MRDBLUE17

Hi Peter, Great shots as always, the 33 looks nice under the canopies! thanks, Mark

Hi Alex, I think I am also eligible for your new brick counting club although fortunately for me my buildings are mainly timber framed with only a low up to window sill height brick courses! It really does pay to study buildings closely though as you work out how to model them so they look right. I think it really adds something to the overall scene so keep up the good work it will be well worth it! Thanks, Mark

Hi Claggy, I say run a 47 as I have just added an EWS liveried one to my Rannoch fleet for the heavy paper traffic from Corpach now in VGA vans and it sounds good too! The route knowledge is simple as they will have had a driver change in the Glasgow area who will already have the route knowledge! I agree your blue weathered stock would look nice running on my layout, I don't have anything Scottish from the that era so unless you and Dave come up North with some of yours to run I will have to stick to post 2000. Thanks, Mark

Hi Dave, Always inspiring looking at your latest updates, The last shot of 26025 looks brilliant on shed as do your shots at speed - they really are something different to see and the way you capture them is brilliant - they are very reminiscant of a book I have somewhere safe, British Railways young persons book (something similar to that) which has some shots of the real thing very similar to how you capture your models. I have had that book since I was about 7 and it always made me want to model a section of main line to recreate some of the scenes in it! Carl - those videos are very good as well and nice to see. Thanks, Mark

Hi Claggy, Those night shots are great on your layout it really is coming on well. The weathering on the 37's looks a treat and adds so much to the scene as well. Nice to see the updates. Thanks, Mark

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your comments, Claggy even in this no where near finished state - it is great to sit at the front of the layout and run a few of my sound fitted fleet around - the sleeper still needs to get a 67 done up but it will sound good when it is ready! Alex you just might need to do some soldering for your inspection platforms - have you seen Pete Harveys etches they look superb and just might be the best ones for your depot! Arpley Modeller - all the points are powered with Peco motors, mixture of normal and the low current ones which seem better to use with DCC as they throw the point a little bit quieter. They are controlled through my prodigy and 4 Lenz 150 accessory decoders which are very good value and can control up to 6 points - see DC kits for these as they are well priced. There is still quite a lot of wiring required for this set up but being able to control my whole layout from my handheld controller makes life a lot easier and in the future might add a laptop to use the gaugemaster software as well but we will see. Not updated on progress for a while but things are happening. More of the ten commandmants cable trunking has been added to the curve at the south end of the station and fixed in place ready for painting. I have at long last covered the platform surface with the base layer of thick art card and will at some point start adding all the details required to make up the surface level. I have also added another small mound of earth at the front of the layout using polystyrene blocks carved to shape and then covered with brown paper and wallpaper paste. Hanging basket liner has then been added to create a base surface layer which can then be added to later. I have also made a start on painting the footbridge. A base coat of games workshop white was added first to create a couple of thin undercoat layers. Then Humbrol Gloss white was sprayed on for the main latice work coat. The hard part is now all the hand painting of the Scotrail Violet shade. This is slightly darker than I was aiming for as the real thing is quite faded now but as I already had a tin of it decided to go with it. I might tone it all down with a matt varnish at the end once some rust is added. I still have a lot planned to finish this as I want with textured surface on the stair treads and the warning lines painted on the steps as well and will also need to add in some handrails as per the real thing. I have taken photos of Aviemore recently which are of great help for this. The photos show 47792 with a rake of VGA vans on paper traffic from Corpach. I know that 47's didn't get used on the line when this one was still active but it creates a bit more variety to my fleet.. I have recently swapped my Howes 47 sound chip from another loco into this one and whilst doing this added in a donut of white tack around the speaker as hadn't originally on my other 47 and this has nearly doubled the sound output from a standard round speaker. I normally always do this when adding sound ever since doing my 60 originally but having left it off before it was nice to hear the difference this simple low cost method makes as it stops the speaker vibrating against the chassis so the sound doesn't get distorted. Anyway hope you like the photos/progress and any questions/ comments welcome as usual. Thanks, Mark

