dasatcopthorne

A few last minute adjustments to the magnets for the Brian Kirby style magnetic uncoupling system used on the layout. Up to now we've used 'corsage magnets' which are pretty strong Neodymium 3mm thick disk magnets. They worked very well, in fact, a bit too well. Lightweight items of rolling stock would now and again uncouple when they really shouldn't. This being because the couplings weren't kept in tension when passing over the magnets due to the nearest axle being attracted by the magnet and 'releasing' the tension on both couplings. Also, these magnets were buried under the track in the underlay. I've now sourced new magnets that not only attract just the coupling but can be fitted to the underside on the 6mm thick baseboard. Also made a few new signs to mark their presence for the operators. Dave

Charlie. Will the Class 37/9 Ruston be ready for the show, please? Dave

Hi sp1. Here are a few photos to help. They are made from 1mm thick double sided PCB bought as off-cuts from the likes of Eileens or similar. The cut down sides go under the stock-rails to stop the blades rising up. The tubing is from old point control stuff but is available from tool stands at shows such as Tools2000. Once the tube is soldered on then the insulating cuts are made. When soldering the point blades i used a wood sleeper between the blade and stock-rail as a spacer as well as another under the tiebar to keep it raised against the underside of the stock-rail. Dave

I remember going to the opening night of 'The Croydon Suite' and dancing the night away. Anybody else? Dave

I made a quick start on weathering the rebar load this morning. The lighter bauxite colour at the top is Halfords Red Plastic Primer. The lower ones in darker brown have also had a coat of Plasti-kote 'Suede'. More coats needed me thinks! Dave

This last week, I've been having a go at weathering some Cement PCA's and making up rebar loads for my two FGT made SPA wagons. To be honest, I'm not sure the PCAs completely work. We shall see.

A rather full depot today.

Piece of cake '66'. But I wish I could find some etched brake levers to fit. Thanks for the comment. Dave

A couple of things have happened this last weekend. The CAR brake and the two RNA Barrier wagons (see above) have arrived at Oil Drum Lane. Also with them is a second CAR in Coal Sector livery. Just thought it made an interesting little train. Also, some shunter man seems to have dumped a few PCAs in the stub at the end of the Cement Loading Shed loop. Fast approaching is Falcon Road's appearance at the Erith show late January. http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/erithmrs/exhibit_erith.php. All sounds by Legomanbiffo. (loco sounds that is). If you come along, say hello. Cheers Dave

A couple for Dave in case they help to get my one correct. Haha. Dave

Oi! Watchit.

Something like these maybe. Dave

Hi Mersey. I guess you question re remaining bodies was directed to myself. So. Sorry but they were all sold and I cannot tell you where you wight get bits now. I guess the eBay would probably be the only place to get bodies and chassis. But that leaves the glazing, bogies and seating to find. Maybe some of the other posters on here might have a few bits to offer. As far as cutting and joining the the chassis 'halves', this is not too problematic. This is how I did it; Take one chassis and, using a bench angle cutting jig, cut across the centre-line using the indentation mark on each side. (this is where an opening hatch is represented on the underframe). Take the second chassis and cut across the same place BUT leaving an additional 1mm on the piece of chassis you need to retain. So. One 'half' is a 'half' and the other half is in fact half + 1mm. To joint see one of the early pictures I posted. You can see I have used a short steel bar (actually a weight from a Hornby Mk1 coach). After filing away the lettering on the floor of the chassis, the steel bar was fitted using superglue. Easy. Best of luck with working 3rd rail shoes. It has been done but check any coach on '00' track and you will find lots of sideways 'slop' between bogie and rails. Good luck with trying to keep a pickup show on the top of the 3rd rail! Best of luck. Dave

Oi! Our Club was in Manor Road. Dave

There are a few new bits on Falcon Road TMD. Sorry if you or anyone else, havs seen them in another thread elsewhere. A couple of RNA barrier wagons added. (just fancied having a couple and the conversion (Hornby Mag) is so easy). Also added a CAR Brake Van but now discovered it should have roller bearing axle boxes. Also managed to get the right sized Double Arrow for the VIX in black. Off to the Worthing show this weekend. Cheers Dave

Guys. Finally managed to get some BR Double Arrows to fit the doors of the van. They are from Railwayania and are thewir Class 73 size ones. Slightly smaller than the standard LL size. Dave

Belongs to another member. A bit dirty for me, that one. Dave

Yeh. Thanks a lot mate! Dave

That's brilliant, Brian. Thanks. I used to do this for SR EMUs. Thank goodness someone does it for freight stock. Much appreciated. Dave

Hi guys. A gentle prod to Railtec. Any news on some transfers for these vans yet, please? Cheers Dave.

As the Worthing show is fast approaching, we've been working through the layout recently, getting the odd little niggle sorted out. Also produced a new set of drapes for the front of the layout, courtesy of my good wife. Just been booked for Doncaster 2016. Anyway, while that was going on this rolled in. Love the livery and finish. Cheers Dave

I don't think the bogies ever changed but all the shoebeams are incorrect. Dave

Guys. Seriously, I have one 4 car set and 2 x pairs of centre cars. None are painted. I have enough chassis but none are cut & shut yet. I will have to check the bogie and glazing situation. I have no corridor connections either. The thing is, they are not cheap as the parts cost loads and then there is the conversion work. I know someone who made a Class 365 but these could well be the only Class 465 or part 465 there is. Someone has already bought one, I have the part painted one and rest as seen in my pics. If anyone is interested, PM me. First come first served. Cheers Dave

Nick. Some spare are available from Peters Spares and another I can't remember the name of at the moment. Search on eBay for networker. Then go to the sellers websites and loon for Networker. They don't seem to put the bits on eBay. Dave

IC125 PM me if you are interested. Dave