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Claude_Dreyfus

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  1. Claude_Dreyfus

    Tempus Fugit

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    Did the Classical poet Virgil know of the trials and tribulations of railway modelling when he composed the poem Georgics and wrote the following passage?
     
    Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus, singula dum capti circumvectamur amore
     
    Which translates to...
     
    But meanwhile it flees: time flees irretrievably, while we wander around, prisoners of our love of detail
     
    Which can loosely be translated into layman's terms as, whilst you fiddle around with the little details you suddenly realise that time has run away with you. Well it seems very much to be a case of tempus fugit since the last blog entry...
     
    Our annual visit to the Midhurst show took place on 5th January this time. This change of date was due to the old Grange Centre being closed in February, with its next door replacement due to open later in the month. Being so early in the year, the variety of layouts and available traders was not as good as previous years, and sadly it had a much lower attendance than normal. We had two layouts due, along with a modelling table, but unfortunately Warehouse District could not attend, so the club flag was flown by Matt and his Wipers, Fish-Hook and Menin Railway.
     

     
    Fredrichstrasse has seen some progress since the last report. Much of the basic formwork around the trackbed has been completed, and the basis of the two bridges have been put in.
     




     
    There are some discussions about the tram lines, especially where they cross the river. I quite like the idea of interlacing the tracks over the bridge having seen this method on the metre gauge system in Helsinki the other week.
     

     
     
    Yamanouchi Oshika had a short stay of execution following us obtaining more storage space. Sadly, since the appetite from exhibition managers for a 16' Japanese layout has been lukewarm to say the least (I wonder how much interest it would have generated had it been UK outline?), and despite lots of positive comments when it does appear at shows, we have finally decided to withdraw the layout from its final show; which is Rotorail in Fareham on 26th April.
     
    It is available for sale, so if anyone is interested, please drop me a PM.
     
    Finally, we are arrange for an extra club open day to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary. It will be at St Peter's Hall in Petersfield on Sunday 1st June. more details anon...
  2. Claude_Dreyfus

    Weekend Away

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    A few months ago, it was suggested by one of the club members that a few of us might like to have a weekend away at one of the big continental shows. There are a number to choose form, however it was decided that the Cologne show at the end of November might be a good choice...interesting city, busy station, decent show, and a good few model shops as well!
     
    To start with, we spent an hour or so around Cologne station and the bridge. This is a fascinating place, with a large variety of trains...many of which were loco hauled. This is a small selection of what we saw...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Following on from this, we spent some time at the exhibition. This was an impressive show, covering four halls, although not all were dedicated to model railways...one hall was for Lego, and had some pretty cool Star Wars stuff. For me, there were perhaps too few layouts; there were a lot of manufacturers and sales stands. I also struggled with the guide, which although showed a map of the venue, did not identify the layouts clearly...hence many of these pictures being unidentified.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Finally for the layouts, something a little more familiar from the UK. This is Purbeck, a small 009 layout I have seen at a couple of shows in the south of England.
     

     
    Finally for the Star Wars fans...
     

     
    Aside from the railways, there is, of course, the impressive cathedral; but owing to the attentions of the RAF much of the old town has been lost, and to my mind most of the replacement has not been very aesthetically pleasing - no real attempt appears to have been made to rebuild as in some other German cities.
     
    The bridge is always interesting, with the footpath running along side giving a decent view of the trains. One interesting aspect of the bridge is the probably million plus padlocks fixed to the mesh fencing beside the track...certainly makes a striking sight. The food (as always) was excellent with more than one visit to the currywurst stall...
     
    It was a long weekend...and pretty expensive for some of my fellow travellers!..but well worth the journey. Looks like a visit along these lines may start to become a annual event.
  3. Claude_Dreyfus
    It has been an astonishing four months since we last had an update on the exploits of a small model railway club on the Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey border... My excuse, partly not a lot of activity over the first couple of months, then no computer, and finally not having got round to it! Still, time for a quick recap.
     
    When last we spoke, the club had undergone a number of major changes. Firstly we relocated from our home for six years - Tony's garage - to the committee room of the local village hall. Immediately this meant a change in approach, as we no longer had a permanent space to trash work in. It also restricted the size of layouts we could have, as storage would become a major issue. This meant change number two...bye bye Weyford. The whole layout was sold to a club member to be used as a semi-permanent layout in their garage. It is no completely goodbye, as the club will still have occasional access to the layout for running sessions.
     
    So, at the time of writing, the club has two layouts...Yamanouchi Oshika, our Japanese N gauge layout, and our resurrected 0 gauge layout, which will be known as Weyford Town following some modifications. It is still large, however narrow and easier to store than Weyford. Plans are also afoot for a new, smaller, 00 layout.
     
    First up is a short update on the new Weyford. Presently progress on this has been limited to checking the electrics and track. Although formerly a through station, with fiddle yards at each end, one of the changes will be to convert it to a terminus...set roughly in the late Souther/Early BR period. We had the majority of the layout set up in the club room for testing the other week...
     

     
    In this picture our electrical gurus are checking the connectors, whilst what I believe to be an ex-SECR H class tank waits patiently on the approach roads. As we head into the Autumn, so more work will continue.
     
    Work is also going apace on Yamanouchi Oshika. This has been our main layout for the time being - until the 0 is finished, and the 00 constructed - having spread the work of the club in both the March and current September editions of Continental Modeller. It is also due to show at the Gaugemaster open day in September. Presently work is centred on the area by the freight yard and behind the motorway flyover. Hopefully this will be more or less complete within a couple of weeks.
     
