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James Hilton

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  1. James Hilton
    As you'll be aware Meadow Lane is about firsts for me - so including P4, track building and fully scratchbuilt buildings I'm also trying to build my own etched brass kit.
     
    I've shown you guys the early progress but wanted to get a bit further before I posted anything else. I'm now in a position where the chassis is 'finished' for now - it's taken about 10 or so hours for me to get this far over a month or so and I can honestly say I'm chuffed to bits. To be honest it's one of the only things keeping me sane with all the other stuff going on in my life at the moment - and I'm proud with what I've achieved. Bear in mind this is my first ever etched brass kit - and my first real flirtation with proper soldering. Things are getting better although I've struggled with some of the smaller parts and forming rivets I think the result is passable.
     
    Here is the chassis from both ends and underside (please ignore the messy soldering - you won't see it when it's finished!



     
    Here is the chassis balancing on the Black Beetle showing you can modify it quite easily to get the correct ride height - I'm still not sure how I'm going to fabricate a new mounting for the Black Beetle though so any ideas welcome!

     
    I'm pleased with the lifting eyes, they've come out well and look really fine! The rivet plates behind the buffer beams were hard though - not to flood with solder when you floated them into position (they were lightly tinned on reverse first). I think it worked ok - this is the best of the 4!


     
    Questions, comments and encouragement welcomed - I'm embarking on the bonnet next! If I can do this then I'd suggest any reasonably confident modeller could follow in my footsteps. The Judith Edge kit is well designed, fits well and although is only described in words (rather than assembly diagrams) it is actually pretty easy to work out as you go. I'm really impressed so far and will definitely build another one day!
  2. James Hilton
    A trip to the Great Central Railway last weekend has spurred progress on my model of 37411.
     
    First up - Lostock and some Smoking Barrels and the GCR itself - what a wonderful railway and a great achievement to have 8 locomotives in steam on the Sunday! From the Jinty through to Oliver Cromwell, my daughter and I were very impressed. My favourite was the BR Std 2 tender engine, Elly's was the LMS red Leander.
     
    Some shots from the weekend - my favourite all weekend is the second one of Oliver Cromwell at Leicester North...


     
    Whilst at Quorn station we spotted a 37 parked up alongside the platform that was perfectly lit with a low sun - so out came the camera and I grabbed some detail shots.
     
    37255 parked up at Quorn in the sun...




     
    Here is how the Bachmann model is progressing - I'm hoping to write this up for Model Rail so just a teaser for now. It's all scratchbuilt out of plastic off cuts, 0.35 and 0.45mm brass wire plus one or two odd valve things from the Hornby Class 31 detailing kit and some white elbow pipes from the 08 detailing pipework.
     
    and the model...

     
    Comments and questions as usual welcomed!
  3. James Hilton
    If you remember a few weeks ago I was moaning about the Slaters pantile embossed plasticard and it's lack of relief. I wanted something that had more relief and I could get the 3D effect on the ends of the roof showing overlapping tiles as well...
     
    Well the answer I came up with was perhaps a little different from the norm but before I tell you how I did it, here is a photo which shows the end result. I'm really pleased, it looks just right to me and hopefully the idea will help other modellers with a similar quandry - as it uses a similar idea to overlapping paper tiles used on all sorts of great buildings I've read about in Model Railway Journal over the years...
     

     
    So I looked at Slaters other embossed plasticard - and came across a sheet of the 4mm corrugated steel and I thought, hmm, this looks A LOT like pantiles, would it work if I cut it into 5.5mm strips and then layed them upside down? A small demo piece looked fantastic, so I moved onto the real thing...
     
    First up I cut a base piece of plasticard. To complete the effect I added a few strips of plasti-strip along the front edge to raise the first row of tiles and then layered them up the roof, 4.5mm showing of each row. The chimney is just single sheet thickness Slaters embossed brickwork with a plastic cap and I let this into the roof.
    The roof is simply strips of corrugated iron embossed plasticard layed up which gives a great appearance and accurate end on view as well


     
    However as you can see, the back of the building is still not complete! At least this shot shows how the building is built up of laminated plasticard - glued together using superglue where possible to reduce the risk of warping. I will be adding the rear and second half of the roof now I'm happy with the finish of the first half over Christmas.

     
    Meanwhile work on the Pacer has really slowed down a little - though this one is ready for priming. I'll crack on with the second car over the festive season as well!
    The detailed Pacer car posing with the half finished building.

  4. James Hilton

    From flat to 3D...

    By James Hilton,

    In just four hours modelling time the flat pack Worsley Works kit has become a diesel...

     
    It's gone together really easily actually, and I am pleased with the result. It's not perfect, but it's close enough and what a well proportioned, detailed and designed kit - it basically just falls together. You don't need instructions when something is as self explanatory as this!
     
     
    I always use 145degC low melt solder - it means you don't have to worry about damaging components from excessive heat with the usual 180degC stuff - plus with a good flux (I use Carr's green) you get really well flowing neat joints. I just have a basic Antex 25W iron - and find it fine for most work, with ample heating capacity. On top of that I have a selection of needle files and now a fibreglass pencil as well. Just goes to show you don't need expensive complex equipment to work in brass...

