Muchclag

Back again

2009-07-27T20:31:00.004Z

Another one of my periodic blogging absences. Apologies.

Moving on;

Weller Street Mk2 is coming on very nicely. Below are a few pictures;

As you can see, things have progressed somewhat since these shots! - It all works, by the way, which is more than the original did.

I've also been out and about a bit. Devon, to be precise.

This is Buckfastleigh - the South Devon Railway

This is Churston, on the Paignton & Dartmouth

And this is Dawlish

Till next time...

A lot can change in 15 days...

2009-04-25T11:43:00.005Z

Well, since the last update, Weller Street has changed dramatically.

In fact, it is no more. To be replaced by? Weller Street Mk2.

I wasn't happy with the baseboards for various reasons - mostly the fact that they were built badly, with the raised level as an afterthought.

The old layout was gutted over the Easter weekend and rebuilt totally, from the ground up, to this new trackplan;

After a little over 2 weeks worth of work, massive progress has been achieved.

All Boards built
Wiring completed
Tortoise Point Motors fitted and working
Test trains running

Frankly, this makes previous progress look glacial in comparison. It all works well, it looks great and the layout is coming on great guns. By the end of this weekend, the underboard stuff should all be complete, which is excellent, as it will allow me to relax a little and play around with the scenics.

Next on the agenda?

Program Hare decoders to different addresses
Build Platforms & screw into position
Test, Test, Test!

Weller Street Lives! - The Redux

2009-04-10T12:14:00.004Z

Again, another unenforced Blog break. Apologies. Progress has continued, however, as can be seen on www.rmweb.co.uk. I also have a new toy in the loft - well, not so much new, more 'relocated'. In a monster cleanup session the other day, I took my most favourite gadget, the digital radio into the loft. I get an absolutley perfect signal, and frankly, doing anything whilst listening to Planet Rock is an absolute pleasure. Yes, even wiring. And ballasting.

However, that is no excuse, and I'm virtually punishing myself by doing the wiring over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Here's a couple of recent progress shots;

This shows the shops and the (as yet unpainted) girder bridge over the High Street. Bridge support pillar would probably give civil engineers a thousand coronarys - this is to be sorted

I should add - the shop fronts are mockups. They were going to be the finished thing, but a serious 'Actually, I could do MUCH better than that' feeling has decided otherwise. About 30 seconds after I put that in place . This photo also shows the work that will need to be done to hide the wiring. Current thoughts are 'Paint the underside of the board black, put in a lot of false girders and where wiring is unavoidable (that which is visible and another couple of runs for track in front), hide it in painted drinking straws to look like pipework of some description. There should also be a Tortoise & Hare combo under there, but a remote mount kit is going to be used instead.

This is a shot along the promenade. Again, since the photo was taken, the prom itself has been 'swept' clear of sand/crap. The 'blue foam' edge of the paving will be painted grey, when I get the inclination to do something tedious. Fencing will also be installed, but I want something less ornate than that which is on the pavement/prom edge - something like this; http://www.flickr.com/photos/25526912@N08/2398065815/

The sand, by the way, is real - a decent sized back of 'Bird Sand' was picked/scooped up from a local pet place, and seems to look the part after being poured onto a PVA base.

Till next time...

Stabling The Fleet

2008-11-10T22:11:00.005Z

More work tonight has seen yet more holes drilled for track feeds - Oh, and additional operating potential...

Revised trackplan; Apologies for the small size, had to resize it. It does, however, show what I'm trying to do scenically better than anything else.

The new track is the curved point off the branch - this runs into a siding along the front of the bay platform. This will be for unit stabling primarily - might even slot in a cleaning platform. It could allow for freight - I've got a vision of either battered 16T minerals or heavily weathered standard vans rattling over the High Street bridge. I blame the likes of The Hull Mob, Neil Rushby & co for this - I'm an absolute sucker for heavily 'used', 'ordinary' stock - and they amongst others frequently produce stunning examples of both these types!

And here is that new junction - albeit with the track just laid in place at the moment.

And finally, just to show that I can tidy up sometimes - a view towards the station - again, that new track isn't laid properly.

That white box at the end of the platforms by the way? That'll be the Station Building. Work in progress, but coming along nicely...

The Station Master's Office, complete with furniture from the very talented Jim Smith-Wright

And finally - a start on the station interior. You won't be able to see a lot of it, but at least I will know it's there...

Till next time.

Building Blocks...

2008-10-10T17:11:00.002Z

During this week, as well as wiring up a few more feeds, I've mocked up the Station building.

It's nothing special - Daler Board and Insulation Tape - but it gives the idea of what I want to achieve. The basis for the building is Gloucester Road - ok, so it's an Underground Station, but it looks the part, and with a few adaptations, I can see it really fitting in on Weller Street.

From the front;

From the street;

What is visible from Platform level;

The plan was always to have a 'modern' style of station building - with facilities for pax at street level, and twin staircases leading up to the platforms. There would also be a parcels office and lift for BRUTES etc. However, seeing made me think about something a little more 'traditional' - mock Gothic architechture, in a sense. The 'porch' on the front is from somewhere else entirely - inspired by Norwich Station (Wikipedia). As always, the cork represents the (as yet unfinished, because it's a tedious job to peel and stick Metcalfe paving when there are more interesting things to do!) pavement.

Also - Finally, just a few pictures which show off that cobbled platform surface - again, this is still up in the air at the moment - can't decide if it looks the part or not!

Weller Street - More Progress

2008-09-30T20:27:00.002Z

Weller Street is coming along nicely - a new job has helped galvanise enthusiasm.

The Tortoise Point Motors and Hare Decoders are on order, wiring is 'imminent' - and the platforms are coming along.

A selection of recent pics;

Weller Street Lives!

2008-08-07T12:55:00.002Z

There has been plenty of progress in the loft - and on the job front - and things are, in layout terms at least, going well.

The plan is certainly working - scenically, the track is elevated above street level, running on Faller Retaining Arches (amongst other things), with a market scene planned for the pedestrianised 'Station Road' below the Station.

Four Months on...

2008-07-12T15:57:00.003Z

And the layout described below as 'the final plan' has been officially abandoned.

I've decided to rationalise a little. Money is, to put it mildly, a little tight - call it a recession, the credit crunch, whatever you want, but the bottom line is that it has meant redundancy for me. I also have a strong desire to use the newly announced Kernow Model Centre/Dapol 'Thumpers'!

The new plan

This one is certainly more achievable. Planning is going well, construction will begin shortly. One of the very few advantages of being out of work is that there is now some time with which to crack on.

Expect more soon. I promise.

Decision Made!

2008-02-01T13:28:00.000Z

Well, I've crossed the bridge.

The loft layout plan has been finalised, and remaining points ordered online (due to getting up too late on my day off to have time to do everything I wanted to - doh!)

Trackplans don't seem to come out too well on Blogger, so here's a link

Now, a recap;

The Idea

Layout is set on the Sussex Coast (loosely in the Newhaven area), with facilities for both passengers and freight. The route is electrified on the Third Rail system, with regular local services from Brighton and Eastbourne, as well as services to and from London. The norm is 4-Car Multiple Units, although loco hauled services can occasionally be seen. On the right of the plan, you will see two EMU stabling sidings curving away in front of the fiddle yard - I'm planning on putting a retaining wall in here as a view block, with a road going over the main, and then under the route to the stabling sidings, before curving round in front of the station.

At the top of the layout is an industrial fittings firm (still to be named), who bring in raw materials (Steel) and export finished goods (primarily Industrial Ducting . A BR loco pulls in a rake of wagons containing coiled steel, and terminates in the loop off the platform. A works shunter then comes out of the yard, pulls the wagons into the headshunt, and propels them into the covered (un)loading area. As the production of the ducting/other fabrications is a fairly lengthy process, this train runs two or three times a week, with completed ducting heading off to customers elsewhere in the country/export on the same day as new raw material comes in. A cripple siding is also provided for wagons needing repair, which are then tripped weekly as required, as part of a service which also sees a couple of vans of supplies for the EMU Depot and fuel for the private shunter brought in.

I was looking at a traverser to move the shunter between the two shed roads, but I reckon by hiding the end of the loading area with a brought forward backscene, I should just about be able to get my hand round in to swap the shunter between roads.

Stock

Bachmann's forthcoming 4-CEP will have a major role to play, hopefully, in the day to day operation - as will Heljan 33's and 47's of either Chinese or Danish parentage. Other SR Third Rail D/EMUs could follow too, as I pluck up the courage to have a go at some kits. The top platform can just about accomodate Loco + 6 Mk1/2's for passenger workings, and the loading area/headshunts will be able to accomodate around 7 BDA's (again, forthcoming Bachmann) for Steel/Ducting. Vans could also be an option here. As for the works shunter, I'm going to have a go at repainting one of the cheapo Bachmann 'Kids Range' shunters. I was thinking a primer spray of red oxide, with yellow over the top, giving the opportunity for rust patches to show.

I hope that the remaining track will arrive tomorrow, as a result of paying extra for postage due to my incompetence in getting out of bed this morning.

A signalling diagram, courtesy of Dave Skipsey has also arrived - - I want to do this 'properly' (It's going to cost enough!), so proper signalling is essential.

Finally, I couldn't update without some words on Bachmann's planned releases - The 4-CEP, vital for this project, is still delayed due to lack of works drawings, but more pleasingly (not for this project, but for another idea...), comes news of an RTR MPV - and, at long last, Autoballasters - the full gen is here, as always; www.bachmann.co.uk.

