on yourself......yes close up photograph will always show up imperfections in your work but at normal viewing distances you won't see a thing wrong with it. It is however a useful tool to use to check things out.

Excellent progress so far. Can't see much wrong with the close up photo so from normal viewing will look great. Any thoughts on adding a detail gallery for the 55's photos you have ? Mark

Hi Jon, Great to see the progress so far and excellent pictures. As you have so many Deltics in your fleet it's great that you can show the before/after comparisons of your work. As you know I have a few of these to do as well, although I have opted to cut the nose off and fit the resin replacements from Extreme Etchings. So I will be fixed to this blog to see your progress and to view an alternative approach. One thought on the lenses for your marker lights, how about fibre-optic cable as per Fibre optic cable. You can cut this down to single strand and smooth the outer casing with wet and dry to produce the light casing....exposing the fibre to produce the lens which can be painted with glass paints to produce the red lens. This way would also leave you a route to mount a light-box where convient to have them lit. I used this route on a class 47 project (no photo taken as It was for a friend) but it worked extremely well. Just a thought that may be worth considering and cheap to trial I note from your comments you've taken the plunge to move to P4.......nothing lost as the demand for wheels is high if you decide against it at the end. (one buyer here) Keep up the great work Mark.......desperate to start mine!!!!!

Hi Rod, Great to see the viaduct even if its flat pack style at present. Some interesting trackwork to be done as well it seems. Any more on the trackwork plan? Mark

Oh how i wished I'd come across this blog before going to Scaleforum 2010......... As I stood and feasted me eyes on the glorious spectacle before me......overwhelmed by the attention to detail and the enormity of the task ahead. One could only imagine as I ponder what had gone before to get to this stage................now I know. Absolutely Cracking Work so far. Another Fantastic Layout in the making and one I shall avidly follow. Mark B)

Hi John, Spot on, if it survives the weekend ELR that will be my mode of transport next weekend behind "The Noresman"......Big, Big Smile.....Can't Wait Mark

Thanks for the info Fatadder, will give that a try. Are the deltic etches the legendry long awaited cantrail grilles etc ?

Great work fattadder, I've been waiting for a reply from Brian re: Etches and a catalogue. Can't seem to catch him at any shows down south! Might i ask how you get hold of your etches? I've plenty of work waiting for Shawplan etches. Mark

Hi Rod, Hmmmmm first time i've heard about this "Impossible Creations Company" and having perused their website i have to say i'm impressed with them. Bold statement : There is no limit to what can be produced by CAD or 3D printer technology, your imagination is the only limit. Throws out the "I can't think of a way round it" theory Mark

Hi Rod, The Laser cut components for the viaduct look amazing B) It's not until you see the components featured in your photographs that you suddenly realize just what a mammoth task it would have been to make these by hand. In actual fact to make and duplicate them to any exacting standards I'd hazard a guess as practically impossible, bordering on insanity!!! I therefore congratulate you and your colleagues on a wise choice. Having looked at your previous photos "The Real Ouse Viaduct" at the Balustrade and arched sections that there is still quite a bit of detail in levels of rendering to achieve. I am assuming that this will be clad to build up the required detail? Mark

Hi Pete, Looking Fab,B) The door handles make a real difference, not looking forward to doing mine......but the effort is clearly worth it. Are the drivers side window frames etched add ons, if so whose are they.......I need some for my 3H an 3D. Mark

Very impressive structure to attempt to re-create Rod. Two down Thirty Five to go!!!!! Thought of using a Router and Jig ? Mark