PaternosterRow

I've used simple push to make buttons for the individual roads, a DPDT switch for the turntable and another push to make for the turntable motor. I still use analogue, but when there's a few bob spare I'll invest in some decoders etc at some time in the future so all the roads can go live. The small box used as a control panel is ugly, but I have to be able to get the model through the loft hatch for storage and I only just got about 3 feet to do it in. It works though!

Will The plan is based on Saltley Shed in Birmingham and not Tyseley as stated - sorry my mistake.

Thanks Will and Mikkel I was at Barrow Hill about 18 months ago and found it fascinating - it is a must see place. The plan I used is from a pdf of the Tyseley Depot I found on the internet - Tyseley had much longer roads so my model is only loosely based on Barrow Hill. A bit of both really. I grew up in Birmingham (now live in Ireland), and miss the city - especially the railways. The roof was actually much easier to build than it looks - templates were used to get the uniform look and the whole thing was made from several basic identical parts before final assembly. It is designed so that it can be lifted off in one piece in order to clean the track and place locos etc. The roof is a near a copy to Barrow Hill as I can make it.

I was going to have a go at making the yard at Barrow Hill to compliment a previous model of the Roundhouse made about a year and a half ago. However, after much thought, I decided that the original model just wouldn't do - so here are some pics of my second attempt. The turntable is from Walther's Cornerstone which matches the one at Barrow Hill although it's longer. Some say the model isn't up to scratch, but it was easy to put together. I did have some problems with the motor, but after a bit of jigging about it works okay. Pollyfiller was used on the last model, however, I decided to go for card this time. The sections were carefully measured up before cutting and placing between the rails. The roof structure is made from stretched lengths of galvanised wire (0.75 mm thick), which has been soldered together. Templates were made in order to ensure all the trusses lined up. This a pic of it being cleaned of flux in the bath - I got into a lot of trouble over the mess! A test shot of a few models before the walls get made. Few more pics today of the roof being test fitted before measuring up for walls etc:- I've used a couple of Peco inspection pits and probably could have used more, but costs are always an issue and also having too many holes in the base board would have weakened it. I'm keen to avoid sag especially when all the stock goes on. By the way Will J, the plan is not based on Tyseley as stated - sorry, my mistake - but on the Saltley Depot in Birmingham.

Hi Mikkel Thank you for your kind comments. I'm very flattered that you were interested in my video, especially given that you are such an accomplished GWR modeler yourself. It was inspired by your splendid video 'Across the years' which really captured my imagination - the quality of your creations are just mouth watering. I just wish I could model to your standard, maybe one day if I keep at it! Yes, I was surprised by the Hornby's coaches too - very accurately painted with good molding on the panels etc. They are part of the Dean Single 175 Hornby anniversary pack and for something that really is only a 'train set' the quality is exceptional. Keep up the good work - looking forward to the next post with anticipation. Regards Mike

Hi Mikkel Great to have the Farthing Layouts going again - it's very rare to see late 19th C railway models and have always wondered why the RTR manufacturers don't actually cover more models. Love your work and dedication to detail. Think the videos of work in progress are brilliant. Regards Mike

Hi Andy Think I've managed it!! Regards Mike

Hi Andy Firstly, just like to say this competition has been fantastic, the level of entries are extremely high. For someone who lives out of the way in Southern Ireland, RMweb is a lifeline and it is a great way to keep in touch with current trends and also with help etc. Thank you for your continued dedication. Secondly, as a complete ludite with regards computers, can you explain how we create the links. I've done it before, but it was by complete accident and I'm a bit lost with the process. Also why do we have to insert it twice? Sorry to be a pain. Regards Mike

Brilliant - just like the real thing. Those weeds are cool, what do you use to create them - is it a commercial product? Regards Mike

Love the hand painted back scene and the surface detail. Think less is more sometimes and that the scrap loco's will be the real star's in the diorama. Great stuff. Regards Mike

Another mess about with video. This is much inspired by Mikkel's Farthing Layouts although it's nowhere near his modeling standards. I'm also sure that many GWR fans will know that inappropriate stock has been used, but it is my first attempt. I hope you like the concept. I don't think the attachment has uploaded properly so take a look at this link instead:

Thanks for the comments everyone. I have now moved over to the Modelling Questions, Help and Tips section. You'll have to excuse my fumbling about on RMweb as I'm a beginner. Mike

Can anyone help with this. I want to avoid the 20 pence look of long length trains that are so typical with set track radius curves and want to aim for that more smooth prototypical look. What minimum radius should be aimed for - say a minimum 6 foot radius, or can you get away with something smaller? I have a twelve by twelve space in which to construct a layout and was thinking of a simple circle to fill the space. Mike

Wow I grew up in Birmingham and remember the old Snow Hill. How on earth did you construct them - what great models. Mike

What great buildings - can we have a few close up shots of them? Mike

Sad news. Condolences to the pilot's family and to the rest of the Red Arrow team. I remember seeing them fly at a show many years ago - they are still the best at what they do.

Simply stunning - if it weren't for the background you'd think you were looking at the real thing. Got to have a bash at the rust technique you use - you should start a blog on this subject on its own. Haven't a clue how you created the rusted out sheeting and the 4MT innards are a masterpiece. Hope these end up on a quiet corner of Byworth one day. Regards Mike

I've just started to play about with Microsoft Home Video software and have just come up with the following. It has been inspired by The Farthing Layout videos, which are absolutely brilliant. Whilst it's obviously not a new idea, I think being able to film your models and edit the result is an exciting development to the hobby. Hope you enjoy.

Hi Dave I remember seeing your layout in Model Rail and was stunned by it and the convincing photos. Having only recently joined RMweb, I discovered your thread only recently. It always intrigued me from the article just how you got it all into a spare room, but having seen the room view pics I now understand. What an innovative way of constructing a layout with separately joined up modules. I love the Google Earth station view - just so real looking. How long did it take to build and do you have during construction pics? What about bringing overhead to Waverley etc? So many questions! It's a remarkable layout and long may it continue. Regards Mike

Hi 10800 Again, another inspirational and original layout idea. It takes true dedication to construct something as complicated as this. I sit back in admiration at anyone who does as it takes our hobby to a much higher level. Great work and I wait in anticipation for its completion. Regards Mike

Hi Bob This is a great model - there's something about looking into railway sheds isn't there? Eagerly awaiting the next installment. Regards Mike

Just had a quick look at your site. Think Potter's Lane is superb. I will be back again. In the meantime, if you'd like, take a look at my blogsite at <A href="http://www.paternosterrow.blogspot.com">www.paternosterrow.blogspot.com</A> - my first model, after nearly thirty years, was a slice of the WCML called Patternoster Row. I had to make my own catenary also - it seems a pity that, apart from Dapol, none of the big manufacturers produce UK stuff. I did see something about Peco making some, but it seems to have come to nothing.

Hi to all RMweb members I'm new to RM so please excuse any first errors etc. I live in Ireland but was born in the UK so am very interested in all matters relating to UK rail. I have a blogsite - www.paternosterrow.blogspot.com if any would like to take a look.