     
    The basic order of construction was chassis first, then the bonnet was folded up and the end soldered in. This was then soldered to the cab front. Front buffer beam next, before adding the bonnet assembly to the chassis. Then just building up the cab sides and finally the cab rear. It's gone together fairly square, although I added the grill to the bonnet front before it was fitted to the bonnet sides which means it's slightly skewed and off centre. I used solder to fill any gaps and tidied this up as best as I can with a file and glass fibre pencil.
     
    Still got some more brass bits to add - steps, pilots at both ends and rear window shields - then I'll drill out all the handrail holes and start on the detailing - most of which will be in plasticard. The roof goes on last as there is no access from underneath.
     
    The Kato chassis will be a push fit I think - and I will just make up some plasticard spacers to get it to ride at the correct height.

     
     
    Finally a shot to show comparative size to the Wasp - it's nearly as wide, and quite a bit longer - so both of these are quite big models in 009.

  5. James Hilton
    Excuse the terrible pun!

    I'm putting this one back on the shelf for a few weeks now - it's had me tearing my hair out on several occasions this week trying to fabricate the flush glazing for the cab fronts, and near disaster as one cab seperated from the body!


    I've finished transfers on her (which do look fantastic - a great job by John at Precision Labels - they were a custom set for me), painted the underframe all matt black (ready for weathering) and painted the small bodyside details (door open orange beacons at roof line, the buttons by the doors) and found some foam to use as a corridor connection.

    I've still got to do the interiors, wire the two cars together, fabricate some windscreen wipers and weather the two units... which can wait until I've got my sanity back!
  6. James Hilton
    I've a peculiar habit - nothing like that! No I mean I've a habit of revisiting older models and bringing them up to my recent standards.
     
    This is most evident when I have more than one of a locomotive type - actually that's nearly all my stock (3 08/09s, 2 33s, 3 37s and just one 58). I find working on a newer model makes me re-evaluate a previous effort and look to improve it. I guess this progression is pretty natural and is a good way for a beginner to progress - so guys, don't be afraid of re-working models you thought you'd finished - it's very satisfying.
     
    So what is all this waffling about?

     
    Yup - my brace of 08/09s. I've a thing about the Bachmann model (although I reckon all three need tweaking mechanically to improve running a little) and it responds really well to weathering and detailing. The models were completed in the order EWS, RF Grey and most recently the Mainline liveried 09 (featured in December 2009 Model Rail ). As I've done each model I've updated the previous versions and after completing the last of the three and adding wire handrails to my Pacer project I wondered if the small short Gibson handrail knobs I'd aquired for that project could be used on the 08s?
     
    The answer - as you can see, is yes! Check out the revised foot step handrails!

     
    The foot steps need modifying first (as described in the article) with plasticard to make them wider. Then you can drill 0.5mm holes at the top to fit the knobs. Once these are fitted I added 0.33mm Gibson handrail wire (easier the thread then the 0.45mm - so less fiddly). I'm really impressed - so impressed that I'm going to roll out the modification to the other pair at the same time!
    I've also added improved pipework under the cab and revised the vacuum pipe. I also need to add one extra air pipe to each end - and then just touch in the details. These models are ones I'm really proud of - the humble shunter and mundane appearance of all three is perfect for my layout. I think the Bachmann model, with these small modifications really comes to life. I'm planning on fitting Brassmasters rods to all three at some point this year once I master soldering with my Judith Edge Sentinel kit in the summer.
     

     
    After my recent 37 detailing I'm planning to revisit my model of 37013 next - but have a plan of attack on Paxton Road thought out for the next month or so to try and progress the warehouse area despite the cold weather.
    Questions, comments etc welcome as usual - I'll keep an eye on the comments and respond as necessary. If you're interested in the weathering finishes I can elaborate as the original posts describing the work are now on RMweb 3 which as of this week is still unavailable unfortunately.
  7. James Hilton
    When I started the LGB project a few weeks ago I wasn't sure if it was going to lead here...


    But it has - so this first blog entry charts my first steps in transfering my 4mm detailing, painting and weathering skills to the larger G-scale. For those who aren't familiar with garden railways LGB is approximately 1:20ish, running on 45mm track with mainly European prototypes.

    This project is based upon the ubiquitous LGB post van that has been in the range for 30 years. Today I have stripped her down to the component parts, removed the existing markings, removed the horizontal bars in the guards compartment and applied the first coat of primer - and it's looking good so far.

    One thing you notice as you strip down a LGB model is how substantial everything is - very well designed with lovely screw and clip construction. Simply remove the roof (it unclips), flip the body over and remove 8 screws and you're pretty much there...





    So here was the state of play prior to the modifications. The model is currently in the kitchen drying off before I start the top coats tomorrow. I'll share some further photos with you then.

     
    Questions, comments, encouragement (as always!) very welcome. What do you think of my G-scale diversion?

    (Don't worry 4mm modellers - I've not abandoned the scale - far from it - as I type this the Class 66 is back on the desk and the 58 is begging to be finished off so I can weather her...)
  8. James Hilton
    The Hornby Pacer is an aging model with an appalling mechanism. However despite it's age and mechanical inadequacies I think it really captures the look of the prototype really really well, and am interested to see how it will respond to some gentle improvements.
     
