apbolton

Not a lot of progress since my last post, been rather busy with other things. 

However since you asked Reindeer, here a few photos. 

Firstly started to add the grass on chee Tor, just a bit for now will be back at it soon.

Although I have not done much on the actual layout I have several things on my workbench that I am working on,  I don't usually post things part done but since you asked.

This is the bridge between the tunnels 1 &2 at chee Tor.

This was a test fit the other day, still needs its abutment pillars to complete it.

This is the start of the last piece of the station building on platform 1, still a long way to go but progressing slowly each week 

Rear view above, front view below.

Wow must get a more up-to-date version,  I have the original and you can't do that with it.

Unfortunately you  can't do both on a design, because the blade depth cannot be altered during the cutting stage.

If I need to do both on a design, I  set everything to scribe, by turning the depth the blade cuts, usually  number 2, then hand cut by running a scalpel blade along the score lines to remove the bit I want to cut.

Whenever I  make buildings I always make a mock up out of cereal packets, that way you can mess about until you are happy with the shape and size before setting about to make the final item.

55 minutes ago, durham light infantry said:

 

Count me in Paul.

Excellent be in touch soon.

Team Grantham will be exhibiting  2 of the layouts from the Great Model Railway Challenge programme. 

Ardur Ad Astra and All the fun of the fair.

The latter having had many hours of work done on it to get it more like we envisaged.

OK so after not being able to go  ahead the last few years we hope that this year will be different. 

Our 2022 show is on, usual place, 15th and 16th October. 

Just started planning this but expect many of the usual faces but definitely some new ones too.

More  details when I have them.

Paul. 

Funny you should say that, I thought the same  so after my tea I  went back out and filled it in.

Using the tried and trusted methods, plywood formers and chicken wire, here is the finished view.

This means that I can continue on with the scenery from Monsal Head, whenever I have time. 

Oh yes, a couple of hours later and 7 rolls of Hobbycraft plaster roll and here you are.

Looks like a heavy snowfall in Chee Dale, May be a while before I get the brown plaster layer done, wot with Xmas and all but who knows.

The disused station site has one derelict photo from the 70's, showing the interior and the Midland Railway Study Centre has 2 of the outside of the stairs on platforms  1 & 4, these are the only ones I have come across.

You could try Scale Model Scenery  they do various railings but also bespoke work.

We were hoping to hold a show this year but after careful consideration and discussions with the venue, we have decided against it.

We have however booked the same weekend next year, so all things being equal we are planning to hold our next show on 15th and 16th October 2022.

Hope to see all the regular visitors once again, and I will try to post more information over the coming months .

Since Easter  Sunday was deemed a  non working day by my company but not my wife's I decided to  treat myself to a  day in the railway room.

First off  a quick test of my  birthday present from my wife. 

After a spin round by itself to run it in a bit, it was then attached to a 6 coach express, handled it with ease I'm  happy to  say.

Next up, start on platform 1, although I have still to build the last structure, which I  now have plans for thanks to Animotion.

I wanted to see how it all went together.

So armed with many sheets of different  plasticard, I set about construction. 

The photo  shows progress after a couple of hours this afternoon,  after work.

Still a way to go but knowing how you all like to see things develop here's  an overview. 

I always use Halford primer, they do click and collect and delivery I believe. 

Always dries flat .

Yep got mine booked for the 31st

Excellent  work Graham, some rather good camera angles, as Tom rightly said lots of scenic work required, I also noticed a big hole outside of Central Station, which I believe is needs a warehouse.

Looking forward to the time I  can see it in the flesh.

Great thanks Phil much appreciated. 

There a couple of old photos of Matlock Bath in the book  Ambergate to Buxton fro. Middleton Press.

One shows a view of the goods yard and station taken from the quarry 

I will  send you a PM.

After some consideration I got my 4mm axe out and cut down the row of trees nearest the viaduct.

So as you can see, we have a full  vista of the track towards the tunnel which once completed will  allow a 6 coach train to be photographed in all its glory.

Yes please I have very little information on platforms 2 and 3. All information will be gratefully received. I will send you a PM.

Thanks 

12 hours ago, LNER4479 said:

The trees look very nice Paul but it's a 'hmmm?' from me in terms of their juxtaposition on the overall scene. I'm referring to your second photo in particular (the first one looks fine) as it looks like they're masking off the clear view of a whole train at the Monsal Dale scene.

 

It may be the case that the tops of the uppermost trees really did (do!) rise above trackbed level at the top of the viaduct but in terms of your model, does it not overpower things a little?

 

Maybe it will only be when the scenery is developed between the viaduct and the Chee Tor tunnels that we'll get the full effect and be able to judge better?

Thanks, I  hadn't  really thought about that, I will leave it for now, but I may reduce the height of the trees  nearest the viaduct in the long run or maybe remove the last couple on the right. 

Let's see what it's like when we get Chee Tor done can't believe it's nearly a year since we started it.

Trees, I started these before Christmas,  finally got around to completing them yesterday, so spent the afternoon planting them.

There are 17 trees on bank, they are not meant to be any specific type, but using photos as reference I tried to get the overall shape of the covering something like.

The trees are made of died hydregea heads, which came from LMS29's back garden last year, they have been left to dry since.

The green is Woodland Scenic foilage mat, I  use two shades to add a bit of variation. Other brands are available .

The other side needs the same treatment, as well as a few behind the  viaduct. But that's another day.

Hi Warren  

Yes I am missing the Hall, been a volunteer for 25 years, never been away this long.

Graham very kindly  started a blog for my layout on here so you can have a look my progress its  Through Limestone Hills- Millers Dale and Monsal Head. 

Cheers paul