    The pictures here show the superstructure of the hillside, along with the base paint. Plenty more shading, flock powder and trees will be required before this looks the part.
     

     

     
    Not too much more to report, other than a change to the committee of the club which has resulted in yours truly becoming secretary. Any interest in either the layouts, or perhaps wishing to join our happy band, will be gladly received via PM.
     
    Hopefully it won't be too much longer before the next update!
  4. Claude_Dreyfus

    Midhurst Show

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    Well, yet another Midhurst show has passed, and Weyford came through its latest test very well. One or two minor issues were quickly sorted, after which we settled down to some serious running. It was clear that much work had gone on during the week to get it up to some suitable standard; although it is still very much a work in progress...
     
    A few pictures (in no particular order) of the day from Weyford's point of view...
     


















     
    Next up; Abingdon with Yamanouchi Oshika...
  5. Claude_Dreyfus
    It has been well over 6 months since I last added something here!
     
    More ideas have been formulating over the last few months, some of which have manifested in other threads, however something struck me in the world of T Gauge the other day...and the source of this was none other than Electra Railway graphics.
     
    http://www.electrarailwaygraphics.co.uk/

    A very naughty Mr Warr has decided to start producing his tranfer sets for T Gauge...mainly to fit the Hankyu 9000 sets that have recently been released. Much to my delight, these include my local stock-in-trade...the class 377.
     
    This...

    ...from this...

     
    Having seen this, I mused over the possibility of attempting my local station - Pulborough - in T Gauge. The premise is straight-forward enough...we only have class 377s on a day-to-day basis, and excluding the rarely-used cross over, we only have the two running lines.
     
    For layout measurements I used Google Image, working out the area roughly between the Arun viaduct and the road overbridge just to the north of the station. This comes to a length of approx 4'1 in T Gauge.
     
    The intention is to build on a 4' x 1' board, so a little compression will be in order to I can fit on the return loops. Essentially this will be in two places; there will be a reduction in the platform staggering, and the distance between the end of the platforms to the road overbridge will be reduced. The reduction in the platform stagger will also mean a reduction in the size of the car park and a slight rearrangement of the up platform buildings.
     
    More good news.... These reductions mean that the track in the scenic area can be covered by one length of flexi-track for each line...set track will be used for the curves and fiddle yard; although some thought will need to go into points as only left-handers are available at the time of writing.
     
    All buildings will need to be scratch built, and at present they include the station building, with attached good shed (now a mechanics), the up platform buildings, signal box, and a couple of houses to the west of the road bridge to the south. Structures include this road bridge...which carries the track over the main A283, the viaduct carrying the line over the river Arun and the bridge to the north...carrying Church Lane. There are also semaphore signals!
     
    The viaduct is not a hugely tricky structure...

     
    Pulborough up platform

     
    Signal Box showing staggered platform

  6. Claude_Dreyfus
    Further to a request on a previous posting, I have made a few modifications to the incorrect schematic for Weyford. Sadly my technical prowess does not go as far as putting in the scenery; although this took me long enough in MS Visio with all sorts of curves and stuff - as opposed to the usual process flows!
     

  7. Claude_Dreyfus
    Attention has been focussed on Yamanouchi Oshika over the last few months, however following the photo session last week, it is now boxed up and sitting in a corner of the club room as work restarts on Weyford.
     
    We have about six weeks (realistically) until Weyford is due to be shown at Midhurst - date for diary 27th February - so there is still a huge amount of work to carry out. It is all scenic work now, as the track and electrics are fine.
     
    To start with, work has continued on the layout's main scenic feature...the headland.


     
    This area has been constructed from the dense pink foam, suitably carved and given a coating of plaster. An initial coat of paint has also been added. The idea here is to create an impression of the Jurassic Coast, with the geological strata being clearly visible in the cliff. The eagle-eyed may also see a stack from a collapsed door to the right of the cliffs. This area is to be extended along the bare board to the extreme right.
     
    In addition, the existing cliff tops will be changed to incorporate this new section, both on the viewing and operators side of the tracks.
     
    Work has also been continuing on the terminal buildings for the docks. These structures are being scratch-built by our buildings guru Eric, and are based on the ocean liner terminal buildings at Southampton. Once the docks have been completed, these buildings will be located in their rightful place as part of the Channel Island ferry and international flying boat complex.



  8. Claude_Dreyfus

    Photo Session

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    A new year dawns, and the first club meeting of 2011 was down at the local village hall for a photo session for Yamanouchi Oshika. As a result of these we managed to get a fair number of decent pictures for various uses, thanks to the son of one of our club members who is a far better - and better equipped - photographer than we are!
     
    The main problem with photos like this is that you get to see the enormous amount of work that still needs to be done...often just little things like adding a few yellow lines here and there, or remembering to add a few more transfers, right up to really needing to complete the backscene behind the town!
     
    Attached here are two of the overall pictures of Yamanouchi Oshika - with extra bonus points (or lack thereof!) of having yours truely in them...
     

     

     
    There is still a bit of work to do, both on this one and on Weyford, before the exhibitions start. Weyford is first - due out at Midhurst on 27th February - followed by Yamanouchi Oshika, which is off to the Abingdon show the following weekend.
     
    Hopefully see some RMWebbers at both of these shows!
  9. Claude_Dreyfus
    Two weeks ago saw the release of the latest Tomytec car collection - number 12.
     