    Rose Hill is a slow burn project - and I've settled on no specific stock purchases (although if successful I may splash out on a 101 and 150!!) and so my original Pacer was dug out from Mum and Dad's a few weeks ago for evaluation as potential stock for the layout.
     
    In summary the model served me well on my first layout, after the two cars were permanently wired together - and it was modified with kadees each end and some weathering. Less successful was the addition of toilet windows and corridor connection.
     
    So what's the plan?
     
    In brief a phased approach to create a model of contemporary standards! I've split this into distinct stages...
     
    First up Bodywork...
    Replacing all moulded handrails with seperately applied wire examples.
    Fitting lamp irons to cab fronts.
    Improving folding doors.
    Adding radio pod to cab roofs.
    Improving exhaust representation on inside ends.
    Modifiy and improve toilet window glazing.
    Look at flusher glazing cab front windows.
    Modify front fairing to include automatic coupler.
    Add Kadee couplers to inside ends and close couple units.
    Add a corridor connection between the units (to disguise the wire connection).
    Repaint into Northern livery (with custom transfers from John at Precision Labels).
     
    I've gathered all the raw materials together, and have stripped down the model to it's component parts. Here are some photos of where we stand at the minute!
     



     
    This is as far as I intend to take the model at this stage of Rose Hill. Once Rose Hill nears completion I will look to improve the performance of the model.

    Secondly mechanical...
    I intend to fit the Highlines motor/gearbox/flywheel chassis improvement to one of the cars (which includes trailing axles too) and fit an unpowered version in the second car. This may need some extra weight adding to the drive car to enable decent performance.
     
    Finally DCC and lighting...
    Finally if the chassis improvements work and performance is improved I would love to take it to another level by adding lighting, both to the head and tail lights and the interiors using a kit available from Express Models.

    I usually have a few models in progress at any one time, and this along with building structures for Rose Hill and Paxton Road will mean this project moves very slowly. I shall update again once the model is ready for painting.

  9. James Hilton
    Welcome (back) to part 4 of my Class 66 project...
     
    The last entry was about 9 months ago (http://www.rmweb.co....he-under-belly/) and in that time a whole lot of life has happened, and a fun, energising and exciting new project, scale and prototype has inspired me (http://ejklr.blogspot.com).
     
    But for some reason I found myself picking up the dusty Class 66 this evening and getting further than just a casual inspection of the work completed so far...
     
    Actually if I'm honest I suspect I know the reason - it was reading of Jon's recent experiences with his Ultimate Deltic project (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/587/entry-7401-p4-class-55-deltic-conversion-hopefully-not-an-end/) - one that he started at the same time as I started this one - and it rekindled a sort of energy that I'd not felt for a long time. So I capitalised on it, and got stuck in.
     
    Digging out the old but familiar tools and materials was quite strange - and my hopes of making swift progress were dashed by the sudden realisation of the task in hand. Studying prototype photos my head was spinning on how to go about recreating ANY of the detail! Still I fired up Adobe Photoshop and stitched a set of photos together for the more complicated side, and made a start on just the very first bit - under the cab. This allowed me to dip my toe in the water again, cutting bending and filing materials that I've used since moving up to G-scale, but not with this accuracy.
     

     
    So what do you think, have I made a move in the right direction? If I'm honest, the excitement just isn't there like it used to be - I'm not sure why - this project has never really quite captured my imagination, and I still feel a little flat, a little dissappointed with the comprimises I have made by working in 4mm. Maybe that's it for me in this scale now, maybe a re-launch of this project for a week or so is what I need to finally draw a line under the detailing of small models...
     
    Time to reflect I think.
  10. James Hilton
    I really ought to start a seperate blog for this project, but for fear of duplication I'll stick to this one for now.
     
    So the large scale bug has well and truly bitten - so much so that I'm sat here contemplating selling some of my OO stock to make it pay it's way - however, in the short term at least I'm all spent up having no more disposable/savings before my birthday in August. So what's been happening in the last few weeks?
    It all started with the repainting of my LGB 2-axle coaches into a representation of Zillertalbahn coaches which I mentioned last time. The full description on how this was done is on G-scale central.

     
    I've since acquired some new bits and pieces - these workshop characters are perfect for my new engine shed (the plans of which are drawn up ready for construction to start). The station characters were picked by my daughter - and no doubt are the start of a small collection of people to populate her carriage. These seem quite good value for money from Bachmann Scenecraft at about £7 a pair.


     
    The big acquisition is this classic LGB U-tank. These are no longer made by the company and this is an example that was still made by LGB In the old factory in West Germany - and is brand new in the box. Lovely! It's not got the fine detail of some of the more recent releases, or the Bachmann US models, but it has a bunchful of character. The U-tanks were synonomous with Austrian narrow gauge with several examples still operating today on the preserved OGEG and Zillertalbahn. 298.56 itself is operated by Club 760.