With the latter at least, and with Dapol's forthcoming MK3 DVT and Container Flats, Now all we need is a decent 86 and 90, MK2's in Anglia livery, and a lottery win, and I'll be able to replicate those magical Ipswich days of summers past (and to come, hopefully).

Of Colds and Lemsip

2008-01-13T21:53:00.000Z

So 2008 has began, and just as 2007 ended, I've been suffering with a cold.

Still, much better now after a couple of days off work - the commute was really killing me when I didn't feel right, and I was coming home and going straight to bed despite sleeping on the way home.

On the modelling front though, things are certainly looking up;

As the picture suggests, a start has been made in the loft. The trackplan is still undergoing final revision - it's another SR Third Rail based empire! - lots of luvverly slam door units (Do hurry up, Bachmann...) - but, for the moment, is here; http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/441/dstinkeringsos9.jpg

It's got a lot of potential, and should, hopefully, look really rather nice when done. Loco plus six for hauled trains, whilst 2 4-CEPs running as an 8 Car Unit could also fit in the top road, with a 4-Car and a 2-Car could fit in the bay. There's also an EMU stabling point and freight potential, with a steel fabricators envisaged at the top.

I saw these rather nice Ductings in Model Railroader a while back, and have been taken with them ever since, and I think they'll look excellent as 'outbound' loads from the manufacturers, with either steel coil or plate coming in.

More to follow on this one?

You Betcha. For now, there's snooker on TV...

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T14:59:00.000Z

So Christmas is done and dusted, all of Hornby's embargoed news (New - 153, HST, T9, Schools, 4MT amongst others...) is out, and 2008 is less than 12 hours away.

Tonight will be spent... in the pub. Oh yes.

Spent some money on Thursday - actually, quite a lot over the last week, what with a new Monitor, an Xbox 360 - and, more relevant, a couple of Van C's. They look a little out of place on Loch Faioleag (at least until they get the heavy weathering treatment! - but really are superb little models, one of my best RTR purchases of the year without a doubt.

Plans for 2008?

Get something done in the loft!
See what Mr York has set for his pupils as a Challenge this year...
See the Spurs recovery under Senor Ramos continue, hopefully...
Watch on as Dean Wilkins drags Brighton & Hove Albion kicking and screaming into The Championship
Not waste quite so much time on Football Manager 2009 as I have been on Football Manager 2008. It's awesome.

Anyway - have a good one!

Tangs for the Photos...

2007-12-22T17:37:00.001Z

So another charter, and once again my official photographer by proxy/hot beverage provider/emergency cigarette provider/Modelling horticulture experts were on hand at Norwich Station to get the all important shots.

I'm told there was nothing diesel-powered on the other end, which is a shame, but still, 34067 'Tangmere' was in fine form, apparently running early throughout the trip.

On the modelling front, Rail Express is out, and with it, the promised news of (part) of Hornby's 2008 programme. The more I think about it, the more pleased I am with the 153 - it gives so many possibilities. Still, more suprises to come in the coming few weeks - First New Years' Day's full run down of official news from Margate, and then the Toyfair - Bachmann's usual list of promise which you'll still be looking forward to this time next year no doubt... (Wheres my 4-CEP :stamps feet: ) - and, according to ReX, Heljan too will unveil their own plans for the next couple of years in the early part of 2008. An 86 please, I'll take 5.

One more thing left then - and sorry, no snow as yet, but Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Rail Exposé?

2007-12-20T14:08:00.001Z

So the pre-Christmas Rail Express is (apparently, it wasn't in Hatton Garden WH Smiths earlier) out - and with it, some news of Hornby's 2008 plans.

New HST, 153 and a Shark Brake - very interesting, and should all sell very, very well. The 153 offers bags and bags of livery possibilities, and is a good tactical move, with Bachmann's 150 on the horizon.

Until I can find a copy of the magazine, that'll have to do I'm afraid - but those of you with good eyesight can (try!) and see for yourself, over at the REX Modeller blog; http://railexpressmodeller.wordpress.com/

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All The Way - Oh What Fun It Is To See, Tottenham Win Away!

2007-12-16T14:46:00.000Z

A very promising start to the weekend with Spurs getting a rare (75 from 300 in the league since 1991/92 (!) - away win in the League. Brighton won too, so it's all good.

On the modelling front, work continues on finding something suitable for the loft - at the moment, I'm looking at a Sussex-based layout set in 1968, so the last few remnants of steam and the new era of EMU's and diesels on freight.

It's an idea I've been pondering for a little while, and I quite like the look of it so far.

Also, a bit of a shoutout to Railway Modeller this month - some excellent articles, including a fantastic 08 by Mike Roome, some excellent Gunpowder vans by Neil Rushby, and an 0 Gauge layout called Foxton Mills which is just superb.

Perhaps the magazine article that has impressed me the most recently though comes from the other side of t'pond - in the current Model Railroader Special Edition - 'Great Model Railroads 2008' - there is a picture that just looks so real. I don't think the online versions are quite as good as the printed one - but still, the likes of this give a pretty good impression of how realistic this layout looks.

Charter-Chasing by Proxy

2007-12-09T19:32:00.000Z

I've still not managed to see an A4 in action. Twice now, I've heard about Charters to East Anglia just too late to get there myself. Both times though, I've been fortunate enough to have my official photographer by proxy/hot beverage provider/emergency cigarette provider/Modelling horticulture experts there instead.

So here's one of several pictures - 60009 'Union of South Africa' on a slightly ahead of schedule Kings X-Ely charter - and I'm really pleased to have it (As for why, just look at the weather!)

As for modelling? Well, currently I am trying to pick bits of fibreglass pencil out of my finger after cleaning the wheels on my latest aquisition, a Heljan 27 (Banger Blue as 27105). This isn't so fun...

Actually, it looks a good year for Charters in 2008 at the moment - currently looking at the absolute dog of a journey to Uckfield to chase firstly a pair of 31's, and then a pair of 37's, on Pathfinders' Buffer Puffer tours in the early part of the year - whilst trips to Norwich for A4 'Bittern', Brittania Oliver Cromwell as well as a Standard Five look far more sociable. Hoping for some diesel action as well - 55022, D1015 or anything prefixed 50 to either the capital of East Anglia or Eastbourne would be most welcomed.

Just going to try something out here on the 'Teach myself HTML' - so apologies!

Merry Christmas!

Warley Regrets?

2007-12-06T23:02:00.000Z

None. No hour-long beer queues, no regular treks outside to smoke, not getting smacked in the face by a backpack...

Didn't go this year - a night out with the SAG on Friday night (Not a rather cruel nickname for any females, but the Southern Area Group of RMWeb!) - persuaded me that I could just as easily spend money online and get the same, if not better, deals.

So I did.

Today, yet more packs of Lupins - I'm stockpiling these for future use - At the moment I reckon I've got enough to last me until 2031. A couple of other bits are on backorder from Model Masters , but a bargain Class 27 - again numbered 27105, which should have been part of the fleet last Christmas but failed rather catastrophically - did come via the Liverpool 'shed' that is Hattons , and this could well be followed by a bargain Danish 26 as well, following Paul Marshall-Potter's excellent article in Railway Modeller a couple of months ago.

As for the loft layout, I'm still mulling over trackplans. One idea that I thought had 'legs' has been rejected as too complex, and I may well end up with something similar to the plan I came up with, ooh, six months ago? - Such is the life of the modeller.

Off to Norwich for the weekend - there probably won't be time for too much in the way of photography, but you never know - and there will be further updates, and hopefully progress, before Christmas.

This post is also a first for the Muchclag Blog - I've coded it in HTML. That'll please one reader in particular, I'm sure ;)

Of Freud and Acidic Soil...

2007-11-15T13:38:00.000Z

First up - apologies. It's been far, far too long. Over 2 months between updates isn't something I'm proud of, but I have my excuses, and it has been busy.

Let's start off on a plus - I've got a new job. I now work for a marketing firm in London, working on major websites. It's not something I've done for a long time, but I decided to take a gamble when I was offered the job, and I'm pleased to say that things appear to be going well and that I'm really enjoying it so far.

Work in the loft has hit a wall - namely, I'm really not sure on the various trackplans I've been floating around for a few months now. Still, winter is 'Modelling Season', so hopefully I will be able to crack on soon.

If anyone knows of a prototype suburban station with attached EMU maintainence/cleaning sidings, I would be delighted to hear from them...

And now - Lupins!

Loch Faioleag is more or less complete, and I'm just adding little details now. One of these was planned to be a big bank of Busch 'Wild Lupins' underneath the trees by the headshunt. Buying the lupins was no problem (Modelmasters.co.uk), and building them, whilst leading Brighton to the playoffs on the excellent Football Manager 2008 - http://www.sigames.co.uk/ - didn't prove too difficult, although it was fiddly!

No, the problem comes with placement. As I said, I wanted them under the trees. Now, it may not seem like it from some of my pictures, but I do like realism in modelling - and here comes the problem.

The Lupins themselves are pretty good - but Lupins don't grow, I am informed by official plant-based scenics advisors, under trees, and particularly fir trees (The soil is, yep, too acidic). So now we have a dilemna. Do I stil with ultra realism, or do I bring a bit of colour under my trees as I initially wanted?

And as for Freud?

"Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts".

He can't have seen mine.

In the Summertime...

2007-09-09T19:06:00.001Z

You tend to go on Holiday - and I have, just back from a very good week in the New Forest.