    Many of Tomytec's 'Car Collections' cover slightly older vehicles; predominantly from the 1970s; and many of these tend to be more iconic vehicles as opposed to everyday. What, I suppose, needs to be remembered is that these collections form part of a wider collectables following, as opposed to be specifically for model railways. Essentially these are for collectors, and are usually sold as sealed boxes, being a 'suprise' for the purchaser; who will subsequently swap them for models they are after in the work-place or playground....slightly more sophisticated pokemon cards if you like...
     
    Luckily Tomytec make these to 1/150 (although there are 1/80 models out there from Tomytec), and being a cheat I get the complete set! The other good thing about these being 1/150 is that they look perfectly happy on a UK outline layout.
     
    Collection series 12 features four types of vehicles; The Nissan Ad (Wingroad) estate; the Toyota Crown Sedan, the Nissan Paramedic and, perhaps what will make this collection particularly welcome for UK models, the Toyota Prius.
     
    The Nissan Ad fills an interesting gap in the Tomytec modern vehicles range; the estate car. What I am also pleased to see from this model in particular is the toning down of the bright colours - the main colour for Japanese cars is white, or perhaps silver, so the six Ads included in this 24-piece set, two were white and two were silver.



     
    As my interest is Japanese, perhaps the most exciting item in this collection is the Crown Sedan, mainly because this is the main type of vehicles used as a taxi in Japan...indeed, Toyota produce a specific range of Crowns for this very purpose.


     
    The marking along the side of the taxi are very finely printed...the green commercial number plates are also a good touch.
     
    The least useful for non-Japanese modellers is the Nissan Paramedic - which as its name suggests, is an ambulance. Ideal for me as this is the first modern ambulance Tomytec have produced. This one comes in three styles...

    http://en.wikipedia....e:Paramedic.jpg
     
    Finally there is the Prius. Tomytec have captured the rather odd look of this car extremely well, and again have resisted the temptation to emblazen them in bright colours, as they did with the 'super mini' collection - the Prius comes in red, white and silver. I'm sure this latter model will start appearing in UK N gauge layouts in the very near future!


     
    It is unfortunate that these cruel photographs show one of the only drawbacks with these models. Both the Prius and the Ad have moulding lines passing through the headlight clusters. On the bolder coloured examples - mainly the red Prius - the colour does slightly show through the off-white of the lights. A slight touch-up with a paint brush should cure this minor ill.
     
    The slight glitch above notwithstanding, this is another very impressive range of vehicles to come from Tomytec...a manufacturer who's range have improved in quality dramatically over the last couple of years. The little details, such as the markings on the taxis; the trim on the Crowns; legible badges etc., are very well done, and really the pictures I have taken do the models no justice.
     
    I obtained this lot from a store in Japan, however for those interested in obtaining models individually, you can take a look at Japan Model Railways in Germany who split the packs (although these have not yet come into stock)...
     
    http://shop.strato.d...gories/22/23/31
  10. Claude_Dreyfus

    Trams

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    One of the most universal N gauge products coming from Japan at present is the tram. Although based on Japanese prototypes, the design is generic enough not to look too out of place on a Continental, UK or US layout. Quite simply, there is not the range of affordable modern N gauge trams available elsewhere.
     
    The 'big three' manufacturers of Kato, Tomix and Micro Ace all produce at least one type of tram or tram-train; however the masters of the tram in Japan is Modemo. Modemo are not the best known of manufacturers, however they have come to prominance over the last few years with their Tokyu 300 tram - this has appeared a number of times on UK models, notably Ring Road.

     
    Modemo's latest release is also bound to prove popular...
     
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10131951b/30/1
     
    This is a five section vehicle, with three wheel sets. The prototype operated the Hiroshima tram system, as is a Siemens design...so eminently suitable for European models. he quality of Modemo's products have improved hugely over the last few years, and this new model comes with a fly wheel and the likelihood of directional lighting; something lacking from the Tokyu 300.
     
    Some of Modemo's other more modern tram offerings are perhaps less universal in their design...
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10103200
     
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10078319a/20/1
    That said, if you like tramway modelling in general then some of Modemo's older-style trams are pretty appealing. To me at least...
     
    The highest profile modern tram has to be the Tomytec 'Portram' and 'Centram' models.

     
    These were released last year, and proved highly popular. The well-made bodies display a hugh level of detailing, however all the internal details get lost once the separate motor unit was fitted. The initial set of bright liveries have been augmented to form quite a sizable range.
     
    Hot on the heals of the Tomytec releases came the Kato Unitram. For many it was a shame that the same Portram design was followed, however it should be remembered that the Kato models are intended for more 'serious' modellers, whilst the Tomytec is aimed more at the collecters market; a similar (but slightly more expensive!) premise to Pokemon.
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10119218b/30/1
     
    Kato have also supplied a small 4-wheeler...
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10003890a/20/1
    ...and a budget twin car set...
    http://www.1999.co.j...10113311a2/20/2
     
    For the finacial ambitious, World Craft also provide some tram models; both ready-to-run and in kit form. This is quite a cute (hugely popular Japanese way of describing little trains!) 4-wheeler...
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10106449a/20/1
     
    It is perhaps unfortunate for the H0 modellers that there is barely anything suitable in terms of trams. Masterpeice produce a few brass kits, along with chassis and detailing parts, but sadly none of the modern-type trams have made the conversion up a scale.
     
    I finish this short piece with a quick mention of tram trains. These light rail vehicles are produced in fairly large numbers, especially by Modemo and Tomytec. They often carry bright or advertisement liveries. A rather 'loud' example can be seen here...
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10064262a/20/1
    Hopefully we will have a few tram trains running on Yamanouchi Oshika in the future, however these really deserve a post to themselves one day.
     
