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barrowroad

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  1. barrowroad
    Time to put the building together...
     
    Here are the front and side elevations in their painted state with the glazing and doors added.{non available for the end elevation - I must contact the supplier}
     

     

     
    The internal structure is made from 2mm mdf, slotted together and glued. I have given the viewable internal walls a coat of grey primer.
     

     
    The corners of the walls are mitred together at 45 deg... here is a shot especiall for Missy - to show the corner joint.
     

     
    The roof sub structure ties the whole building together using the laser cut tabs shown in the photos. I will add the final roof structure using 20 thou plasticard before adding the tiles. The kit provides several sheets of laser cut tiles made from adhesive paper. I have not used this method before, having constucted prevoious buildings individual tiles made from 5 thou plasticard. I will report later on progress with the roof and tiling.
     

  2. barrowroad
    I have now completed my second Patriot conversion to P4. This loco belongs to a friend who asked me to do the conversion for him. The decoder arrived this morning, now fitted for it's first run on DCC.
     
    Here is the youtube video link.
     
    45504 Royal Signals passing Bristol Barrow Road Shed
     
     
    4 Jubilees and 2 Patriots outside the roundhouse.
     

  3. barrowroad

    Barrow Road

    By barrowroad,

    It has been a while since I was able to post anything so here is an update of work done over the past week.
    I have managed to lay exactoscale 5mm foam on the three end boards, add the templot trackplan as an overlay and finally lay the track on the main line. This end of the layout is where the main line starts to rise to attack the 1 in 60 Fishponds bank and modelling this section of the incline has proved a challenge getting the gradient consistent over the length of the pair of boards. To add to challenge the trackwork into the shed yard and coal plant is at a lower level then the main line so the double slip is on a steeper gradient.
     
     
     
     
    I was hoping to add some photos of this work but unfortunately this site is having problems with uploading photos so you'll have to be patient.
     
     
     
     
    In the meantime I collected the rest of the laser cut parts for the shed building and workshop from York Modelmaking at Watford last weekend.... it looks good... watch this space.
     
     
     
  5. barrowroad
    I have recently switched my attention to constuction of the two ash disposal pits under and adjacent to the ash plant at Barrow Road and noticed the track is not supported on the usual timber baulks. Instead, to prevent hot ash from damaging or setting fire to the timber, the Midland used 5ft cast iron panels to support the track.
     



     
    Using the these photos I calculated the the dimensions of these cast iron panels and then set about finding a suitable way of making a model. My initial idea was to make them from plasticard but quickly decided this would not produce a structure with sufficient strength to support the trackwork.
    My eventual solution was to use K&S 1/4 x 1/8 section brass which I cut using a slitting disc. The webs are formed using 70 pieces of 16thou brass strip cut 2.5mm high these being soldered into the cut channel using a RSU. Here is this result.



    This section is 30cm long - I need 276cm for both pits.
     
    For those interested - posted elsewhere by the society press officer - I will be demonstrating Bristol Barrow Road at this years Scaleforum at Leatherhead. The two boards containing the Roundhouse & Workshop will be on show together with research material. Please come and have a chat.
  6. barrowroad
    Back front holiday and I find a set of Ultrascale wheels for my second Bachmann Peak has arrived. I had forgotten all about the order intended for my proposed conversion of split head code 'D95' to D13 with 'corridor connection doors.
     
    This conversion was inspired by a photo purchased from Rail Photoprints of D13 passing the side of the shed on 2B93 the 10.49am local infill turn from Bath Green Park to Temple Meads.
    http://www.railphoto...565-RP.jpg.html
     
    I decided to take a break from the shed and spent a few pleasant hours cutting out a suitable 'hole' at both ends of the body and fabricating a set corridor doors out of layers of 30thou plasticard. Adding the wheel conversion and a spot of weathering and I have my second Peak to add to D41.
     

     

     
    1N70 is the 10.40 Newcastle.
     

     
    I also have a Heljan class 14 awaiting conversion and thanks to the Captain { thanks Tim} I was prompted to place an order with Ultrascale late on wednesday [23.00 to be precise] and was most surprised to receive a package early this morning - now shall I...........
  7. barrowroad
    Following the show last weekend at Cirencester I am looking after the Brinkley 60 foot turntable bridge and couldn't resist placing it in position inside the roundhouse. It looks rather good... maybe I should keep hold of it;)
     



     
    Meanwhile back to the ash disposal pits...........
  8. barrowroad
    Further progress has been made with the signal box over the past few days with the steps now completed and painted. I had to do a few modifications to the handrails and the platform as my drawing did not match the latest prototype photos.