Hi Dave, This is a bit of a modern view taken on Monday and not the best platform to get at especially with the barriers and police cordon around the train but just in case you ever run this era you might want to replicate the Royal train with its rather fancy additions on the front for Prince Charles tour of Britain! The main view of course is rather different since all the cantenary has gone up as well. Jim - steam does run in and out of Waverley - never seen one in the station myself despite being up here for over 10 years now. The charters that I have seen with WCRC locos on always seem to get put in the island paltform lines on the south side of the station alongside market street which does give you a good vantage point if they are heading south via the ECML route. Thanks, Mark

Hello everyone, Well with RMweb down for a little bit it meant more time for modelling after work! In fact so much so the footbrige is now built up as I require for my layout. I have taken a few shots of the work of the build and finally a couple showing it in place on the layout. I am going to build up the bank now this is built, as I didn't even have the kit when I got this bit of the layout built up but once the track alignment was completed for smooth running and the platform built there is now a need to build the bank up to support the other end of the girder span. The photos below show some of the construction stages as the kit went together: * the landing section has the main legs attached * Main span with metal work supports - the curved sections were rolled around the handle on my mini vice as I don't have a lot of tools for metalwork and with a bit of care this worked out just right so they could be soldered around the etched sections. * The etched mesh on the steps were added in - these are fiddly to do but are so nicely detailed - I found it easier to fold the tiny tabs over and then attach them to the underside of the step below and folded up to fill the gap between each step as opposed to the instuctions to attach them to the step above - it just seemed to leave a little gap when I did it so I only did it this way on the very bottom step * Next the sub assemblies are joined together and the cast pillers added where needed. I forgot to add the front pillars at the base of the steps when I took the photos but have now added them on! * The bridge in place on the layout * Finally 37516 running North through Rannoch as dusk falls. (An excuse for my dim lighting - this is now added on my to do list as well. This kit has been a pleasure to build and I am really pleased with how well it fits into my layout scene. Of course with it in place I had to run some trains and thanks to Andi (cairnsroadworks) 37516 with base reflex speaker and howes sounds shatters that peace at Rannoch on its late evening run up from Carnforth to Fort William with some stock for the Jacobite. Also last sunday had an enjoyable run down to Hawick to the exhibition there mainly as I wanted to see the Furness Model Railway Club layout Coppell which replaced my old exhibition favourite - Boldon Junction. Thanks to Kev I now know which sounds will eventually go into my 156 on Rannoch after his very kind demonstration of sounds under exhibition conditions! Anyway hope you like the photos and any questions or comments welcome! Thanks, Mark

Hi Peter, The trackwork in the new section looks great with those sweeping curves and the tanks look good parked up some really nice weathering as well. Your 08 captures that well used oily grimed look so well, I really need an old banger blue 31/4 at some point in a similar condition. The sidings at Carnforth for your ballast trip are the ones that are alongside the Furness line to the west of the Junction area at the station just as the line has turned through 90 degrees roughly. Used to be full of catfish and dogfish wagons in various conditions with a few 31's for good measure most of the time back in the 80's and early 90's! I have an 08 with sound that I fitted - it was the early howes version on a normal chip as I think you can get a micro decoder now but don't know how the size compares. I put the decoder on top of the motor under the bonet and cut some notches in the cab buldhead for the speaker wires to pass under and the standard round speaker sits in the cab. Nice sound from it but I would really prefer to have a small decoder and speaker all under the bonnet - will be interesting to see the Hornby sound fitted model when that comes out as will save a lot of effort. Great to see your updates as always, Thanks, Mark

Hi Everyone, So far this week has been quite productive from a modelling point of view. With the main bulk of layout wiring completed and operational just some soldering to complete on the point connections between droppers and the decoder blocks it is tempting to just run trains. St Andrews show on the DEMU stand gave me an opporunity to start some scratch building - so a plan is drawn and some plastic sheet cut for the cottage that sits at the North end of the station. I will update on this project in the future. Today I have made up the two short sets of steps and floor sections and assembled the main girder span of the footbridge kit. The steps are soldered in place with 2 little tabs on each side and they proved to be a bit tricky to get a strong joint but once they were in place the two sides were joined together and once the main floor plates went in it gave some strength to the structure. I have taken a few quick shots to show it roughly in position. The Lochgorm kit is fantastic to build having not done an etched kit before. The quality of parts and detailed instructions make this a very relaxing project to do as you have to focus on it so draws you away from anything else that is going on - whilst not an obvious choice for a beginner I am enjoying the build and think it will add some quality to the layout. I was also in Harburns today to get a copy of model rail and picked up a Scottish based Oxford truck which has already been stripped down (it was a refrigerated box body with skirted trailer) ready for another mini project to make a timber carrier - there was a larger Corgi model of such a lorry in a Welsh guise that tempted me and I liked the livery on the DAF chosen and with its scottish embelishments won't really need a repaint despite having some small fish sellers branding! Thanks for looking any questions and comments always welcome! Mark

