devondynosoar118

Looks great- Is a UK visit on the cards this year? I have found that air dry clay always cracks a bit, I loved the inset track work on cement quay too.

Seconded on the rust- All surfaces on the outside are aluminium usuallly. There are some good derelict aircraft pics on the web. Like the general abuse, whilst you have the dremmel out you could remove some of the access panels on the outside to represent more parts scrounging. I think this will fit in really well when it's done.

Walkways are beautiful. This box is become a work of art on its own.

I would look at changing your couplings for an aftermarket alternative. DG or similiar Spratt & Wossname's seem to get good reviews here. Having run both DC and DCC with short wheelbase 0-4-0 on 2-6-2 locos I can say that running DCC was more reliable and the wiring involved was not a major headache. In addition it improved my wiring practice generally, which should aid reliability. Can't wait to see the extension!

Smiths make GW tarps and others in N, availble from Rails (I think) I did a tarp wagon with just a plain tissue paper and glue method. It also suffered with a little bit wit the strapping showing thru. I love the load on yours, rizla idea great. If you get a misprint you end up with a pre-grouping roll up!

What coupling system are you using and is Calshot DC or DCC? I ask these questions to address number 1, which I think will help your enthusiasm. The extension looks great! Maybe build the baseboards for it as a temporary diversion from the other little jobs on the list? That way you can get it rolling and have a break. I was very impressed with the speed of your build, I am still trying to get a whole layout with track. Good luck!

Incredible. I struggle to solder wire, let alone anything that microscopic....

Thanks Kris. I will stick to a semi rigid coupling on the rakes I think, maybe just leave the rapidos unless I finish everything else first. I could do with a 57XX really, as during my time period- 1943-4 there weren't 14xx's on the line as far as I am aware. If I can have 3 locos ready this should cover any reliability issues. All advice so far has been very much appreciated and duly added to my notes, thanks again all.

Good luck- Sounds really interesting. I thought about pre grouping as the livery variations are really interesting but came to realise that my present skills were not up to the kit building required! I too have found those modellers you mentioned an inspiration. The work done in 2mm FS lately has been amazing.

Thanks pete- top tip. I suppose that also keeps the locos looking better as well. I suggested the chain idea to kris a while ago. How do you attach the chain? I assume you remove the rapido completely.

Beautiful. Looks great with the lighting too!

Kris has yet to see the mess layout in the flesh. Thanks again for further advice. On the coupling front I will be running around the coach stock and shunting wagons, stopping, uncoupling then putting into rakes, then propelling them into the sidings (I hope without de-railing!) Would you suggest DG's with hooks on the locos, then the bar only on the ends of the coaching stock? With the goods wagons I guess I will have some that are loops only to top and tail the rakes? Andy, all the ballasted pointwork works and is tested. I have made a start on the rest as promised. On the structure front I have built the Metcalf goods shed as a stopgap until I can make the real one, as it looks close to the real thing, although not really wide enough. I am scribing DAS clay for the stonework over the card shell. I got the third scenic board undercoated today and am doing the point conversions tonight.

Thanks for the tips, I am starting the track today. I love Bath Green Park, my dad did his thesis on it whilst it was a ruin and the model he made was in our house when I was young. I also used to drive past it every day when we lived there. Stock wise I have 2 b sets, about 20 goods wagon, 1 siphon G, and 2 Prairie tanks. Does anyone know of a Siphon C in N, as I have been unable to find one so far and they are an important part of the local traffic. The G is a bit big for the branch really but its all you can get in RTR. On the opperating front, a sequence sounds like a good bet, that way I have flexibility. I have about 9-12hrs per week for "big" constuction, usually in the workshop and if I am lucky, the same again for little work that fits on the kitchen table. That said I just ordered a load of new wargames miniatures from Westwind productions "Secrets of the Third Reich" game (rampaging Russian were-bears anyone?)

I have set myself the aim of exhibiting Kingsbridge this year. I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Here's the job list I think it needs to be OK (not finished!) Complete station board, including the major buildings and structures. I might ignore a few secondary buildings if I run short of time Get the second loco converted to DCC with a digihat Complete the third scenic board Complete wiring of boards. build a control panel- stud and probe for now get backscenes printed build a cassette fiddle yard do at least some of the fencing ensure there is enouch stock to run a timetable and write it Fit DG couplings to both engines and some of the stock, probably just the B-sets and split the wagons into cuts of 3-4 for basic shunting. Fit and wire the electro magnets in the yard. build some bloody legs! Build lighting rig finish second flight case test run at least 2 full opperating sessions Do you think this is possible by June/July? Is there anything on the above list that I could ditch and what would be top priority, after finishing station and wiring. This is the "ready" bit, minus photographic backscene. I will get pics of the reallt unfinished bits this week.

Hi again! Still haven't built those b set coaches, but will be getting Ultima bogies for them.

Well done on getting in the magazine- Just off to look at it!

Very neatly explained. How well do these work if converted to work with electromagnets?

I saw your article in RM.

Will do the axle ends- Thank you.

Those look really nice- an easily overlooked feature of most American townscapes as well.

Hooray- I can go on the West Somerset 1/2 price. I know 6412 is a practical choice for the SDR but 4561 belongs here, not in Somerset! LOL

I know the front bogie is on the wonk...

I have finally got round to sorting out some more little jobs. The first one was re-numbering and dirtying my Dapol 45xx. I got some Modelmaster brass plates that were great, and some fox buffer beam numbers finished it off. All that is left to do is sort out the disgusting rapido coupling and do the front and back dirty to match the sides. Any comments appreciated as I haven’t varnished it yet. The real 4561 continues to be on static display in one of the museums (Swindon?) but I am hoping for a return to the SW for it soon. Apologies for the lack of super sharpness all over but composite pictures are still a way ahead! The obligatory black and white shot. I have also now got all the trackwork on order to finish the station itself (hooray!) and only need the control panel and point motor wiring that goes with it to finish the nuts and bolts stuff. I have also begun construction of the flight cases for the boards to travel in which have been a monster job in themselves. Will put in a post on them some time as well.