    -----------------------------
     
    UPDATE - 02/12/10
     
    Just the day after this entry was posted, Tomytec have announced yet another design of modern tram is due for release in March. These sets are used by the Kumamoto City transport bureau; being introduced in 1998. It looks like they will follow the same pattern as the Portram/Centram models...being available as an unpowered model with separate motor chassis.
     
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10134270
  11. Claude_Dreyfus

    Japanese Critters

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    Over the last few years a number of very small industrial shunters have appeared from Japanese manufacturers...many of which being generic enough to cover any country.
     
    They usually come in two categories; small shunters and 'motorised chassis' with some generic body added. In the main they do not follow any particular prototype, which is useful if you are after a small industrial without the hassle of building kits.
     
    They often get used as a very useful base for 009 models, and I have seen a number made up into some nice little models.
     
    Below is a guide to a number of these little models that are available:
     
    TGW Tsugawa:
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10132730
     
    This little critter is produced by TGW Tsugawa and looks quite nice despite the rather indifferent picture. Ideal for a little industrial layout, or exchange sidings, and generic enough not to be restricted to Japan... This range currently includes a number of basic liveries, as well as an unpainted example.
    It is a very new model, and as yet no indication is given as to the running qualities; although the tiny wheel-base could result in some indifferent running characteristics over insule-frog points. In addition, I would be interested to know how responsive the motor actually is in view of its size...although this is one aspect that has considerably improved over the last few years with these little models.
     
    The photo on the link does it no favours, however the body moulding does not look too bad, although the couplings look massive.
     
    One is being placed on order, so hopefully some of these questions will be answered sometime in the new year.
     
    Also available is this dimunitive electric locomotive, which is perhaps the smallest locomotive available from Japan in N Gauge...
     
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10121956a/20/1
     
    This is a model of a loco from the Choshi Electric Railway; the chassis is also available without the body.
     
    Skynet (Aoshima):
     
    Skynet (Aoshima) also produce a range of very small shunters, two of which are illustrated below.

     
    The yellow shunter was introduced a couple of years ago, and immediately proved popular for its tiny mechanism. Being a slightly older model, its performance was a little too erratic at 'slower' speed (having a bit of a tendency to rocket off at the slightest touch) to be a really useful shunter. Also the body was a little crude, along with the coupling fittings which really meant its main use would be running round a tiny circuit of track with a wagon or two. Finally, and perhaps least suprisingly was it limited haulage capacity.
     
    The green loco has a similar sized mechanism, however this one is a little more refined, although the body is still a little crude. Certainly it is the more controllable of the two.
     
    Finally for Skynet is this little chap...
     
    http://www.1999.co.j.../10088726a/20/1
     
    Unashamably a bit of fun, but a little too large for N gauge....certainly a plausible addition to a 009 model.
     
    Kawai:
     
    Kawai are better known for their range of ready to run wagons and scenic items, although they have occasionally produced small locomotives. Currently in their range is this small shunter, which may well look familiar as it is based on the Bachmann small switcher design.
     
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10133126
     
    Tomix:
     
    A number of years ago Tomix produce a small free-lance shunter in a number of liveries. Long out of production now, this model sometimes crops up on second-hand stalls at shows.
     
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10012414
     
    World Craft:
     
    At the opposite end of the scale is World Craft. This is a more specialist manufacturer, mainly dealing with unusual or early models; usually in kit form. They are expensive, and a completed N gauge locomotive will easily set you back £250.00+
     
    They do produce a number of small locos, both as kits or as ready to run. The tiny Deki 3 electric locomotive also features in this range; but costs a little more!
     
    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10124335
     
    It is interesting that neither Kato or Micro Ace produce a small industrial shunter...the smallest shunting type loco supplied from Kato is the JR DE10, whilst MA go a little smaller with the DD16.
  12. Claude_Dreyfus
    A good bit of progress was made last night, with further additions to the hillside structure being made. David and Ben were busy with the styrofoam/polystyrene etc.

     
    The hillside behind the yard will be steep, with a number of retaining wall terraces to protect the railway from landslips on the less stable areas, and predominantly wooded. There may be scope for one or two small buildings perched on the edge of the hill, but we shall see as the scenic work progresses.
     
    Moving further towards the town, I have been fiddling around with the area surrounding the tram stop and high rise office buildings. The cobbles are from one of those sticky-backed road surfaces supplied by Faller/Noch etc. This particular one, I think, is quite effective and comes from a box of goodies brought along by David... Once I am happy with the position of the tram platform (Green Max kit), this will be painted and fixed down. I will also find the canopy, which is in a box...somewhere! Still a bit of tidying up to do, especially aorund the front of the blocks, with more fences and painting needed.
     
    The parcels lorry is located where the access road will be. The empty area opposite the offices will be a corner of a small park...lots of trees and grass, as well as more walling...


     
    The parcels van is a very recent addition; arriving as part of a set purchased on RMWeb the other day. It is a Bandai model, and is unusual in Japanese models as it portrays a modern local delivery truck...the majority of the Bandai and Tomytec lorries represent long-distance tracks It is a very nice set, with one of the longer-distance parcels trucks being portrayed below...

     
    Over the opposite side of the room, work is progressing with the buildings for Weyford docks. A few months ago, Tony drew up some plans for the flying boat terminal and the Channel Island ferry terminal. Below is part of the plan for the flying boat terminal...

     
    From which Eric has been painstakingly scratch building the structure...work in progress below.


     
    Hopefully before long the 00 layout will be at least partially erected so work can proceed with the scenery around the docks, as well as fitting the buildings.
  13. Claude_Dreyfus

    Club Open Day

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    As metioned on here ad nausium, we had our club open day yesterday. I did take a couple of pictures, however they were a bit rubbish, so apologies in advance...
     