It wasn't an entirely rail-orientated holiday, but I did find time for a trip to Swanage - another preserved line to cross off the list (and 33 Haulage to boot!) - and a trip down to Lymington, typically the day after a faliure meant that the service was 73 hauled!

A few photos from the week can be found at http://stuart672.fotopic.net/c1365498.html - the weather was very kind, and we didn't have a drop of rain all week.

Up in the loft, Loch Faioleag is coming along very nicely - today the (almost) finishing touches were applied to the hateful job of ballasting, and also the exit from the platform to the Sector Plate looks a lot better.

Also on the loft front - Space. As I spend another evening planning my long-dreamed of loft layout, only to tear up the virtual paper and chuck it in the recycle bin, I'm sitting here listening to Virgin Radio and thinking about what it is I actually want. And it's space - obviously. But not as in 'space for loco + 12 Mk2s' or 'scale length rake of Intermodals' - but the look of space, the feeling that you aren't cramming everything that you want in.

Of course, in the end, it has to be a compromise, but it's hard to know what to leave in and what to take out. I know what I want on my layout, I can visualise it in my mind (and it's in P4, so that's not going to happen for a start! ) - but when it comes to it, things just don't seem to fit as you imagine.

I want a decent length of mainline run, I want an EMU depot, I want a backdrop of grotty warehouses, with their accompanying fire exits, grubby-looking alleyways, health and safety signage - and I want it all in an L Shape of 12' x 2' x 8'...

Oh well. Back to the drawing board...

Tractor Pulling

2007-08-16T17:34:00.000Z

That staple of Eurosport...

No, not really.

Today, I went to Eastbourne for the first of three railtours over the coming three days. One today (a second, involving 'Tangmere' was planned, but was caped), and two on Saturday (a 50 and a 67), all in connection with Eastbourne Airbourne.

So, why, in this case, was Eastbourne Station it's usual enthusiast-unfriendly place?

Went to Smiffs on the station this morning, and thought I'd ask at the Info Desk as to weather I'd be allowed onto the platform to phot the 37 if I bought a valid ticket. The reply was neither positive nor negative - it seemed guessed at. "Well you'd be allowed on the platform if you intended to travel but you would need to ask if you could take photos". What?! I either can, or I can't.

Instead, I went to the Junction Road Car Park next door to the station, and took some good photos from a different viewpoint. Not all of them are on Fotopic, as the majority were of 'Normal' 377 and 170 traffic, but they'll come in handy, I'm sure.

Rant over - 37410 was in good form, and the antics of one rather desperate photographer amused me greatly - standing on top of a billboard, in the car park. I decided against remarking to the station staff that it would have been far easier to employ common sense and simply let people onto the platform - I want to go back on Saturday ;-)

Still, the sun shone, the planes flew, and the 37 provided a different site in Eastbourne Station.

Saturday's hero, for me, will be whichever Spurs player decides that our season cannot continue at the current rate and actually turns up against Derby - and 50049, the rather aptly named 'Defiance!'

Oh yes - those Photos... http://stuart672.fotopic.net/c1349161.html

London Calling...

2007-08-08T21:07:00.000Z

Decided to go to London yesterday on something of a whim - I got up early and went to Eastbourne with the camera primarily with the aim of buying a Sausage & Egg McMuffin and taking some photos on the beach and of the(well, IMHO anyway!) somewhat fascinating 'urban grot' around the Seaside area.

By 10.28 I was on a train heading for the smoke though, so that didn't last very long - arrived at Kenny O a couple of hours later and found it a very pleasant spot for a couple of hours photography. There's also the big bonus of no ticket barriers and convienent access to the street for fag breaks.

Anyway, here's a few shots; http://img410.imageshack.us/im.....010mc3.jpg - 6D47 13.29 Wembley - Dollands Moor (92 and 67 DIT) http://img410.imageshack.us/im.....004zs2.jpg - I was rather taken with the flats behind from a photography point of view. http://img410.imageshack.us/im.....008kc1.jpg - Had to get a shot of a 377 somewhere other than Sussex
http://img410.imageshack.us/im.....009wx2.jpg - And from another angle http://img410.imageshack.us/im.....002jv8.jpg - the first Freight seen of the 2 hours (66710 had arrived light engine moments before, but it caught me by suprise and the photo isn't much cop)

Celeb spotting; Trinny and Susannah, of TV 'you can't wear that' fame, seen boarding a District Line train from Kenny O to Earls Court, presumably for the fashion show that was going on there. Or the Beer festival :D

On the modelling front, the Bachmann AB Vans are here! - all varieties now released, according to the mine of info that is www.rmweb.co.uk . Want some inspiration? Well, I can imagine this on my proposed loft layout; http://www.petertandy.co.uk/33113_bstoke_070887.jpg - a filthy 33, a rake of rather unkempt vans - Oh yes.

Bible Stories

2007-07-08T15:36:00.000Z

The second coat of paint has today been applied to the facia, ready to apply the layout name to the front of the layout. I've also won a couple of Rats on eBay - both numbered 25083 (Inverness machine from June 1976-May 1978 - ideal for the time period! ) - One, NOT the DCC soundfitted loco(!) will be renumbered to one of the other Inverness locos.

The ballasting is all but complete, a fine brush needed to fix the ballast between the trackwork of two points, and a very small straight section.

I've also found another freight flow for the layout - I was looking for an excuse to buy some of the forthcoming Bachmann Insulated Vans, and in the 'bible for D&E Modellers' - AKA Santona's 'Modelling the British Rail Era' (http://www.santona.co.uk/prodmbr.html), I found one, on page 46;

"Another notable late survivor in the perishable category was Fish from Wick, brought south in 'Blue Spot' vans attached till passenger trains until 1981"

Wick was, and indeed is, one of the Termini for the Far North line, and if Wick still shipped fish by rail till '81, then so did Loch Faioleag ;-)

I've probably mentioned it before, but 'Modelling the British Rail Era' is a superb book - Ian Fleming, Steve Flint, Ken Gibbons and Jeff Taylor should be congratulated for producing a book that I bought in the first week it came out in 2001 and have found myself referring to ever since. I would guarentee that I'm not the only one.

Looking scarily complete...

2007-06-26T19:52:00.001Z

A few pictures from recent sessions in the loft; as always, bigger versions at http://stuart672.fotopic.net/c1092631_25.html

Scenically, there's a fair amount still to be completed - a 'sky' above the bricks at the back of the platform for one thing, as well as a frontscene to hide the sector plate.

There's also a little bit more ballasting, details (Nameboards, for a start!) on the station, a bit of weathering to the hardstanding, figures, a few more 'weeds' - and of course a bit of stock still to
purchase.

Still, I'm very happy with the way the layout is going, and I'm (famous last words) it will be finished for 'Deadline Day' in September.

Rat in the Grass

2007-06-12T21:03:00.000Z

A couple of shots of the 25 surveying tonight's (limited) work.

Grass is that favourite of a modeller who's standard I could never hope to obtain, Chris Nevard (http://nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1102004.html) - Hanging Basket Liner.

It looks really good! - in the second photo I hadn't trimmed it a little to take the 'whisp' off the top.

I am so pleased with the way it's all coming along.

A Spark of inspiration

2007-06-10T22:59:00.000Z

This evening I've been working on finalising plans for my loft epic. Hailsham is no more, for the second time. In it's place? Well, I haven't decided on a name yet. But for now, it's known as 'Not Newhaven'

The Plan;

It's a bit hard to see that, I admit, so here's a link to a full sized version on Imageshack. Remember to click on it so that it becomes big and properly visible, otherwise you'll go crosseyed trying to follow those tracks!

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/3425/minoriesloftbigplancx8.jpg

The plan itself is developed from an adapted 'Minories' - Mike West, aka Mutley, on RMWeb3, passed the plan to me, and I've altered it from there. His version, by the way, is fantastic, and if you are still not a member of RMWeb, it's one of many fine developing layouts in Andy's House of Fun!

Operations

Passenger services will be Boat Trains (Top & Tail 33's - although I've decided that the top and tail 33's are merely a 'first train of the day' logistical move, the 'tail' 33 will work 'dead in tow' in order to work the return train, with the 'top' 33 then left on the buffer stop at the head of the platform. It will then move light to the fuelling point, before attaching to the rear of the next inbound boat train (which will be single 33 hauled), and then working that back towards the smoke (London ).

Units will use the 3 Bay platforms, all of which can accomodate 4 Coach Mk1 Multiple Units. (Note I didn't just say the 4-CEP there, in the hope that another type is announced imminently ;-) ). If not working a return, Units can run ECS to the maintanence/cleaning platforms next to the fiddle yard.

A Station Pilot ( 08 ) will also be provided, in order to shunt release Newspaper/Parcels workings (which will use the Boat Train platforms). It will also, since I've fallen in love with this Rail Stores Van on Paul Bartlett's website, trip thrice-weekly stores (Cleaning materials, new seats after Palace fans have travelled to watch their team lose at The Goldstone , etc) from the Station to the EMU depot (the dark grey building at the entrance to the sidings is evisaged as some sort of Yard Store)

Finally, Freight. Not being entirely sure how long the BRA's from Bachmann will be, I can't say for sure yet what the Freight will be. I liked the idea of Steel for export via the docks, but if space precludes a decent (4/5 wagon) rake, then the Factory siding at the top accomodates 5 VGA Vans and a 47 with comfort, and it'll be imported 'something'. Quite like the idea of palletised loads sitting on the loading dock, awaiting the arrival of the train.

