SteveBedding

The 15xx, like the 94xx had 4'7.5" wheels and would also need the 9mm association replacements (same problem) but the 14xx/48xx had the 5' (10mm) wheels...

...if it is to be non-powered, how about converting the Dapol to be an open cab 517 or even reverse the chasis (2-4-0T) for a 'Metro'?

Pete

Looks like an interesting idea, but a word of warning on converting the 94xx to 2FS... ...it needs 9mm wheels and those are like rocking horse sh!t! I've tried unsuccessfully 3 time over the past year to get some - each time out of stock I did eventually manage to get a set at Oxford this year, but Mitziblue now wants to 'borrow' them for his 1F...

How about one of the 'small panniers'? The GWR 54xx (similar to the 57xx but with 5'2" (10mm) wheels at different spacing, or the BR (ex-Swindon) 16xx which had 4'1.5" (8mm) wheels - could be an interesting conversion project

It's looking super, nicely 'worn' but well kept - perhaps a man with a broom off to one end? Seriously, how about adding some small spillages, I'm sure not everything went down the pit and some may have been left on the surfaces?

On a slightly different tack, how are you handling uncoupling for the wagons that are pushed up onto the stage?

Being born on the IoW (that makes me a corkhead ), those pictures make me smile (though I'm not quite old enough to remember when the islands railway was steam...)

As to the scenic back boards, I would have to have to agree with Kris on the thickness (ie 3mm) but would myself consider ply rather than MDF/hardboard. As Kris said, it does all depend on the radius in the corners; I believe 3mm ply will bend (carefully, and may need steaming) to a radius of about 6"/150mm - I hope I'm right as this is what I'm intending for my layout...

It's looking really good !

I've been watching this build with great interest and although you've had your moments with this project, the way in which you have persevered (without resorting to getting another set of etches)has been great to watch. I'm looking forward to seeing it with the motor unit in - the difference between this and Farish equivalent is quite impressive - keep it coming please...

Kris

Thanks for the pointer - I've played with the Celotex board before when making a simple test track, but hadn't made the link to being able to shape it for the main scenery profile

I've been looking for the 'blue' or 'pink' foam with no success, so I'll have a play with some offcuts of this stuff to see how well it works

Thanks again and keep up the cracking good work

Kris

Looking good - as one would expect

Question: Where did you get the insulation foam? It looks like 'extruded' polystyrene (or something similar) rather than the typical large bubble expanded poly; I've been looking all over for a reasonable supplier and was wondering if it came from a commonly available source?

Looking carefully at the platform, it would appear that the passenger population in the 1980's closely represents that of 1901 One of the Dapol 121's would certainly fit the 'need' but I don't think you would require the dummy car...

It's looking fabulous - I just hope I can get even a 10th of your quality in my sceneics (when I eventually get there). Just keep it coming.

Such an elegant solution! So simple and obvious - but takes a flash of genius to see it

I'm following this with absolute amazement - keep up the excellent work!

Pete

Chocolates and flowers may save this one 'offence' - but it'll probably take a fortnights cruise around the Med if you want to keep the layout up for any length of time...

I love the clean lines and simplicity of the layout, but I guess you have a major job in front of you with that backscene - are you an artist per chance?

Keep it coming (even if it costs a fortune in domestic reparations)

Steve

 

Steve - I presume you're aware that an etched chassis kit for the 57xx pannier is in the offing?

 

Andy,

I'm aware that there are etched chassis in the pipeline for the 14xx, 45xx and 57xx/87xx, but I haven't heard if they are available yet (seen Missy/Julia with some pre-production test etches...) and being somewhat absent minded I've not noted who is doing them

Any pointers appreciated...

Steve

I shall watch this with interest - I'm in the same position of plucking up enough courage to start building a loco (in my case a 57xx)

Keep up with the simple steps and clear pictures please...

Steve

Just need the bread van to go with them - 'sausage butties' to go

Seriously, they've come out very nicely; I'm tempted to have one myself...