3 link

I’m not sure if I’m alone, but the main reason I chose to go DCC was because in my opinion it gave much smoother and better running, and I like to control the coasting and braking. After around an hour running with the sound on, I do turn the sound off, because it’s like an “ ear worm “ and the noise stays rattling around my skull for hours after. I went to an exhibition ( remember them ) a few years ago, and there was a American layout on show. Not a problem in it’s self, but the operators had the sound much too loud , the noise reverberated around the hall so much so you could hear it even in the entrance lobby. It wouldn’t of been so bad but you also have that constant bell ringing that the Americans love so much… End of rant, Martyn.

And if you want to keep the prices down, make your own frogs and switch blades. Not to hard to do mainly a couple of good files and some elbow grease. C&L point kits work out very expensive, so make your own but use their parts. Martyn.

Hi, Could anyone tell me if Touchcab is still operating as it should? I have just updated my iPhone to an X-R and I have a few issues... cheers, Martyn.

I have put a joggle in the trackwork below, there are various methods to obtain this and it works fine in OMF. Looking at the photos I hope you can see my efforts. Regards, Martyn.

Still waiting for an update......

Another late reply, if there's anybody interested there is a full size Barry Slip at Ropely on the Mid Hants line. Martyn.

My box of goodies turned up today, and they certainly look the business, look even better once I get them weathered.

Evening Dave, Amazing layout, I always look forward to your updates. Regarding the trees, I do not think there are ever enough trees adorning most layouts, so more the merrier in my opinion. Regards, Martyn.,

Hi Simon, I wouldn't be without Touchcab, no leads, ease of use and even I could set it up without breaking into a sweat. I haven't heard any news of it being withdrawn, I certainly hope not fingers crossed. All the best, Martyn.

Come and join us, 7mm is the way to go..... : )

Thank you Chris, I must admit the use of my air brush is not very appealing especially this time of year, so I will have a go with your methods. All the best, Martyn.

Hi Chris, Very well done, was this achieved with an air brush or just weathering powders? Regards, Martyn.

Absolutely awesome.....

Hi Rod, It all depends on what type of fire station you are going for. A normal 24 hr covered station will usually have a 5 floor training tower. Whereas some, usually the larger stations will also have a BA training centre which would consist of a couple of industrial looking buildings and an old 40 ft steel container. These containers were a baptism of fire to the recruits, if they didn't come out with blisters on their ears they weren't doing the job properly...... Mind you it's all changed since I started, you cannot even say " manhole cover " nowadays just " personnel cover".... Still I'll leave it there. Martyn.

Merry Christmas Simon, I have just shown my wife your amazing layout and she reckons you must live on site, in the first photo that you have put up today the wife reckons in the left hand corner you have your washing hanging up ! : ) Anyway all the best and keep up the good work, Martyn.

Hi Steve, Are they Severn mill plates? Now it looks like I'll need a set : ) Martyn.

File your own, cheaper and no waiting for deliveries. Martyn.

Evening David, Great work as usual, all those photos have so much atmosphere. It has to be one of my favourite layouts, up there with Hursley and Ditchling Green. I notice the retaining wall is still missing a plump wood pigeon, or was it to be a seagull ? All the best, Martyn.

I Thought you might like this photo taken the winter of 62/63. Martyn.

Morning Simon, Wow! , that last picture has so much atmosphere, it has certainly been worth all the effort you have put in so far. Once the buildings weathered it will be stunning . ATB, Martyn.

Thank you for the kind words Dave, I have been on a bit of a go slow of late but hopefully the mojo is returning. Sometimes I think I have taken on a bit too much being a one man band, but I'm enjoying the journey. It's great that I will finally get to see your fantastic layout, like I said on your blog, Portsmouth is only around 30 minutes drive away. If it hadn't been for your blog I didnt even know about the exhibition, perhaps they need to advertise it more widely. All the best, Martyn.

Dave, Your eye for detail is amazing, the internal sides of wagons is so often forgotten, let alone to go for so much added detail, brilliant. And thanks for the heads up, Portsmouth is about a 20 minute drive for me, so I will finally get to see the layout. Martyn. ( with the returning mojo, at last. )

Evening George, Interesting track plan, and loads of different shunting moves on offer, so should keep you busy for a while. Martyn.

Morning Simon, The shed and it’s roof and framework look amazing, so much atmosphere already . I think you have found your calling in life, a cottage industry beckons : ) ATB, Martyn.