The sidings

Layout progress

2012-01-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Christmas break enabled me to spend a fair few hours on Chipping Compton. Concentrating on the main station board I managed to do most of the ballasting and even start on the platform. The basis of this is a framework of good quality card to which the surface will be attached. This is both light and surprisingly strong. The buildings simply plug-in to the card framework for accurate location and to eliminate any unsightly gaps between the walls and the platform surface.

To enable the buildings to locate into the framework the inner layer of the walling extends below the surface level as seen here with the pagoda shed.

Once "planted" there is no gap visible although obviously the platform surface needs to be fitted.

Rusty rails

2011-11-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

One of the tedious tasks when building a layout is to paint the rails. There are various methods nowadays ranging from spray-painting the track in situ to a rather natty looking gizmo I've just discovered on the web which uses a tiny foam wheel to apply the paint to the rail sides. I opted for the old-fashioned brush painting way. As long as you get comfortable, put some decent music on and concentrate it soon gets done. Rather than using a paint shade marketed to portray rusty rails I use ordinary Humbrol Matt Leather enamel (62) suitably thinned down. To my eyes the branded "track colour" is simply too dark in a small scale.

It works!

2011-11-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I finally completed the wiring on my new layout "Chipping Compton". Test running it was successful apart from a minor wiring error which was soon remedied. As on previous layouts the points are controlled by using the simple wire-in-tube method but this time rather than using metal tubing for the wire to run through I used PTFE tubing. Model Signal Engineering sell a nice low-price kit. The tube runs can just be seen running across the board on this view of the scenic section of the layout. As I had used 1/8 cork sheet to cover the ply baseboard it means the tubing is hidden nicely in narrow trenches in the cork meaning it is flush with the surface. The shaped blocks at the foot of the backscene will be hidden by scenery and are there to provide additional support for the backscene.

Nostalgia Corner

2011-11-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Back in the 1970's the Malmesbury area group of the 3mm Society exhibited a lengthy branch line layout. I first saw it at the Wales & West of England show which in those days was held at the Victoria Rooms in Whiteladies Road, Bristol. This layout was certainly a major factor in my decision to switch to 3mm scale. Looking back to old show guides of the time it was either called The Acton Turville and Milbury Railway or The Foxham Extension Railway and was certainly unusual for the time as it operated with full bell codes and real block instruments. If you have any more pictures of this layout or even recognise yourself in this picture please leave a comment. The late Paddy Lockstone was I believe responsible for the model of the station building in the centre foreground which is a replica of that at Malmesbury station.

Track relaying

2011-09-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since I laid the track on Chipping Compton I've never been completely happy with the way the main running line crosses one of the baseboard joins. Despite the fact that nothing has yet run on the layout under it's own power I could see a very slight "ramp" effect which was just visible to the naked eye when looking along the line from track level. Granted, my chosen wheel and track standards are not finescale (more "intermediate") but I just was not happy. So Friday night I set to and cut out a short section either side of the join and very carefully let in a section as per the picture. Care was taken to ensure it was an exact fit with no gaps either end. The picture also shows the two copper-clad sleepers used to strengthen my track adjacent to baseboard joins. Once in place both rails were cut with a fine razor saw....after the rails had been soldered to the sleepers of course. I'm glad I carried this out as I'd never of been happy with it the way it was and running would have suffered too. Once ballasted this job would have been much harder (and messier to do). In short, never rush building your layout, take your time to get it right at each stage.

Westfest 2011

2011-09-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago saw me down in sunny (make that rainy) Bournemouth for a small 3mm scale exhibition organised by Steve Fackrell and his local group of the 3mm Society. Among the layouts on display was Nigel Cullimore's "St Levan". The whole layout is seen here demonstrating how compact it is but also showing that it doesn't look too cluttered. A cracking little layout in fact.

I've converted this shot to greyscale to give it a bit of a period feel. A classic GW branch line view with the classic GW branch train of a 14xx and autocoach.

Station building for Chipping Compton

2011-09-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Camrail gave me the opportunity to put in some hours on the station building. This is the forecourt side of the William Clarke building from Barber's Bridge. The brickpaper used is from Howard Scenics and whilst intended for 4mm modellers, looks ok for 3mm scale. I have scribed horizontal lines along the courses to give it some texture.

Camrail

2011-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend saw myself and my brother Richard demonstrating once again at Camrail in Bradford-on-Avon. This year this 2 day show had a theme focusing on the light railways of Colonel Holman F. Stephens. As well as several layouts following this theme the Colonel Stephens Society were in attendance and if any light railway devotees are out there and were not aware it was going on then they missed something quite special. My own demo table had 1/3 of my new "Chipping Compton" layout on show. The buildings are not in there final positions though.

