mudmagnet

Another view, this time in colour.

A class 25 and class 47 at the refueling on Orchard Road, circa 1978

Oggy, thanks for comments. I'm not sure how much space there would be in 00 locos as the recent models don't have a great deal of space, but I'm sure someone will find a way. At least the 0 gauge locos have much more space!

Thanks, yes a few clay opens would look good. To be honest, I've not done anything else to East Yarde, instead have been concentrating on Orchard Road. However, with a bit of enthusiasm, I'm sure that I will get some more done. I've been held up waiting to get the platform sorted, plus making a start on the basic land forms. I will post photos when I make some more progress.

Thanks for your comments. There does seem to be quite some gloom in the shed - by accident more than design, but I am very pleased with the result! Interesting that you mention the smoke, I think that one of the developments from sound fitted locos would be puff of smoke when the engine fires and then prepares to move off. Probably something that could be done with a Seuthe smoke generator, but perhaps these do not produce the correct black / acrid smoke that you get with the diesel engine! Wow!, just noticed that this thread now has reached 250 posts - I'm astounded that this layout has generated some much. Thanks to all for your comments.

Very promising progress on the 33. I have updated and detailed my own 33, but not actually updated the chassis, but may need to look at this in light of what you have been doing. By coincidence, that James has posted a photo of your replacement motor bogie from High Level kits as a friend mentioned this to me the other day. We have both being discussing the Lima / Hornby Railroad 33 as an alternative the Heljan version and looks like the High Level kit is the way to go for my Lima 33. Will continue to follow with interest and looks like you have inspired me to dig my 33 out again! Mudmagnet

Hi, A few more small updates to share. I have been making a few more interior details for the depot building, taking inspiration from two books : 1) The Cromptons - Rail Portfolio 5, by Colin J Marsden, published by Ian Allan and specifically on page 55 showing a ''33" in the shed with short ladders leaning against the engine allow access to the cab doors 2) Diesels and Electrics on Shed - volume 5 - Southern Region by R.Kennedy, published by OPC There are several interior photos that are of specific interest, with various items that could be modelled. Of particular interest are the steps used to get up to 'platform' level. Of course this all before health and safety so I've also seen a few photos where access methods would never be allowed now! One in particular springs to mind - a few wooden planks laid across a couple of oil drums! I have therefore made a few more items and can be seen below. I have 'posed' a photo with the short ladders leaning against my own "33". Most of the details have not yet been glued in place, prefering to move these around until I am (a) happy with their final positions and (B) I still want to add a few more bits!

Another one! 33017 being checked over at Orchard Road.

A view inside the depot building at Orchard Road, awaiting arrival of the next locomotive.

Hi Cornish_Rail Not too long to wait for Hayle. Please come over and say hello. I expect that my son will take over the running, giving me time to chat!

Thanks Peter - glad you had a look at this thread! I think that it is the details that bring a layout to life!

No, it doesn't work! I'm not that clever! Glad you like it though! I've got a few more ideas / inspiration for more details which will be added over the coming weeks.

Hi Leon, I've just noticed that you have added a green tank alongside the fueling point. Just curious to know what's in the tank ? Thanks

Hi, I've added the roller shutter door to the main door on the depot building. The shutter itself is a piece of yellow thin card, with the diagonal black strips added with a black marker. Then the 'sections' are lightly scribbed, which also helps to roll round the spindle. The brackets, spindle and bearing bosses are from Evergreen sections. The bearing bosses were made with a larger tube (to suit the spindle), with smaller sections added each side. Then the 'gaps' have been filled with Squadran Green Putty and when dried filed smooth. Painting followed with Citadel grey and lightly weathered. The assembly was glued into place and a small chain added (a bit awkward this bit!) Next on the list is to finish the signal and get working. Not looking forward to fitting the wires between arm and levers / counterweights though!

Hi Ian, The track plan sort of developed by moving a few points around on the baseboards. The boards had already been made for another layout which for whatever reason never quite 'jelled' (I guess i'm not the only one who finds this to be case), which were about the right size for easy transportation, yet large enough to hopefully do something interesting. The overall vision seemed to grow, although I had a few solid ideas of what I wanted to add and how the layout should look. For example, as mentioned before, the bridge was an important feature and needed to be skewed for effect (there aren't many bridges that cross perpendicular to railways) and needed to be something from Devon and was modelled on the bridge at Lapford on the Barnstaple to Exeter line. The track was designed to look a bit more interesting and to provide some shunting moves for the fuel tankers. The siding through the bridge was an important feature to try to portray the 'rest' of the line beyond the bridge. It also acts as movable view blocker. I hope this helps Richard

Also, now fitted a new accessort decoder from a MERG kit (many thanks to Ray for sorting out and programming), which well with my NCE Powercab. The PowerCAB also has a 'macro' system, so have programmed to change more than one point at a time - i.e. for route setting, thius making changing multiple points easier and quicker.

Andrew, Good looking layout. Although I don't think that a layout is ever complete as there always seems to be something to add / repair / re-do. I've just noticed that the front of the scenics in front of the station drops down nicely - I like this feature. Sorry to hear about the work situation and hope that something comes up soon. Mudmagnet

I will keep an eye on those halogens! I work in the construction industy, so in and out of various commercial buildings, so just copy what I see. The steel work in these buildings can be quite complicated, but observation is the key (true for other things as well of course) and important on the model to add the cross-braces etc in the vertical sections. Also there will be 'wind-braces' in the roof between the steel work, plus the roof purlins to support the roof itself - none of this is seen from normal viewing angles, so not modelled - only model was is generally seen! I've also working in engineering, so some of the details (like the pump-trucks) are also copied from what I've seen. The I-beam / H-beam sections are from the excellent Evergreen range, they are a little expensive, but very good quality and glue easily with Mek-Pak. The next important job to do on the main building is to add the roller shutter door, which will have support brackets / bearings etc, plus the chain to open / close. I think that a motorised door (dummy of course) is not really necessary on this model, but would be relatively easir to add. I need to get this made in the next week or so. Mudmagnet

Thanks Grimleygrid, It's great fun putting together a few bits of Evergreen plastic profiles to make something unique. I don't remember seeing anything like these avaliable commercially. Have all the really fiddly bits to make to fill the benches and shelves, which will get done slowly.

Thanks Guy. It's one of those areas that bring a layout to life and one that I enjoy doing. I will quite happily sit and make details, paint and weather them.

I do like the view from inside the gloom looking outwards. An view not often seen and very effective!

Showing your age there! I would rather forget them myself. Marc, Have you tried the black aerosol from Citadel - this covers well and dries quite quickly?

Marc, Looking very good there! The mirror is extremely effective (more so that Hendre Lane, methinks). The new front section looks good as well, but I agree with you that the rocks needs a little bit of toning down. Have you been using Citadel paints for these? Mudmagnet

Matt, I do like your weathering on the latest batch of wagons. One question and forgive me if its the lighting, but the roof on the van looks are little too light?