The Black Hat

Some more of an update as to how things have been going on behind the scenes. With the station roof having had more work done and with the top of the tiles painted so that it all match, the big moment of flipping the layout through 90 degrees onto its side has come about and the station wiring underneath has been connected. With the wiring all in place it was time there was a massive moment of truth as the wiring needed to be connected to power for the first time. Would it all work? Given that the wires were rather small and I had taken the precaution of soldering them to the contact wires there was still the matter of has the build of the station damaged any. The station is glued down so there is little chance of getting to some in the centre for repairs. Once the boards are on really the station should be safe from damage as the board under the wiring turns it all into a massive box and is protected. Thankfully it all worked and the station all lit up (I shall get some photos). I was really pleased with the way it all looked as I was concerned that with so many lights into the building it would be far too bright and end up looking overpowered. Again, it was all looking fine, with the lights looking much like the real thing at Darlington and adding to the atmosphere. Rather than wait the second board was started and now the challenge is to complete the wiring here as well as add other areas where the webcams will go as well as some lights for around the station - such as street lights - as well as other areas into the main station buildings, which should include the clock tower too. While all this has been going on, the other locomotive project, being the creation of a BR Standard 9MT has been going well too. 79001 has been outshopped into BR green late crest and will probably end up being named Monarch the idea being that the class would take their names from some battleships. I was tempted with BR Black but given how close the model comes to a Brit the green will help it blend in amongst other classmates and that is part of the success that makes the ruse look real. Personally, I quite like the engine so don't doubt it will get plenty of comments when the time comes for exhibition.

I would think its a cert at some point. Given its been done by two FOC never mind model companies.

If I'm honest I cant see any forthcoming 66 being near what Accurascale are wanting, but then in the long run Accurascale's price is likely to rise something to where Bachmann might start from - thats IF they are doing a 66 after all. A big IF but their last 66 was about that point after all to undercut Hatton's - so even if they don't do a new one a Bachmann 66 will return at Accurascales price at a minimum. With regards Hattons, I can still see them making their own things. The Sandite wagon, container flats, some steam engines all have been well received. Things such as this I can see being repeated again in the future. It might have made business sense for the 66 tooling to move from one outfit to another in this case, but I can still see Hattons continuing as they have been for now.

I think its more a case of Bachmann were quite happy with the way that several people and groups rounded on Hatton's for doing the class 66. There was an awful lot of parroting and some cases of intense scrutiny over the model for some faults that were because the model was very adventurous in terms of scope. Yes a model for that amount should work but for not much less you had a Bachmann model with a litany of faults, compromises and issues that while good for the time spent in production was no match for the Hatton's counterpart. Like others, I can not see Bachmann not doing a new class 66. They have defended the 25, 37 and 47 in the range. Given the choice of others done I think 66 is much better to defend against than something like class 55. 66 has much in terms of scope and options, as well as with current delays in production building demand I think both can quite happily serve the market given how numerous and crucial class 66 is...

Brace yourself...

Hello all, With some time off work I am hoping to get more done on the layout this week. However, a sneek peek at a project that has been worked on for the layout, being the introduction of a BR Standard 9MT...

If I was making suggestions for liveries: EWS 66, near new. EWS 66 faded DB large logo 66506 Crewe Regeneration with the Railtrack branding instead of Freightliner on the cab. (Instant froth) Faded class 66/5 Freightliner GBRf 66 with the livery as blue and yellow in place of orange. Something like 66719 or 66740's ish that just had a yellow tone paint used instead of orange. GBRf Grey 66748 GBRf 66769 in Prostrate Cancer livery GBRf 66793 Railfreight trainload GBRf 66794 Railfreight trainload GBRf 66/7 as now. 66/6 in Freightliner 66434 in Fastline (ticks DRS and Fastline) 66/4 in simple DRS and obviously 66734 no. 2.

Scotsman pair done by Hattons so dont think there's a need to replicate that again.

That's my thoughts on this development. Out in the open, honest and building on the excellent relationship between company and customer. The Hatton's 66 is/was a good engine, with very little wrong with it overall and pushing the boundaries of what can be done. I think it got a massively unfair press from media, commentators and parrots repeating someone else's view without their own thinking. The toys thrown out of the pram over the model prove that it was done well and had to be undermined. The livery choices still allow for a number of different engines to be done, including some 'celebs' that have not been covered by anyone yet. I also think some done might be re-done with a model to higher standards, but will have to wait and see. An excellent move showing how the companies and parts within it can form effective and sensible ways forwards maximising the expertise of both. Some companies out there should take note. This is how its done.

Do a run with a high intensity headlamp and BR blue livery as if its been running on the mainline lately. That will get everyone rattled, but to be honest, I'd buy one!

Nice new announcement. Will be interesting to see how many jump from Hornby to Cavalex and upgrade. The livery and number choices are interesting. I will be after the GB machine and trainload petroleum.

The Mk 2 BSO is a standard coach in the WCRC pool isnt it, rather than a support coach? Just checking. Think the mini-buffet usually works of Southall, but somehow will be on a trip up north.