     
     
    So what next? Next is building construction and now the U-tank has arrived I've got the dimensions for the engine shed for the EJ&KLR - following that will be a small station building. These will be fabricated from various sizes of MDF and weatherproofed - although they will not 'live' permanently in the garden. I'm going to base them on a sort of European/English hybrid as the EJ&KLR is in my mind, a UK based preserved railway inspired by the Welshpool and Llanfair. I'd like to build a second rake of coaching stock in the summer, but it's more important to make sure we've got the civil engineering aspects ready for the spring and so any spare cash will be diverted that way.
     
    So I hope sharing this stuff with you all is interesting? Questions comments etc welcome as usual. I've found this quite liberating, working in a large scale with no previous experience. The physical size and weight of the stuff is really intoxicating - it feels really heavy and real, and makes the 4mm stuff feel tiny. Working on the Class 58 last night felt SO fiddily in comparison. I would recommend it though, trying something new, something different to your usual modelling - be that prototype, scale, steam/diesel - it's refreshing and helps polish the skills you learn - everything is transferrable. In this case I can't wait to get all this out in the garden this summer!
  11. James Hilton

    Tan lines...

    By James Hilton,

    Tan lines? Well kind of - with the masking removed we're nearly there - definitely on the home straight now...
    ...and I'm chuffed to bits! She looks superb and I'm really proud that 'I made this'
    What's new? Well the masking is done and the stripes are sprayed, the details are fitted (buffers, couplings, window frames, Sentinel plates) and transfers added (MSC and No, plus overhead warning flashes). I've test fitted a silver sword and one headlight lens too...



    So what do you think? Does it convince? I'm happy with the finish - and to me there are just a few things to sort out before I weather it...
    1) Fit windscreen wipers
    2) Finish the headlights
    3) Fit the air brake pipes
    4) Fit the second sword
    To me the swords look a little on the large size but I don't fancy making my own or drastically altering those in the kit. Once this one is finished I'll start on the TTA tank which I intend to spring and detail. Then it'll be a point, and then onto the layout!
    Comments, questions and most of all encouragement welcomed!
  12. James Hilton
    I'd forgotten how much fun it is riding a BMX...
     
    Down at Paxton Road today 37013 had arrived from Didcot.


     
    So of course I've not actually ridden my BMX for over 5 years! But I've been tinkering on Paxton Road this evening. After my experiment with Carr's Steel Blackening on Nickel Silver rail I applied it to the rails on Paxton Road. A worthwhile transformation? I'll let you make your mind up - I think it's worth it - it definitely takes the golden tinge off the rail surface.


     
    I thought it might be worth showing a few overview shots...


     
    The warehouse is now placed on the layout - and I've painted the sleepers with Humbrol 98 - this area was originally planned to be a road surface with inset rails - however I don't think the overhead crane I was planning visually works, nor does it fit without cramping the MOD yard. So - this ware will be ballasted once the paint is dry!



     
    Anyway - I've enjoyed working on the layout again but I do find myself wondering about finishing, selling up and starting on another layout! I guess I just need a good running session!
  13. James Hilton
    Paxton Road has been going over 2 years now and after a recent spurt of activity I find myself lagging a little in enthusiasm. Paxton Road is a ficticious location based in 1998-2000, depicting a small MOD depot north of Winchester on the old Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway. I really enjoy modelling modern image (well modern-ish) and modifying RTR OO equipment and I also love Class 33s and Mainline freight livery which led me to the Southern location. One thing I miss though is the ability to base my model on the real thing; structures, scenery, setting, trackwork etc.
     
    I've been thinking recently about a photo plank style layout (seeing Jon's Brookeshire planks), to practice some scenic techniques. Unlike Paxton Road I would like this to be based on a prototype, a bit like RGR's Mossley Terrace from the old RM web. Living in Macclesfield I have regularly ridden my bike on the Middlewood Way but never all the way to Marple, and a little Googling after seeing a photo of a 101 in 'A Decade of Change' book on the Piccadilly - Rose Hill trip and Rose Hill seemed to be the perfect solution.
     
    Rose Hill is a single line terminus. The line comes off the mainline and travels about 2 miles down to Rose Hill. There is no loop or run around, just a single platform and building which houses a waiting room and part time ticket office. What makes it even more perfect is the road bridge (great scenic break).
     
    However to scale I'd need 10+ feet, and this amount of space just isn't available. This is supposed to be a quick project to get something finished and keep up motivation so things will be selectively compressed to about a 4' (max) scenic board with small bolt on cassette style fiddle yard.
     
    Stock movements are limited. The line is served by 150/1 and 142s (previously the last place to find the 101s) at least these are relatively short units. I'm lucky in that I have a first release Hornby Pacer (in original provincial blue) and a first release Bachmann 158. Both of these will be usable on the layout with a little work (repainting/detailing for the Pacer - possibly some minor mechanical upgrade, and just detailing for the 158). In addition I'll source a First NorthWestern Bachmann 150.
    Here are some photos of the stock fresh from being picked up from my parents home this weekend?



     
    The layout will not use any 'ready to plant' structures - the only off the shelf scenic material are likely to be some fencing with the building, bridge and bike lock up compounds to be fabricated from scratch. The layout will be deep enough to model the cutting so you'll view the station through a few trees and scrub with the cutting sloping down into the layout away from the baseboard edge.
     