    There were a number of reasons for us deciding to hold a club open day; as a way of advertising ourselves in the local community; to operate (play trains ); to carry out much needed additional work on both layouts and to practice packing, transporting and erecting.
     
    All in all, it proved to be a very enjoyable and successful day, although sadly not too much work was done as we needed to keep the trains running to satisfy the almost constant stream of visitors we had; still can't have everything. What it did show was a decent level of interest from people who were not particularly interested in railways...many families from the local villages turned up.
     
    We did try to make it as varied as possible, with three layouts, a demonstration stand and some blurb detailing what we get up to as a club, local railway history and a little bit about model railways in general.
     

     
    The demonstration was Eric's scratch-built buildings...he is presently working on the flying boat terminal for Weyford docks.
     
    Weyford was set up in full for the first time since the working weekend back in August. A number of minor electrical gremlins were encountered, as well as some operator refamiliarisation. Work on this layout was mainly confined to the fitting of a number of scenic extension boards.



     
    Operations were somewhat eclectic, and one or two visitors made their way down to the south coast. This very nice Tomix EF64-1000 in JRF livery was shuttling about the docks area...

     
    Yamanouchi Oshika was extremely well behaved, and after a couple of cantankerous points were sorted, and the baseboard joints dealt with (lessons learned...we are using dowels on all future layouts) the trains ran extremely well.
     
    For the day trains associated with the Izu line - which runs south-west from Tokyo - were featured, with a couple of freight trains. Only the two main circuits were used, but it kept the interest.
     
    Not much work was done, but the carpark was painted, the modified footbridge was test fitted before completion, and more took place on the hillside. Hopefully this will be completed within the next couple of weeks.



     
    One bonus for me was a very interesting conversation with a girl who lived in Japan for two years teaching English as a foreign language. You can learn things from books, Youtube and photos, you can also learn things from visiting; but there is nothing quite like living in a place to pick up those little details. Based on this conversation a number of details will be added, including a bicycle area - normally containing vast numbers of bikes - which apparently always seem to live in the vicinity of stations.
     
    Finally, Matt brought along Quahog for a test run and gremlin hunt. Lots of chuff-chuff and clanging of bells accompany this very good 0 16.5 layout. Pity my one photo is really rubbish, although there are other better ones on the layout's own thread on here...

     
    So, plenty to keep us occupied and a really good day was had by all...
  14. Claude_Dreyfus
    Just over a fortnight remains until our club open day, and there are still any number of things we need to sort out on the layout before then.
     
    It seems odd, bearing in mind that work will be carried out on the layout during the open day, that there is this mad rush, however a number of jobs that have been ongoing have crossed the board joins. These need to be complete before the layout is split and transported.
     
    Last night the track work was more or less completed; we now have continuous running again. A gremlin seems to have struck the branch wiring, so some further investigation is needed here. Ballasting will take place on the main line, and hopefully some of the overhead catenery will be replaced.
     
    Further positive movements have been made with the bridge, which looks a little better now the sides have been fixed. These will be painted next week, as well as the road way being put down and the piers etc. tidied up. Street lights etc. will also be fitted... In addition to the bridge, work has also started on the landscaping behind the road. This will be steep in places, and will be, in the main, wooded.




     
    Other work included some progress on the industrial estate at the front of the layout; the arrival of a new footbridge for the station, which has duly been dispatched to our resident building expert for modification; the tidying up of the new carpark area and filling of gaps...this will be painted next week; and finally the first coat of paint on the backscene.
     
    Lots to do...
  15. Claude_Dreyfus
    Yesterday we spent a bit longer on the layout; working from mid-afternoon onwards. I would love to have said we made excellent progress, but the time flew and although quite a bit was acheived, not as much took place as I would have liked.
     
    The major track replaying was completed, althought one or two adjustments are needed prior to the ballast being put down. Most significant is the bridge, which has been put into situ.

     
    The bridge deck is constructed from foamboard, with a second narrower layer beneath for extra support. The legs were from a standard peice of dowelling you can pick up from any DIY store. Don't worry if you think it looks a bit spindly, it has not been finished. There are still the side walls to add, as well as cross bracing underneath. The road surface also needs to be added, as well as details such as street lights etc.
     
    A lot of concrete walling will be put into position, and some can already be seen in the new tunnel portal for the branch. This is courtesy of Scalescenes, as seem to be a number of conrete covering on this layout. Personally I think the scalescenes papers look very convincing, and are a great help bearing in mind that Japan uses a lot of concrete...everywhere!
     
    We have also been making modifications to the station area. We now have an extension to the carpark crossing the branch platform. Really this is an attempt to make better use of the space and to give us a car park that this more in keeping with the size and location of the station. The area that was originally going to be the carpark will now be occupied by offices.

     
    More will be done to the track work next Friday afternoon...not by me though, I'm back at work ...and hopefully we'll get the bridge and surrounding area completed then. Incidentally, you may also see that the backscene fitting has started...currently this is just plain wall lining paper...I have plenty of pictures to add to this over the next couple of weeks.
  16. Claude_Dreyfus

    Woodchurch

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    Another wander down memory lane for the club, and yet another video. This time I introduce Woodchurch, our 0 gauge layout, set on the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton line.
     