Even more finally - why 'A Spark of inspiration'? Well, it's Southern Electric obviously, and everything bar the fiddle yard will be equipped with (cosmetic!) Third Rail. Yes, dodgy pun time, once again.

Enjoy your Monday.

The Showcase Showdown

2007-06-03T10:39:00.000Z

Returned from DEMU Showcase intact and having spent a far bit.

Very good show as usual - highlights of the layout front, the excellent Calcutta Sidings and Anderstaff Yard, and also 'Ripper Street' in the Minories competition, from the hands of the DEMU TVAG (Thames Valley Area Group).

So anyway, what did I buy?

Bachmann Catalouge
3 old issues of Rail Express/Traction
New Railway Illustrated

That was for the journey home!

As for 'real' purchases?

Cambrian 'Shark' Ballast Brake kit
Bachmann RMB (Blue/Grey) - this will be used occasionally on Loch Faioleag, but also forms the first real purchase for another layout...

Set of Noch figures
PC Signs 'Clocks and Posters'
Signs Of The Times 'General Station Signage, Station Forecourt Detailing and Numberplates' (Especially pleased to get these, given that SOT have stopped producing them)

Express Models DC Regulated Power Supply
3 Express Models Buffer Stop Lights
S-Kits Manholes & Drain Covers
Railmatch Engineers Olive paint

Modelmaster G471 'Assorted Coach Lettering (White)' Transfers.

No 'big' purchases, but more a collection of smaller items, which add up!

2007-05-28T20:39:00.001Z

Been up in the loft tonight, doing a bit of work. Ballasting's started, and the headshunt is currently at the 'argh, it looks like bloody Wheetabix!' panic stage! Took a few photos too.

Oh, I also had a strange guy at work today - offered me a quick trip in his time machine in exchange for a bit of wood I was about to chuck in the skip. There was only one place I wanted to go...

Few more pictures at http://stuart672.fotopic.net/c1092631.html It's coming along rather nicely, I think :)

Skinny Plate?

2007-05-27T21:42:00.002Z

With everything wired up and working fine on Loch Faolieag, it's only natural that thoughts have turned to a change to the trackplan. Well, not really a change - more an extension. If I put the sector plate 'on a diet', I could have space within the rules of the original http://www.rmweb.co.uk Layout Challenge to add an extension to the sector plate. This would let me run three coach trains into Loch Faolieag - more prototypical than the two coach ones planned (Although research has revealed a train in 1974 comprised of a Class 24, a BSO and a RMB!)

The photo is one taken a few evenings ago - the sun setting on a Class 25.

Further work has happened today - DAS Clay and the Hornby Skaledale Lochside Stores have combined to complete the basics for the 'paved area' which a siding runs into to serve Loch Faioleag's main freight interest, ScotIce Appliances.

DAS is useful stuff - it's the first time I've used it, and it looks quite impressive, even without being painted. It's a neutral grey colour, but I think it could do with some paint. Still, the Corgi Mk1 Transit seems quite happy at the moment.

The Skaledale building has already been modified - the sign board stating 'Upper Dale Lock' seemed more than a little out of place, so out came the fibreglass pencil, and the text was removed. Now all I need to do is replace it, most probably with the 'ScotIce' legend.

Next week, the peaceful brewing town of Burton On Trent will be invaded - by cranks of all varieties - it's DEMU Showcase (http://www.demu.co.uk/index.php?page=showcase). My tickets are booked, and I can't wait!

Success!

2007-05-16T19:34:00.000Z

Loch Faioleag now has one of three tortoise point motors in place, and working. Trains have also been running fairly regularly as well, in fact a planned 'point motor blitz' on Monday was interupted by the desire to 'play'. Oh well, that's what I've built it for!

One down, two to go - one is being a right bugger, it simply will not sit where I want it to, leading to stress, thrown pieces of assorted loft junk and an increase in nicotine usage.

Another persistant pain is the backscene - with a fairly narrow/low relief station platform, and minimal room, the backscene needs to sit flush with the rear of the platform. You try fixing two pieces of wood like that! - it doesen't work easily. Various glues, clamps etc have tried and failed, so I'm beginning to think that I'll need to build new platforms out of some handily liberated 12mm ply from the skip at work.

Also, I've updated the links on here - Enjoy

Wos gaaaaain on?!

2007-05-11T14:17:00.000Z

Um yes. 3 months, nearly.

Oh well.

A brief spell away from railways - football, beer, the usual to blame - has reinvigorated me. I spent a very enjoyable long weekend in Norfolk - the photos are at http://stuart672.fotopic.net/ , and now, with no work until Tuesday, I'm planning on spending a weekend on the layouts. Loch Faolieag has stalled on something ridiculous (Point Motor installation), so getting it into a runable state is priority.

The next update shouldn't be so long in the pipeline...

Rail Express comes up trumps again!

2007-02-02T00:03:00.000Z

Just before heading to bed, I was alerted (cheers lads!) to this; http://www.railexpress.co.uk/ads/vitrains_rem.pdf

It's a 37/4!

Given Bachmann's reaction to Dapol's N Gauge Voyager, I'm expecting fireworks from the Leicestershire direction on this...

From Italy with love?

2007-02-01T22:52:00.000Z

Speculation on www.rmweb2.co.uk that Italian manufacturer ViTrains are to announce a British product next week, in 00 Gauge. Interesting, very interesting...

The last British outline products out of Italy were, to be blunt, poor. Lima/Lamer, released essentially poor products - although some were useful, a lot were grim. www.electricnose.co.uk has a pretty good article on these, for those of you who have been asleep since about 1977.

Vitrains, however, look different. The current Continental Modeller has a review of an Italian Unit which looked very nice to my untrained eyes. As I said - interesting...

Moving on - today saw some splurging. Well, only partially - a fair chunk was paid last month, but today, the rest of the deposit went on a Bachmann Turbostar in Southern Livery - one of the Modelzone limited editions which go for silly prices on eBay. Very much needed - now all I need to do is to find someone to fit a Digital Decoder to it, there is NO WAY I'm doing this one myself!

Also picked up - a couple of Bachmann PNA's. Reaction to these has been broadly positive, and I'm certainly very impressed with the printing. A short rake for use on Hailsham was always in the pipeline, and these two will start things off nicely.

Insania, Insania - Bachmann-ia

2007-01-24T12:23:00.000Z

So the London Toyfair is all go, and Bachmann have announced their plans.

From a personal point of view, it's an interesting list. Here's (for me), the pick;

4-CEP in Blue/Grey - that's me preordering one then...
Turbostar in 'One' livery (Must avoid temptation, Must avoid tempt... etc)
VDA Vans
Super D in 00 Gauge - should sell well, given that it's been on people's wish lists for years and years.
66/9's (Including 'Eddie'! , so no ridiculously high-subscribed Limited Edition here)
3-Car 108
166 in First 'Neon'

The full 00 listing is here; http://www.bachmann.co.uk/whatsnew.php4

And in N Gauge?

Well. Interesting is the word...

Going head to head with Dapol on Voyagers and Intermodals - and have announced Meridians and Pioneers (Midland Mainline and Hull Trains variants). 66/9's, including another planned Dapol release, 'Eddie the Engine'. 9F, sure to be popular. A Southern Turbostar (Temptation avoidance again required...) - again, full listing here; http://www.bachmann.co.uk/pdfs/farish_pl2007.pdf

Dapol plan two announcements tomorrow, at 9.30. Interested to see what will come out of Chirk, despite not modelling in N? You Betcha!

Motoring On

2007-01-18T18:57:00.000Z

With Loch Cighall now past the basic wiring stage - I've fitted my first Tortoise Point Motor (and it works!) - things are really coming on.

The platform is also in place - slightly extended from the original plan due to what I'll describe as a planning error (which will become apparent when I next upload some photos ;-) ) - I'm still very pleased with it, though.

Elsewhere, the facia has been given a coat of Undercoat, ready for painting, which should add some colour to the boards.

Unfortunatley, pride of the line, Heljan 27105, has had to be returned to Haslington Models for attention. After fitting the Lenz Silver decoder, I noticed that the pickups on the back of the wheels were hardly touching. Adjustment saw total drive faliure - so the McRat is booked for an E-Exam at Crewe DMD.

In far better news - a name change!

Loch Cighall is no more. Say hello to Loch Faoileag

In case you were wondering, Faoileag is Gaelic for Seagull - but, I think, sounds a lot more 'Scottish'!

Hailsham

Hailsham, my main '00' Loft Layout, has hardly been touched for a little while. The trackwork is in place, but nothing is as yet wired up - the main reason, recent work in the loft with a new boiler (Sadly not Steam Heat!), has left access somewhat tricky. However, with that all complete - and a Bachmann Class 171 in Southern Livery (No, you don't want to know how much, but needless to say, it wasn't silly eBay prices!) awaiting collection from Eastbourne's finest Model Emporium (Train Times) - work will begin in the very near future.

Do your research...

2007-01-06T18:17:00.000Z

Before ordering parts.

After spending ages looking at images of Fragonset 31's, I somehow still managed to miss the position of the headlight on Hornby's 31452 'Minotaur'. So, today, I went out and bought one - hoping to renumber and rename as 31468 'Hydra'.

Got home, posted on RMWeb - and was then shown a picture of '468 - with the headlight in the centre, rather than offset as on the Hornby model. No manufacturer mistake here, just mine.

Oh well...

In better news, Loch Cighall is working! - wiring completed, NCE Power Cab attached - and D8037 has been crawling all over the layout to check trackwork and platform clearance. Excellent!