    I've made a start on the station building. This has been selectively compressed to better fit the shorter platform, but maintains the character of the original. It will be finished to a high specification with signage and posters attached as finishing touches.
    Here is the work in progress, totally scratchbuilt from various grades and offcuts of plasticard.



     
    The last remaining question surrounds the possibility of using DCC and potentially sound - which would make this far from a cheap distraction but certainly a good place to experiment with a limited scope so to avoid massive expense in this area!
     


  14. James Hilton
    I was a little worried after reading some comments relating to fitting the Black Beetle to the Sentinel...
     
    I knew it wasn't designed for the Black Beetle, however, I was a little confused because to me, looking at it, the modifications required didn't look difficult at all - although I suppose they are quite severe! The Judith Edge Sentinel is designed to use a Tenshodo Spud which has 10mm wheels so sits a lot lower than the 12.5mm wheels and the Black Beetle. As a result the mounting plate I think is going to need some serious modification. For now I wanted to get the ride height right. It looked as if the top face of the Black Beetle was about right - so if I could thin down the centre boss raised section I could get it to fit.

     
    However the pick ups are wired from above - which would cause an issue with shorts, and perhaps even take up too much space...
    So out came the soldering iron and I un-soldered the motor connections from the pick ups. These were then pulled through to the underside of the bogie and snipped off clean. Then with an Exacto razor saw I cut along level with the top of the bogie into the centre raised section - about 1.5mm. I then used a knife to slice down vertically and remove a sliver of material. I repeated for the other side... and then offered it up to the chassis - and it fits! Perfect ride height from the looks of the side frame axle box covers!


     
    Eagle eyed readers will notice the chassis has progressed further as well! I spent a fun evening on Thursday soldering tiny foot steps together and then trying to get them fitted without un-soldering! I'm happy with the result, but it's not hugely neat - another area I improved as I did each one! I've also added the cosmetic side frames. Next up I think are the buffer beams.


     
    I received a parcel from Kernow Model Centre too this week - fantastic service - 24 hour turn around and on my door step in 2 days. Inside was a selection of plasticard sheet and struts (for the engine shed), a Bachmann TTA (to be my first P4 wagon - I'm planning on springing this!) and an Oxford Diecast Escort XR3i - as described in 'inspiration'.
    I've eased out the wheels on the TTA so it sits on P4 track for now - just for visual purposes. This is going to get a make over with an etched brass roof walkway and ladders, and the correct Brunninghaus suspension.

    Here it is posed with the Sentinel chassis, to show just how tiny the Sentinel is in comparison to what is really quite a small tanker.
     
    I had an hour or so to kill last night so thought the Escort would benefit from a little work - mostly with matt black paint around the windows and bumpers - plus touching up the indicators. I also added a wash to the alloys to add a little depth. Whilst I was it I sliced off the mounting bosses on the underside, and added a .45mm exhaust pipe! By extending the black along the top side of the windows slightly I think the visual impression of the car is much improved. I've also added black along the lower edges to represent the plastic trim along these edges as well. I'll get around to fitting some wing mirrors at some point! Anyway a few photos of the work completed...


     
    and then posed it on Paxton Road for a few snaps as well!


     
    Questions, comments and encouragement welcomed! I'm seriously thinking that this should become my 2010 challenge entry!
     
  15. James Hilton
    A flurry of activity on the Rose Hill project over the last few days and after the inspiration last Friday, and a day or two to mull things over I ordered my first P4 bits...
     
    Thanks to Dave at Ultrascale they arrived this morning - the wheelsets to convert the Pacer. I was so excited I had to test fit one of the driving sets before I even took a photo!!
    I've not yet got the trackwork and gauges ordered - so can't prepare the wheelsets properly as I need a back to back, but the visual improvement over the Hornby originals is staggering. I just hope the mechanism isn't too dissappointing. I test ran it in OO mode and I was happy so it should be fine. I'll need to work out a way of adding a pick up to the rear wheelset without too much drag though as this bears on the axle which is now completely insulated from the wheel tyres.
     
    P4 wheelset kit - ready to build up and a comparison in the top left corner, incredible visual improvement!

     
    and the first driving wheel fitted to test clearances and if this is going to work!

     
    Other progress on the Pacer has been slow - although I've started working on a front coupling. I scoured Hornby spares and Bachmann spares to get a version of their recent Sprinter releases to no avail - so have resorted to scratchbuilding. However I'm quite impressed and I think with painting and weathering it will more than look the part
     
    Scratchbuilt coupling, I can't find anything better on the market.

     
    The last bit of progress to report is the fitting of half the roof to the station building. More recent research has shown that I've actually scaled down the building a little too much - it's about 4 or 5' shorter than the prototype. I'm trying to decide if this is actually a good thing and means I can scale down the whole area slightly to keep the build under more manageable proportions. I know this is P4 but it's not my usual style to go 100% prototypical - more if it looks right it probably is... with this in mind I need to decide over the coming weeks if it's a comprimise I'm willing to put up with or if I need to rebuild.
    Anyhow - the dissappointment is the pantile embossed plasticard from Slaters is very poor. There brickwork is excellent and very easy to work with hence why I plumped for the roof tiles - however they just don't have enough relief. Any suggestions? I'm really at a loss at present how to build these without having to resort to complete scratchbuilding!! Help!
     
