Howard Smith

Thanks, I must admit neither have I, but I'm sure somebody might have done something similar somewhere... Somebody must have crashed into the fence at Pen a few times too looking at the state of it!

Thanks, not much to look at I know, but there are so many things like this to do on the layout.

It seems ages ago since the last post, so to keep things ticking over, I thought that I might share with you a few photos of the pale fencing for the yard hut for Penmawenmawr, as can be seen in this photo taken by Dave Sallery: Made from wood (most probably chestnut), this type of fencing is more commonly known as "Cleft fencing". It simply involves driving the wooden stakes into the ground which are usually held together by twisted galvanised wire. More common around beaches, it can easily be removed for re-use: This was acheived on the model by cutting thin strips of plastic card to form the stakes, which were then slotted and glued into drilled holes in a base which shall be hidden once ballasted around. One single strand of wire was then stripped from a cable and twisted/woven in and out and around the posts, both top and bottom. The real fence was a little irregular with repairs to the wire and the odd stake broken, meaning that the model had to be as well. Hope you all like it!

Hi Stu, That's fantastic info! Anything else you can share info wise on Pen would be appreciated (mishaps, stories, photos etc...). It will all come in handy when the layout is exhibited. Thanks

Thanks Peter, it's nice to hear encouraging comments.

Pugsley, True! I'm glad you noticed, it's spotting things like that that separate the men from the boys! I haven't got round to doing it just yet but using weathering powders like you say is just what I planned on doing. I'm waiting until the rake progresses though so that they look a little more harmonious when they are all done together, especially the rusted ones. I acquired another two last week (old RJH version so need modding), onwards and upwards eh?

Thanks Tom, yes I was rather busy at London.

I agree, just takes longer to assemble though.

Thanks.

It's not much use having a layout if there is nothing to run on it, and since progress has slowed I thought some of you may like to see some 7mm kit built M&M models dogfish ballast wagons which I have built. These have been modified as each one is based on a prototype working from period photographs. They have been super-detailed (I am in the process of adding detail to certain ones) and weathered, transfers being a mix of left-overs and home-made where no equivalent exists. The vacuum pipes connect up for extra authenticity. DB 983122 DB 983088 DB983006 (balsa wood footsteps being added) More are in the works.

Martin, I was wondering what was happening with the 37! Good to see an update. Howard

Very much so Steve. Thanks. Regards, Howard

Hello Tom, The layout has stayed in France for the time being, so measuring right now might be a little tricky^^ it is 3 courses of bricks high x 1 brick in width. It was originally a loco side grille from part of the MMP loco detailing set. I hope this helps you a bit. Regards, Howard

Very nice Steve, Another masterpiece in the making I'm sure. Howard

Hello Steve, I've only just come across this topic and it's nice to see some "proper modelling". Keep up the good work! Regards, Howard

Hello Tom, Yes that can be arranged I'll post a few up soon.. I just need to de-clutter first, but that's not a problem, it's due for one anyway. There won't be much to show though as none of the other buildings are permanently fitted, just the station platforms, but it may give you an idea of the length. Regards, Howard

Thanks, yes the stairs were a bit slow to do. They are concrete pre-fab's on the prototype, the box being of a 50's design. The original was destroyed during a train crash.

Hello Martin, Glad to hear you like it. The scratch-built footbridge in brass was started at the same time, but I think I might save that for a MAG article later on. Regards, Howard

A few spare minutes at the end of todays session allowed me to take some snaps so that you can see what's going on (and what's not!). Some photographs of the signal box were available on Fotopic before it went under, so I'm posting a few pics here in case anybody may be interested. View towards the station showing the North Wales Coast mainline disappear into the distant clutter. Just off to the right is the entrance to the ballast sidings. The box has yet to be fitted with fire buckets, door handles and other things. Lets get a bit closer...below are the doors giving access to where the point rodding mechanisms would once have been. The entrance looking through the door... Inside can be found the kitchen and leading off is the small bathroom. Just behind us is the old frame with instruments. The bathroom window is open...something must have died! Note the extractor fan. The ballasting is almost finished, yet to be sprayed the correct colour when the track gets the same treatment. Here are a couple of views looking from the platform, I don't think the scale of the stuff looks too bad: Things will start to look better soon(ish). Hope you all like it.

Just a quick post to show the hut painted as it now stands. Transfers were created using GIMP with BR typeface working from photos of the original, then printed onto transfer paper. You will notice the signage is in English as well as Welsh. Paints are a mixture of Halfords, Revell and Humbrol (both old and new). There are still a few details to be added to the doors on the container as I noticed they were omitted while uploading... I shall try and post something on the yard soon so stay tuned.

ok, you'll have to post some pics up then. Btw for your roof panel on your 33, have you looked here: http://class33.tripod.com/specification.htm or here: http://www.semgonline.com/diesel/class33_dat.html . They are small, but may give you an idea in relation to other measurements.

Hello Tom, Thanks for your comment, so I'm guessing there is possibly a "throne" in the shed somewhere then? As for the 37, I haven't anything in Regional railways livery yet unfortunately. I've still got two 31's to finish yet. Were you planning on doing one soon? Regards, Howard

Well I know they aren't much to look at, even in 7mm, but the yard hut and container for the layout are now more or less complete. As with the others, painting will take place at a later stage. As usual here follow the real / model photos. The yard hut in 1995. Photographed by Dave Sallery. In use by the looks of it as the window shutters are open. Does anybody know what the pipes entering it behind the sign are for? Water, electric? The same hut now drab looking , all locked up...I wonder why? If anyone can "shed" some light as to what this is (or was) used for please let me know. And now the model. The outside light has yet to be glued in place after painting: Constructed in plasticard (laminated 40 thou) with brass wire for pipes. Paper superglued to roof then scored to represent the layers of felt. The equipment container as can be seen in the background of the photo. I'm presuming this is used for relays or signalling equipment? Note the eyes at the top to allow it to be lifted by a crane: Hope you like them! Whilst here, have a look at a talented fellow railway modeller and graphic designer Michel Subrenat. Although being French, he lives in Portugal and his website http://www.msa-modelisme.eu/ shows his skills. One of which is creating his own etched kits.

Hello Dukedog and Steven, They are un-modded ready to run 7mm scale from Tower models. Too expensive for my taste (besides being the wrong era). The previous post may explain more about the process. The coaches themselves are well built (in china of course) and were spot soldered on presumably a production line. The only criticism would be the axles which are too high and do not coincide with the axlebox centres. Glazing is supplied with them. Regards, Howard

Completed a few month's back but not uploaded here is the completed rake of 5 coaches sprayed and lined for somebody. Painted as follows: 2 primer + 2 maroon + varnish + transfers (fox) + varnish. I don't think they look too bad. As he didn't want the interiors doing they have been left untouched.