SouthernRegionSteam

Thanks all for your replies

Matt: It appears I have mucked it up! I followed the Airfix instructions for painting, but I think it might be the RAAF colour scheme. It seems the upper surfaces of the wings are indeed camouflaged. Hmm!

DesA: That is very useful information, I had no idea that the engines were in high demand. Having had a quick look on the 'net, I can see what you mean scrapped PBY. Looks like I may have to get the Dremmel out again!

Peter: It's surprising - my modelling comes like buses! Thanks for the compliment, I think I'm getting more confident with weathering every day. Oh, and btw, I forgot to comment on your reply from one of the previous blog entries. To put it quickly, I'm glad you have started on Marchwood!

The layout looks fantastic! Just a shame the running was not as good as expected. I think part of it has to do with layout transportation and having the layout in a different atmosphere overnight.

I know the frustration of having things not working at exhibitions and of children touching the stock and layout. I once had a boy pick up something from my fiddle yard! I think the problem is that they know they can gt away with it, particularly with us younger modellers.

Anyway, I hope you are able to sort out the problems.

I hope one day I will be able to see Hythe Parkway in the flesh!

No, not really!

It just seemed to make sense to protect the buildings, but if I make the buildings removable...

Hello Jon,

I don't really know much about aircraft - so thank you for clearing that up!

Must've been quite a joy to work with such a great seaplane - I would have loved to be at Calshot in the 1940s.

I'll need to find a flat brush as I've been using a cheap one (I know what they say about cheap brushes!) but I think I've got one somewhere.

Jam

You have a PM Sammy

Calshot is DC.

Coupling was with reference to the narrow gauge. I'm using the Peco OO9 variety. The wagons seem to be at just the wrong height for the coupling to be at the same level as the rest of the stock.

Currently I'm just doing some more work on some of the buildings.

I'll need to think about the extension a bit more before I commit to it, but it will be a good diversion!

Oh, no, I couldn't possibly give up on it - I've come too far! And besides, I've got exhibition bookings

I'm glad you like the plan though, even if I did design it on a whim.

(Although I meant standard gauge flange squeal and coupling bashing it is still relevant. )Oh, and if I had the money and the space I probably would create it in a larger scale, what with 3 links and all that!

Absolutely gutted that I couldn't make it!

Weyford has really changed since I last saw it at Midhurst, I definitely need to come and see it at some point. I'm glad it all went fairly smoothly, there's nothing worse than having operational problems in front of the paying public!

Don't tempt me - I need very little persuasion to change my mind Nah, you haven't. It's the Middleton Press book on Branch lines to Wimborne

Hi Simon,

No problem, I'll put a reminder in my calendar for March then

Well done for getting it in there, even if the progress and extension mean it's slightly out-of-date now!

Just wondering, how are you going to blend the road into the backscene?

Looks brilliant Simon - bucket loads of atmosphere.

I'll definitely have to buy Model Rail next week!

I think you'll need a gate on that gap in the brick wall though

Seriously though, impressive stuff - I'd love to see this one at an exhibition in the future.

Been there, done that, got the shed full of layouts!

Although I have been forced to dismantle 3 of them, there's still 2 left!

Thanks Ian.

From what I can see my Dremel did not come with a chuck small enough. Although I will double check with Dad later on.

I expect then I can get some spares or add-on packs?

That is really useful, thanks Tom!

I'll give it a go and report back soon

Not at all - I'd much rather encourage constructive criticism!

I think I was a bit rash in saying that hanging basket liner is not as good as Silflor. Put it this way, I'm not convinced I'm shaping it right and I certainly have never painted it before!

I agree with your point about the sparse nature of the greenery. I'll have to bury deep into my box and see if I have any flocks left - I can't remember if I used it all up on the last layout. There definitely needs to be some low level greenery on the layout.

Thanks Tom

You're very kind, thank you James!

I think I might add some sooty areas between and around the tracks where locomotives might frequently stop. I also need to try out the Silflor grasses and add some small lineside details.

Thanks Dominik.

I wanted to try and create an atmosphere that makes it feel as if the scene is lived in rather than just some bright buildings plonked down with a few glistening locomotives running round. I think I will make this a priority because I feel it is really important to give that look of, as you say, deterioration. Nothing stays pristine for long!

How are you getting on with plans for your layout? Funnily enough I did draw up a mini sketch for you months ago but I've got to find it!

Excellent! Eric has done a fine job on the terminal building, as with all the buildings he has constructed on Weyford. I do like the scenic work on the new cliff as well - to me it is instantly recognisable as the Jurassic Coast. I'd love to be able to come to Midhurst but I'll see if I can get there nearer the time.

Thanks James, Peter and Dominik - hope the festive season is going well for you all! I'm looking forward to what next year has in store and hopefully after January the exams will over and I can dedicate more time to the layout and get some proper shots of the layout done.

You're right there James! But as they say, its the little jobs that make a big difference.

Hopefully the next update will have some better photos.

Well all I can say to both of you is 'stay tuned for more exhibition details'!

It would be great to meet both of you at some point - it's always nice putting faces to names.

Yes, exhibiting a layout requires patience, but with comments you receive and the reaction of the children it makes it all worth while

Thanks gents!

I have to agree that so many layouts seem to live up North which is a bit of a pain when you are only 30 mins from the South Coast! I've now got to get a move on and finish the layout. It's a shame I'm too far (at least until I own a car) to be a part of the club.

Looks like it

I shall have to have a word with him...

It certainly was very enjoyable Dominik.

It makes it all worthwhile when the general public leave feedback, and one from today which gave a nice warm feeling inside was 'It's amazing how realistic it is'. I was gob-smacked but overjoyed at the same time

Thanks Will, James and Peter.

Will: That's a good idea, I hadn't thought about dry brushing. I must say your current layout looks fantastic, I will leave a comment on your topic later.

James: I've never actually used static grass before - again, something I want to try at some point!

Peter: Thanks for the compliment! Don't worry too much about the lightship photos - I had completely forgotten about it myself to be honest. Not sure if I have enough room for it, but I shall have a look anyway as it is a very interesting vessel.