     
    The roof shell has been fitted with it's Rowmark plastic to form the surface onto which the tiles will be added. I am toying with the idea of using individual tiles cut from 5thou plasticard. I have used this method on the stationary winding house of Sheep Pasture with some success so will probably repeat the exercise on this box.


     
    With the sides all now assembled I decided it was time for a test fit, so here are some photos. Please remember the panels are not glued at this stage and therefore there are some gaps at the joints.





     
    I have been experimenting with some Humbrol Paints and have made a start on the panels - Here is a taster......

     
    that's your lot for now....more will follow.
  9. barrowroad
    After the interlude with my diesel conversions I have returned to work on the baseboards to fabricate some more inspection pits.
    The first selected are the four inspection/preparation pits alongside the shed, one for each siding. Two of these pits were rebuilt in around 1956 [the two nearest the shed], while the other two were new. Unlike the pits inside the shed, photos show these pits were made using concrete not brick.
     

    This view was taken in Oct 1965 & shows locos over the two new built pits.
     

    Shows one pit in position.
     

    'Concrete apron' from 80thou plasticard. Main pit from 'reversed' laser cut base & sides as used inside the shed.
     
    I have also started the pit alongside the sand dryer although this still needs the top plasticard surface added to represent the concrete apron surrounding each pit.
     

     
    Here is a photo of this pit with 1420 on shed in Oct 1965 prior to travelling to Buckfastleigh.
     

     
    All these pits need the addition of concrete steps to complete the job.
    These will be fabricated form Evergreen strip which I will collect from the proprietor of Eileen's Emporium at the next Glevum group meeting.
  10. barrowroad
    Having made about half of the total requirement of inspection and preparation pits for the shed I decided to have a break and try something different - after all you can have too much of a good thing!
     
    I have managed to find the whereabouts of a drawing of the hydraulic wheel drop at Rose Grove Shed - I can recommend the National Archives website for those of you looking for original research material -
     
    http://www.nationala...ew.asp?ID=B6200
     
    as I found the set of drawings at Manchester Records Office. They provide a copying service for a price and are sending me a CD of the drawing.
     
    Enough of that and down to business. I have made good progress over the past two weeks on the rear elevation of the shed in preparation for the forthcoming first outing of the layout - this is at the S4 Society AGM in Bristol on saturday the 5th June - only 2 weeks away!!
     
    All the components have been glued and assembled and coloured as per my posts previous posts so here are some photos.
     







     
    The last photo includes the finished inside wall of this elevation and also the 'Rowmark' window sections all ready to be glued together over this weekend.
  11. barrowroad
    I have finished the rear elevation of the shed by adding a section to the wall to match with the end wall of the Workshop. This has been achieved by glueing a shaped piece of mdf to the top of the wall and overlaying a piece of Rowmark etched with 'english bond' brickwork. This is a modification to the kit as supplied. Also added for the first time is a shaped piece of clear 3mm thick acrylic fixed to the edge of the board to protect the sectioned wall of the Roundhouse.
     
    As the layout is due for its first outing - The Scalefour Society AGM - I decided to do a test assembly. The show is on saturday 5th June 2010 at St Martins Church Hall, St Martins Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2ND with the doors opening at 10.00 am and closing at 16.00.
     
    Here are a few photos taken today to show the latest developements.
     








  12. barrowroad
    I have spent some time researching the wording for STOP sign that is at the entrance to the roundhouse at Barrow Road.
     
    This appears to be a standard sign at most Midland Roundhouses but obtaining a clear photograph has proved a challenge. Last night I found a good colour photo of such a sign at the entrance to Toton Shed and have identified the following wording.
     
    MIDLAND RAILWAY
    NOTICE TO ALL (DRIVERS FIREMEN)
    AND ALL ???????????????????
    STOP.
    ALL ENGINES ?????????? TO
    ENTER THE SHED MUST BE
    BROUGHT TO A STAND AT
    THIS ?????
     
    ????? ??????????
     
    If any of you are up for a challenge can you fill in the missing words? To assist I believe the lower line is likely to be a date and the name of an officer of the Midland Railway. I pretty sure the Drivers Firemen [in my brackets] in the second line is correct as well but if you have any other suggest let me know.
     

  13. barrowroad
    Following the Scalefour Society AGM I have had a short break from modelling - no I haven't been away, I've spent the past 4 days up and down a 6.7m tower scaffold painting the gable end wall of the house.
    Now that job is finished I have made a start on the shed workshop which is at the rear of the shed.
    The workshop is a feature of most Midland railway roundhouses and was used to repair the small Midland railway locos up until grouping and continued to do so through LMS days - although by then major jobs went to the works.
    During Midland days they were known as 'outstations' and carried out work similar to a main works - here is a photo of the 8 bay workshop at Grimesthorpe Sheffield to give you an idea of the interior.