Hi Alex, 2015! We could all bring some visiting locos for the depot open day to help fill it up a bit! It certainly is some project but it will be very impressive when its finished! Thanks, Mark

Hi Peter, That is a different angle to normal with the 47 and 40 in front of the brickwall - they look very good parked up like that as the plain colour really sets off the work worn weathering you have captured so well on them! I know just the sidings that engineers train has worked from at Carnforth as I use to pass them on the Barrow line although there were usually a few grubby 31's kicking about as I remember best! Thanks, Mark

Hi Lewis/Alex, You are quite right about the MBA's as I have been informed by fellow DEMU members on Sunday that they did run trials to Oban so its near enough! They are very nice indeed especially with all the underframe parts and wire details. They will get a good weathering and loads in the future but they were never really planned to run on this layout as they are a little big for it - could say the same about the 60 but it makes a nice train especially as it is sound fitted. The smaller MOA's are nice behind a tractor though and I had to have a play when I got them. I do plan to get a 5 wagon set of Autoballasters when they come out as I have seen several pictures of them on the WHL with a 37 up front! Now what better train than that to run? Thanks, Mark

Hi Everyone, Just a quick update on progress. Thanks to Charlie at DC kits I now have the final Lenz 150 decoder for point control and tonight have been sat under the layout wiring this in place. Had a quick test and everything is up and running. Just need to work round all the solder connections as the latest wires from these to the point motors are just twisted on for now. I will then need to draw up a track plan with the point motors numbered and for ease of use will look to program some pre-set routes as well as want the layout to be simple to control to make it more fun to operate. More updates soon! Thanks, Mark

Hi everyone, Thanks for the comments about the bridge - I have been away in Portugal for the last week and then went home for a couple of days on returning so had no time for modelling - when I go back to work normal modelling time will be resumed! I managed to make a detour to Morecambe on the way down to see Richard at the Train Shop as he had been keeping some MBA's and MOA's for me. These are far too big to look at home on Rannoch but I had to have a play first with the 2 rakes of 6 but in the end ran the whole lot with a sound fitted 60 then 66 and finally a 37/0 just or fun of course! They are very impressive wagons and will look good one day when I build a layout big enough for them! I will be on the DEMU stand at St Andrews exhibition on Sunday if anyone is around for that come and say hello! Thanks, Mark

Hi Peter, Hope you feel better soon! Great pictures as always and that flow into the new section looks really good as well from that angle with the peak. Those TPO's are very nice models - I got the 80's and 90's versions myself and I am delighted with them - hope we get a few more variants as well as these seem to have been a big sucess. Thanks, Mark

Hi Alex, I am still amazed by this mad project of yours as you put it! With all that stock in position though it gives you a real taste of the vast space you have to fill! Your fleet looks really good all parked up on shed with the weathering to bring them to life. I have a Heljan 47 that I fitted with a smoke unit that would add some clag for you! Keep up the good work - very impressive! Thanks, Mark

Hi Everyone, A quick update on the progress with my footbridge kit. I have built up the landing section which again was fairly straight forward following the instructions and due to the half etched lines etc the parts were easy to fold to shape and it all went together nicely. I don't have a hold and fold tool but my little mini vice worked out perfectly for doing the job. The steps have taken a few nights and parts of days off to get to this section being complete. The side girders are 2 parts soldered together like the main span and went together nicely. It proved a bit more tricky to solder on the top rail as I could have done with an extra hand but eventually I found a way to gently clamp the sides to allow me to hold the rail down whilst applying heat. Next the steps themselves are a one piece section the once cut away from the fret requires the edges folded one up and one down. I thought this was going to be tricky but was amazed at how easy this part folded up in one smooth action to shape. The side sections are lined up and soldered to this to create the main structure. The final stage which probably took nearly as long as the rest was to solder the tiny mess sections onto each step. As the instructions say these are quite tricky to fit but are well worth the effort! I have to agree. I have also included a photo of my heavily workstained 37422 with a nice rake of VGA's in tow carrying paper from Corpach that has returned to rail. In reality when this traffic ran it was in large Cargo waggons with the odd silver bullet added which I will need to add to my fleet when the next weathered ones become available. Pete - you are right I am really enjoying building this due to the focus required it is actually quite relaxing at night to do a little work on it as it takes your mind off everything else! Hope you like the progress, any questions or comments always welcome. Thanks, Mark

