sparky

I very much like the way this is panning out Frank, but didn't the original plan have the shed facing the other way with the doors facing the bridge so that any locos had to draw past the point and then set back into the shed ? One of the things which makes the layout stand out is your lovely buildings and the shed is another fine example. Nothing beats a good scratch built structure for creating atmosphere. Geoff

Hi Frank, David C drew my attention to these products only the other week but this is the first time I have seen them planted and they don't look bad at all. In Barry Normans "Landscape Modelling" book he tells how he creates cabbages and other veg from painted tissue for the leaves and 1mm balls of Milliput for the heads of the plants. Onions are made from Sisal string and the results look really good. Stephen Williams created a whole allotment for his layout using the same methods, mind you I don't know what his state of mind was like when he had finished it ! If you have time on your hands and want to save a few bob then perhaps it's worth trying to do your own ? Cheers, Geoff

Hi Frank, Welcome to the world of blogs, I was just about to reply to your intro. when I caught sight of your entry here. The brake van looks really good but I hope nothing else goes up in smoke at Pen-Y-Bont ? A smoke unit placed under the baseboard would give a nice effect at exhibitions or have you already done that ? Could I suggest you post some news of the new extension and some more views of the loco shed as I am sure an update would be welcome. Looking forward to seeing more of your work soon, Cheers, Geoff.

Thanks for the link Barry, whilst I had seen the laser glaze mentioned in MRJ somehow I missed it here on the forum. Seeing as my autocoach has been on and off the workbench for over 12 months I think I can wait a little longer for better quality glazing. When you replace the Railcar roof vents just shave a little material away at a time. Eventually as you near the roof a cross will appear forming an ideal centre mark for drilling holes for your castings. Once the holes are drilled then file everything smooth and fit your new vents. I have attached a link so you can see my own model (Fifth photo down ) with new vents and if you look closely at the rear bogie you will see the carden shaft only drives onto the inner axle. http://thechroniclesofpenhydd.blogspot.com/2011/03/penhydd-in-pictures-pt-2.html Geoff

You have created a really lovely scene there, the overgrown track leading up to the simple crossing is rarely modelled and yet was such a common feature. It is also nice to see a black 14XX with crimson trailer which makes such a refreshing change from the usual choice of green and chocolate and cream. I have been refurbishing my own autocoach and was going to refit the flushglazing this week but reading your comment about laser glaze becoming available I think I will put the project on hold again ! The Railcar also looks the part in crimson and cream.....lovely. It is a simple job to improve the Lima model further by replacing the roof vents with cast ones from the Comet range. When I posted photos of my own model it was pointed out to me that in BR days the carden shaft between the axles was removed just leaving the drive on the inner axle. Don't get me wrong as I am not a rivet counter trying to find fault but just mentioned those two points out of interest. Cheers, Geoff

Hi Andrew, Your update has been well worth the wait and I think your modifications are a brilliant idea. I can just imagine your 122 idling away waiting for departure time. The use of concrete platform edges is a nice touch and works well with the stonework of the other buildings. I rather like the bridge and the use of the Kibri sheets is interesting, I think I might well try them when the bridge at Penhydd is rebuilt. Cheers, Geoff

Hi Andrew, I have been following progress on your Bubble car for a while now and must say the end result looks superb. There is something about these single car units and I think they look most attractive in green with speed whiskers . When I set about improving my own Hornby model I came very close to modifying it to a 122 and now wish I had done so. The 02 is also a lovely model and I could easily be tempted to build a model based on the Withered Arm. Cheers, Geoff.

Evening All, Having received a few request for news of Penhydd here is a brief update as to the current state of play. The Hymek is now complete and numbered D7039, it is seen here entering Penhydd with empty milk tanks. Another milk tank has been converted from the Dapol model and features an end filler cap and different catwalk / ladder assembly. Three more tanks await conversion and will be tackled in the New Year, together with the long awaited dairy. Pannier tank 4678 was completed today but no pics. have been taken yet. This one taken at the beginning of the conversion shows extra lamp irons, a new smoke box dart and sanding gear linkages. New No. plates made from Martin Finney etched parts have also been fitted. Despite looking a little heavy the lamp irons are to scale and look much neater now they have been blackened. Wheels are by Ultrascale and are a simple drop in conversion job. I have also been asked if I have a general view of the whole layout, after looking through my pics. I came up with this old one. Finally

To be honest Simon I thought blogs were the way to go but I don't feel the majority of people feel comfortable with them, somehow discussions don't seem to flow. I do agree with you that PM's should be used more and indeed I have made many friends that way. Hi Blackrat, No I don't use a Grassmaster, I use a mix of hanging basket liner, Silflor and static grass applied with a simple puffer bottle. I did a tutorial showing my methods on my blog here on RMweb http://www.rmweb.co....lflor-tutorial/ Cheers, Geoff

They all crawled out of the pub and went by bus Rob !

