P.C.M

As mentioned earlier 31444 has finally left the workbench. The lima body was one of the last repaints i did in the UK before coming out to Australia. I have replaced the roof grille with a shawplan one from the spares box. Not planned was having to fit laser glaze windows I wanted to improve the lima ones, but it didn't work out . I am happy with the laser glaze but they aren't cheap. The lima body and chassis are now powered by Hornby motor and bogies pick up cheap. I have also fitted the TTS sound that didn't work in my other class 31. Cheers Peter.

I like that.

Hi Paul, Thanks for your kind words, Llanbourne was never going to be a quick project and I am happy with how it has turned out plus as the saying goes a layout is never really finished is it. All the best Peter.

Thanks Jeff, Problem is the layout is now getting very old. Things are starting to look a bit tired, I need to get a few things finished before the older bits fall apart. Plus I am building the 7mm which probably isn't helping. I do tend to do what a feel like doing but sometimes I need to just get on with some buildings which I do enjoy once I get started. Hope you are going ok. Cheers Peter.

One of the reasons Llanbourne isn't finished after all these years is I spend too much time on stock. Currently on the bench is a Lima class 31 which I repainted 25 years ago, it will be paired with a Hornby 31 chassis hopefully sometime this week. Also some barrier wagons that have been in bits for some time and a Bachmann Peak which was stripped over two years ago. I have used a spare early body to sort the nose grilles and provide sealed beam lights. I know the Heljan Peak is due and later the new Bachmann 45. But this was already in bits so would be a waste if I didn't try and finish it. Though it's still a long way off. Cheers Peter.

Hi Ian, you might have to build a layout for them if you keep going. Cheers Peter.

No worries Andy, happy to help.lol though it looks like you have it worked out.

Some good progress on the traverser.

Tell you what Andy, you could model Midland/ Scottish region with what you have then remove the Scottish 37s 40 and the 20s. Add a 33 and a few 50s and have it western/ southern based layout. Cheers Peter.

Hi Andy, Great to see the layout will work ok in it's new home. I am sure once you get a class 33 a class 50 wont be too far behind. lol Cheers Peter.

Thats Great Al, No worries I am happy to see how you go. looking good so far. Cheers Peter.

Hi Al, your 37423 looks great. My nameplates arrived the other day they are a lovely etch. Following your work on the class 26 tanks too I will have to do that to mine. I am still interested in the tanks when you get a chance to go to the post office. Cheers Peter.

Hi Ian, Hope you are going ok. I have been really good I haven't bought any oo gauge loco's in ages. Though a Heljan class 45 and 25 could be on the cards. Cheers Peter.

I wont hold my breath. I have wired in a few decoders now so I am not too bothered that the Heljan are not plug and play though agree for the money they should be. One of the reasons for the slow progress on the 7mm is that the oo still gets plenty of time spent on it. I was running it the other day. One of the uncouplers failed so I replaced that plus I have a Lima / Hornby class 31 on the go. As for more stock I would like a few new Peaks and will be interested to see the new Heljan class 25. but as far as oo stock I need very little. Cheers Peter.

Thanks Jinty, I am getting the layout done but slowly, I now have a 20 and 25 with Zimo sound and I haven't missed the fan not working and as you say they do get noisy. My class 45 has an XL decoder and the fan can be turned on and off. So far it isn't noisy but I can turn it off if I need to. Always enjoy seeing your latest weathering work those class 37/4s look great. Cheers Peter.

Not a lot to report on layout progress, but a new arrival that will eventually become Motherwell based 20122.

Hi, Well I wired up the loco but being as the Heljan model has a seperate motor for the fan the Zimo decoder couldn't do it. I think a seperate decoder would need to be fitted or an XL decoder for 7mm loco's like the one fitted to my class 45. I dimmed the lights by using a CV but can't remember what number it was at the moment. The SLW 24s don't as far as i know have a seperate motor for the fan so I am not sure how you would do it, sorry. Cheers Peter.

Thanks Nick, Still plenty to do. Just need to find the time. Cheers Peter.

A couple of pics taken today.

Hi, Just been catching up, the layout is looking great. Nice to see some stock on the layout and getting a run. Cheers Peter.

No worries, I agree it's not the best set up, not helped by the centre wheel sitting lower than the others. though worse on the 37s. Cheers Peter.

Hi Dave, As always nice to see a few pics. I am glad you got your 47s running better but I notice the front bogie on 47715 looks a bit low on the inner end. It is possible that its not clipped in properly. I have noticed having taken a few apart the when clipping the bogie frame back on it can slip to one side a bit. it will clip back in but not sit quite right. I normally attach at the inner end then clip the front in second. Well done on 4,000 posts. All the best Peter.

Hi Will, We are all good here. Lockdown here isn't as bad as in the UK. From memory the pick ups on the Vitrains 37 are not the best set up so making your own would have certainly helped. The class 90 could certainly be dragged onto the layout maybe on its way to an open day or from have been in works. Cheers Peter.

Hi Jez , Hows it going? Yep remember the white horse. Can't find a pic at the moment but I know I have a couple. There were a few 33s with cats too. Cheers Peter.