Killybegs

As threatened, I have started a thread on Worseter under 'Layout Topics'. Initial entry covers the first steps in scratch building a pair of coaches.

Previous entries can be found on my blog. My current project is scratch building a pair of coaches in plasticard. I came across a great photo, in GWRJ, of a Prairie tank and a couple of coaches crossing the Worcester and Birmingham canal on 'my' bridge. A little research led me to believe that the coaches were ex GWR, a C83 non-corridor and a D132 non-corridoe brake. As I couldn't locate any suitable kits, I decided to scratch build them. The photo below shows progress to date. In the picture are the middle and inner skins, both 0.50mm thick. The middle layer will contain the glazing and the inner layer will hold it in place. The next job is to form the slight tumblehome on the middle layer by a spot of scraping and sanding. The 0.25 thick outer skin (not yet cut out) will then be fitted. This method of construction allows the coach to be painted prior to fitting the glazing. To be continued .......

Does it have to be on runners. I have a table made up of a thick plywood top on IKEA legs that can slide under the layout when not in use.

That's going to be one impressive layout. Good luck.

You are most welcome and very kind

Absolutely first class

Very impressive

Did you know she had a sister who was married to the stationmaster at Clinkerford in the Forest of Dean. They seem to have shared the enthusiasm for gardening, even had a similar trug!

Hi Mikkel, Thanks for the kind comments. There's still a lot of work to do in the shed yard but I promise not to clutter it up, mostly piles of ash and the odd shovel. The shed is only a couple of years away from closure so will be modelled in a fairly run down state, plenty of weeds! The biggest project is the shed building on which work has commenced, I have had etches done for the roof walkways, windows, etc. The lamp is scratch built. The lantern is made from clear plastic with the frame painted on. The top and bottom are made up from layers of plasticard shaped to suit. The ornamental bracket, which doesn't really show up in these photos, is soldered up with brass rod and fuse wire. John

I can't believe its nearly a year since I last posted on this blog. In the last nine months I have: Built an incline connecting the fiddle yard to the low level section that will house the MPD. This also involved modifying the removable bridge section that carries the tracks across the doorway. The track for the MPD has been built, laid, ballasted and wired up. The base for the MPD including inspection pits was also installed at this time. The coaling stage/water tower was built. I finally got around to finishing a Malcolm Mitchell mogul that I started about fifteen years ago. Now that I am spending pretty much all my time on Worseter, perhaps it ought to have its own blog. Anyway, here are a few pics to be going on with. The shed has to accomodate Midland Region locos following the closure of their shed Through a momentary break in the storm clouds, the winter sun illuminates 6154 5326 waits for coal

By coincidence, while looking for something else, I came across this old photo, in an old album, showing the footbridge. Also, one taken further up the line at Frampton Mansell. I used to live in the old lock keepers cottage below here and had to cross the line to get in and out (on foot!). John

Excellent work as usual Robin. Your louvres look a lot more substantial than my efforts with plastic card! John

Very realistic. Excellent work.

Or you could consider using the Hornby variety - available as spares. Part nos X6113 (plug) and X9958 (socket).

Beautiful

This is the coaling stage/water tower for my Worseter layout. Scratch built, based on Stratford on Avon.

Goodness me Tim, I couldn't agree more! It also means you can 'label' tou's, connections, etc. with a marker pen. John

Stick at it, it's going to look great when it's sorted.

Great work Dave, good to see progress. John

Nice work Robin. Glad to see you have been busy. John

Ah-ha, I wondered what you had been up to Robin

It's looking good.

Good to see more track going down Robin. Keep up the good work. John

Well Donegal really. Just taking advantage of another sunny day (that's nine in a row) to take some pics of some recently refurbished stock. The coaches (Comet) have had their bogies replaced by Bill Bedford's and now glide beautifully through the slips in the fiddle yard. The cosmetic sides were removed from the old Comet bogies and, after having the rear faces opened out to allow the springing to work, were epoxied to the new bogies. The coaches have also had a bit more weathering applied and the large prairie has had a general overhaul and a few mods to the springing of the radial axle. All this work has been carried out in readiness for the stock to appear on Clinkerford when it adopts BR guise for a day ay York Show this Easter. The shot below shows 6154 coasting down the bank with the afternoon local.