Northpoint

You're welcome, Andy, glad you enjoyed it again. One learning point from Derby - the sector plate tracks are a touch too close and the rolling stock, especially the passenger stock, was fouling the next track. All my own fault as I was trying to do it all in a cramped space because the weather was bad and I couldn't spread out outside. Another modification before Bloxwich in a couple of weeks. Hopefully the weather will stay fine... EDIT: I'm going mad here - it's not going to Bloxwich! That's Heath Green!

Thanks everybody. I'll try some of those ideas.

The two surfaces are just plywood - that's probably the problem. I need to find some kind of lubrication. I need a quick fix if possible before the weekend. I don't have time to take it apart and start rebuilding!!

Do make sure you say hello.

Excellent photos, Andy, as has already been said. On the subject of water crane hoses - nothing wrong with what you have done but I remember reading in a very early copy of MRJ (I think) that a good way of representing a "limp" leather water crane bag is to get a piece of brass tube and bash it flat with a hammer and then paint it. Believe me, it works! Ashbourne Astley

After some issues with cassettes at Sutton Coldfield, I've been working on a sector plate (that's what was going to be there originally!). It works electrically, although it is slightly stiff in it's sideways movement - any ideas how to loosen it up (I'm sure it's not the tightness of the bolt it pivots on)? I've seen mention of candle wax elesewhere. Hopefully we will see it in action at Derby this coming weekend.

Brian - Bachmann Scenecraft 44-219. Plenty in stock according to eHattons website.

No need to panic, Mike! I've sent you a PM explaining things.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Andy. I'm pleased to say that things got a lot better as the weekend went on. However, as is always the case on the first exhibition outing for a layout, I came away with several learning points, particularly with regard to live frog points and cassette storage. Some changes will possibly (time permitting) be made by Derby in 2 weeks time. Oh, I nearly forgot, this was Andy getting himself tied up in knots whilst shunting yesterday....

Just got home form day 1 at Sutton Coldfield. A bit of a nightmare to start with. I have to apologise to anybody who might have been vieiwing the layout in the first hour or so for the poor performance. Despite cleaning the track three times and the wheeels on all the locomotives the number of stalls and finger prods was totally unacceptable. I have to say that as the day progressed things settled down a bit and we got to the stage where the Jinty would shunt the goods train without having to be prodded every two minutes. No idea what the problem was, but hopefully things will be OK for tomorrow.

Set up at Sutton.

The layout and all its parerphenalia loaded in the car and ready for the off to Sutton Coldfield show later today. Do try and come along if you can. It is always a good show, well worth it.

You know where it is, Martyn. We'll be pleased to see you.

Raffle prizes received so far: Kindly donated by Kadee Kindly donated by Intermountain Kindly donated by..... somebody who likes their beer!

These are the original ones I bought in a pack of 6 about 3 years ago and have only just got around to using. I have heard they can be trouble. Anyway, in all fairness to DCC Concepts, I got a pretty prompt reply making a couple of suggestions - which I have done, but still no joy - so I'm awaiting the next proposal from them. So here's a couple of photos in the meantime.

Has any body any experience with Cobalt point motors? I bought a box of six some time ago and got them out this morning with a view to using them on the layout (currently push rods through slide switches). I rigged up a 12v supply - 3 worked fine, of the other 3, 1 didn't fire at all and the other 2 went so slowly and gave up half way through. Is this common? I have e-mailed DCC Concepts but with the time difference it could be half past next Tuesday by the time I get a reply!

A new station building is being trialled at Ashbourne - I understand the man from the board of trade is coming tomorrow to check the distance from the platform edge. A surprise as larger power arrived on the local pasenger train -

Re the above Ian - what size is it? I have allocated 15ft for TVNAM!

Latest from here. I've been working on 2 things: a covered unloading area for the brewery wagons and steps leading up to the platform. I'm not too sure what to do about the station entrance. I thought about maybe a photo background but it's getting the perspective right. General view

That's most likely what I shall do, Rich!

Oh well - it looks like I'll have to scrap it all and start over again...

Yesterday's post Today's post A bit more MIdland looking!

It's time to start thinking about it again! I have e-mailed all those that have been before but if aybody is interested in coming (with or without module), please PM me with an e-mail address so I can a: add you to the list of attendees; and, b: keep you up to date with further communications. Details: The weekend of 24/25th September. Armitage Village Hall. WS15 4UZ For those that haven't been before and are interested, the normal format is to start setting up around 8am on the Saturday, go through until whatever time on Saturday evening and break down mid-afternoon on Sunday. Buffet lunch on Saturday, takeawy Saturday evening, hot meal for lunch on Sunday and tea/coffee & biscuits all day long. There is a cost attached (venue, refreshments, etc) and it normally comes out at about £15-20 per head, give or take, depending on how many attend. A guaranteed fun weekend with the opportunity to run trains as close to the prototype as you will ever get.

I guess it's time to start thinking about the summer - June 1th in particular! The 2016 Trent Valley North American Modellers show will take place in the usual venue at the usual times. For those unfamiliar with the details: Saturday 11th June, 10 am - 4 pm. Armitage with Handsacre Village Hall, Shropshire Book Rd, Armitage, Rugeley, Staffs, WS15 4UZ Admission: £6 Free car parking; light refreshments avaialble. The following are scheduled to be there: Layouts: Agawam HO Dave Long Brett HO Martin Hogg Burlington Jct HO Chris Prior The Car Works On18 Arry Dodd Duncan's Mine II HO Steve Grantham Fort Myers HO Ian Lampkin Freemo HO Derby Freemo group Goose Island HO Dave Murray Highland/Lakeside HO Chris and Jack Gilbert Millers Crossing HO Roger Nicholls Modular N Black Diamonds New Field HO Jez New Tilley Yard South HO Rob Strachan Traders: Anoraks Anonymous - as many of you know, a large selection of pre-owned models. Mech Models - Barry now has an account with Walthers so there will be much more available from him compared to last year. John Sammans - another good selection of pre-owned models. Linda Tinker Books - a large range of pre-owned US books, many hard to find. Simon Ansell - specialising in N (occasionally HO) laser cut structure kits. Look forward to seeing you there.

As the sun is shining this afternoon, I thought I would take a few more pics. The Jinty resting in the siding. A yard crane has been added today as well. The class 25 arriving on a parcels train. An overall view of the layout with the 3F arriving on a freight. The DMU arriving. Were Morris Minors that popular back in the day?