    Construction started on this layout a good few years ago, with it finally making its debut at the Midhurst show back in 2005. There was one subsequent outing in the October of that year before the layout was put into storage, where it has remained ever since...we have no room to assemble it as it is about 40' in length...moves to reuse the boards for a nice N gauge layout have been resisted - imagine a 40' long N gauge layout. B)
     
    The track work was all PECO and most of the structures (if memory serves me right) are scratch built. There is the usual station building, signal box and good shed, as well as the addition of an engine shed. There was still an amount of work to complete on here.
     
    There are only a couple of photographs of this layout sadly, however a number of video clips I have show an austerity tank (not sure they went anywhere near the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton!), an ex SECR H15 in BR livery (likewise) a FR 0-4-4 tank, a G6, an O2 (featured in this video) and a rather lovely Q1 (seen in the background of the video).
     

    Unfortunately, it is unlikely that this layout will be used again...it is really too big for the club. However I thought it might be nice to share this with a wider audience that won't get a chance to see it in the flesh.
  17. Claude_Dreyfus
    The EF64 was initially introduced in 1964 to replace a number of older classes then operating firstly on the Ou line and thereafter on the Chuo main line. It followed the now classic 1960s design for Japanese electric locomotives, sporting a Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement. Power would be supplied form 1,500 v dc overhead. In total 79 locomotives were delivered between 1964 and 1976, where they were put to work on all types of traffic. When the Ou main line was converted from 1,500 dc to 20kv ac in 1968, the twelve locos allocated to these duties (EF64 1-12) were transferred to Chuo line workings.
     
    A number of locomotives were fitted for passenger train haulage and were equipped with train heading apparatus, however the majority were used on heavy freights and engineers services.
     
    Although one class, the EF64s came in seven series, each one with various improvements to the last. These series were classified by production batches:
     
    Batch 1 - first part of this batch included just two locos - EF64 1 and EF64 2 - which were the prototypes. The second completed the Ou consignment EF64 3 - EF64 12
     
    Batch 2 was EF64 13 to EF64 28. These were the first of the Chuo deliveries, and differed from the previous batches in having slightly larger lamps and no ETH.
     
    Batch 3 had two locos - EF64 29 and EF64 30. Fitted with ETH, they also had various improvements made internally, for example better armatures.
     
    Batch 4 - EF64 31 - EF64 36 were built especially for a number of new freight flows. Despite this, they were also fitted with ETH and also improvements to the cab's internal lighting!
     
    Batch 5 had some more significant changes. EF64 37 - EF64 43 has some external modifications to the front steps and the installation of an improved anti-slip detection system.
     
    Batch 6 again only had two examples, and EF64 44 - EF64 45 were essentially the same as batch 5, only produced by a different factory.
     
    Batch 7 was the largest batch covering EF64 46 to EF64 75. These saw another large change to the specification, including pantograph mods, new resistance controls, improvements to the tail lights and improved cab ventilation. Of this batch only EF64 46 to EF64 55 had ETH.
     
    EF64 76 to EF64 79 were identical to batch 7, although none of these were fitted with ETH.
     
    In addition, there was an additional 53 locomotives built for the JÅetsu line; the sub-class EF64-1000. These are out of scope for this piece.
     
    The EF64s dominated the Chuo main line until the introduction of the articulated EH200 in 2001.
     
    As Yamanouchi Oshika is set on the Chuo line, the EF64 was a must have in terms of motive power. For this I have been lucky, as all three main manufacturers have produced this class in recent years. The fleet currently stands at seven machines; two each from Tomix and Micro Ace and three from Kato.
     
    My first example was EF64 42 from Micro Ace. I obtained this locomotive last summer from Rainbow Ten in Japan, which was an achievement as these models were becoming very hard to find. In reality, EF64 42 was withdrawn by JR Eastern in 2005. There were very few loco-hauled trains diagrammed on the Chuo line during this time, so I suspect that EF64 42 was used predominately on ballast trains in its final years.

     
    The Micro Ace model is very finely detailed and runs beautifully, as can be expected from this manufacturer. In common with most other MA models, this locomotive came ready numbered, with no additional detailing parts to add. It looks very much like a number of improvements have been made to the MA model, as I recently obtained EF64 3, which is one of the earlier 2001 models. Although still nice, it is noticeably cruder in terms of detailing than 42 - indeed the early MA EF64 is the least well detailed of all the models mentioned here. Incidentally, EF64 3 was one of the earlier withdrawals, being taken out of service in 2003.
     
    Tomix re-released their EF64 earlier this year. Three models were produced, two in blue livery and one in JRF. These come with separate detailing parts, as well as a selection of numbers - with builder’s plates. Some of the earlier Tomix offerings have not had a great press, motors can be rough - their DE10 was notorious - and some the detailing could be a little crude in comparison with the other makes.
     
    In this case, none of these accusations can be made. Performance is smooth and one of these locomotives will happily haul twenty bogie box vans up our layouts 1/40 gradient. In terms of identity, my blue loco (I have a fourth edition in blue and a seventh edition in JRF) has taken the number EF64 34. As far as I know EF64 34 is still in service.

     
    Finally we come to the Kato model. This is a very recent addition to my fleet, and as such has not been given a number or builders plate. It is much like the others in terms of appearance and performance, although the fly-wheel drive on this machine is particularly impressive.
     
    One difference is the shade of blue this locomotive carries. My understanding is that the JR blue did not change throughout its long existence - the EF64s were delivered new in this livery and some still carry it - yet the Kato model has a slightly lighter shade (if I am incorrect in this, I'm sure someone will let me know!). This may, in part, be down to what seems to be a less 'glossy' bodyside.