    Dissappointing - the Slaters pantile embossed sheet just doesn't cut the mustard. Time for a re-think...

     
    Anyway enough of my ramblings on here. Comments and encouragement is very welcome!!
  16. James Hilton
    I was pretty excited to get parcels from the US (Cannon and Co direct) and Eileen's Emporium so I've got everything to start the project now Here's a quick shot of the raw materials...

    In no particular order...

    Bachmann EWS Class 66/0 0.31mm brass rod 0.45mm brass rod 0.7mm brass rod 0.9mm brass rod 28swg copper wire (coil) 1.5mm x 0.5mm brass section Cannon and Co EMD Fuel tank detailing kit Cannon and Co EMD Chain tensioner
    New tools...

    Soldering iron tip Tip tinner Slitting discs 0.3, 0.45, 0.7 and 0.9mm drill bits
    What's not pictured? Some Hornby Class 31 details I've got in the tool box already, along with a decent selection of plasticard in different thicknesses... and obviously a pretty comprehensive work bench set of tools including knifes, files, rules, soldering iron etc etc.
    Next up? Well hopefully a photo of the 66 stripped down to the chassis rails!
  17. James Hilton
    For those of you who are not subscribers to Traction and haven't seen the 2010/2011 annual I'm pleased to share that Paxton Road is the 'modelling' feature in this years publication. I was chuffed to bits when Richard asked me to write a few words and take some photos for the annual.



    On top of the modelling mini-section there are a whole host of 'classic' traction articles spanning the decades - all of which I found a good read and of particular interest is the Cornish China Clay branch - something I might consider as another 'one day' project now!

    With Christmas approaching it's a good extra purchase to kill a few hours on Christmas day, or as a stocking filler for a friend or family member. Although I'm biased (as I'm in print) I do reckon it's worth the money - not much more than a regular magazine these days with a lot of content and very little advertising

    Let me know if you've read or seen it and what you think Comments questions and improvement suggestions always welcome!
  18. James Hilton
    Well the old stuff is still live and available on the old forum, CLICKY CLICKY, but I thought to start off the blog it would be good to recap a little, so here we are - the history and development of a small scenic shunting plank...
     
    Paxton Road started life back in September 2007, my return to modelling spurred on by the arrival of my first child and a realisation that the track day car project was a non-starter! I should explain that Paxton Road is actually a childhood memory adaptation - and I'm not a Spurs fan!
     

     
    With the realisation that I didn't have much space I shopped around for minimum space ideas - and a 6'x1' grew to 7' x 18" plus! I used brown wrapping paper and cardboard models plus some old track to work out if it would work and spent an enjoyable evening pushing stock around on the floor!
     
    You may notice the distinct lack of a layout fiddleyard - at either end - the layout was originally conceived as a shunting plank to fit in with the rules of the 2007 challenge. The size increased but the fiddleyards were never added to the design. The layout can be operated by anything from an 08/09 up to a Class 58 and still be 'shuntable'.
     
    The initial scribblings were based on a industrial estate railway - similar to Trafford Park, with the excuses of van traffic and short trains in a gritty location. However things quickly headed Southern with my new found love of the Heljan Class 33.
    Research showed MOD workings also used short trains with small vans - perfect for a space starved modeller - so the layout concept was set as a small MOD establishment receiving explosives and general merchandise in largely van traffic but potentially the odd open.
     
    Paxton Road had just been 'somewhere in the Southern region' until I was browsing a book on the Didcot Newbury and Southampton railway. I read about Worthy Down, just north of Winchester and it's part in WW2. I summised it's importance continued after the war and when the rest of the line was abandoned the chord built during the war for access from the GWR to the Southern, just north of Winchester, remained open as far as Sutton Scotney - although abandoned any further north than Worthy Down. Paxton Road is the ficticious name of the road that crosses the line on an overbridge (the centre of the layout).
     

     
    The baseboards were built using some foam insulation board after reading about in Pugsley's 2007 challenge layout thread. This proved lightweight and fairly stiff, but does have drawbacks - being hard to fit wiring and point motors. This foamboard was framed with 9mm plywood - cheap stuff from a DIY place - I'd use decent marine ply next time. Underside was strengthened, and the sides cut deeper than the foam board to allow wiring to be tucked out of harms way.
     
    Trackwork is Peco Code 75 (with short radius electrofrog points - another thing I'd not do next time - definitely worth medium or large radius if you can afford the space) which was laid on some grey foam I had from work - about 4mm deep deep this would give a realistic height for the road bed above the surrounding landscape and give a nice ballast shoulder - something missing on a lot of layouts which does impact the realism in my opinion.
     
    I really wanted to do a good job on the scenics of this one - and although I'd inherited a large quantity of Woodscenics scatter I was drawn to static grass - which I'd see in Model Railway Journal and on layouts like Cement Quay and Chittle. Not wanting to splash out on a static applicator I took the plunge and ordered some ready made 'grass mat' and 'static grass tufts' from International Models (Silflor is the brand) - which led me to the Noch puffer bottle at a later date.
     