One of the Colonel Stephen's layouts on show was Rye Town and here we see "Tenterden" approaching the terminus with a goods working.

The Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Light Railway's terminus in Weston Super Mare was a humble affair and this 4mm scale model is a very fine portrayal indeed. Here we see one of the ex LBSCR Terrier tanks standing at the platform having just arrived from Portishead.

Autocoach heaven

2011-07-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

The weekend of 2/3 July saw the Dean Forest Railway run their Branchline Gala. This featured the debut of Mike Little's second autocoach into service. His 14xx number 1450 is seen here sandwiched between two autocoaches just after leaving Parkend and about to pass over a foot crossing. The car nearest the camera is a BR-built type and has been named "Chaffinch". Whilst not running in BR service with this name two cars from this batch were indeed named "Wren" and "Thrush".

Track laying begins!

2011-07-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

It's been mentioned on this blog for months but track laying finally commenced on 15th June. Here we see the engine release crossover being started. Why start at this end of the layout you may be asking? Simple, to ensure there really was enough space for the largest loco intended to run on this layout (a Collett 2251) to fit in here with a little room to spare..

Marking out

2011-07-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Back in late May I began to plot the final position of the track on the baseboards which by now had been covered in cork sheeting. Here we see one of the boards all marked out.

Railex 2011

2011-05-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

The Risborough club have done it again and this year's Railex at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium is as good as ever. Lots of quality layouts and lots of people paying to see them so not many photographs this year. Highlights for me included the delightful Nettlebridge Valley Railway by Neil Kinison. A freelance light railway very much in the style of the late John Ahern's Madder Valley.

I was particularly pleased to see Trerice by Iain Rice. A minimum space depiction of a Cornish clay drying facility but not cramped and totally believable.

I also managed to get the PTFE tubing and wire for the new layout so I came away very happy!

Progress!

2011-05-27T14:44:00.001-07:00

I have finally reached the stage where track laying can begin. The two scenic boards are ready having had a layer of cork sheet glued down and the track layout plotted out. The position of the various structures has been confirmed as this view of one of the station boards shows. On the shopping list for "Railex" at Aylesbury tomorrow are some necessities such as ballast and PTFE tubing for the point rodding. At something like ten feet in length the whole layout seems large compared to my previous layouts. I must say that whilst I have no intention of rushing this project I am looking forward to getting some track down. As a side project I have decided to change the choice of station building for Chipping Compton. Rather than the small wooden building from Hannington on the Highworth branch I have opted for one of the "William Clarke" type from the Gloucester - Hereford line. As I am once again fortunate to be demonstrating at this year's "Camrail" show in Bradford-on-Avon on 23rd & 24th July I shall spend the time gainfully employed on this.

Cat-proofing your layout

2011-04-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

As with all my layouts, it was always the intention to protect the sections when not in use under purpose-made covers. These not only allow the layout to be transported safely but keep the dust off and also inquisitive moggies! Storing them away in a corner would result in having to move stuff out of the way and inevitably deter quick modelling sessions on the layout itself. The solution was to fix up some shelving in the railway room enabling sections simply to be selected for working on. Here we see Tilly seeing if it's a good place to sit.
The baseboards have taken a lot longer to finish off than expected. The shelving has already allowed more time to be spent on them (I'm fussy when it comes to woodworking) and tracklaying should finally start soon.

I'm back....and still building wagons!

2011-03-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the length of time since the last blog entry. Rest assured I have still been busy modelling though. I have made precious little progress on the boards for Chipping Compton but have made up for it in the last few days by having a go at the covers for each board. I have spent my modelling time mainly building more wagons but have taken steps to improve their appearance by adding etched brake levers and "V" hangers ets. One wagon (seen left) has been fitted with a Fencehouses etched chassis albeit with Worsley Works brake levers as the ones with the kit were rather flimsy in comparison. That's no reflection on the kit, just my soldering skills!

Baseboard progress

2010-09-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

After completing the main board structures as well as the trestles and legs (pics to follow) I've completed all the sides on the fiddle yard board. Seen here from the operator's side, the fairly low screen from Joe Public's gaze will be augmented by an "add-on" sloping frontage which will give details of the layout and scale.

It's always worth reinforcing corners with triangular sections to allow for knocks during transportation. I also use them on the viewing side of the backscene as it helps avoid sharp corners in the sky.

Baseboards completed.

2010-06-23T06:09:00.001-07:00

I've just finished the main structure on the baseboards for "Chipping Compton". Next will be the legs and trestles and I can start on the layout itself! As you can see I used girder sections made from ply and softwood spacers together with ply baseboard tops. Light and portable, they are surprisingly strong.

