ullypug

Very nice too. Whose are the brake gear on the opens?

Starting to come together very nicely Cap'n

Amazing what a week off work can do. I have time for modelling and another layout update. The first board has been fettled, wired and the first train successfully run. The Caboose Industries ground throw incorporates a SPST switch for frog polarity and whilst a little chunky, seems to work ok. Having put the second board up, it's obvious that I won't be able to use them on all the turnouts. Having the boards in the relative comfort of the tinking room helps too. The second board beckons. With quite a number of section switches, it'll take a while no doubt. Still, the modelling mojo has returned.

Have been playing with the mechanism for the first loop turnout on the Clevedon station throat. The other end of the loop will have something similar as these are going to get the most use. The others will be surface mounted throws similar to those used by Chris Nevard on his Brewery Quay. Also took the opportunity to adjust some of the trackwork.

Told you I'd get the boards for Clevedon out. First board now installed in the tinking room for wiring up. Have decided the loop turnouts will be driven via wire in tube from SPDT switches. The remainder surface mounted Caboose Industries turnout throws. Routed out the two end channels. Will backfill with Rocklite once the tubes are in. Feel like the modelling mojo's definitely returning. I plan to make the ballast look a lot more light railway is before it's finished. The first board will be entirely scenic and is the Weston end. Edit - let's try that with both photos shall we?!

Sorry to hear about Frank. Hopefully another source for the transfers can be found.

I shall be at Wells on the Sunday Dave, though not sure what the available space will allow me to do!

Ta for the comments. They're by a chap called Clive Hunt who is on here somewhere (I can't remember his avatar). We got chatting at one of the shows I was at and it all went from there. Sprung via Bill Bedford pedestal units with Branchlines wheels for what it's worth. Found it! One 'Boscarne' of this parish. Transfers are available from Scalemodel Transfers.

Been doin' some modelling... A couple of Tulis PAA Hoppers. Very nice kits too. The resin is cast particularly well. They're filled with lead so should have no problems staying on the track. Now Weston's gone to the convalescent home I'm starting to think about progressing Clevedon. May put the boards up at the weekend and have a good look at things. I've a couple of weeks off coming up and a little modelling time will be required. Also sprayed up the bubble car roof. Body next.

Not mine alas, but of Weston WCPR. Thanks to all who came and said hello this weekend at Camrail. A good show to finish on. I really should crack on with Clevedon.

Next weekend will see Weston-super-Mare WC&PR rolled out for one last time. Never say never and all that but I'm not planning to do any more shows with it. It'll be at Camrail along with some other cracking Colonel Stephens layouts. Come along and say hello (or goodbye) as we look to recreate May 1940 and the last train from Weston... Camrail details In the meantime, here are some photos I never got round to posting including an original (courtesy D Walrond).

I've stripped down the O2 chassis to find the cause of a slight bind (this was the reason it wasn't released to traffic at RailEx) and took the opportunity of changing the bogie pick ups to something much cooler I saw on the Scalefour website forum. Basically, it uses Alan Gibson sprung plunger pickups bearing on a gapped copperclad stretcher to transfer power from the wheels. The two plungers also mean the bogie is sprung. Pick ups from 36swg phosphor bronze were added including a link to the back of the plunger. Lots of loops to allow for movement. There is virtually no resistance to the bogie (compared with the previous wire links). Bus bars from 0.3mm brass transfer feeds along the chassis. I've since put the body back on and pleased to say the whole thing now runs much better. I'm really impressed with this system and will be using it for other engines.

Thanks for the comments Geoff. Still a long way to go!

Sorry for the lack of updates but I've been busy continuing with the programme of modifications to Wheal Elizabeth which will eventually result in passenger running. First came the removal of the loading dock and platform almost immediately after Trainwest. Next came the attachment of the new fiddleyard board and painting. Next the start of an overbridge based on Bugle. The stone work is from Kibri styrene sheets. Very good and not as pronounced as the usual Wills offerings. Then the addition of concrete platform edges and bridge painting. The trains will just poke out when stopped at the station, which as yet doesn't have a name, though Demelza Lane is my present favourite. Finally some detail shots of the effect so far. The fiddle yard board has now been removed and once the platform surfaces are set in place, then the layout will revert to a single ended operation for Railex in a couple of weeks time. I've already bought bits of styrene to make a set of steps down from the overbridge. The next outing after Railex is in October so I'm hoping to have made more progress by then.

Final assembly tonight. I'm quite pleased with this. A few details to add, crew, coal, route discs and a few spots of paint required, then I can call it done. May have to tweak the chassis a bit when I get it out on the layout for a good run in (the crossover on Wheal Elizabeth's always the killer). Something to haul coaches when I get round to converting the Hornby Maunsells.

Have taken the plunge and built the lighting rig extension for Wheal Elizabeth. The purpose of this is to bring all the supports forward allowing the front line to be used for a through passenger traffic in the future. I've only had to bring this forward about 100mm and the effect is a rather nice 'chunky' proscenium arch. Still needs a topcoat of blue gloss in time for its next outing at Trainwest, Melksham next weekend and after this, the next step will be to crack on with the necessary bridge & trackwork sections. Don't know if I'll get this dome by Railex in May (I doubt it) but I've now cleared the major hurdle in starting. Oh, and the O2's drying off after its weathering session. Need to assemble and post a photo.

They both work!! Always a huge sigh of review when they move under their own power. O2 Motor wired in and pick ups added. Over sprayed varnish to deal in transfers added. Buffer beams & final detailing awaiting, then weathering. Couldn't resist a photo opportunity for a Maunsell coach too! Bubble car has had a coat of primer to show up the blemishes. A bit of rubbing down is required and beading to the end window.

Craig Yes, it's a very old Craftsman kit. See earlier posts for pics of the original wrapping. Bought from High Level Kits £23 without motor. High Level link Best of luck

Where did the last fortnight go? Some progress with the bubble car. Second end finished. Just waiting for the handrails to arrive courtesy of Southern Pride and 'courier'. Think I'll have to lower the original end a bit looking at the photo. Got the High Level lo-rider power bogie installed finally. Was a bit of a struggle as I'd cut off most of the Lima mounting bits when I originally built it. Anyhow, it seems to fit now, though I haven't tried it under power yet. I think it looks alright though. Managed to make headway on lining the other side of the O2. Just the numbering to do and the last bits of black on the valance. Yes I will clean up the tank sides (looks like some methfix residue still clinging). Oh, and the motor arrived so I can think about pickups and finishing off. As for layout progress, don't ask! There isn't any (although I did look at the baseboards earlier today, but that doesn't really count!).

lovely paint job! How'd you do the insides?

I'd like to have the engine ready by then but the layout's going to take a while by the virtue of the fact I don't have much modelling time these days!

Hi Dave. It's P4. Part of the grand plan to convert Wheal Elizabeth to passenger running. Finney T9 next!

ooh I do like a bit of dirt...