The platform building - a Wills Kit (SS60) is also complete, and can be seen by clicking on the link below...

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2311/dscn0012gb9.jpg

We love to go a-soldering...

2006-12-29T20:56:00.000Z

Well, not 'love', but it's not half as bad as I feared.

Loch Cighall is now in 'ready to go' state - pending instalation of the DCC Control Power point. I've tonight finished the soldering - all feeds to track are soldered, and test running in DC Mode (using a Gaugemaster Combi and a Heljan 47) was a success.

As a result, I'm feeling rather pleased with myself! - BIG thanks to all those at RMWeb2 - specifically John Hughes, Kenton, Andi Dell (Dagworth), smudge, Colin McLeod and a few others - who offered help and sound advice.

Oh yeah? - What happened to that Christmas Day update. Well, circumstances got in the way. Specifically, opening and playing with presents.

Modelling wise, I ended up with a superb Heljan Class 27 (27105), a very handy Stanley Toolbox (Lots of drawers for filling with bits) and the excellent 'Modelling Scotland's Railways' book from Santona ( www.santona.co.uk ) . Other bits included the obligatory chocolate and a fair chunk of money! - I did very, very well this year, and I'm well chuffed :)

And for my final trick? - In case you haven't seen it, a list of Hornby's 2007 releases, in full. Cheers Hattons! - http://www.ehattons.com/list/hornbycatalogue2007.asp

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve...

2006-12-24T16:03:00.000Z

And I can't wait for the big day. Heljan 27105, for one reason!

Work has continued on both layouts, with the wiring now done on the RMWeb Challenge Layout - all that remains now is for a few feeds to be soldered to the track.

Expect an update tomorrow when I've unwrapped my pressies!

On a similar note - the excellent www.electricnose.co.uk is back for Christmas! - Cheers Steve.

Have a good one.

Under The Board-Cycle

2006-12-08T18:47:00.000Z

As Bruce Willis didn't sing.

However - my baseboard is here! - it's absolutley superb. Many, many thanks to www.blackcatbaseboards.co.uk - Colin has done a great job. The trackwork is laid, but not fixed to the board as yet, and all is going swimmingly.

Someone else who has done a great job is Craig Foster - he, the silly sod, is Cycling the World! - but it's all for a very good cause. Have a look at http://www.cyclingroundtheworld.co.uk/ , and donate!

I've also just had three teeth out today, so I'm a little lightheaded and my mouth feels as if I've gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. No bruising, but it feels full of blood. Lovely...

Mini Update From Hull With Love

2006-12-06T10:34:00.000Z

Had an email last night from Colin Stark - http://www.blackcatbaseboards.co.uk - the baseboard for my Challenge Layout is complete, and should hopefully arrive by the weekend!

Excellent news, and I must thank Colin for his efforts.

Elsewhere, all track is now in situ in the loft, ready for wiring. Things are going remarkably well!

Wor-Lee!

2006-12-02T18:28:00.000Z

Today then, like many other people, I went to Birmingham - and specifically, Hall 1 of the NEC - the Warley show.

Wow. It's big, isn't it?!

Having got that out of the way, it was good to meet several people from the www.rmweb2.co.uk forum - Got my mug in the group shot too!

So, what did I buy. Well;

NCE Power Cab - DCC System for Loft Layout
3 Peco Small Radius Left Hand Points - that's all the track for Loch Cighall now!
3 Tortoise Point Motors
Knightwing Diesel Fuelling Point
Express Models Lighting kit for said fuelling point
Heljan 47711 'County of Hertfordshire'
Lenz Silver Decoder
Various Paint
Ordered Howes Custom Plates - 'County of East Sussex' (Guess where they are going ;) )
This month's Model Rail and Traction Magazines
BRM Annual
Ratio/Wills Catalouge
Express Models DCC Power Bus Kit
4 Bachmann BR Brown Vent Vans
Blairline Wood Crossing (a second one, both required for Challenge layout)
Signs Of The Times Billboard & Freestanding Billboard Kit
Silfor Matting & Grass Tufts

Phew! - I think that's about it. More than enough to be getting on with for now, though!

Going down to Liverpoooooool - oops, I mean Birmingham

2006-11-27T21:30:00.000Z

(With apologies to The Bangles!)

Saturday then, will see an extremely early (5.12 AM) start from Polegate for the trip to Birmingham.

Why?

Warley. Never been before, but to be honest, I've never really had the money to make the most of it. This year, I've got the week following off work, I've got some spare cash, and I've got the inclanation to go and fight with the great unwashed for a glimpse of a Heljan 26, Bachmann 4-CEP, Hornby King Arthur, Dapol 'whatever' etc etc.

I'm really quite looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to the train journey too, never been to Birmingham, and I can't remember going out of Euston before either. Should be fun!

See you all there...

Right, that's that out of the way - what's going on layout(s) wise?

Well - several new bits and pieces have been bought, and we are now at the stages where it gets interesting;

Loch Cighall (RMWeb2 Challenge Layout); Awaiting Baseboards. Track is bought, bar the points (a likely Warley purchase, if I don't get bored on Friday and go and see Trevor at Train Times!), and building construction has commence. Unfortunatley, the paint I bought for the Wills Goods Yard Store hasn't really covered well enough, so I've bought another one, and a can of white Primer to do a proper job. Albeit one to be undertaken when nobody else is about!

Hailsham (Loft Layout); Track is laid! - Now awaiting a Controller. DCC, and 'Number one purchase aim' at Warley.

Also been to a show recently - the Newhaven MRC Show at Highfield School, Eastbourne, a couple of weeks back. Some very nice layouts - I was very taken by an N Gauge French station/yard - all in about 6 foot x 2 foot and DCC Controlled. With Lights. And Sound. In N Gauge. Dapol, please make your suprise release a Class 86, because then the loft will mutate into Norfolk countryside...

A 'one'derful week

2006-11-12T19:50:00.000Z

Back from a week's holiday in Norwich, and had a great time!

Plenty of time spent on the train, and on the stations - Norwich, Ipswich and Ely. The journey home was 'difficult' - 90013's Pan deciding to fail ( see http://stuart672.fotopic.net/ ) - but it was a good week in any case :)

Also went to the Colchester show, and a couple of model shops - so my list of purchases then;

Bachmann BR Blue 25 (Can't resist a Rat!)
Hornby Skaledale Skips
Hongwell Ford Capri (Lovely!)
Corgi Mk1 Transit Van (Dagenham's Finest)
Peco Insulating Fishplates
Roll of Copper Tape
Various Model & Prototype Magazines

Since I've been back, Progress has occured on both layouts, the loft and the challenge - in the loft, 95% of track is now laid, with just a little work on the fiddle yard required, whilst the baseboards have been ordered from Colin Stark at Black Cat Baseboards - http://www.blackcatbaseboards.co.uk/ - reccomended to me by Neil Ripley at the superb http://www.rmweb2.co.uk Forum - for a very reasonable price (The boards, that is, not the reccomendation!)

All in all, great! - apart from going back to work tomorrow. Still, can't have it all...

Wow!

2006-10-27T12:18:00.000Z

Did a bit of shopping yesterday;

Bachmann Weathered Class 20 (BR Blue)
Bachmann EZ-Command (Secondhand)
Bachmann EZ Command DCC Chip
Various Fir Trees
Pack of Modelscene Pallets
Model Railroader
Continental Modeller

Despite a brief foray into DCC before - with a Lenz Compact - I never actually set that up, for fear of blowing things up. Older now, less wiser (I blame the beer), but this time, I decided to go for it instead of leaving it sitting in a box for ages.

It is so simple! - To install the Decoder took me about 10 minutes (including finding a screwdriver.

Also; Continental Modeller, Page 23a.

00 Gauge Cabbages & Lettuces! - I think I might be able to find room for them somewhere...

Challenges, Football and Trackplans

2006-10-07T15:50:00.000Z

Not been around for a week or so - and why? - Football. Or more precisley, Football Manager 2007; http://www.footballmanager.net/en/index.html - The demo is out, and it's excellent. Download and enjoy. I've got the full game on preorder, and it'll be hard to drag myself away from it I fear!

Work continues on the loft layout - tracklaying shortly to commence - but I've also been looking into plans for another layout.

The excellent RMWeb (www.rmweb2.co.uk) Forum has an equally excellent Challenge going on until next September - anything you like, as long as it fits in 6 Square Feet basically.

With that, and the need for some kind of testtrack in mind, I'm looking at developing this; http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/112/rmwebnc2.png - should be nice and easy to complete. Hopefully!

The Train Now Arriving...

2006-09-25T17:08:00.000Z

Won't be arriving for a little while yet.

However, while you are here, why not take a look around our brand new station....

Yes, I've finally completed the station building. Still work to do - namely building a 'plinth' to bring it up to platform level (and, of course, a ramp & Steps back down to 'street' level.

The lighting in these photos is atrocious, sorry about that - and while the pictures may show tiny gaps as huge chasms, in reality, it does look quite good - I'm happy with it, anyway :)

All Photos here - http://stuart672.fotopic.net/c1092631.html

WNXX Returns!

2006-09-17T22:14:00.000Z

Aha, ideal!

Just noticed that the excellent www.wnxx.com is back - complete with one of my photos. Go to the pictures for 12/09/06, and you'll see a bit of Polegate station - and one of Southern's Turbostar fleet. First picture published by anyone other than, well, me. I'm quite proud :D

Progress!

2006-09-17T22:05:00.000Z

Another week passes, and more is done upstairs.