     

     
    Which brings us bang up to date with my last update on the old RMWeb. A major milestone - 2 years on and first half, all 3' of it, is 'about' finished! It's been an interesting two years. In the same time I've churned out a fair number of models on my workbench, some of which have been moved on and others still prized possesions. I do enjoy the layout and scenics, but I find myself split between that and modifying ready to run stock and weathering - so one day I'll get there with Paxton Road - and probably with too much stock!
     

     

     
    Thanks for reading! I hope you'll visit again to see how we go from here on this, my new layout blog!
  19. James Hilton
    After my introduction to P4 with Exactoscale track and it's steel rail I've wondered about tinkering with my Nickel Silver railed Peco Code 75...
     
    I'd read in Martyn Welch's 'The Art of Weathering' in my teens about using gun blue to get Nickel Silver to look like steel. I wondered if Carr's Steel Blackening fluid would work? (they do a specific Nickel Silver version - not sure whether that would have the same effect as this). So I tried it on a demo piece of spare Peco Code 100. Left hand rail was treated with the fluid, right hand rail wasn't - you can visibly see the difference.


     
    Success - I'd say!
     
    So on to Paxton Road!
  20. James Hilton
    Slow but steady progress, that's what wins the day (so they say)...
    It's been quite a while since I posted up photos of progress with my Judith Edge Sentinel kit. To be honest, despite what appears to be massive progress it's not really taken much time to build the body - it came together surprisingly quickly - and I must add very easily due to excellent kit design and well fitting parts - quality etches I guess!
     
    The first stumbling block for me was mounting the Black Beetle - as the kit is designed for a Tenshodo Spud. I bodged a mounting bracket (a U-shaped piece across the footplate, with a L bracket to mount to the motor bogie boss - scratchbuilt from spare material in the kit). Once this was sorted I could move on to the body - as due to the way I've built the kit the bogie is now captive and cannot be easily removed. Perhaps an odd decision, but one I struggled to see an alternative too due to the design of the bogie. Mike of Judith Edge does state the kit isn't designed for the Black Beetle, and although I've shown it's a possible fit, it isn't ideal.
     
    The bonnet came together nicely, the fuel tank was more of a b**ger but I got there in the end with much cursing and burnt fingers - it's the grill detail that's difficult (for a beginner like me!). I used 0.3mm wire for the handles on the engine covers and also the sandbox handles on the chassis at this point. I also modified the engine cover doors by filing on a slight chamfer to the front top edge to match prototype photos of DH26.
     
    The cab sides and fronts went together fairly easily - I took the opportunity to replace the etched handrails with 0.45mm brass wire which visually makes a big difference. The folds were quite easy, but the lower edge of the side windows was difficult - even using the Hold and Fold - to get a sharp edge without visible deflection at the window pillars. What I ended up with was a bodge, but it's passable!
     
    The last step was to modify the cab floor and control desk to sit on top of the bogie and here she is posed in moody black and white on top of the Don Thorpe book on the MSC Railway - the bible (and a big thanks to Jan who earlier this year sold it on to me!).
     

    Next up is the cab roof dry fitting, making up some windows to fit snugly in the frames, finished details on the chassis before priming. I think I'll attach the roof and bonnets with glue once it's painted - but we'll see! That will also allow me to add some much needed ballast weight before firmly attaching them to the body. Questions, comments and encouragement welcomed! I'm proud to have got this far - I really am chuffed to have been able to produce something I'm really pleased with!
  21. James Hilton
    I'd heard via a reliable source that celebrity green 37411 was on the bi-weekly Didcot - Worthy Down MOD working this morning so on my way out grabbed my camera...

     
    I was glad I did as I managed to grab a few detail shots that might help anyone modelling a 37 based on the Bachmann model
    Just a light load today - traffic really seems to be dwindling, and in the 7 years since I last made the trip down we find just a solitary VKA making up todays load and a VDA down in the headshunt.
     





     
    After stopping for a quick natter with the crew in the cabin I pushed on for work. Hope you enjoy the pics!
     

     
    On a more serious note it's damn cold in the garage. I hope these photos also show the progress I've made with this model - and the detailed fuel tanks I'm particularly pleased with! No serious carving job here - just some extra detail and careful painting to highlight the detail whilst matt black on the rest!
    With the warehouse almost finished I'm ready to push on with the other end of the layout plus add the finishing touches (fishplates) to this end. I can't wait for a little warmer weather
  22. James Hilton
    It's been a busy few weeks with work and mountainbiking but I've found time to progress my Judith Edge Sentinel - and couldn't resist 'semi finishing' one side to get a feel for what it would look like...
     
    I often find that doing something like this (like with the Pacer) eggs me on in some way to finish... the end is in sight and it's looking good! So what steps to get us this far...
     