Think your right as I can't see Bachmann letting that workhorse drop from their range and think they would kick back over someone on that patch. Yes Hattons did one, but I dont think Accurascale are scared of anyone or any range. Hence the class 47 suggestion if its already too far down the route of being done. Darkhorse for anyone? How about a DCC Voyager - as they go to Glasgow... personally, think that would be the smartest move.

B1? - a lot of them built by North British, Glasgow....

HST is a shout... Personally I am thinking 66... Also rans, GBRF 50s as limited edition pack. Or Accurascale class 47 for shove-duff...

Ying, ying, ying, ying.... ?

You might want to think of saving up and getting a digital set up. It can take time but means you avoid the change over later on. I know how it takes time to save up when your younger for the next model, but really hope it all goes as you plan and that you become someone who can showcase enjoyment for the hobby for many others to admire.

Hello, following your updates with interest. Nice to see preservation being modelled and someone so eager to show their enthusiasm for the hobby. Are you running a digital system as I would recommend that so that you don't have to convert a load of engines later.

Mk 2z I think are needed, particularly in Brown and Cream for the Vintage Trains stock... to be honest. If Accurascale did these in Brown and Cream I'd have bought them and thought job done.

More spin on the back of that box than Graeme Swann at Lords...

The plywood on the side is holding up the roof as otherwise there would be nothing to keep it all in place. But you will be able to see into/under the roof... This will be from a series of cameras that will be mounted into the buildings, from part of the roof that is lifted out and from part of the side that you can see into. Holes in the side of the wall are cut into place. These can actually be back filled with a blanking, pieces so the whole wall can be left intact. The holes then allow a gap through the wall into the station... Meaning that if you peer down you get to see areas such as the ends of platforms 5 and 6... Or through into the station in the main train shed. At least thats the plan. Personally, I am looking forwards to seeing people able to walk up and peer into the station through one of the three gaps in the wall. I also think youngsters should like the chance to view this too, or bring out the childish elements of adults. So hope that helps show one element of looking in so far.

At the weekend the station boards with the whole train shed have been pushed together, giving for the first time the view of the combined trainshed over the station. There is still some scenery work to be done on the structure, with glasing needed and the roof centre spans added, but its now finally showing eventually what the whole structure would look like once completed. Some views include the station building and clock tower, again with the latter based off Darlington's iconic structure. While the whole thing does look impressive it does hide an awful lot of the detail that the station will feature within, but more soon on the ways that this will all be able to be seen. Some of those following the threat and noticing some things in photos might be able to see how some of this is happening. Will try and update again soon.

Hello all, Time for another update with all the progress that has been going on and seeing the results from the roof being put into place for the first time showing all three spans together. Above you can see the roof in place. For the first time its held against the rest of the structure, with clamps holding it to the baseboard while clearances, lining up and wiring is checked. It shows finally, the main roof part of the station coming together. The final span still needs more glasing ordering from Peco spares so that should be getting done soon. Some of the areas of the central span can be seen showing the joins where the roof can be lifted to allow people to see inside. One of the first views of the station seen from underneath, showing the massive trainshed. Theres still lots to do, such as fixing platform and signals into place, as well as adding more passengers to some areas of the build. The roof on the right is the new part fitted, over what will be platforms 5 and 6. Views from the centre lines through the station, now showing the span added to the right and seeing the start of the three spans with the glasswork and valance on the end of the roof. While modelled on Darlington, the platform layout is not quite the same, but one of the characters being the end of the roof can clearly be seen here. While mentioning the end of the roof, this shows the first view of the three spans together. There is still a lot of pillars, supporting detail and work done on presenting this end of the roof structure once its down, but this is also clearly showing the classic North Eastern Railway design that I have tried to replicate. Hope its all interesting. Comments are most welcome.

This wasnt a case of large company = bad, plucky little guy being untouchable. If anything the model railway sector has a case by case basis, although it helps when some companies can persuade others not to be too critical. DJ Models was a case in point (rightly so) of being taken to task, and KR models have had their fair share of questions and interest. Bachmann have been able to move on the sector in a number of different ways, but they too are not so untouchable and often spin more in statements than someone working out of Westminster. It nice to see some of their new staff not taking this option every time, but the EFE range has been a bolt on to Bachmann and allowed them to maintain distance to other things they are selling through their network. Realtrack have been brilliant at bringing some of the things to the front, such as decent lighting, making models where the kind of seats matter as much as the livery, orange door lights and good running quality. This is more a case of defending and loyalty for the hard work Charlie and Arran have done and a genuine case where the small team has done brilliantly and outshone the potential any thought they would show. Charlie has been honest enough about some developments in the 142 thread and no one wants to see people out of pocket, especially when facing bills and having something a lot less than a welfare state to fall back on. It will be interesting to see if things like this repeat again in the future.

Likewise, I thought that the EFE way of operating was that companies with tooling could make them and then sell them via the EFE range as part of accessing the distribution. However, its looking more as if tooling might for some sit with the factory and perhaps EFE is commissioning these as they then become available for further production and sale. Theres a lot of its, buts, maybe as those thinking about this really don't know and I would also assume this is heading towards legal territory if Intellectual property has been infringed. I do really feel for Charlie and Arran and the team. They have done a superb job bringing models and it has not been easy for them going up against established competition. As much as we welcome further models of things we would like, done at the expense of those genuinely developing the sector and industry just isn't on.