PGC

Hi Jonathan Will you be repainting and re-lining these locos or are you hoping that their current paint jobs will suffice? I wonder as the tender lining at the top left corner of the WSM model doesn't look right. I understand your comment about the hinges etc. only too well. I have converted an old Mainline coach to an LMS non corridor using Comet sides. The coach is finished other than having to add the fiddly bits - one day I will get the urge, but it's been a while coming and doesn't seem to be any nearer just yet! Phil

I recall that in an article in MRJ, the author (Norman Solomon or John Hayes, I suspect, but more likely Norman) advised using a mirror and look along the reflection of the line of the curve as one would get a better view of any inadequacies of the flow of the track. Personally, I always try to use a longer piece of rail than the curve I'm trying to create (OK, this won't work for obvious reasons on long curves, but on points it will) so I have a straight piece of rail at each end of the curve. The natural spring of the rail will then allow for a flowing curve - and I believe it will also create the transition curve quite naturally. Phil

Following on from post 3404, I've been looking at the two photos again, and there is one difference between them that, to me, makes it obvious that the second photo is the model. In the first photo, the signal box to the right looks to be about one and half times the height of the locos, whereas on the second picture the signal box looks to be twice the height. It is this that reinforces my thinking that the problem of replicating real photos in model form is not just the points raised by Andy Y, i.e. viewpoint, positioning, optics and lighting, but also of scaling the focal length used for the original picture to the same focal length used for the model picture. If there's doubt what I'm talking about, I'll try to explain. If the focal length of 200mm on 35mm film were used for an original picture, would we need to scale that down at 4mm to one foot or 1:76 or would we still be able to use a 200mm lens to photograph the model. Where I'm stumped, though, is if we need to scale down the focal length, how would one calculate what focal length would be needed for the model photo? Again, as I said before, brilliant photo, Andy. Phil

Hi Barry I wish there was, but life has got in the way and I've done no modelling yesterday or today, and I won't be doing any tomorrow either - rest assured I'll keep you posted once I get the opportunity to get to the workbench! Phil

You're correct, Gordon, but if one has a Hornby Pug (and you're going to use the chassis to motorise the ARC body, the sourcing of cylinders etc. resolves itself if you want to try the High Level chassis. The question then arises "is it worth the price of two chassis for just one loco?". To me, the answer is Yes, as the High Level chassis makes a far better running chassis than the Hornby one ever will, whatever you do to it and whoever does it, and to me, quality of running is as important as the looks, and personally I think even more important! As I've said before on this thread, and I'm happy to repeat myself, I can't help but think that the proprietor of ARC has missed a trick by not having the option of a decent chassis under his locos that appeals to those who want an EM or P4 version, and perhaps this is why he's having to try and find external funding for his kits. Phil

How fascinating these two photographs are. There is, however, something, and I don't know what, that gives away the second picture as being the one of the model without needing to be told. I can't work out exactly what, but I think it's the perspective - could this be something to do with the relation of lens length of the camera prototype needing to be scaled down to be the equal on the model? Does that make sense? If so, does anyone have the answer? Brilliant effort though, Andy. Phil

What a fascinating thread to read, and what a project to undertake. Like others have said, this will be of absolutely no use to me what-so-ever (did it ever run on ex GER metals in the 50's? - No, I didn't think so! :-) ), but I look forward to seeing the completed project. The one comment that I like most is where you say you're enjoying the project, Mike. That's what this hobby is all about so more power to your elbow and a medal for bravery in the face of adverse conditions. Phil

The Barclay fits on a Hornby Pug chassis. High Level do a conversion kit for this chassis so I'm going to buy one of the ARC kits and see whether it fits on the High Level chassis (which I already have). Don't expect a report in the near future, I've got a lot of other items in the queue first! Phil

Doesn't something electronic need to be soldered? I reckon Kenton's the person we need to talk to about that! :-) Phil

Excellent news, Gordon, thanks for doing the deed for us. Can't wait to see Kenton back - the ruffling of feathers will commence again! :-) Phil

Thanks Barry - I've stopped building and started a painting and weathering phase, so I'll give this a go tomorrow and let you know how I get on. Phil

