pirouets

I ask about whether it was released, and got the answer of around March because the lights are not right yet. I held one of the motorised samples and its a good weighty model. Whilst the blue/grey is what I would like for my layout, I have to say the Grand Central livery looked fantastic.

which the flies

Ah, the real American Dream Glad to see it worked out.

As a fellow fiddle yard struggler (I killed my last layout as a result) how did operation feel with the new design? Did you get that warm fuzzy feeling of a though becoming reality?

Ahh, patience. The death of many of my models in the past because I want to do it NOW!!! Looking at that picture Dave I also wonder how different it will look when the banks have their scenic coverings applied because at the moment you have the brown of the river against the brown ground cover.

In my tummy

Thanks for that. I'll let you know how I get on. Just debating whether to start on the wiring. I may also have a go at your platform technique so I feel a google search for Plastikote Suede coming on later rather than card with a scalescenes paper covering.

Dave I have been following this thread watching this develop and am happy to say I pinched the PVA and kitchen towel method from here, and will shortly be using a bit of "burnt umber" to cover the base of my scenic areas as well. The question this all leads to is back on page 2 you mentioned you used a variety of puffer bottles when applying the static grass, and I am interested in the variety. I have a noch puffer bottle which seems to work OK. Before I attack Alvescott I am planning to build a little area off the layout as a test bed so any tips I you can provide greatly received. Also, whilst I am asking, what did you use for your platform surface? Apologies if I missed this.

I'm starting to mull over just what to do with the fresh boards sitting down one side of the shed at the moment. Whilst there is the temptation to rush in, I made that mistake with the fiddle yard last time and it became the major reason for the destruction of Wycliffe. I am playing with various configurations, but I may hold fire until the code 55 3 way point is released. Hopefully that will be at some point in Q4 of this year. in the mean time the debate goes on within the darkest recesses of my brain as to what's next. There seem to be little groups of men scurrying around in there with differing idea's currently going something along the lines of 1st group - It should have big station Next group - don't be daft, that hasn't worked the last 2 times, so just 2 tracks in scenery Next group - Nah, do something like a set of exchange sidings by the main line. You know like the bit on the way to Paddinton where those old EWS trucks are sitting. Its near Southall lone voice in the corner - Try P4 everyone - Get him :-) Seriously though, in the above there are 3 ideas The first is a main line running past a load of semi's, with may be just a passing loop on either side. The second is a main line with a couple of carriage sidings on one side, and a large set of exchange sidings the other. The 3rd is based on a C Freezer plan. If you have PSL Book of Model Railway Track Plans, go to plan 70a I have sketched out the second which currently is leading, and I am doing some reading on exchange sidings, but we shall see where my inner demons go over the coming months. The three things by the way I can share are It will be Diesel with the ability to be green or blue era It will be a roundy for watching trains go by It will interlink to the other side of the shed so in the future when I decide I have had enough of Cumberland Road I can link it with some form or terminus station.

Kids in Glass Houses - Dirt Album

Not sure how many of you remember the film "field of dreams" with the line, "if you build it he will come", but I finally got round to giving the track a good clean. OK, I used a track rubber becuase at the moment that is what I have, but boy O boy did it make a difference. In fact it got me thinking that as well as running trains and building things I need to try and start a regular cleaning cycle, but what does that entail? 1. Track, well that one is obvious 2. Loco wheels. I lubricate the loco's but I have no way of cleaning the wheels. Needs looking into and will see what Aly Paly has to offer on this one. 3. Plastic wheels on wagons. Orrible things and I am going to start looking at replacing all of these as they are real "cludge" grabbers. Having counted the wagons I will need around 180 sets to replace on the peco wagons. 4. Coach wheels. Metal and they don't look to bad, but they still need cleaning 5. Hoover the shed to keep the dust down 6. Hoover the layout to keep the dust off 7. Air the shed to help keep it fresh and the damp air from building up. If I come up with any form of magic new trick that has not been posted, i'll let you know, but I think it will more be copying everything that has gone before.

I have a day of playing with Excel spreadsheets (Now that would be a song title) Only way to help me through is listen to whatever planet rock throws at me.

Faries who went