dseagull

Blurb;

Quote

 

Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this 5-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway. Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings. Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government. But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history. All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape. Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway –the Bluebell Line - but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.

 

Writer: Roy Apps Reader: Penelope Keith Director: Celia de Wolff Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

 

First part was tonight, and quite enjoyable too!

Should be available on catchup at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00101lh

45 minutes ago, Gopher said:

Did anyone else have a mis-spent youth and experiment with weed killer (sodium chlorate I think) and sugar to make an explosive ?

 

One of my child hood mates was a bit of a maniac with this stuff.  We used to put it into sealed tobacco tins or copper pipe (with one end hammered down, and a stone in the other).  Light a short fuse and run like hell.  The copper pipe was a basically a cannon. If it did not blow up the stone was propelled at some velocity. 

 

I lost touch with him years ago - I hope he is still in one piece.  Another kid in the village where I grew up, destroyed an old World War 2 air raid shelter with a similar but much larger concoction.  He ended up in the Royal Navy. 

 

I hope there are not similar characters in LM.  Much too picturesque to be blown up. 

  

Now you've done it....

Not quite as impressive as some, but still an interesting survivor. Was wandering through Eastbourne station yesterday when I had the sudden realisation that the platform numbers (on the glass, not the platforms themselves) date from Network SouthEast times. I thought the last sign (for the cycle rack IIRC) had gone a few years previously, but the numbers are still there.

Photo; https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-eastbourne-railway-station-uk-53347525.html

Couple of ropey snaps (mobile dangled through the fence) of a pair of GBRF 73's at Eastbourne, 26th March. Departmental rather than freight, but still, not the most common visitors to Eastbourne these days. I think they started from and returned to Tonbridge, taking in a very circuitous route. 

There is an 'as required' service from Horsham Yard-Horsham Yard which takes in nearly everywhere with a rail connection in Sussex timetabled most days. Every morning since I started working in Eastbourne again (1st March) I have diligently checked Realtimetrains, and haven't managed to find it running yet however!

On 05/04/2021 at 17:41, 2mmMark said:

Tamiya do some photo-etch scissors which make cutting delicate items off the fret an absolute doddle.  As do Xuron.

What they both fail to offer is a tool to find them in the carpet afterwards.

Mark

To the inventing shed, I've found a market, now I just need to work out how to make a palm-sized metal detector...!

I never fail to be impressed by those who design their own etches for things as tiny and delicate as can be used in 2mm. Looks a great project, looking forward to following.

1 hour ago, Geordie Exile said:

Not specifically a 2mm question, but here goes.  Is there such a thing as the electrical equivalent of a dead man's handle (a plug adaptor would be ideal) so if I go to bed and forget to switch my soldering iron off...  I know some irons come with this feature, but I don't want to buy a new one.  Yet.

Not tried it, but this ought to do the job...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-countdown-rundown-conserve-electricity/dp/B00U0AAM7Q/

Just had a look on Twitter, issues reported widely.

response from eBay to one user;

Very smart Mark. Just had an enjoyable few minutes searching for photos - seems to be several different variants of the Van, hardly surprising given it's long lifespan!

I think this is the same model though...

1933 Austin 7 Van (21672694740)
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Spokes might be a bit of a challenge given how they cross over each other, but a starting handle and an impression of whatever that is (brakes? suspension?) in front of the front axle would make a big difference. Even painting the axle end to represent a hubcab may help. Better put my money where my mouth is and keep an eye out for one on eBay though!

Thanks Gents, very useful.

I have the dimensions for my principle buildings (not the plan posted a while ago!) and I've since remembered I have some 3mm foamboard, so may give that a try as well. 

One more from me as well - what thickness of plasticard do people tend to use for building shell construction? 

And there was me thinking it was the surprise discovery of gold in the latest coal shipment...

Very nice. Always amazes me how much the fairly straightforward (in the scheme of things!) replacement of things like handrails and lamp irons from moulded on versions makes!

On 06/01/2021 at 21:05, Robert Shrives said:

Once tested I guess some glue to fill the hole and provide a chemical anchor to the feed.  I recall ballasting with out sealing the hole of a few wire droppers and ended up with loose ballast to chase around for a while ! 

 

Great work and thanks for all the information.   A great bit of the network to model. 

Polystyrene balls are always good to fill feed holes (the sort you find inside beanbags etc). Very easily mould to fit the hole when poked in with the business end of a small screwdriver. Make sure you have soldered the feed first!