The boards are now very much in place, all apart from the scenic, 2 foot square addition.

I've finally been told how to wire the track - cheers Nigel Burkin (www.nigelburkin.co.uk ) and those who advised at RMWeb (www.rmweb2.co.uk ) - so that's one worry out the way.

Tonight, I've been getting on with starting a station building. Using a Peco Office Kit, as I planned previously, but without the Ferrero Rocher pyramid in the middle - that will now be used for another building...

Here's a quick picture of the Station in 'flat pack' form; http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0002ok1.jpg

I've now painted the internals, as well as the windows and doors - by tomorrow morning, it should be dry, so I will hopefully be able to assemble it before work. Work, by the way, starts at a ridiculous 11.30 AM tomorrow, going through to 7.30PM. Why can't I do sensible hours any more? :mad:

Me 1 - Wood 0

2006-09-09T20:32:00.000Z

Done. Well, 90% of it. Woodwork, that is. Still I'm not going to go on about it, as I have done for a good couple of weeks now.

I picked up some old worktop samplers at work yesterday, rescued from the skip; http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/174/dscn0001ds2.jpg

Not sure if they'll be any use, but I was planning on using them to represent concrete on the loading bay. Not sure really, obviously they'll need the 'hole' and corners cutting off, to make the sections into a rectangle shape, but other than that, do they look out of scale?

Foiled by Technology

2006-09-09T12:56:00.000Z

An unexpected day off work today (the payoff being I'm working tomorrow :( ) would, I thought, give me the chance to get some more work done in the loft.

Of course, it's not always that simple.

The legs for the fiddle yard board are cut, and ready to be installed - and there's the problem. Went into the loft, picked up the drill ready to begin... - Oh. I've forgotten to put the battery on charge. Oops.

It's now charging, and when it does, in an hour or so, I'll be able to, he said hopefully, finally finish off the woodwork (Including backscene) today.

Yet more arrivals...

2006-09-07T10:54:00.000Z

More wood has arrived, in the shape of another 4 x 2 piece of chipboard. It will be cut in half, quite brutally no doubt, and used for the scenic 'end' board - the station building, and town scene at the platform ends. Of course, this will leave a 2 x 2 chunk going free - so I'll most probably add that to the Fiddle Yard board, for a bit more space.

So, the measurements then - and I hope this is final - 10 x 2 foot along the 'Main' edge, with a fiddle yard of 8 x 2 on an L Shape. When I write it down, it looks like a lot more space than it does in reality!

I've also picked up some rather nasty looking rawlplugs, to fix the batten for the backscene onto the wall - it's just a case of plucking up the courage to drill into the side of the house now!

As for the woodwork itself, it's more or less all done - legs need to be cut for one of the fiddle yard boards, and framing needs to be cut for the new scenic/fiddle yard board, but other than that, we're there. Then I'll secure it all to the floor/wall, to make sure it's going nowhere - excellent.

Woodwork - Almost Complete!

2006-09-03T19:11:00.000Z

Just completed the final board, all that's needed now is the legs. It'll be all the 'heavy stuff' complete in the very near future - excellent.

So then, just the trackwork, ballasting, electrics, scenics, stock, weathering and operation to go.

Glutton for punishment, yes, but I certainly enjoy it!

Also recieved a bit of great news about my holiday from work - I've got Saturday 4th-Saturday 11th November off, as well as Boxing Day to Jan 2nd.

Not sure about the second week - but on the 4th of November, Wycrail ( http://www.hwdmrs.org.uk/exhibitions.htm ) will see a Hornby DCC Demonstration. As the Elite set is what I'm planning to buy to control the layout, it's a must.

Minories or Minor-don't?

2006-09-01T18:32:00.000Z

So after having a shower (I was covered in bits of wood, bits of rubbish and old ballast last night) before bed, I settled down to have a flick through the latest Rail Express. Again.

It got me thinking - do I really want to make a 'Minories'?

Or do I want to use the trackplan I designed before deciding that the old boards were past it.

It's reproduced here; http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2495/hailsham4tn.png

I know it fits. Also, with the large siding at the back, it would give me the opportunity to recreate, well, work. At work we have a lot of deliveries, 3 days a week, from our central distribiution warehouse. Wouldn't it be better if these were moved off the road? - for example, coming from Tamworth, a train comprised of VBA Vans could run to, say, Tonbridge, or Eastleigh, and from there be tripped to all local stores. With the excellent Signs of the Times range including such things as Forklift Trucks, Pallet Trucks and all sorts of health & safety signage, I could replicate that dream - and it would be a lot easier on the plan I dreamt up rather than using the former Parcels siding at the front of the Minories plan.

Hmm, decisions. Layout Idol, methinks...

Almost there...

2006-08-31T21:22:00.000Z

The Baseboards are almost complete!

I've decided, following advice that I usually ignore, to go 'modular' - with 4 4x2 boards, I've decided to make the supports individual for each, allowing them to be bolted together.

The up side of this is it will allow me to take the boards out, individually, in future should I need to - without cutting them in half when everything is in situ.

At present, I've built three of them - so we have a little L shape in the loft already. The Fourth, and final board, will be a continuation of the fiddle yard. .

As expected, I'm fairly knackered, but I'm well pleased with the way it's gone so far.

Modifying Scaledale - Work in Progress

2006-08-30T21:03:00.000Z

Well, sort of.

At work, we have pocket planners. They have very convienently sized 'samples' of the large posters which should go up during the month that the planner applies.

It's not quite done - I bought some utterly useless cheapo Pritt Stick in Budgens, and it's rubbish - so used cellotape instead. I'll finish it off with the use of my work knife, trimming the tape. I'll also be adding a couple of neer-do-wells standing up against the shelter, a little graffiti (It is Hailsham, after all ;-) ) , and possibly blocking out one of the glass panels to form a timetable board.

For the moment though, as this took me about 30 seconds, I'm quite pleased;

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/759/dscn0003qi0.jpg

Tomorrow, the heavy stuff starts - by this time tomorrow night, I will hopefully be absolutley knackered, but with a new layout board in the loft.

Diesel Dreams...

2006-08-28T20:49:00.000Z

With a new layout plan, and the hardware on the way, and finally bought today, I've been considering the era.

Obviously for those who know my interests, this was initially limited to a choice of 2 - the late 70's/early 80's BR 'Banger' Blue era, or the modern day scene.

However, a certain multiple unit which is forthcoming from Bachmann got me thinking. How about the late 60's - the 4-CIG playing a crucial role, with the odd bit of steam (Probably a new M7) brought in.

It took about 3 minutes to decide. It's going to be the present day scene - again based on Hailsham. So it'll be Turbostars, with hired in stock for the London job. Possibly 47's, possibly the FM Rail 31 from Hornby. As for the Freight? We'll see how long the solitary siding is.

Wood You Believe It?

2006-08-28T18:16:00.000Z

Yes, ahaha.

Anyway, moving on from awful puns (Yeah, right), I've today bought the wood and fixings for my new layout baseboard.

Purchased;

4 x 2 Chipboard - 4 of
6 x 2 MDF - 1 of
4 x 2 MDF - 1 of
6 Pack 2.4 Metre Sawn PSE.
Pack of 100 Chipboard screws, quite small.
Pack of 25 Chipboard screws, bigger.

Obviously, the big screws will be to fix the supports/legs to the floor of the loft, and the smaller screws will be to fix the chipboard to to the PSE framework. The Chipboard is for the baseboard, while the MDF is for the Backscene.

Anyway, the cordless is on charge and I'm quite pleased with myself. Instead of procrastinating, I actually did it.

If I can keep it up, I may well have a working layout before long!

Back Again

2006-08-27T22:50:00.000Z

Um yes, sorry about that.

I didn't anticpate a 2 month break, but never mind. I've actually been planning, drawing, buying the odd bit, reading endless magazines and plan books - and generally procrastinating.

Still.

I've now got my ambitions sorted, and the plans are there. Minories. Not a band, but the name of a rather famous and much copied trackplan by Cyril Freezer, designed about 50 years ago. It's available in the '60 Trackplans for Small Locations' book that has been printed about 200 times since 196whenever.

Basically it's a terminus - 3 platform facings, space for some kind of freight, and a loco spur. That's about it. And it inspires people. Continually. DEMU are using it as their competition theme for next year's showcase. You'll see and hear a lot more of it in the magazines soon, I suspect. I, however, first heard of it earlier this year - in a posting on Electricnose .

Anyway, I've decided that, this time, I will get it built. So, as I now work at Focus DIY, I've got no excuse not to get the bits. The loft will, in essence, be ripped apart. Well, not quite, but the baseboard and it's now somewhat dubiously placed supports will come out anyway. I'm going to build a proper, strong baseboard, one which can take leaning weight (and without the ceiling collapsing if I do happen to sit on it). It will be L-Shaped, to allow for a fiddleyard - to the same dimensions as the poor excuse currently up there at the moment.

So, tomorrow, or at least, in the next few days, I'll be bringing home lots of wood with me. Excellent.

Off to Norwich!

2006-06-02T17:12:00.000Z

Showcase tomorrow!
Beer tomorrow!
Norwich (late) tomorrow!

A week off from work, and the railways feature heavily in my plans.

But first?

Shopping at Showcase. Don't let me spend too much traders, and if anyone's going, enjoy yourself, it's always a great show!

Ugh

2006-05-28T18:00:00.000Z

I'm never drinking again.