This thread must be catching - I was in WHS today and noticed that the latest Steam Days has an article about ECML steam in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in Colour (has anyone else posted about this? If so, apologies for not checking). I looked through the pictures hoping for one of LB, but sadly none and I felt quite let down. However, pictures of High Dyke and other places - took me back to the days of the Roy Jackson layout! Happy New Year to one and all, and especially Tony for the inspirational work you do. Phil

Hi Barry I've asked a similar question on a separate thread, so I hope you don't mind me asking the question here as well. I've got a Heljan Class 15 to weather - as I wanted an all green one, I had to get a high gloss loco (all the non high gloss locos had yellow panels which are too late for me) and it's the high gloss that's causing me problems with the weathering. What suggestions would you have about how to deal with the loco? Thanks and happy new year. Phil

....and wasn't it Gary Barlow who passed on his details to Jimmy Carr? Phil

Come on, who's going to do the weathering? Phil

Good to see your posts again Jonathan, I was beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms. Best wishes and Merry Christmas. Phil

.............and he hasn't stopped talking since!!!!!!! Sorry, Tony, couldn't help but tease gently. Happy Christmas to you, your family and all other modellers. Phil

A farmer went to the local pub and ordered a glass of champagne. A woman already sitting at the bar said, 'How about that? I just ordered champagne, too!' 'What a coincidence' the farmer said. 'This is a special day for me. I am celebrating.' This is a special day for me too, I am also celebrating,' said the woman.' 'What a coincidence!' said the farmer. As they clinked glasses he added: 'What are you celebrating?' 'My husband and I have been trying to have a child and today my gynaecologist told me that I am pregnant!' 'What a coincidence!' said the man. 'I'm a chicken farmer and all last year my hens were infertile, but today they are all laying eggs again.' 'That's great!' said the woman, 'How did your chickens become fertile?' 'I used a different cock,' he replied. The woman smiled, clinked his glass and said 'what a coincidence'!

I drive an Alfa Romeo and recently parked it alongside the Phoenix Paints van (a Mercedes Sprinter). We discussed the possibility of a "coupling" and what the result would be called. We eventually decided that Alfa Benz sounded like a petrol head while Mercedes Romeo sounded like a porn star, so opted for the second one!!!!!!!!! :-) Phil

He's been quiet for a little while (perhaps he's been on an "enforced" leave of absence!), but at last, Little Johnny returns, and this time, shows that it's not only teachers who can be on the sharp end of his wit! Little Johnny jumps on a bus & sits behind the driver. Johnny starts chanting at the top of his voice ''If my Mum was a cow & my Dad was a bull then I'd be a calf...if my Mum was a ewe & my Dad was a ram, then I'd be a lamb...if my Mum was a mare & my Dad was a stallion then I'd be a foal The driver was getting p1ssed off and said to Johnny ''And if your Mum was a wh0re and your Dad was a w4nker then what would you be?" Johnny replied , ''A bus driver'' Phil

..and carrying on, what do you get if you cross a mouse with an elephant? Bl**dy great big holes in your skirting boards. Go on then, better that!!!!!! Phil

Martin As I said, I make no promises. I can tell you there is no chance before Christmas as I sing in my local cathedral choir and this is the busiest time of year. After Christmas we have family visiting, so I don't currently know what my movements are - I really rather fancy a day out but if I have to take SWMBO with me there's very little chance of a visit to a railway! :-( Let's see what happens. Phil

Martin I see from the list supplier earlier that there are two preserved examples at Colne Valley Railway and Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Mills. Neither are very far from me, so if I get a chance over the Christmas break, I will see if I can get to one of them (more likely Colne Valley) and take some photos and measurements, but I make no promises. Phil

The wife asked me what I was doing on the computer last night. I told her I was looking for cheap flights. "Oh I love you so much!" she said, then she got all excited, un-zipped my trousers and gave me the most amazing bl0w job ever...... .......which is really odd because she's never shown an interest in darts before.

Thanks for showing the pictures, Tony, that K1 (the Hornby one) looks a really nice model (and so does yours, by the way!) - I can't wait for Brassmasters to release an Easichass or Alan Gibson to release a conversion kit so I can EM one. Will be perfect for my East Anglian collection of stock. Phil