2 hours ago, Ian Morgan said:

Could be a bit of a climb over Seaford Head

 

The basic layout is similar to our Alresford layout from 30 years ago, except it had one more point in the goods yard. With three sidings, we spent many an hour at exhibitions shuffling trucks around the goods yard while trains passed up and down the main line.

 

Have fun.

Thanks Ian; Funnily enough I have a 'three siding' variant as well, and also one with a siding off the loop, running down to a cattle dock and terminating behind/near the signal box, but part of the attraction of 2mm for me is the feeling of space, so didn't want to try and cram too much in.

Admittedly, I am playing a little with the geology! - although the 'might have been' would have done as well (perhaps even more so!); See https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/8fcf6125-3f05-4f65-b829-909f96456d9b 

Hi all;

Happy new year! - let's hope this one is remembered for better reasons than the last. In June last year I joined the 2mm Association having recently moved into our new house. Whilst the events of last year put us behind where we wanted to be at this point, I am still very keen to restart modelling and as such, have been playing around with a few ideas for my first 2mm project, and now that the Christmas spending is out of the way (3 kids!), I have a new soldering station awaiting purchase with the 2mm Mineral Wagon starter kit sitting on my desk. 

The below is the plan, based on a long-standing idea for a 'might of been' line running from Seaford, through the Cuckmere Valley, rejoining what is now the Brighton-Eastbourne 'East Coastway' line between Berwick and Polegate. Whilst it didn't happen in reality, there were some proposals and shingle extraction at Cuckmere Haven did have an industrial, narrow gauge line until the 60's. The layout itself will be set immediately pre-WW1, running LBSCR stock, of which I have seen there is a surprising amount available.

All points are B9, which will allow me to use the Easitrac pegged turnout kits (I think!) which, given that I have struggled with soldering in the past makes sense to me. What I enjoy most is scenics, and all buildings are mostly scaled down versions of prototypes within the local area (the Church, for example, is the one at Litlington ), whilst the station building is Hailsham for which plans (helpfully to 2mm scale!) exist in the A.C Elliott/Wild Swan 'Cuckoo Line' book currently sitting on my bookshelf, with the others dimensionally accurate for certain Scalescenes kits.

Does this seem like a sensible/achievable plan? Any obvious flaws/areas which will cause me difficulty in trackbuilding/laying? The ultimate goal would be to get this to an exhibitable stage one day. 

Thanks

Coming along very nicely. As a complete newcomer to 2mm and indeed etched kit building, I thought Nick's videos were superb and very useful! Thanks for the tip re the Trespa samples, got some on order.

Paint it yellow, stick a transfer on it...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/N-Gauge-Hrybrid-Lima-Chassis-German-Shell-Re-painted-Network-Rail/114255071009?_trkparms=aid%3D1110009%26algo%3DSPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225114%26meid%3Dc145f8e8fa054e03b8f28639b9c764be%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D193509315016%26itm%3D114255071009%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3Ddefault&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219

With my football Secretary hat on - our AGM would usually be late June;

I had an email today from our Vice Chairman as follows, which I'm sure he won't mind me reproducing here;

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On Wednesday, the Government has published a Bill to relax various corporate governance requirements during the coronacrisis.  When passed by Parliament, the legislation will permit government to relax the statutory requirements for companies, charities etc to hold AGMs in person.  See following extract from the Explanatory Notes to the Bill.

 

This ought to influence the FA in relation to football club AGMs...

 

Ian

 

 

Meetings of companies and other bodies

 

47 A company may be required by legislation or its constitution to take certain key decisions by passing a resolution of the members of the company (for example, a change to the company’s articles of association). Public companies can only pass a resolution of the members by holding a general meeting (section 281 of the Companies Act 2006 (“the CA 2006”)), and other companies may be required to do so as a consequence of their articles.

 

48 Members also have the right to require directors to call a general meeting (section 303, CA 2006). Public companies and certain private companies have a statutory duty to hold an annual general meeting (“AGM”) within a specified period and failure to comply is a criminal offence (section 336, CA 2006). Mutual societies (including registered branches of friendly societies) and charitable incorporated organisations may also be required to hold an AGM or other meetings by legislation or their own constitution or rules.

 

49 The constitution or rules of companies and other bodies may also require that AGMs and other meetings are held in a particular way. For example, it may be required that meetings be held in person or at a particular place. The Government has introduced temporary emergency measures across the UK which require certain businesses to close, which prevent anyone leaving the place where they live without reasonable excuse and which ban public gatherings of more than two people. These emergency restrictions have been put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 but may have prevented, and may continue to prevent, companies and other bodies from being able to hold AGMs at the time required by, and in a manner consistent with, legislation or their constitutional arrangements.

