Chrislock

Hi Argos. Neat work.

How do you intend controlling your points?

As the man says, diversionary and no more! This was built primarily to prove to Paul

that he could have a Swiss mountain railway without spending 2 grand on a hrf model...

To be honest it could do with more detail- pipes, plough etc and if I was doing this again I would

leave a door open and stand a driver in it.

The pantograph is a nice piece of engineering though, especially for 7 quid.

Yes that is some doing to set up an exhibition like that.

I hope it is very successful for you.

Stunning Mikkel. Welcome back!

Just added a new photo to above, as didn't warrant a new thread...

I am liking the 3 link/ screwlink couplings, and have just made a basic shunting hook to facilitate coupling and uncoupling.

I have also been reading an rmweb article about adapting the Ratio Midland signal box kit with etched window frames and Smiths etched levers. I have duly ordered all three items.

My mind is beginning to turn to the sort of layout which would suit this stock.

I am looking at examples of urban and rural settings, and to be honest I like both, unfortunately I will be looking at a micro-layout so the option of having both is not a realistic option.

I am toying with the idea of a part-layout in the mode of Mikel's The Bay v a shunting plank style of layout.

Plenty of time to decide, as I first assemble the rolling stock and some typical structural elements.

I've put a short video on the thread.

.. to which I've replied.

It wasn't a difficult build though was it?

How does yours run? Mine is not exactly smooth and

quiet. I found the position of the motor quite critical.

I have also removed the lead from between the driving wheels

as it doesnt seem to be needed.

I don't think there's anything wrong with your kit building skills, you're making a lovely job of the whole project!

 

Thanks but it really is the first plastic loco kit I've built in 40 years.

Like yourself I've had to add wire sand pipes(!). Looks like I left the whistle too proud of the boiler casing too, though I've now changed that.

I think paint and a brush will have to do on this occasion.

I have only evrr dipped 2mm wheels before which has bren

Well washed afterwards, though Im sure I've heard folk say thry brush

it on.

Julia, nice to see you resolved the problems and that the project is coming

together. Any plans for a little layout for this...?! Chris

I believe he fluffy object is one of several items the signalman has to distract

Whining toddlers whole parents bring them along.

I was tempted to say What a great view from the signalbox

Windows but then....!!!

Pete I assume you mean the second pic- I am not absolutely convinced

that the engine wasn't just parked in that siding and not to do with

the wagons at all!

The 2-4-0 does look good though pulling freight or passenger stock,

So.it'll do me.

The West I would likely prefer the green, chock and cream...

Did another railway co./designer have one of their locos

Entered into an exhibition as a design classic though, ref

Johnson Spinner at Paris Exhibition?

Chaps, I didnt this thread to descend into disputes over

form and style!

I am fond of some early western locos - Dean goods, Panniers , City class

for instance and no doubt if Id grown up in

I think what made Midland design special was Johnson's rebuilding of Matthew Kirtley's work. And then of course there is the livery ...

Funnilly enough I didn't want this particular engine in Lake.

Hi Mikkel.

Well I've not been busting a gut over that time, it's largely down to the ease and speed of modelling with plastic kits as opposed to soldered brass...

Johnson engines were really very aesthetically pleasing designs, the 179,800 and 156 class of express 2-4-0s being one of the finest in my opinion.

I'm not sure that even GWR locos have that natural balance of features, but the again I'm biased!

Hi Mark.

I'm going to apply LMS decals and then dirty it

a bit. Given that the 2-4-0 was built as a passenger/ express engine

and as far as I can tell rarely if ever pulled freight, I need the excuse

of a forgotten bywater in the1930s. Maybe someone could prove

me wrong with a photo!

Hi. Yes I thought about the coal but rather absently glued in the tender top

which means I risk damaging it when drilling plastic coal out. I am going to take m

scalpel to the dummy coal first and then try painting in gloss and Matt to see what happens, first.

Just measured the lengths of the coaches and they are the same for both models.

Having looked at the instructions there is quite a lot more to them than I had at first thought, but nothing which is un-do-able.

Hi Rich.

I was just following instructions is the answer to the weighting question.

The lead weight sits between the drivers in the loco, and over the front of the tender - would it be a balance thing? Certainly the weight is over the driving wheels and tender connection.

I have to say though that the leading wheels are sprung, and only just rest on the track, so it might be an idea to remove the loco weight and reduce it slightly?

Thanks for the tip on the coach sides that's worth knowing!

Chris

True. I heard you are deep into link- coupling land!

Sorry to miss you too - I saw your working ground signal, but when I asked around you weren't there to be identified!

Amazing piece of work, by the way.

And who could argue with that 7mm modeller - its how we all are seduced by 7mm after all- a loco and half a dozen wagons and a length of track with a point - what more do you absolutely need in 7mm?!

However, the shock of moving up 100% is enough for me just now!

It is indeed very different from scratching in brass. Now I just get high on the Mekpak fumes rather than poisoning myself with flux and lead.

Actually, I have really enjoyed the Ratio wagon kits immensely. I cannot believe how easily they go together.

Regardless, you can be sure that I will be eventually looking to The Bay as part of my inspiration.

You win!

Thanks Nick.

Have you any idea as to when these kits were last produced?

It is a shame that they still aren't available.

I bought this on ebay recenty so it might be the one you saw!

Cheers,

Chris

Chris, hi - Might a suggest a good read of [url="http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/60731-the-100-project-

Hi Chris,

 

This sounds like an interesting challenge-though think you may and well truly break the proverbial bank.

 

The Slater's wagon kits are superb and fit together beautifully. They will certainly warrant a blog entry in their own right.

Cheers,

 

Mark

Hi Mark.

Actually, I don't intend (haha) to spend very much just at this time. However, if I could lay my hands on a whitemetal kit of say, an 0-4-4T or a 2F goods engine, another loco would be acceptable.

The idea of this little project though is to keep it compact and low key expensewise. Obviously there will be track, signalling and buildings eventually to factor in, though I am happy to scratchbuild to save costs.

Also I will likely investigate sound chips in the future having been smitten with the Robinson, but that is not part of this original and may not be feasible for the 2-4-0.

I can't believe how easy those wagon kits are - hope the coaches are of similar ease. The detail is not bad, though I have to say the 10T brake is not as well detailed as the 2FS version!

I am quite relishing the thought of building the engine. It will be a change to be gluing a plastic body rather than soldering under a magnifying glass!

Cheer

Chris