     
     
    I cannot really criticise these models too much, as I only recently moved from UK-outline modelling; which had plenty to criticise. They are all well engineered, with powerful and responsive motors, and well detailed. I feel that perhaps the later MA model has the finer detail, and the Kato edges it in terms of performance. That is not to say that the Tomix is inferior...far from it, Tomix have produced a very good model.
     
     
     
    What the Tomix has over the others however is availability. The run-of-the-mill production EF64s from both MA and Kato are hard to find, whereas there are now plenty available from Tomix on account of it being a recent release.
     
     
     
    I have been very lucky with this class of locomotive. Modelling the Chuo line without an EF64 would be very difficult, as they were the staple motive power for so long. It is sad that the class is rapidly being withdrawn now, about 70% have now gone, however the majority have exceeded 35 years on what is an extremely punishing route. Their impressive replacements, the EH200, now have sufficient numbers to have replaced the EF64s on the heaviest trains, and indeed Yamanouchi Oshika has a Kato example of this class in service. Unlike the prototype, on Yamanouchi Oshika this is probably as far as they will advance and the EF64s will still hold sway for many years to come.
  18. Claude_Dreyfus
    Hmmm, what do they say about whilst the cats away the mice do play?
     
    Only a couple of us from the N Gauge group were at the club last night, and unfortunately a consensus was reached very quickly about something which had been bothering us for quite some time...the visible section of track behind the yard.
     
    Perhaps one of the reasons why we had gone off this idea was quite simply the novelty had worn off. Another was that it had become out of place for the scenic evolution of the layout...the road had become too close to the backscene, thus limiting our scope to blend the scenery effectively with the backscene, it was also hampering plans for our long-time number one bugbear...the hidden return curve behind the flyover.
     
    Perhaos it was unfortunate that those that were at the club were of a more 'creative' persuasion, and within a couple of hours a large amount of scenery from behind the yard had gone, and a new form was taking shape.

     
    Perhaps most striking is the reduction of size in the yard. It was felt that there was a lot of wasted space in this area...in fact there is a fair amount on the entire layout. The scenery will now encroach more on the yard giving the impression that hillside has come up beside the railway at this point. The road can still be seen in the background, however this will be covered by hillside, the road will take a new course, swinging forwards and crossing the railway on a viaduct, marked out by the strip of white plasticard.

     
    Behind the yard will now be a terraced hillside, with a few buildings scattered around.
     
    Overall, this seems to make the scenery flow a little better, although we have suddenly gone off on a tangent and created a whole lot of extra work for ourselves..

     
    Meanwhile on Weyford, more polystyrene is being stuck down. The area surrounding where the line emerges from the fiddleyard is being built up, and a tunnel mouth will be affixed in due course. This area will all be chalk cliffs, with a number of concrete retaining walls scattered around.
     
    The premise of this area was that originally the line served Weyford docks only. This would have been back in the 1850s, and originally the line would have entered the docks through the lower tunnel; now converted for road use.
     
    Sometime in the late 19th century Weyford grew in popularity both as a holiday location and as a port, serving mainly the channel islands. As well as now having a larger station, the original docks line was too steeply graded to be of any further use, hence the decision to re-route the docks line back to the new terminus station and close the original branch.

     
     
     
  19. Claude_Dreyfus

    Update

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    I've been away on my holidays, so did not get a chance to update on progress.
     
    This week, positioning work has been going on for the backscene for Yamanouchi Oshika. It is still temporary, as we are still trying to assess the best way to do this. Backscenes are tricky blighters to get right...there is quite an involved thread on here discussing the pros and cons. I am pro backscene for a number of reasons, firstly to hide what goes on behind the scenery...really does anyone want to see the detritus behind the scenes...cups, boxes and operators!? I still like to give the illusion that the train is going somewhere from somewhere...not just going around in a circle.
     
    Also, I like to try to frame the scenery...much like a picture. I'm not a fan of scenery finishing in a wall of blue. The initial picture below shows a very crooked backdrop in need of some surgery.

     
    In addition to this activity, we also filled in a number of gaps on the platforms ready for painting and eventually having the canopies fitted.
     
    Progress also continues with Weyford. The docks are getting a new ground surface of concrete from the Scalescenes range, and work is also ongoing around the road entrance.

     
    Finally, the club was split several ways last weekend. A couple travelled up to the N Gauge show at Leamington, whilst a couple more ventured a little closer to home travelling to Woking...all as visitors. Finally, a few of us journeyed down to the Worthing show to help out on a member's layout - a 00 gauge terminus station named West Bay.

  20. Claude_Dreyfus

    Work Continues

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    More activity took place on Friday night on the layouts.
     
    For Yamanouchi Oshika, more of the platform canopies referred to in the previous entry were obtained and placed into position. They won't be fixed for a while as there is still much to do around them. What was striking was how much they improved the overall look of the station.

     
    In the 00 corner, work is still progressing on Weyford. Here attention is being centred on the docks, with the platform canopies and various other structures under construction. The Scalescenes concrete road proved to be very effective in N gauge, so much so some 00 printouts have been obtained and will be put down in the docks over the next couple of weeks.
     
    Need to keep pressing on...only a couple of months until the club open day!
  21. Claude_Dreyfus
    Something which has been bugging me for a long time on the layout are the platforms. They are too British, and to me broadcast this fact at the top of their voices. Whilst all around the station is looking more and more Japanese (I hope!) the plaforms resolutely remain forever England!

    This however is about to change .
     
    On today's trip down to the local emporium, I returned with one of the Kato Unitrack island platforms to see if this could be readily adapted to fit our station.