Cheers Colin. So my son keeps telling me but I am happy posting here. Anyway moving on, a little more weathering was done on the Hymek today and then the clock was wound forward to the swinging sixties. Having dropped the brakevan off a couple of empty milk tanks were propelled under the bridge and into the dairy siding. Whilst all this was going on a Bubblecar was waiting for the road with a local passenger. Cheers, Geoff

Hi Brian, Now that has given me an idea, David Geen does a kit in 4mm scale for a GWR tank, now I wonder if the ladders and platforms are available seperately ? Cheers, Geoff.

Evening Chaps, I mentioned earlier that I was converting an old Lima milk tank to EM and making one or two improvements to it as I went along. The completed model can be seen on on the right in the following photo, beside it is the Dapol model. Another tank has already been converted to EM and I am toying with the idea of modelling it with an end filler cap It has crossed my mind Simon and when I first built the points I did try cutting a few chairs from waste sleeper base to see if I could improve the look of things. To be honest adding the chairs drove me crazy, so I think it would be rather difficult at this stage to add a uniform blob of filler and retain my sanity. Thank you Dave, I think in some respects the forum has become a victim of it's own success, you could spend so much time here trying to view all the content.. As for milk tanks I can't remember taking much notice of them, I was more interested in what was pulling the train rather than what was behind it ! However I have been lucky enough to come across a few colour photo's and have used them for reference. Precision paints and Carrs weathering powders have been used on the models. I started off painting the solebars and tank in Dull Dirty Black, some of which was slighty removed around the tank lettering with a cotton bud. Below the solebar I have used a mix of the same black with Brake Dust, the mix being varied as I have gone along. Some of this has also been lightly brushed on the frames, tank supports, headstocks and brushed up from under the tank. White milk stains are Dull White mixed with a wash of dirty thinners and allowed to run down the tank onto the frames. A little light rust has been dry brushed over raised detail such as rivets etc. Whilst the paint was still tacky shades of grey weathering powders were added to the tank with a little rust thrown in for good measure. Off white powders were placed over the white stains and rust also applied to the axle boxes and brack blocks, you will find that the powders will help blend everything together. I hope the above is of help and you will get those tanks out and see what you can do. The most difficult part is plucking up the courage to weather a brand new model, so practice and experiment on an old broken one first. Thank You John, it is very satifying that so many others can see what Penhydd is all about. Before I sign off just a couple of photos showing the milk tanks in action. Cheers, Geoff.

Thanks Jules, You mean like this ? Cheers, Geoff

Hi Chaps, Thanks Darren, I will slowly add more photos but am wary of duplicating those on my old blog Thank you Ian that is praise indeed, but I have to say I had a pretty good mentor didn't I ? For those of you who haven't read Ian's weathering topic then do so, his methods really do work and with a little practice you will soon have some nicely weatherd stock I think Dapol made a huge mistake with the 6 wheel tank because with a little more effort they could have produced a superb replica rather than the cross breed they have. As I write this another tank, this time a converted and I hope improved old Lima example is in the final stages of weathering. The pic. below is another shot of the Dapol model in different surroundings. Jonte, Alan, Thanks for your comments, I expect you will be a little disappointed to learn that the backscene is German ! I got it from http://www.internati...ackscenes.html. Look at the one titled "The Valley " and it's extension piece. I cut most of the foreground away just leaving a low horizon and large expanse of sky. This gives a feeling of depth and certainly makes the layout look wider than it's 16" max width. Hi Simon, It certainly doesn't get any better, Ians comment has really made my day I can tell you. Don't worry though my feet are still on the ground and my hat still fits. Yes I did fill the PCB gaps, all it takes is a little Squadron Green and as you point out makes all the difference. I think the absence of chairs is more noticeable on the inside of the rails. When I started to build the pointwork for Penhydd it was a case of ply and rivet or PCB. The new systems by C & L and later Exactoscale were still to appear, if I was starting again then I would be tempted to try the new "Timber Tracks " products. PCB has however served me well, reliability being superb when operated with slow action Tortoise motors. Paul, Glad you found the tree thread of use and the photos inspiring. Cheers, Geoff

Hi Chaps, Interesting Jim, knowing you we should see some interesting shots., thought pic. of the week showing New St. was brilliant. I tried capturing a natural sunrise on Penhydd earlier this year as when it rises and shines it casts a fantastic effect over the layout. I couldn't quite capture the scene with my camera though, mind you I didn't get many chances with our weather this year ! Anyway moving on, some rather nice comments have been made about the layouts atmosphere........thank you. Those who have followed Penhydd on my blog or the old RMweb will be aware that the whole idea behind the layout was to capture the feel of the rural branchline as I experienced it in the fifties and sixties. This whole thread kicked off with the arrival of an early evening passenger train and I will pick up the story from there. Having passed the small goods yard 4560 rumbles over the bridge and into the platform. Once uncoupled she runs into the loop prior to backing into the cattle dock to collect one solitary milk tank. The tank is a modified Dapol model and is heavily weathered, the real things were filthy. With the tank coupled upto the train 4560 gets the right away................... ................next stop Presteign and then all stations to Leominster. Cheers, Geoff