 

50 These measures are intended to introduce temporary relaxations to enable companies and other bodies to hold AGMs and other meetings in a manner that is consistent with their constitutional arrangements and the need to limit the spread of COVID-19. During the temporary period in which these measures are in force, companies and other bodies will be given greater flexibility as to the manner in which such meetings are held. For example, they will be able hold meetings, and allow votes to be cast, by electronic means.

 

51 The measures also make provision to extend the period within which companies and other bodies must hold an AGM, in order to offer further flexibility if required. Those bodies with a deadline for holding an AGM expiring between 26 March 2020 and 30 September 2020 will be given until 30 September to hold their AGM, taking advantage of the more flexible arrangements for holding such meetings which are introduced by this Bill. There is also a power to provide for further temporary extensions of any deadlines for holding an AGM.

 

52 These measures will only apply in respect of a temporary period which begins on 26 March 2020 and runs until the end of September. There is a power to extend that period by up to three months at a time, but the temporary period cannot be extended beyond the end of the current financial year.

I think those slates are as good as any I've seen in any scale and as Don says, the white really helps with the texture - I wonder if a very similar consistency of an olive might give a good impression of moss/lichen in the relevant dark/damp corners?

Thanks all, a lot of useful information there. Unfortunately the hoover now needs replacing, so will have to wait until payday, but I will start to put together a soldering toolkit within the next couple of weeks - and join the Association as well.

Further to my previous question(s), the starter pack has now arrived, and enthusiasm remains high! - was very impressed with the 'Getting Started' book which explains things very well, my compliments to those involved in its creation.

One more if I may; Would this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Q4T12PH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2NRY4HOWAHJOF&psc=1 - be a suitable soldering iron/set to get me started?

Thanks

2 minutes ago, richbrummitt said:

 

I'm a big fan of horse boxes could you post a link please?

Here you go Rich. 

https://www.shapeways.com/product/ESZG4WRES/ser-lbscr-horse-box-dia-19b-n-scale-1-152?optionId=104265429&li=marketplace

6 hours ago, Ian Morgan said:

 

I used David Eveleigh etches for 18 foot GWR chassis for the Stroudleys, which do not have to be stretched like the 15' Peco ones. I created my own etch overlays to Brightonise them. I have some spare if you want them. I created 3D printed buffer beams and battery boxes (for Isle of Wight use) which are on Shapeways. Wheels and top hat bearings from the 2mm Scale Association.

 

Find the 18 foot chassis on Sheet 10 here:

 

http://www.2mm.org.uk/small_suppliers/davideveleigh/index.htm

 

 

Thanks Ian, very useful to know. I was looking at the Billinton coaches, but it is some way off at present! There is also a rather nice Horsebox I've seen on Shapeways which appeals. 

Excellent, thanks Ian;

The Etched Pixels coaches require a 15' wheelbase chassis. I couldn't see any of these on the Association shop. Is there a particular one that could be modified, or are any close enough that the difference isn't noticeable?

Many thanks for your comments - as I expected, really! It has been a few years since I tried soldering, so I will get some new equipment and give it a go (Jim, thanks for your kind offer - I will be in touch).

Starter park ordered and already on the way.

Having bought our first house in January, I am now at the stage where I can think about a return to modelling, after several stalled projects. It won't be an immediate return - we have a large area of thick jungle to clear in the garden before a shed can be purchased and built, but we are desperate to be in a position to have that done by the end of the summer, pandemic allowing.

I have been modelling in 00, and primarily enjoy building over operation, particularly scenery (one of my scratchbuilt buildings ) . Recently I've found myself drawn to this sub forum more and more, thanks to some of the stunning work on show, and over the last couple of days have been wondering if I should dip a toe in the 2mm waters. I don't really have any 00 stock at present, aside from some kitbuilt (Cambrian) wagons all in need of repair after the move, so I wouldn't be losing out on essentially starting again. What does concern me, and would affect any move to finer standards, is my atrocious soldering skills. The last time I soldered a track feed, it took me close to an hour. I have seen Easitrac on the Association website which certainly seems easier, although I know I would have to bite the bullet at some point and learn how to solder properly (unless, he asks more in hope than expectation, such things as chassis and pointwork can safely be assembled with superglue?)

What I was planning to 'do' before these thoughts on change of scale/gauge was an immediately pre-WW1 'might have been' LBSCR branchline ('the plan' has a double slip, so it will need some revision if I'm being realistic!) , and as I have been collecting research material on this, I think I would stick with it. 

So; Would a good starting point be to order the 2mm Association 'Getting started' book and wagon kit and see how i go from there?