Well, perhaps an exageration, or wishful thinking, but I felt last night's trip to local nightclub Kings this morning. A girl from work's 21st, and I got well and truly smashed.

The only way to clear my head then, was a trip to the Engine Shed at Ford - a 3-hour round rail journey (not a problem!) - didn't put me off, and I managed to get several vital bits, including two Peco Office Building kits, shortly to be 'bashed' into a station building, with help from Ferrero Rocher and an old copy of 'Model Rail'.

Brighton station provided a couple of interesting spots though - the resident 09 was, for once, out of the shed and in use, while on the way back a First 158 was on show. A First 158 bearing 'First Scotrail' branding, in Brighton. A long way from 'home' - I imagine it's due for revinyling (not a word, probably! )

So that's one in the eye for the doom-mongers about the railways...

2006-05-22T21:34:00.000Z

You've probably all seen the rubbish recently about ticket prices being expensive.

Well, how about this - my Itenery for the DEMU weekend

POLEGATE - BURTON;
Depart POLEGATE; 05.12 - Train Heading to London Victoria.
Get Off at HAYWARDS HEATH - Arrive 5.40
Depart HAYWARDS HEATH; 05.45 - Train heading to Bedford
Get off at KINGS CROSS THAMESLINK - Arrive 06.45
WALK to LONDON ST PANCRAS
Depart LONDON ST PANCRAS; 7.25
Get off at DERBY - Arrive 9.14
Depart DERBY ; 9.37
Arrive BURTON-ON-TRENT; 09.50
BURTON - LONDON;
Depart BURTON-ON-TRENT; 13.20
Get off at DERBY - Arrive 13.36
Depart DERBY; 14.04
Arrive LONDON ST PANCRAS; 15.51
TUBE (MET/CIRCLE/BAKERLOO - EASTBOUND) to LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET
London MEETUP;
Liverpool Street Tube - WESTBOUND CENTRAL to TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD
Tottenham Court Road to LIVERPOOL STREET - EASTBOUND CENTRAL

LONDON - NORWICH;
Depart LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET; 20.30
Arrive NORWICH; 22.37

TICKETS REQUIRED
YOUNG PERSONS RAILCARD - £20
Polegate TO Burton; MML ADVANCE I - £18.80 - SINGLE TICKET
Restrictions; MUST be booked by 1800 on the day BEFORE Travel
Burton TO Polegate (London); MML Advance H - £14.20 - SINGLE TICKET
Restrictions; MUST be booked 1800 on the day BEFORE Travel
Polegate TO Norwich - Saver Return - £33.00 - RETURN
Restrictions; None, WALK UP FARE

Total price; £88 INCLUDING railcard.

Thats travelling with 5 TOC's (Southern, First Capital Connect, Midland Mainline, Central, One Anglia).

Working it out on Autoroute express; 437.7 Miles.

Expensive?

I think not!

ShowOK!

2006-05-21T19:10:00.000Z

Showcase is Go!

Or at least, I'm going anyway.

Current thoughts - I need DCC bits and Insulated Fishplates. Once those have been sourced, then I should be able to get things running, at least.

I'll also, no doubt, pick up plenty of scenic bits - and having picked up a Ferrero Rocher Pyramid box (don't ask), I will shortly be able to start building Hailsham station. I'll probably take it away with me - a Station in Sussex, with parts from Burton and Switzerland, built in Norfolk. Superb!

Burton - Getting there

2006-05-15T20:35:00.000Z

DEMU Showcase, the weekend of 3-4 June.

And, when work finally confim my holiday, I'll know if I'm going or not. Looks like a booze-fest in London on the Saturday, so I'll be heading to deepest Staffordshire in the evening, in time for Sunday at Showcase.

All I can say is that Martin Vos at Signs of the Times had better bring plenty with him, I've got a shopping list as long as my arm!

It's been a while

2006-05-07T16:36:00.000Z

Woah, a few months.

Sorry about that - a combination of layout plans that won't go away, a new job and football ( a bad year for Brighton fans, a good one for Spurs fans, so pretty even for me!) has delayed layout work, and also, this blog.

Still, back now - and I've got plenty of ideas for the future.

I have been considering a mammoth 00 layout, but with realisim kicking in, I dont think I've got the space for it. The idea was a city terminus, loosley based on Norwich, set in the early 80's - with an attached MPD and carriage sidings.

However, with that on the back burner, I'm back to Hailsham - my original 00 essay in the loft.

I'm skint again, so I doubt much 'physical' work will go on until payday, but other than that, there is plenty to do. Planning, the odd bit of scenery construction and the like.

And, of course, DEMU showcase next month. I've booked the weekend off work, and am planning to make a go of it. Thinking of going on the Sunday, after a meetup with a few people I used to work with on the Saturday.

Get your hands off of my... baseboard

2006-02-16T14:25:00.000Z

(With apologies to The Darkness \m/)

A busy few days, both on and off the rail front - the pallet is now in two bits, and the baseboard tops have been cut to size. Just need to attach them now.

I've also been pondering various trackplans. Two 3 foot 6-ish by 1 foot boards scream 'Stabling Point' to me, but I wanted to try something different - as originally suggested in the layout 'story', a 'watching the trains go by' kind of thing.

And today, I found a website with not only a British, not only a Sussex, based Inglenook Sidings plan, but 'modern image' (ish) too. Argh!!

And then the rain came...

2006-02-12T15:08:00.000Z

Well, it's raining today, limiting my plans to go and cut the chipboard for the top of the layout. The pallet is now in two parts, cut fine - and the supports for the underside are ready to go.

Hoping for better weather tomorrow - would be nice to be able to cut the board, and attach it.

Playing with saws

2006-02-09T18:54:00.000Z

Well, it worked!

http://img425.imageshack.us/img425/6393/dscn000117ma.jpg - the state of the former pallet at the moment. I've marked it out ready for cutting, having taken the top off, and I'm quite pleased - it's certainly square, though may well be screwed and glued for extra strength, though a hot glue gun might just do it on it's own.

All that needs doing now is a couple of bits of stripwood to make the base level, and then cut it into two sections. Put the chipboard on top, then cork tiles, and finally a facia on the front of the scenic board. After that, tracklaying can commence. The track, incidentally, should cost a little over £27 - Peco Setrack in the main, with one Streamline point. Well ballasted, it'll look good - look at the current Peco ad in Railway Modeller's front cover to see just how good Code 100 can look.

Palletised Goods...

2006-02-07T11:56:00.000Z

Hmm.

We had a cooker delivered today, and the miserable sods who delivered it; 'Have you measured that door, this won't go through it' (it did), 'helpfully' left the huge cardboard shipping crate, as well as their wooden pallet.

This has got me thinking - the 'punk' layout plan wouldn't have to use shelves if I could recycle the pallet. I've had a measure, and the planks are over 3 foot long - longer than the shelves - but not as wide (only 10 inches).

However, if I take the planks off, then I'm left with a sturdy bit of framework. Cut it down to size (in half, most probably), whack a facia on the front and connect the other half as a fiddle yard board and I'm laughing. Free baseboards...

Obviously if I took the planks off I'd need a bit of wood for the trackbase - well, what about that 6 by 2 bit of Chipboard I bought for 'Hailsham' that turned out to be the wrong thickness. Again, recycling.

Happy days!

Testing times...

2006-02-02T19:07:00.000Z

Not much has happened since Monday - but brief, unpowered testing has. I've had the rake of Mk1's running all over the track, and it all appears to be fine.

Some Insulated fishplates are needed before final tracklaying and then the wiring job that I'm not especially looking forward to. Having said that, DCC should certainly make it easier.

On the scenic side, the additional board for the 'front' of the layout has been cut and is temporarily propped up. A bit of extra timber to support it properly is needed next, and then pilot holes can be drilled through so that I know exactly what not to cover up. The board won't be attached until it's finished though, so that I can work on it downstairs where there is more room.

Tracklaying complete!

2006-01-30T13:13:00.000Z

Well, more or less!

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5305/dscn00075ot.jpg - An overview of the 'scenic' section of the layout. Apologies for the angle, I was standing practically on top of the water tank to try and fit it all in!

There's still work to do - you'll notice that the track nearest to camera (Platform road 2) runs straight off the board at the moment for a start, and those 'orrible gaps between lengths of track need sorting out, but it's most certainly a start.

The shed visible isn't a Peco 'Manyways' kit as I first thought when I bought it on eBay ages ago, but is in fact Pola. It's currently a placeholder - I may not use it, and instead have open stabling, but I think it adds to the feel of the layout somewhat

Just finally, a picture taken from the trap hatch, with Daler board in the background to cover the brickwork. The 66 and vans are in what will become the Factory siding, whilst the 4 Mk1's are sitting comfortably in Platform 1. Platform 2 will be only used by Units, so no need for a runaround there.

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9659/dscn00108er.jpg

The area 'ahead' of the 66 is where I plan to add the scenic board for the station/surrounding area, and something's going to have to be done with the front of the layout. The supports that hold nothing once did hold another board for a previous layout - the one visible in this shot is likely to be cut off flush with the existing board, unscrewed from the joist and moved back to provide support for the station board. Recycling, the possibilities are endless...

Yo, Tracker!

2006-01-30T01:11:00.000Z

Or should that be tracklayer?

Whatever, there certainly is some done. I've not added the extension to the fiddle yard yet, although I have prepared the wood for it. I've also began laying some track - mainly just to see if my grand plan works in reality and, I'm pleased to say, it (mostly) does - I've had to make one slight change (moving a point), to give a better approach to the station, but I'm pretty happy with the way things are going so far.