    The workshop at Bristol was a 4 bay version - I have only found one photo taken inside showing a Sentinel - either 47190 or 47191 - these engines were used on the Avonside branch as were the L&Y Pugs.

     
    Here then is the latest work on the Workshop. You will note I have made two sets of doors open and intend to make them operational - these are on bays 2 & 4.
    [ These are temporarily fixed with masking tape in their closed position]
    During BR days bays 1 & 3 had their rail access removed - the 20ft loco turntables were removed - leaving rail access via bays 2 & 4. At least this means I only need to model 2 turntables!
     
    During the post war II period the Workshop carried out minor repair work but latterly had a wheel lathe so that wheels sets removed on the wheel drop could be rolled into the workshop for turning.




     
    I have added an internal wall to the building as I have since discovered there was a seperate smith's shop at the roundhouse end of the buidling.
     
    The colouring process is now under way - here are two photos showing the two 'opening doors' and the front wall part finished.


  14. barrowroad
    The inside wall of the Workshop has an 'I' girder under the upper windows either side of the building to support the travelling 15 ton crane.
     
    After pondering how to represent the girder & their supports I opted to fabricate the girder supports from plasticard and used a plastruct 'I' girder fixing them to the inside wall using superglue gel - I am pleased with the result.
     
    I will give some consideration to modelling a representation of the crane in due course.
     



  15. barrowroad
    For those of you who have seen the MRJ 200 thread you will see it contains an article about my layout. It was originally intended to include a second article on the laser cut/etched buildings but this has been held over to a forthcoming addition - hopefully MRJ 201. If this is the case it will fit in nicely with this years Scaleforum where I will be demonstrating part of the layout with other members of the Glevum Area group of the S4 Society.
     
    As promised here are some more photos of the shed and workshop with all the exterior and interior walls finished. I will add guttering and drainpipes in due course.
     
    The next major area of work on the shed will be the turntable, associated pit and the 24 turntable roads. The basis for the turntable bridge will be one of the new 4mm 60ft Cowans Sheldon kits from Metalsmiths Ltd although I am not keen on the paxolin used for the girders and other components. Etched replacements will be used.
     
    Operation of the turntable has posed a few questions. As the shed will have a roof aligning track using the 'mark 1 eyeball' is not an option. After much research I have decided to use a stepper motor system from New York Railway Supply. For those interested I recommend visiting www.nyrs.com







  16. barrowroad
    While on the subject of the wheel drop I have enlarged a view of the wheel drop shelter taken from inside the shed. I am intrigued to know what was the purpose of the 'cupboard' doors at the based of the side wall. Another photo in my possession suggests their were similar 'cupboards' on the other side of the shelter.
    They could of course be for storage but maybe they gave access to the 'hydraulics' of the wheel drop. Ideas anyone?
     

  17. barrowroad
    The front elevation is now complete, painted and features two sets of doors which can be opened.
    Bays 2 & 4 were the only ones used during the 1950/60s so I decided to carry out some modification to the Rowmark and glazing in order to make these two operational. You will see from the attached photos that I have achieved this by cutting the inner door rowmark to make it thinner down the hinge edge in order to fix a piece of square section tube. This tube extends to the top and bottom to form fixing points & the hinge is formed by inserting a length of brass tube inside the full length to enable the door to open. This has been repeated for each door. The brass tube is long enough to fit through the baseboard.
    It is my intention to make the doors operational sometime in the future.








  18. barrowroad
    Having completed the front elevation I had a short break before starting the wall adjacent to the sidings by assembling the end wall. With only one window this proved to be an easy task until I realised I had forgotten to chamfer the upper layer of bricks. A few passes with a craft knife later and this is the result....

    followed by some paint....

     
    Moving on to the sidings wall here are some pics of the interior elevation with the second crane girder in position...

    and the exterior wall ready for a coat of primer...

    and finally a shot of both together...

     
    now back to the colouring.
  20. barrowroad
    This afternoon, at long last, I made a start on the model of Lawrence Hill Junction Signal Box. The basis of the model is another stunning kit of parts commissioned from York Modelmaking which arrived last week.
     
    The kit consists of a shell formed from interlocked peices of 2mm mdf onto which will be fixed the walls of the box made from laminations of Rowmark plastic. Each of the four walls consists of four layers of the plastic onto which is fixed a further layer on rustic cladding. So far this today I have assembled the mdf shell and most of the front elevation of the box. It will be noted that some of the windows are modelled in the open position as requested.
     
    The following sequence of photos shows the kit of parts and the build so far. I am particularly pleased with the fineness of the window frames and the glazing the latter will be fixed following painting.
     