     
    One of the biggest problems with converting a layout between countries is that you do have to work around a lot of what is already there...unless you get really drastic and start ripping up loads of track, which to me somewhat defeats the object.
     
    Immediately there are two issues. Firstly the old platforms were constructed from Kestrel wide platforms....indeed the track spacing in the terminus roads were specifically measured with these platforms in mind. The Kato platforms are just a little bit narrower, so either we have a huge gap between train and platform edge or the track needs to be moved. The second issue is a little more fundamental...

     
    I should have remembered from my own layout that the unitrack platforms are quite a bit higher to accomodate the much higher track pieces...they of course have the moulded ballast. This picture is perhaps a little extreme, as the unit would be sitting on track, but we use PECO code 55 through the station, so there would still be a considerable height difference...enough to look silly.
     
    So, what to do? Annoyingly nobody provides suitable Japanese canopies without the platforms, and really it is the canopies that make the station look Japanese...the platforms themselves can be repainted and marked up with lining etc.
     
    Then, whilst playing around...oh joy of joys! The canopy detached very easily...

     
    The current thinking is to obtain a few more of these platform kits and simly remove the canopies and associated accessories from the platform...a use can be found for these at a later date. These platform units are not too expensive, and we don't need canopies for the entire platform length, so fingers crossed we have a solution to this long-term knotty problem.
  22. Claude_Dreyfus
    Evening
     
    This weekend has been extremely productive in terms of club activity as the decision was taken to hire a local village hall and pack both layouts over for a blitz session. Both Weyford and Yamanouchi Oshika benefitted from some serious and sustained attention. It was also great practice in breaking down, transporting and re-erecting the layouts.
     
    We certainly had a lot of room to play with, as can be seen in this picture. Weyford is obviously in the foreground, with Yamanouchi Oshika at the back.
     

     
    The biggest change will be for Weyford. Here a whole new scenic section is being added, which will include an improved town, esplanade, coach park, cliffs and flying boat terminal. These additions are unable to be added in our club room as it's too small, so this is a chance for fitting and measuring to take place.
     

     
    For Yamanouchi Oshika there have been two main changes. Firstly the removal of the tram depot and embankment. This has now made was for the station car park, a petrol station and some industrial units - just like the real thing!
     
    First is the overall view before the hacking took place!
     

     
    The new area more or less complete...
     

     
    In addition, the backscene has also been modified...basically increased in height and a section moved back by the town area to give us some more space to play with... This change can be seen in the right-hand background of this picture...
     

     
    Still a way to go, but certainly an excercise well worth repeating!
  23. Claude_Dreyfus
    Another short video clip, and this time something of a blast from the past...
     
    This is Maddegan Road, our first attempt at an N Gauge exhibition layout. It was built by a couple of us about 8 years ago, and although still in existence has been in storage for about five years and probably in quite a bad way.
     
    The layout represents a small wayside station on a secondary route somewhere is the UK. The geography was determined by the type of stock operated. In this clip it is in post-privatisation mode, although could be operated back to 1970s if required.
     
    It was a fun layout to build and operate, although was seriously restricted by a small fiddle yard.
     

  24. Claude_Dreyfus
    Another nice day, so I took the opportunity to nip down to Pulborough for some more prototype pictures. All I can say is thank goodness for digital cameras...I took 86 pictures in 30 minutes
     
    We start from (north to south) at the scenic break for what will be the right-hand side of the layout from the viewing side...the road overbridge carrying Church Lane.

    As can be seen, it is quite a nice structure built in a mixture of stone and brick.
     
    The station can be seen clearly in the other direction.

     
    Next is the very pretty signal box...complete with ringing bells etc.

     
    The goods shed, now a mechanics, is attached to the station building

     
    The station itself it quite attractive, and not such a fearful proposition in terms of construction...



     
    The main station buildings are situated on the down platform...the up platform being home to a waiting room.

     
    This platform also used to be the departure point for the branch line to Midhurst. For many years following closure an engineers siding remained here; accessed from the north. Now this too has gone...leaving only the buffer stop. Nature, and the access road to the signal box have taken over.

     
    The platform continues more or less to the road overbridge, which carries the line over the A283. A rather nice signal stands sentry at the end of the platform. The railings a little further on are the Arun viaduct. Just beyond this marks the end of the scenic section of the layout.

     
    Finally a view of the bridge crossing the A283; you can see the signal clearly in this picture..

  25. Claude_Dreyfus

    Progress

    By Claude_Dreyfus,

    All has been quiet in the blog front for quite a while; however activity is carrying on.
     
    On Weyford the last few weeks have been taken up with running sessions; we want to confirm the types of running sequences that will be carried out before the daunting task of rewiring the station, station approach and yards start. The layout will be dismantled next week and the first of the boards taken away for close attention courtesy of John; plus any others who are good with a soldiering iron!
     
    The aim is for a fully rewired layout by the end of July, by which time a serious attack will take place on the scenery.
     
    Down a scale, Yamanouchi Oshika will be pulled out of storage within the next couple of weeks for some major surgery to the scenery; including another industrial estate, some further shops etc. and a new road bridge. Watch this space for developments!
     
    There has also been some discussion within the club about building some smaller layouts. Exhibiting our two main layouts is quite a task, and our 0 gauge layout - currently in storage - is about 40' long, so moving it around is an even bigger task. A number of ideas are being discussed, and hopefully some new and interesting 'little' layouts may come about.
     
    Finally; I took the opportunity to set out my Series 500 Shinkansen; on the dock section of Weyford. This has finally had the intermediate sets added - 16 cars and about 8' of impressiveness. I cannot actually set it out at home...I don't have anywhere long enough!

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