WelshRailTog

A new shunter joins the Pontfaen Yard fleet Today I took a little wander up towards Worcester to collect another engine for my fleet, due to working for a mainline TOC it is considerably cheaper to go and collect the item in question rather than have it posted. The loco in question is a Heljan 05 in Plain BR Green D2562, the first (and probably only) BR green loco in the yard’s roster. It is fitted with a Zimo DCC sound decoder using Paul Chetter project and a stay alive unit. It was a pleasure doing business with the chap in question, I don’t know if he’s on here but it was really nice to have a chat before I caught my train home. Almost as soon as I got home the loco was put to work moving a Land Rover around the yard on a warwell.

I’m told they were supplied by DJH, I assume they’re the same as what comes in their own 7mm 03 kit. Might be worth dropping them an email if you are after some Julian. As they are not listed on the website.

It does rather! I was quite taken with it when the fellow showed me the pictures, essentially perfect. It’s had DJB air tanks added as well.

Another tiny little addition done, I wasn’t happy with how the bridge was sitting, looked too open on the sides, so using some spare fencing from the front gate, I’ve added some side panels. (Stops the locals from getting in and helping themselves to whatever they fancy!) Will also need weathering and a light scatter of leaves before it is finished, as will the bridge. In other news, I’ve managed to Acquire a very nice Heljan 03 from a chap on FB. Blue, Weathered, and fitted with Paul Chetter sound, which should arrive on Tuesday.

A little bit of early evening fettling today, had a small parcel arrive from Hattons. Have fitted the new fence/gate into place, will need weathering and signage adding now, as well as a bit more foliage to make it a bit more rural. Also looking forward to detailing the portacabin, although it may end up being moved off this layout as I am working on a more suitable building at the moment. Two more Warwells were in today’s package, I think that’s all I’ll need for now. Also in the box were Two Royal Navy Series 3 Land Rovers, RN staff checking up on the movement of munitions. 37401 is Settling in nicely, and hauled its first MOD train today.

Unfortunately no “Troops” ever went to RNAD Trecwn, as it was an Munitions site, rather than most military railways that dealt with vehicles and troops and a small amount of light ammunition.

I’ve just seen that the Dapol 122s are out, do we think I could get away with one for shuttling important Royal Navy visitors between the yard and the RNAD. Hmmmm.

I like to base things on real locations as much as possible, helps create a more realistic backstory. Although there never was a Pontfaen Yard, there could have been if RNAD Trecwn had expanded. This afternoon I started work on detailing the inside of the portacabin, using an assortment of 3D printed details. I also put in and order for some figures through a supplier I’ve used before. I’ve also got an order of more natural scenic bits coming. Currently though I’m trying to decide whether to order a Heljan 03!

Hi Barnaby, The effect is intentional and designed to highlight some of the detailing. I’m not a fan of photos where everything is in focus, creates too much of a cluttered scene. The camera was approx 5cm from the nose of the loco. Apologies if this isn’t to your taste. WRT

Good morning folks, Just a small update this morning after Mr Postie’s arrival. I’m waiting for about 6 parcels of new scenic material and details from various suppliers which have not yet arrived. However on Wednesday I had a little accident after spotting something on Facebook. Hence a very nice Heljan 37401 has joined the fleet, for now just static as it waits to go off to Digitrains for sound fitting. After a week of research, I can also no announce the new name of Bench Road is “Pontfaen Yard”. Pontfaen is a small village located about half a mile from Trecwn RNAD and translates to “Bridgestone”. The village has two very important buildings; a lovely little chapel, and a Brewery. Let’s hope none of the loco crews wander off....

More changes to come Andy! I’m sorry but I’ve already ripped out the OO scale road barriers you had used for road access. I have a chain fencing and gate set on the workbench that will replace it. With suitable signage and lighting!

Hi John, I haven’t taken any overall ones yet, want to do more work first. As I didn’t build the layout, at the moment I can’t take any credit for the scenic work. There is a thread on here by the builder Andy Peters which should contain some overview photos. Ed

Not much going on today. 08173 shunts a Warwell around the yard with a small simplex loco awaiting transfer to the depot.

I try to use my DSLR for most model photos. I find it is much sharper than just using my mobile!

Hi Folks, new thread created for the Layout known as “Bench Road” Hopefully it’ll be updated fairly often, although probably not as much as Andy has done with this one! Ed

On the 08/08/21 I Purchased “Bench Road” a 7mm scale layout designed and built by Andrew Peters. Now In my ownership the layout will progress under a different although undecided name. It will be modified to depict a Stabling and Fuel point used by BR/MOD in the 1970s, as a transfer point to a RNAD such as RNAD Trecwn. Motive power will be an array of small BR shunters, and some larger Mainline diesels. Wagons will mostly be Warwells and Vanwides.

Hi Andy, when I get a chance I’ll probably create a new thread for “Bench Road” as it will most likely be having a name change now it’s in my ownership! Something a bit more Welsh! Will add a link in this thread once created.

Hi Andrew, I’ll take some pics when I get a chance. It’s mainly Colas bits from my old exhibition Layout “Caersws Road” Will send over a list once settled in the new place. Edward

Hello Andrew, was a pleasure doing business with you too. Once I’ve got the rest of the house move out the way, Bench road will continue to progress and develop. I must say it’s so nice buying a layout where all the electrics work! Thank you once again for delivering it, I’m absolutely thrilled with it and can’t wait to get started when I next get a day off. Lovely to meet you and I wish you all the best with Bute Road. I have discovered another box of OO Modern Image sound fitted stock in the clear out and once I’m settled in I shall send you some pictures for first refusal before sale. Edward