Hi Peter, Looking good - I totally get how you plan things out onto your boards to see if it looks right as that is exactly what I did on mine this time and I think I have captured more realism as a result. Your layout certainly looks very realistic and its great that you can get your extension to fit in so seemlessley to make your already excellent layout even better from an operational point of view. Now the 31 hauled train back to Manchester is the one I would chose to travel behind - that would bring back memories! Thanks, mark

That does look good! Really like the new station it seems to fit the scene so well. I too remember seeing your layout in model rail and was impressed with it at the time and glad to see you are still enjoying it and indeed making new improved sections to it. Keep up the good work and please do post some more pictures of it. Thanks, mark

Hi everyone, James - glad you think so your blog really gave me the impetus to get started with this one seeing the results you were achieving on your sentinal. Peter - yes that is roughly the spot where the bridge will sit - the real one has a slightly longer span than the kit so I will need to build into the embankment a nice little brick supporting base for the steps at that end. Not sure exactly what year the bridge was built in that location but it was the one that use to stand at Corrour until about 1989 /90 - so must have been rebuilt not long after at Rannoch. Its locaton at Rannoch also means I will only need to build the steps and landing section on the platform side of the bridge span. Dave - I have added a photo of the etched sheet you get in the kit basically you get 4 of these and each bridge span is made by soldering two sections together, once the top and bottom base plates are soldered on it becomes a very solid structure as the etch is very fine when cut from the fret. It certainly is a very fine detailed kit which would look great on your layout but I don't think there is an easy way of making it longer to suit your location - I have a compromise with the span width on my layout but I don't think there is a better looking bridge than this kit offers. The only way it would fit on yours is to join two together with a centre lower landing section and extra pillars but that wouldn't give you that large span that covers the gardens - you could always build the more modern wooden one that exists near the tunnels. Due to the lovely sunny Edinburgh weather - got soaked coming back from town today so yet again another wet day off meant instead of washing the car the second bridge span got constructed. I think I am getting the hang of soldering a bit better and the top and bottom sections were much easier to solder on and look neater than the first. The bridge will be a nice feature on the layout and the scotrail purple colour will add a bit of variety from the green and cream building. The kit comes in a very sturdy box with all the etched sheets wrapped in tissue and bags with all the seperate pillars required and labelled. the instructions are very clear to follow with large sheets included showing the parts as well. Thanks, Mark

Hi Gary, That post was brilliant! I too am strictly banished to my train room for all railway modelling purposes great when she has the girls from work round as after pouring wine for them I get sent away to my room - brilliant! Those photos of yours are stunning so well worth getting it set up in there. And also nice to see you have picture of the week that one is just so realistic! Mark

Hi everyone, A little while back I ordered the Lochgorm footbridge kit from Andy Copp as Phil had suggested when I was on the look out for something suitable. It has sat in its box for a while as I have never buit an etched kit before and was putting it off. I met Andy in person at Model Rail Scotland and he gave me lots of advice for building the kit and as he suggested just make a start and work on it small amounts at a time and even if it takes you 6 months or more go at your pace. Well tonight I finally made a start and have assembled one of the main lattice girder sides. Apart from the 2 Furness Railway benches I have not soldered and etched kits together but after cutting the main parts - tinning the back edges of each girder side it was actually quite relaxing sweating the two sides together. I tinned the top and bottom sections before again soldering them into place and I am pleased to say it has gone together and made a solid section just as it says it would in the instructions. The service offered by Andy is first rate and the quality of his kits are superb. Just hope I can do it justice once the whole thing is complete! Thanks, Mark