PaternosterRow

Now that has the makings of a very, very beautiful model indeed. My hat is well and truly off to anyone that can model to this standard in 2mm. I really hope you now have the space and time to move on with this as a lot of people will be interested in its development. Those station buildings are a delight and that roof is a real wow. Good luck with it. Regards Mike

Beautiful work, Frank. Love the fact that you are so resourceful - the budgie grit and real stones etc. Goes to show that it don't cost a lot of money to get a realistic effect if you use your imagination. Very inspiring - easy on the eye and on the wallet! Regards - Mike

Top shelf again, Mikkel! Where did you get that lovely little dray wagon in the top shot (with 'Smith' on it) and what did you use to get the goods bay platform surface effect? Also, how did you face those platforms so neatly? Looks like Mr Woodcourt is going to need a few stiff whiskeys in the Pub after the day is done!

Fabulous layout. Again, only admiration expressed for anyone who can model to this standard in 2mm. Regards Mike

Another master class in the art of story telling and modeling. Yep, photo 2 is my favorite too. By the way, been meaning to ask you where you buy such magnificent kit builds of old locos from (as in the last post) on line (as I live in Ireland getting over to UK is rare). Been browsing on the net, but can't find any sellers. Mike

Work of art that Frank. It's certainly sold 00 finescale to me - hard to believe it's not EM/P4. Beautiful model - when's the backscene going in? Regards Mike

Second that with the card skills Pete. It never fails to amaze me how detailed 2mm can be in the right hands. That Class 37 is the real deal - that last picture with sitting above the dock edge and the mountains in the background is a classy lassy (excuse the pun). I too had thought you'd gone a bit quiet - glad to see that you've been hard at it as usual.

Hi Frank It means a lot to have praise from modelers of your standard. I'm thrilled you think it's so good! I'm slowly being converted to the GWR - especially after the Farthing Layouts and others like your own models. I recently discovered Penhydd by Geoff at http://thechroniclesofpenhydd.blogspot.com/ - which has to be one of the most perfect models I've ever seen. I'd like to go over to finescale, but I'm also aware of my own limitations. Maybe a little GWR shunting layout in code 75 to start with. I'd also like to have a go at DCC as I've heard it makes for better running because it doesn't mind dirty track as much as DC. Thanks again Mike

Hi Frank Lovely model - the use of real materials brings it to life. What type of track did you use - EM/P4? A real slice of Wales. Mike

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. What a beautiful little model and it's obvious that as far as modeling the GWR is concerned I've an awful long way to go!

Hi Captain Kernow Thank you very much indeed. I was really trying hard to get a convincing atmosphere and create a good impression rather than an accurate model of Barrow Hill. It's amazing what you can achieve with a bit of smoke, spot lights and digital camera nowadays!

Thanks very much for the compliment - I don't consider it top end myself as it's not anywhere near the standard of fine scale modeling. Also, if you were to put your eye down that roof you'd see an awful lot of wobbly bits and imperfections!!

Hi Pete Thanks for all the comments, advice and encouragement during the build. As for the next project ...... Well now, to DCC or not DCC, that is the question. Furthermore, is it far nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of code 100 or move to EM/P4 or code 75? Lord only knows, Pete, but the GWR is calling thanks to Mikkel. I've also fallen for Penhydd - an EM gauge layout of a little GWR branchline - which I think just has to be the most perfect model of all time - see it at http://thechroniclesofpenhydd.blogspot.com/ Of course, the natural thing would be to model the yard at Barrow Hill, but my heart just isn't in that right now so I'm tormenting myself about where to go next. I think a little station scene in code 75 - just so I get used to fine-scale before plunging in to the real deal. The thought of close coupling and electromagnets is irresistible at the moment!

Mike - thanks a lot. Yeap, the first photo is a favorite of mine. Digital photography is just brilliant - you can take as many pics as you like whilst you play around with the settings and lighting etc. Just imagine what it must have been like in the old days with the old roll of 35mm and having to wait days for the results!