     
    More updates to follow..........
  21. barrowroad
    It's a while since I did any work on the boards, so with the temporary lull in work on the shed buildings I decided to spend some time on the boards.
    The last work was cutting the styrofoam to produce the incline base on the boards north of Barrow Road road bridge. It is at this point that that incline begins at 1 in 89 rising to 1 in 60 up the bank to Fishponds Station.
    The styrofoam has been cut and fixed to the boards. Note the position for the North Exit from/to the shed where the trackwork will drop down to the coal plant - the trackwork in the shed yard being at a lower level than the main line which is to the left.

     
    Progress over the past week has been adding 5mm C&L foam underlay after making various cut outs in the boards to position tortoise point motors.

     
    I have added a 2.5mm layer of cork to the main line in order to give a raised based for the stone ballast.
     

  23. barrowroad
    Since receiving the model of the Coaling Tower from Peter Leyland I have been collecting research material on the operation of the tower with the intention of making the coaler operational.
    Whether this results in full operation, with the wagon tipper operational, or whether the wagon hoist is just raised under the hood, remains to be seen.
     

     
    Recently I obtained permission from West Coast Railways to visit their Carnforth Site in order to photograph the Coal & Ash Plants as part of this research. The most difficult part of the research was to identify the tipping mechanism of the plant which is obscured by the 'hood' at the top of the hoist.
    For those officionados of mechanical coaling plants here are a few close up photos taken with a telephoto lens. Unfortunately the plant has concrete cancer and for the usual health & safety reasons [ I did ask] I was not able to climb the plant [ sounds like Jack i the Beanstalk]. The other reason being the bottom 20ft of the access ladder had been cut off!
     





     
    I have other photos of details on both the Coal & Ash plants if anyone is interested.
    West Coast Railways kindly gave me a guided tour of the site where amongst other locos present I saw Scots Guardsman and the completed chassis of Jubilee 'Galatea'. A pleasure to see another former Barrow Road loco in the process of restoration.
     
    A trip down to the East Lancs followed with the sighting of another ex Barrow Road Jubilee 'Leander' and a trip behind her to Rawtenstall & return.
     
    Today I visited the History Centre at Chippenham where I found the 1937 GA drawing of Bristol LMS - Locomotive Coaling Plant - Ref 2515/409/0719ms. Excellent drawings of the end and front elevation with the 'hood' removed.This drawing has eluded me on previous visits not least because it is not with the other Barrow Road material - it was with the GWR Bath Road shed material - now I do'nt recall that railway having modern coaling facilities!
     
    In the meantime I am pressing on with the 'very long' ash disposal pits. An update will follow in the next few days.
  24. barrowroad
    I have just about recovered from a very busy but enjoyable weekend demonstrating at Scaleforum with two of my friends from the Glevum Area Group, Morgan and Paul.
    I took two of the boards to the demo - limited space at this years show prevented me taking any more - these being the roundhouse/workshop board and the sidings board alongside the shed.
    A selection of locos and rolling stock was on view together with research material. Thanks go to Morgan for demonstrating his CAD drawings of the 60ft Cowans Sheldon Turntable and the trackwork for Barrow Road on Templot. Despite a very busy weekend he even managed to fit in time to start making some adjustments to reposition the single slip on the mainline - I have decided to add and additional board at the rear of the shed to include Day's Road bridge. [ for those who have seen MRJ200 this is the bridge shown in the article].
    Thanks go to Paul for for also demonstrating Craig's superb wagon chassis kit and to Craig himself for also holding the fort whilst the team took their meal breaks.
    Thanks to all those RMwebbers who introduced themselves and for all the kind and encouraging comments the team received at the weekend.
    An excellent weekend all round.
    Sorry I only managed these 2 photos before the show opened - we were too busy for the rest of the weekend to add any more. The demo team Morgan - left & Paul right and yours truly behind the camera:rolleyes:


  25. barrowroad
    Last night I managed to mark out the all the rivet positions, punch out the holes and fit the rivets.
     
    The attached photo shows all the finished sleepers in position on the template.
     

     
    At the front of the photo is my press tool with the rivet closing tool fixed to it. A croosing sleeper is positioned in the tool to show operation.To the right is the ply punch tool. Both tools are interchangable in the press. In between these tools are 3 sleepers showing the stages of fixing rivets into the ply sleepers. From left to right we have an 8ft 6in ply sleeper with holes punched. Next are two 2mm rivets , followed by the rivets positioned in the holes prior to pressing them closed. Finally we have a finished sleeper complete with rivets.
     
    The tools were obtained from the Scalefour Stores some time ago.
     
    Next on the work schedule is the three 1:6 crossing vees.
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