    Well primed, then the yellow (which was faded with a touch of white), then masked, then the blue (again faded with white - perhaps a little too much but I'd rather have a washed out pallette on Meadow Lane anyway so I'm still happy), then the stripes were masked...

    and sprayed up with a dark grey (rather than black). The underframe was then painted in a mix of Humbrol 98 and 33, and the steps and running plate the same mix with a touch more 33 (black). Whilst this was hardening off I painted the window frames body coloured, the works plates black before picking out relevant details with silver. I attached the window frames to one side to gauge the effect, which then led to the works plate going on, and then the MSC transfers (Letraset). So here she is, one side 'finished' in terms of the stages before weathering
     
    First up overhead shots...


     
    A detail shot of the cabside showing the interior detailing which was worth adding, and the benefit of cutting glazing out of thicker material despite it being a nightmare! No prism effect!


    And a few low angle shots


     
    The last shot is my favourite - and of course these outdoor shots show up the blemishes in finish and where I didn't tidy up the solder or filler very well - and also where the cab window frames aren't perfectly attached! Ah such is life! I'm pleased so far, can't wait to finish the rest of this stage so I can add a little weathering before getting started on my TTA tank for her to pull!
     
    Questions comments and encouragement - as always welcome!
     
    Oh and I've also been meaning to mention...

    The Middleton Railway are holding a MSC Railway gala in September - I could well be showing my models however complete they are at the event, and even if not it looks like a good day out and the first time the three operational steamers will be together! At present there won't be any diesels at the event Andy who's a member on here has done a great job with the lineup so far - check out the website for more information.
     
     
  23. James Hilton

    Leaves on the line?

    By James Hilton,

    What other half baked excuse could there possibly be for my baseboard being 6 months late?

    Well today my daughter and I were building a platform for her Harry the Hauler trainset and it seemed rude to not finish off the plywood - so 6 months on and progress had made a giant leap forwards and the baseboard is 'finished' (just needs sealing with satinwood later this evening now the PVA is dry).



    So I thought I'd share this milestone for two reasons - show that the project isn't dead yes, but also to show my slightly odd baseboard construction. Paxton Road used insulation board framed with plywood - but that gives a lightweight but chunky side profile. As this layout is aimed to be viewed on three sides (the two long edges and the curved edge) to make the most of the P4 track, with just a backscene along the short straight edge, I wanted to give the feeling of the layout floating. If I ever exhibit I don't intend to use a curtain - so I'll need to do something quite 'trick' with the legs to, but I think I've achieved my first aim - by using a 24mm ply top surface and a soft planed pine spine I've got a very thin edge with enough rigidity (given the very simple track plan) for the scenic board. There is a small fiddle yard to be added at a later date when I can be bothered!



    So what next? Once the paint is dry I'll turn the board over and can stick the track down - and then craft the landscape from insulation board (hopefully). I think I'll use hardboard for the road surfaces to avoid issues with trying to smooth a filler. I'll knock up a softwood core for the platform and then build the finish on to it I expect. I might be a bit beyond the deadline here but I hope to be well on the way with the scenics now by Christmas which at one point seemed very unlikely.

    One last thing - I've got to find somewhere to put it now though!
  24. James Hilton

    Dirtying her up...

    By James Hilton,

    My first kit built locomotive, the P4 Judith Edge Sentinel for Meadow Lane is 'nearly' finished.

    I took her outside for a few 'natural light' shots to show the weathering process has started. I find taking photos at this stage invaluable as it really helps you spot where you've missed a bit, overdone it or where a subtle effect could be created with a touch more effort.

     
    So far the effect is simply some very delicate washes brushed vertically with a dry wide flat brush, and some stippling of rust on the buffer beams and skirts. I've treated one side more heavily than the other as a bit of an experiment too - as you can see in the photos - but I'm not so happy with the wash on the dirtier side so have worked it back a bit with a cotton bud moistened with thinners.



    As you can see I've still to add the sand filler covers, the windscreen wipers and the headlights - and I also plan on dry brushing the step edges and further polishing the handrails to give a well worn appearance.


    Once those bits are done I'll break out the new airbrush for a dusting of grime up from the rails and a dusting from above with a little more black mixed in, trying to keep it subtle and sun bleached.

    Questions or comments welcome as usual!
  25. James Hilton
    Well today turned out to be a 'snow day' with my family not able to get to work and nursery! After a fun morning building a massive snowman my 2 year old went to bed...
    So out came some prototype photos, a ruler and my notebook. I decided with the cold weather baseboard construction will have to wait and my time would be best spent on the structure I'm least looking forward to constructing - the pub. I've not got views from all sides but I've got both ends and the front plus some partial rear shots - enough to get started anyway!
     
    So I just worked from eye - I'm the sort of chap who doesn't count bricks. I worked out from my station building and some general known dimensions (door size for example) the rough size of the building and drew things up by eye. Funny that when I checked against the dimensions I got from Google Maps the scaled down pub works out about a 85% representation - perfect!
     
    So with the floor plan, side and front end drawn out I figured the easiest way to proceed is to just start... so hear we are - first cuts. More progress tomorrow if the snow keeps coming! 6" fresh today ontop of about 4" from yesterday that had frozen and compacted a little - roads are pretty bad on my housing estate.
     

     
    A prototype shot of the pub for comparison

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