Hi Mikkel Strike finished and replace with bored. I love the plan and build aspect of the hobby and not the finished article so I now want to move on to something else. However, it's a great feeling getting a slap on the back from like minded people who share the hobby. I've been incredibly inspired by your Farthing layouts (and your helpful and encouraging comments) and as a result am becoming seduced by the GWR. You never know, I might just have a go at improving that Dean Single as per your instructions in your article! Modern RTR has come an awful long way from the products available in my youth and that Heljan 33 really is a beautiful creation - just so detailed - I'm almost frightened to touch it sometimes.

Hi Andy, thank you very much for taking an interest. I must say that RMweb is a fantastic site (I have to thank Jim of P4 New Street fame for putting me on to it and encouraging me to join). I live in the back of beyond so it's brilliant to get advice and encouragement from fellow members - makes the modelling a lot more pleasurable by being able to share and demonstrate work. The site is easy to navigate and use, which undoubtedly down to your efforts - so thank you for your enthusiasm and valuable time.

Thanks very much Jon, yes it's been worth it - the photo potential has surprised even me.

Hi Simon Thank you. You must go, I've only been once, but it was well worth the trip. It's a pleasure to see trains in their natural environment and not just on display in a museum. The smell of oil, grease, diesel and steam brings the whole place alive and the staff are really friendly and only to eager to show you up on a footplate and explain things.

Hi Knuckles So glad you posted this. I'm tormenting myself at the moment about going over to P4/EM. The photo of the difference between 00 and P4 is amazing - I never thought you'd be able to tell only in real close up. It looks like a lot of hard work though and I shudder at the thought of making up points. Stick with this and keep posting - I'll be looking forward to next installment. Regards Mike

Finished!! Had a play about with the stock today, but had a few problems. The usual suspects - dirty track and wheels, bad connections etc. This is the frustrating aspect of 4mm scale - especially when you've double checked the circuits and cleaned everything about a 100 times! A few pics below - more tomorrow if I'm allowed - we're supposed to be going up some hill or other for a walk. Know what I'd rather be doing!! Managed to capture the streak through the smoke with the internal lamps, but still can't get it from the light through the roof windows. Tried more smoke and spot lights, but it just wont have it. Can you guess which is my favorite train at the moment. The Heljan Class 33 is a really beautiful model - get little runner too.

Hi GWRfan Thanks for the compliment. This weekend is the target for setting it up with trains so pics then I hope. I'm pleased with the overall effect, but if you were to put your eye down the roof you'd notice quite a few wobbly bits etc. Viewed from an angle it's a different matter, but it is an impression of a roundhouse/factory roof rather than an accurate model of one. Regards Mike

Hi Mikkel Thanks for the comment and link - some fabulous shots of locos outside the sheds - like the story behind the scene as well. I'll have a play around with the spot lights and smoke density - trying to model the real world in 4mm is a tough business when it comes to natural sunlight effects! Cheers again, Mike

The Lights are in - blew one up by not using resistor when testing, but the rest work fine! Here's a smoky shot (cigarette smoke) with the lights on (I've used 8 in total). The next shot is a smoky one with outside daylight (simulated by a couple of 100watt bulbs). I'm trying to get the sunlight streaming through the smoke effect, but just can't get it to work yet. I've included this last picture because I quite like the mottled effect from the roof windows on the walls. These are the lights I've used from Express Models. At £3.25 a pop, they are an extravagance especially as this model was supposed to be built on a tight budget. However, I think the whole look would have been compromised if I hadn't used them and given that they are exquisitely made (and come with a resistor) they are cheap at twice the price. Just a few more jobs to do - cover up light electrics on top of roof, fit a fascia and attach the control panel then it's time to start playing trains.

Hi Adam - welcome aboard from a fellow Brummie (ex-pat now living in Ireland). This sounds like a really interesting project. No need for bravery with any subject, just post away. All the modelers at RMweb are only too happy to help fellow members - and don't forget advice bounces both ways. Looking forward to the pictures. Regards Mike

Frank This is brilliant work - the river bank, wall, bridge and rocks just look right together. You've really balanced the use of natural materials and I can't wait to see pics of the locos going over the bridge. Great stuff. Regards Mike