Trevellan

Good grief! It's Gordon's Polish cousin...

I am currently ballasting my first SWAG module and have tried three different methods, none of which is ideal. I should point out that the RMweb module spec is for code 100 track and I have used Hornby long straights (R603) acquired for another project.

The CK method, as promulgated by Gordon, is probably the best compromise for code 75 track with correct sleeper spacings. However, I tried this on a short section of code 100 set track and, while it is feasible, I was already feeling vaguely homicidal after this small test piece!

I also tried applying a fine layer of adhesive with a syringe before adding ballast and vacuuming off the excess, but I also found this unsatisfactory for my purposes. I have therefore gone with the usual dry ballasting, followed by a mix of decorators' PVA with a few drops of matt leather and matt white acrylic paint and the obligatory drops of washing up liquid.

A second module will soon be following the first and I will probably pre-paint the sleepers and rail sides and use the Norman Solomon method. Track feeds are via PCB sleepers at each end of the board, so there's no worry about droppers.

 

It feels really strange to see something I used at work, now considered historic! ...

The time to worry Debs is when someone describes YOU as historic!

My interpretation of a large layout is one where near-scale length trains can be operated, e.g. up to 9/10/11 coach rakes. By definition, this will be at least 25' long to allow for a suitable scenic setting, preferably 30+ feet. I am a fan of big roundy-roundy layouts, but prefer those where the curves at each end are generous or disguised.

A small and rather belated contribution from me, depicting four different liveries carried by the class. I'm afraid I don't have details about the train IDs.

GBRf 66 716 at Broxbourne on Saturday 13th August 2005

Freightliner 66 538 at Southampton on 13th July 2010

Fastline 66 434 at South Tottenham on 17th September 2010

66 135 heads south at Ponders End on 20th April 2011

From what I recall of Allan's methods from the Model Town interview, I wonder how a nosy neighbour would interpret copious use of white powder and tins of solvent-based products .

Your layout Gordon is well and truly going to be one the great layouts of all time to be remembered for decades to come...

Especially by Gordon's timber merchant...

There's certainly an A4 attached to the buffer beam. 

Here's another couple of my happy snaps, taken on my former stamping grounds.

First is 37 120 at Broxbourne in August 1975. The coolant staining down the side of the loco would make an interesting weathering effect, I think.

Second is 37 110 on the stops at Liverpool Street on 28th September 1980. And yes, I did use a flash to get the shot because this part of the old station was always a bit murky. It's hard to believe that what was then an everyday shot is now over 33 years old! Must be a sign of advancing years...

Or something from George Orwell's "1984"...

I would guess from the fact you are returning it that this actually stopped the loco, or the lights failed or some other malfunction? Over the past twenty years I have had more capacitors than I can quickly remember fail on Chinese made locos - sometimes with quite splendid smoke effects - but this of course makes no difference to the running qualities. These components at least are clearly low, low, spec.

Indeed it did stop the loco. I did try it once again afterwards, but it was dead. Given that it was likely to be a PCB fault I didn't bother about testing the lights. Hattons were very good about it and said they will test the replacement before it is despatched.

At the risk of inviting howls of protest from a proportion of members, I have never had satisfactory running when operating a DCC chipped locomotive on DC and no longer try to do so. Others have mentined that once the decoder has been replaced by a blanking plug the running generally improves, which is hardly surprising.

My 40 141 was run in using a DCC controller and the loco needed CVs 3 and 4 adjusted before it ran smoothly. I'm now very happy with it.

Look what I found yesterday in one of my many modelling grot boxes. I remember buying several bags of these components in the mid-70s after David Jenkinson used same to build the track on the scenic section of Garsdale Road. I actually made some track too, but as these three are unopened I could put them on eBay as rare

My first example arrived from Hattons today in the shape of the maroon Consort. Initial impressions were very positive, but the loco managed less than 30 seconds on the test track before there was a loud pop, with a bright flash visible through the engine room window. This was followed by smoke drifting up through the fan vents, as if a smoke unit was fitted, complete with an appropriate burning smell. Needless to say, it will be heading back to Liverpool on Monday. I only hope they have sufficient stock to send a replacement.

I've read some of the grumbles about QC on this thread, but I've known friends who have bought very expensive computer equipment that has been DOA or malfunctioned soon after arrival. It happens.

A DCC controller is a totally different animal to a vintage DC controller like a Safety Minor. 

Er, yes, that's true - hence my ...

I have just resolved the problem with my 505 by recalibration, so thanks to all those who gave advice. I must admit it's something I would never have thought of. After all, my 42 year old H&M Safety Minor has never needed recalibration .

The presentation of the first layout in the OP is superb. The lighting rig alone is a very neat piece of work.

I don't know about whodunnits Gordon, but ET has had enough plot twists to outdo most film and TV directors! I'm looking forward to the happy ending, so to speak. Keep up the good work.

Why, is he going to make the decision?

If only...

Somewhere along the line, a decision has to be made by a benevolent autocrat.

Cue Andy Y...

Here's a couple more while I'm in the mood for editing.

37 027 is captured leaving Audley End with an up service on a cold and sunny New Year's Eve, 1979. I cocked up the timing of this shot - I should have got the nice banner repeater or the box, but not bits of both.

Around four months later, in April 1980, 37 035 is seen passing Hoddesdon with an up service. I was on the right side of the fence, by the way, but this view is impossible now because of the proliferation of vegetation.

The attachment is interesting on 37188, is the light a headlight, or is it a beacon ( like some knottingley 56s that had orange lights fitted )

My understanding is that these were effectively the forerunners of high intensity headlights and they were fitted for use on some of the more remote reaches of the system, i.e. colliery sidings. I'm sure there will be afficianados who will confirm or correct this.

EDIT: As predicted, I already stand corrected.

Here are two from me, both dating from 1974.

First we have 37 268 at the erstwhile stabling point at Liverpool Street, I think in April/May.

And second is this fine pair at Newport Ebbw Junction in June. As a bonus, Falcon was on shed that day, undergoing repair.

Before it was packed for a house move last September, my 505 developed a weird fault. Whenever forward or reverse was selected, a loco/unit would move with the speed control in the closed position until full power was being delivered. In other words, no real control at all. I found this rather disappointing given that it's only had occasional light use over the last five years or so. However, I like the basic design and looking at quality alternatives suggests an outlay of around  £400, so the 611 upgrade could be a fix - at least in the short term.

This is one of the most useful threads I've seen on RMweb for a while. Many thanks for taking the trouble Gordon.

As for thinking the good Captain is mad, who would dare suggest such a thing? Okay, get in the queue you lot...