Doughnut

Thanks Ken.... but I'd have to tidy up! Dave

Connex livery and sound too...imploding with envy here! That last vid is quality! Dave

Sounds like a plan. Noticed you mentioned you'd been operating trains earlier today.... and with a 205 as well. Don't know which I'm more envious of, you being able to watch them go by or that you've got a 205. Dave

Cheers Ken. Yes,I didn't notice the spirit level myself, till it was mentioned. Starting to look like Blackpool Illuminations round here, with all these red, amber and green lights. Dave

Looking real good! Bumpers on the canopy stanchions.......very impressed by that! That's what I call detail! Looking forward to seeing the Signals you were mulling over, when they're done, too. They're the new type ..LED signals by the looks of it. Should really set the scene when they're in. Dave

Just been sniffing out your latest pics Jaz/Kal and I've got to say the the village scenes are Top Drawer! The 3 Minis on the Rover truck by the station, could be a day-out pic at the real Goathland! Wish I could hire you out to do the townscene at the top of my layout, once the railway has been done. Dave

Many thanks. Been at the wiring again today and yes Jim, its one of those tasks you're happier to be at the end of than at the beginning. Just 2 more 3-Apect signals to do this week at some stage and the signalling is then done ......just like my back!! From your pics Jaz, looks like Kal is on his back looking up at the underside of one or two tables, as well. Dave

Yes...keep sending the coins...my meter's gonna be in meltdown when the last station's opened. Will have to get solar panels or one of those whirly-fan things to stick on the roof, to keep this lot going! Dave

Flap....what Flap??? These are similar pics to ones posted some months ago.....but now the 'lights are on!' Many thanks chaps for your comments. Much appreciated. Dave

Fully sympathise with Kal in the pic with him under the tables - wiring. What a job!! Top-top stuff, as usual chaps! Dave

Cheers Bob

Thanks chaps. Nervy moment when I tried to light that signal. I suppose I'll have another one when I eventually try to run a train. Dave

Signals again this week. Wiring -up to be precise. My Pride and joy Scratch built signal Gantry with signals M8 & M9. Based on the latest thing. ie not bulbs but LEDs, these are built using Tri-coloured LED's, which allows multi-colours from one aspect. Multi-arm feathers too. Breathed a huge sigh of relief when they all worked. Big signal gantry in Minsterley station wired up now too. The end of the line is in sight, at last....not long before trains are GO!! Dave

A little bit more OHLE progress, a scratch-built signal which cost a lot less than if I'd bought one and a bit of 'how to build OHLE' which I was asked for. The signal, which is for the Dive-under/fiddle yard access to the main line, I built from a bit of brass tube, brass wire, square of plasticard, 3 spare LEDS I had in my box and some plastic ladder, which is the only bit not scratch built; but could be! The 'How to ' pics show one of the fundamentals of OHLE building - Making the insulators. Initially I used some Sommerfeldt insulators, but they soon ran out and so decided to make some myself and have an in-exhaustable supply. Its basically the 2mm diameter Plastruct-type plastic tube, cut into 15mm lengths and turned in a Dremel tool, using a small triangular file to score the plastic into ribs. Trick is to insert a bit of metal rod into the tube, before turning it, which prevents the plastic melting and 'wobbling-off' horribly. Once done I trim them & paint them a red/black colour. Done. Hope this is of some use? A few pics of some more Tensioning mast, too, which are probably the trickiest to build. Dave

Thanks Marcus. A very tasty layout you have there yourself, if I may say so. Love it, especially those night shots, brilliant. Dave

Thanks Jaz, DT & Terry. Could do some pics and a write-up, Jaz, while building them, if that would be any use?? Would be happy to help a fellow Modern-Imager, Terry. Drop me a line and we can sort something, im sure. Dave

Tried the kadees a long time ago and though they were ok, I found that they uncoupled too easily. So I stick with the narrow normal tension couplers. For DMU's I use bar couplers similar to the ones used on the Bachmann Voyagers. I usually fit Gutzold close couplers to DMUs/EMUs too, but they are so hard to find now. Dave

Excellent construction and very impressive. Top modelling!! Dave

Yes Ken you got it. Gotta be quick with the soldering iron in the plastic...in...out........you know the rest! I've got a signal at the top of the dive-under now, so I'd be able to stop the train before the first loo compartment got to you. Alas, you'd probably be under the loco !!! Dave

No place like England on a Summers day!! Read somewhere that you've got the oldest Church down there.....was on the go when the Romans where still here...St.Martins was it?? Dave

Cheers Ken. No wories...it's only a scale 6ft drop at the end of the platform, so you'll be ok. Unless I've got a train coming up, that is !! Dave

Shelter mod. looking good. Typical of NR to have a pitched roof one, rather than round. Yes, going be a scorcher today, even way up here in Sunny Sheff. Dave

Tasty stuff. Looks like some sort of weird and futuristic LED search light signal?? ERTMS...is that the European signal-less system?? Good stuff though, all the same....might pinch it for Minsterley..not literrally, of course!! 8) Dave

Thanks chaps. I got the 7-segment displays, Sub39h, few years ago now. They are yellow and 9mmx13mm. I know RS components do them and ebay. Found the following at rapid, but its 1-2 months for dispatch. http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Kingbright-SA03-12YWA-Yellow-LED-Display-Anode-57-0326. Think Ive got a couple left, knocking around the place somewhere, if you get totally stuck. Thanks Shaun, I can see what you mean yes..lol. That clutter pile really is a disgrace. It moves around the layout to wherever the work is, but you know how it is! The retaining wall, as you say, does keep it out of shot to a large degree. But its gonna have to go, as its right on top of where the final station's going to be. Dave

Thanks IMS. Glad they helped. I know what it's like when the old motivation's on the floor. Nothing like looking at another layout with something a bit different to get you back in the groove. Dave