PUASHP

Without giving too much away the layout is operated from the front and the uncoupling magnet at the far end is a long way to see if you are in the right place. I have purchased a cheap car reversing camera and monitor positioned over the track so I can see what’s going on. All will become clear when I fit it and I post the details, probably next week.

I have a suitable light if it’s an issue but I was aiming for the fiddle yard not to be seen when looking down the layout. In most cases I’ll just turn the cassettes so no uncoupling to be done, we’ll just have to wait and see. On to painting the facia.

A little bit more work today on the fiddle yard. This was purchased off a friend based on a cassette system. I have modified a bit and will make up 5 cassettes in total. Just need to finish painting the new facia boards, fix the cameras to aid uncoupling (more on that later) and add the name-board and curtain. Progress.

Loving the pictures. One thing I did not get chance to do was visit the area before building Hembourne so I had to rely on old photos and Google street view. My excuse is it’s a fictional location so it’s impossible to prove it’s not 100% accurate. According to the sign sign outside the station Hembourne village is 1/2 mile to the right and Dorstone 7 miles down the road if you turn left.

Inspired by the new BBC celebrity painting competition i decided I need to tweak my backscene slightly. Please be the judge of before after tree line. In case you are wondering the signal is off (down) in the older picture.

Work is progressing on the control panel using DCC Concepts Cobalt S lever frame to work the points and signal. Red for signal, black for points, white is spare and I’ve skipped the blue facing point lock. The push buttons are for the electro magnet uncouplers, the switch is for the lights and the led’s are point indicators for normal or reverse. Still a bit to do and I’m snagging as I go along if possible. Paul

More stock, this time an O2 siphon off a well known auction site. It is a K’s plastic kit with added details including brake gear, vacuum pipes, vacuum cylinder and compensation. It ran ran like a pig, maybe that’s why it was sold but some added weight, new wheel sets and re-fixing to rocking end of the compensation so it sat level did the trick. No need to add any more detail and the weathering looked great. Really happy.

Yes, the Warminster show. Can’t wait.

With only just over 2 months to my first show with Hembourne I had a sudden panic I may not have enough stock ready. Here are a couple of quick wins if not 100% prototypical. A Butler is from Bachmann and pays homage to Pendon museum. It is totally out of place but as I have attended a number of their courses it will get conversation going as to why it’s there. A Barnard is from Oxford Rail fitted with a sack load and weathered. It’s from Worcester so I can get away with it even if the wagon may not 100% accurate. I just need to fit couplings.

Martyn, The card came from a Daiso store in Japan as I was fortunate enough to be visiting there on business and picked up a few packs. Not seen an equivelent in the UK. It it is really good stuff and takes scoring and painting without de-laminating. I have enough for my next project (just). Sorry that does not really help. Paul

Martyn, The video is really good, thank you. if it was always that busy it would still be running today. cheers Paul

Martin, Sorry but the first show for Hembourne will now be Warminster in July, although I will be at Wimborne on the Sunday helping out on the Merstone layout. Please come and say hello if you are about. Paul

This was the kit. Home/ Signal Kits and Components/ S4/KW1: GWR Wooden Post Lower Quadrant Signal Kit Also finished the wiring, so much for a small layout. Not my favourite job so no bad comments please.

Signal is scratchbuilt from components from Wizard Models. They do a kit to get you started but I have used a brass post instead of the whitemetal one in the kit.

Wired up the signal today with a Heathcote Electronics bouncer controller. Really easy to install and works a treat. I’ll try and post a video later.

Bit more work today on the lever frame. These are Cobalt-S from DCC Concepts. Should add a bit more interest and realism.

Finally finished the two private owner coal wagons for the layout seen in a much earlier post in September 2017. These are Slaters kits from POW sides and come already lettered with transfers. Weathering is a mix of thinned matt Humbrol enamels and weathering powders. They are filled with genuine Welsh Steam Coal form South Wales.

Not sure when the next train is due but a couple have appeared on the platform so it must be due fairly soon.

Looks like the Mitchell kit. I have an old Models and Leisure whitemetal 517 for Hembourne.

Station building is now finished, guttering and internal lighting added, and planted on the layout. Only 9 items left on the detailing list still to do. Then just finish the wiring and add the fiddle yard and presentation.

The light stone is Phoenix Precision P21 mixed with a bit of Humbrol 121 to give a slightly faded feel. The dark stone is Phoenix Precision P22 mixed with a reasonable amount of Humbrol 118 as the colour looked a bit too much like red oxide straight from the tin. The important thing is to check under the correct layout lighting as it will appear a different depending on the lighting conditions. I hope this helps. Paul

Quick shot of the station building interior before the roof goes on for good. The doors will be open and the interior will be lit so you should be able to still see inside.

Finally got round to filling in the gaps in the crossing. Not easy with the chairs in the way and needing to provide clearance for the flanges, and over a point as well. The correct viewing angle helps. Bit more work on the signal box as well. Gradually working through the list of remaining detail items.

Added guttering, downpipes and steps to the signal box tonight. Another item off the list.

Finished weathering the Metro today. A coat of Satin varnish then once dry a mix of various Humbrol enamels in brown and blacks (numbers 33, 72,79,116). Finally some weathering powders and adding the fire irons, lamps etc. The head code is set for the morning milk, fruit and parcels service comprising fully vacuum fitted stock. It has a Zimo MX623R DCC decoder fitted and runs like a treat when tested last night. Very happy wit( the results.