I'll put a few pictures up later today, but at 1.15 AM on Monday morning, I doubt it would be especially popular if I went into the loft with the camera now!

This time last night, I was out clubbing...

Getting there...

2006-01-29T17:59:00.000Z

Almost all of the woodwork is done - just another small bit of fiddle yard board to whack on the end to give a little more room. There are only two fiddle yard sidings, which is a bit of an arse, but it's my fault - I bought the wrong wood, and ended up using some from an old (I'm thinking 12-15 years at least) layout that was still around instead.

Once that's done, then it's tracklaying time!

After that though, there may well have to be a break in proceedings - DCC is the way to go for me, definatley. But DCC setups cost money, and with no job... - address available on email if any benevolent types are reading!

Bachmannia!

2006-01-25T13:04:00.000Z

Planned Releases are out; - Full list on their website, but pick of the D&E stuff;

150 DMU (Excellent, will hopefully lead to a 153..)
Class 47 (Already announced, but it'll be in 4 liveries)
'Junior' Diesel Shunter (Cheap as chips, this, and might have potential for 'works' use)
100T Bogie Tank Wagon
Seacows (Yes, really)
Limpet
VBA/VAA Vans

By far the best news though?

Digital sound versions of Diesel Classes 20, 25/3, 47, 55 and 66.

Rtr with DCC Chips and Sound Chips included. Dragged into the 21st Century! - Fantastic.

Anarchy In The UK...

2006-01-23T22:20:00.000Z

2-Part update this evening.

Firstly - Progress!

I've practically completed the fiddle yard board. When I say practically, I mean that it is (I hope!) standing on it's supporting legs, but is not permanently attached to either the main board or the loft floor as yet. It's not as wide as I imagined - managed to find a bit of wood in the loft that was the same thickness as the layout board and, with a bit of an extension, is long enough to provide the stock storage that I need. Result!

Secondly - The future

I've never built a layout for exhibition purposes - most of my layouts are big lumps installed rather permanently in the loft. However, I have spent some time over the past year or so playing around with an N-Gauge 'Scenic Test Track', built on a shelf - two boards (shelves) - both about 3 foot by 8 inches, or so. Considering getting 3 more of these and creating a very portable '00' layout (If you can call 3 sets of points and some straight track a layout!)

Proposed Plan; http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/544/punk8ze.png

'Punk'? - Why's he called it that?

Well, dear reader - it's all to do with my musical tastes. I love the late 70's/early 80's punk/new wave scene, especially The Jam. This layout is set very much in that era - I envisage a run-down, gritty scene, with some flats behind the tracks - looking at the excellent http://www.muswellmodels.co.uk range at the moment. As a 24 or 25 fusses with some mineral wagons, a young man, disolusioned with the world, gets out his guitar and writes an angry track to compete with the best of them.

Positives from doing something like this as well as my main layout are many;

Chance to develop my scenic abilities
Chance to combine my love of music with modelling (If listening to albums counts as 'research'!
Limited amount of stock needed, so it should be cheap
Small layout, so again, should be cheap
Very portable - exhibitable, perhaps?

Underwhelmed of Wales

2006-01-23T12:17:00.000Z

So Dapol's major announcement on 'Future N Gauge Products' turns out to be the change from Stanier to Gresley coaches. Interesting that there was a 'What gauge do you want them in?' box though...

Progress has been non existant over the weekend, due mainly to football.

However, I'm just off up into the loft shortly to continue moving things about. Never know, might get that fiddle yard board sorted today!

Have a Break... Have an Ad Slot

2006-01-20T07:38:00.000Z

Wrong company I know, but whilst looking at the Cadbury's website (Whatever DID happen to Fuse bars?!), I found this; http://www.cadbury.co.uk/EN/CTB2003/marketing/campaigns/

Ideal size for 00, don't you think?

Wood, Wood and more Wood

2006-01-19T22:25:00.000Z

Today has been mostly spent sleeping. Honestly. Woke up, played around with the computer, went into the loft and shifted a few bits, then cut some wood, grabbed something to eat and fell asleep. Hardly productive :D

Still, the supporting legs for the layout are now cut and ready for installation. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, the fiddle yard board may well be in place. It'll then need 'corking' - cork tiles glued on as a trackbed. I'm not intending to be particularly neat with this on the fiddle yard board, but it needs to be done in any case to raise the level of the fiddle yard board to match the scenic one.

Also experimented a bit with ballasting. I hate ballasting, and can never get it looking anything like 'what you see in the magazines'. So - theory. If I mark out where I want the ballast by attaching pencils to a coach (there's logic in that somewhere :D ), then coat the trackbed with PVA, then lay the track in place and pour ballast all over it. It certainly worked when I tried it out, and didn't look too bad either, though I suspect I'll need to pin the track, at least temporarily until the glue dries.

Still, that's for the future, the board has to be finished first...

Move that Suitcase!

2006-01-18T18:17:00.000Z

'Heavy engineering' has begun in the loft!

Well, not really, but a start has definatley been made on clearing the area where the fiddle yard board will go. Suitcases, Chairs and old boxes of Scalextrix have been moved to the other side of the loft (near the water tank, which won't do the Scalextrix track much good I appreciate, but it's mostly warped anyway)

There was a brief period of panic where I thought I was going to have to shift more (and heavy) stuff, but it looks as if that won't be needed. Tonight, or maybe tomorrow, I'll head down the shed and play with the circular saw to cut the legs for the extension.

Progress is definatley being made!

Mind The Doors!

2006-01-18T12:31:00.000Z

Had an interview yesterday to work for Southern as a Conductor - and passed the assessment day, much to my suprise! - Interview next, at a time to be arranged. Superb.

The free travel also gave me the chance to nip up to Clapham Junction for an hour. 2 66's and a 33, with a 73 apparently around but not visible. Not bad - plenty of units. Decided to leave as it was cold, and there wasn't really anyone around to chat to - the only guy who was there seemed pretty miserable, so I left him to it.

33103 - http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/264/dscn000259ut.jpg

Yes Heljan, you HAVE got the front wrong.

Inspiration

2006-01-16T12:44:00.000Z

What makes us want to build model railways? - An urge to recapture times past perhaps? - Maybe it's a chance to build a utopia of our own making. Maybe it's just sadistic.

Whatever your reason - and mine is a mixture of the three - you'll have been inspired by something no doubt. Just been looking back at some of my phots, and have decided to share a few. Some have, and are, inspiring me to build Hailsham, whilst others might inspire someone else.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/5725/dscn08149cb.jpg - Not an especially inspirational picture at all really, so gawd knows why I'm starting with it. Might be useful if you want to add detail to your Bachmann 57 though...

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1433/dscn07035jr.jpg - This, on the other hand, is one of my favourite pictures that I've taken. It was freezing cold, pouring with rain and I didn't think I'd get the shot - Camera was zoomed out to the maximum, hence the not especially great quality, but the effect is certainly there.

Just finally - how about this one? - Taken at Ely, but with the trees and flat (it is the Fens after all) landscape looking rather 'pasted on'. Looks a bit like a (very impressive!) model rather than the real thing, to me. http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/1892/dscn04446tj.jpg

I've also made a few more decisions on the layout - helped by a flash of inspiration at about 1AM on Friday morning. I got up, had a fag, found it hadn't numbed the inspiration, so got out a notebook (which has now been decorated with pictures of 47's!) - and got writing, sketching - anything really. 2 Hours later I had been a lot more successful than I thought I would be - even working out 'allowed' train lengths based on the trackplan. Put it this way, a 2-Car Turbostar shouldn't be much problem to get in ;-) - with a bit of an extension to the platform, I'm thinking that I can have loco-hauled services as well - perhaps a once daily & return Commuter service to London, with hired-in motive power and 6 MK2s.

It's not that unrealistic either - think of North Wales, The Northampton 'Cobbler' Services, Arriva's Settle-Carlisle using 37's - but in deepest Sussex.

Next Up? - Getting the fiddle yard board built (I've got the board, I've got (probably) the woodwork for the support, it's just a case of getting on with it. Then the real fun begins...

Got to start somewhere...

2006-01-14T16:28:00.000Z

After a year best described as 'Interesting', I'm back on the modelling scene with a bang. I never really went away to be honest, but with various restrictions on time, things haven't gone quite as smoothly as I planned.

So then - what is planned?

Well - an 00 Gauge layout based on Hailsham station as it might be today - with the inevitable 'modellers license' to allow me to well, have some fun. Single track - it was singled when the rest of the 'Cuckoo Line' from Hailsham through to Tunbridge Wells was closed in 1968 - with two platform faces. Equally, the line was never electrified, so Southern's 'Turbostar' fleet sees use outside Uckfield.

The layout will be 10 foot by 2 foot for the most part, with a fiddle yard coming off the end - 'planning permission' has been granted for more boards in the loft, so this opportunity was gladly taken up! - in effect, a 10 foot scenic section with a 6 foot fiddle yard. Plenty of space, for once!

There's not much to take photos of at the moment, but this was a bit of 'playing' - http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2525/dscn001514yj.jpg - some VKA Vans (which will be used) and some China Clay opens (which won't) posed. A 66 and an 08 also came out for the session, on a temporary board balanced on the table, not long after Christmas.

One picture I will show, however, is the trackplan - drawn on XtrkCad using Peco Setrack, although on the real thing I'll be using Peco Code 75 flexi, of which I have loads left over from unfinished projects.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2495/hailsham4tn.png - Have a look, and see what you think.