Well thanks Chaps for all your kind words All this has come as a surprise as the post was a result of my son uploading one of my pics. elsewhere on the forum. The Mod's decided it was more suited to this area and so moved it here thus starting a new thread ! To be honest I prefer it here with the old format and so will be taking Penhydd off blog. and posting anything new here. I won't be moving any material from the blog here as it is available on http://thechronicles...d.blogspot.com/ As for shadows Jim, you are going to need them all on New St., !! I have a new batch of pics. and will post them here soon. Cheers, Geoff

On a late summer evening 4560 passes Penhydd goods yard with a local passenger Cheers, Geoff

No Mikkel I got tempted to pastures new and built a small layout based on Fairford as a first venture into the world of EM Geoff

Hi Mikkel, You have some interesting models there. As for the Cambrian 2-4-0T it looks to be a lovely little engine and if you ever fancied another micro. layout then how about the Tanet Branch as she would really be at home in such a location ? I had one of the original GEM kits many years ago with a view to modelling Dinas Mawddwy as per the plan which appeared in the Railway Modeller a long time ago. Geoff

Hi Mikkel, I thought you had been quiet and now I know why, what a superb piece of work. As for the brick being whitewashed, I have also come across photo's which suggest that. I have also come across what appears to be a two tone effect, dark and light stone perhaps ? What always strikes me with your modelling are the superb fiqures and the way you use them, I will be studying your ideas closely when I populate my own layout. Geoff

Amazing detail Julia, I gave up doing a 4mm padlock for my goods shed as it was driving me crazy ! The new hut with it's engraved brickwork looks really good and sits so well with the signal box. The whole scene is coming along nicely and is blending together well with that lovely backscene. The Pannier with all the daylight under the boiler is also a lovely piece of work. Have you thought of working your magic on a Peco Collet Goods to go with it ? Best Wishes, Geoff

Hello Dave, I have been following your excellent thread with interest as it is a superb piece of modelling. On the subject of coupling electro magnets have you considered those available from MSE ? The core is 5mm diam. and the coil is 12v, I have used them for my S & W couplings for some years using an electric pencil to fire them. I would imagine they would be ok for your AJ's, perhaps Major Clanger of this forum who markets them could advise on that score ? They are of course a more expensive option than making your own from nails and winding your own coils. Cheers, Geoff

Now this is good news Nick, it has been a long time coming but I am sure it will be worth it I see you plan to use the Exactoscale track components but wondered if you had considered the new Timber Tracks system from C & L Finescale ? I agree with Nick (Buffalo) for being in favour of more Western branches, you can't have too many;) The era you have in mind is very flexible and you will be able to use a vast selection of stock all of which will add to your enjoyment. With Hornby planning Hawkesworth coaches perhaps you could adjust the timescale slightly, just imagine one or two through coaches coupled up to the branch train. Go for it Nick, I'm looking forward to seeing regular updates. Cheers, Geoff

I have often been asked what do you use for the long grass and appearance of overgrown trackwork ? Well some of you will remember a tutorial I did on the old Rmweb, in which I explained how I used Silflor scenic mats and fibres, so i thought perhaps an update might be welcome ? It was Chris Nevards fantastic scenic work here on the forum which convinced me to try Silflor, I had come across the product before but had not seen it used as well as on the layouts created by Chris. A quick email to Richard at International Models resulted in an order being placed for various small mats of the material. This is a cheap way to try Silflor out before parting with your hard earned cash, because a full mat which is approx 19.5 " x 13.5" is rather expensive. So what do you get for your money ? Well Silflor is like a carpet of individual grass fibres, it comes in various shades which represent the four seasons of the year and of different length fibres. It is advised you select shades of matching seasons for example in my case summer and autumn as I wanted to represent the long sun bleached grass which appears towards the end of summer. The following pics.show Winter Pasture, the base of the mat is a lush green but the tips are are pale green and straw colour. It is very tempting to just lay the whole mat in place but this is not the way to go about things. It is far better to use clumps of various shades and length of fibres, mixing them up as you go along to create a patchwork of colour and texture. The following photo. sequence shows how the grass is best used. First break off some clumps and fix them into a bed of neat PVA, note the slight colour changes and different length grass. Slowly add more material until you have the effect you seek. The small path was made with Carrs ash ballast and in the very last couple of pics. static fibres have been added to give even more variation in colour and texture. These have been added by spraying the Silflor with hairspray and applying the fibres with a cheap puffer bottle. So there we have a brief guide to the product and it's use, if there is enough interest in part 2 I will show how the overgrown track was created. Cheers, Geoff