Railex 2010 Aylesbury

2010-06-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of May saw another annual highlight of the modelling year with the Aylesbury exhibition. This is arguably the best of the larger shows these days with 100% quality layouts and trade stands, all in a modern venue with free parking plus a bus link to the town.
So many great layouts again this time but here are three to give you a flavour.

This is Brian Harrap's brilliant "Quai:87". A fascinating layout that breaks from the norm by way of its original design. A stunning exercise in minimum space modelling and all in P87. Don't just take my word for it, watch out for it on the exhibition circuit and see for yourself.

John Darch's "Clinkerford" is set in The Forest of Dean and anyone who knows the area will recognize this immediately, and not only because of the profusion of sheep roaming free. Inspired by the terminus at Cinderford it demands careful study. Sadly, I hear that this may have been it's last showing.

Clinkerford is a mirror image of the basic layout of Cinderford with some additions, notably the loco shed shown here. It portrays the atmosphere of its prototype inspiration perfectly though. Spacious, uncluttered and unmistakeably GWR.

Blakeney has been on the circuit for quite some time but always draws an appreciative crowd. Well documented in the modelling press it's creator, Geoff Kent has portrayed a former Great Eastern terminus set in the the 1950's perfectly.

Finished!

2010-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

At long last my 57xx pannier is complete. I've now enough locomotives for the new layout but another 94xx pannier could be on the cards as 3SMR have just released a revamped version of the old BEC kit. For now though I really must concentrate on building the baseboards for "Chipping Compton" but I might just get side-tracked with another wagon or two along the way!

A day in the forest.

2010-04-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Despite a lack of postings here I have been busy with various modelling projects, chiefly the 57xx pannier which is nearing completion (at long last). I must confess it was almost a shame to paint it as it looked rather spiffing in burnished brass but it wouldn't be much use in that state! Some pictures will follow just as soon as the painting and weathering is complete.

For now, here are a couple of views of the Dean Forest Railway's pannier (with the later cab style as opposed to the earlier pattern on my model).

9681 cautiously approaches the crossing at Whitecroft with the 14:30 from Parkend on Sunday 18th April.

9681 is seen again backing onto its train at Parkend ready to head back to Norchard with the 16:00 service, the final train of the day.

Cheltenham Model Railway Show

2009-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spent the majority of the weekend at the show looking at layouts or buying photos from Stewart Blencowe's stand. Mike Corp's brilliant 3mm scale "West Harptree" was there and as well as taking even more photos of this inspirational layout I spent a far part of Sunday operating it as well! The running on this layout is faultless with there being no stalling and finger poking required at all. The only time a loco refused to budge for me was down to my error. I just wish I could achieve this level of reliability with all my locos. Next time you see this layout at a show take some time to really watch it and appreciate 3mm modelling at its very best. This view shows virtually the entire station area and you can see the layout in a forthcoming edition of "Railway Modeller".

Almost there!

2009-10-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

The final stages of building the 57xx pannier are now within sight as this view of the bunker rear shows. Much extra detail has been added including the fire-iron and lamp brackets. I intend to make a set of fire-irons and the inevitable bucket to hang on the back!

These views were taken a couple of weeks ago and since then I have added the injectors and top-feed pipes. The cab roof will be fitted after all the painting has been completed and a crew added. The smokebox door handles are 4mm items cut down in length and thinned down a tad. Much better than anything I could cobble together and I don't care for moulded-on ones.

Camrail

2009-08-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Camrail show in Bradford-on-Avon whilst demonstrating 3mm modelling alongside my brother who was showing his 7mm scratchbuilding exploits. One of the layouts on view was the N gauge rendition of Ashburton by John Birkett-Smith. The quality of modelling and sheer artistry on this layout demand detailed study.

RailWells

2009-08-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I visited the annual Wells show and as always it was a great exhibition with superb layouts and good trade support. Amongst the layouts was a model of that old favourite amongst GW branch termini, Hemyock. Chris Lamacraft's EM portrayal of this bucolic byway is simply stunning.

Pannier progress

2009-08-11T05:08:00.001-07:00

Quite a bit of progress has been made on the 57XX pannier previously mentioned on here. This shot of the completed chassis was taken back in June. Halfords matt black spray paint was used.

After fitting the motor, gearbox and wheels I tried it for size with the completed running plate assembly and after a small amount of filing it all fits perfectly. My standard choice is for a Mashima 9/16 and Branchlines RSL gearbox. The coupling rods are secured at this trial stage by plastic sheathing from layout wire. They will eventually be soldered on with Romford crankpin washers at a later stage.

Here the cab assembly, bunker and tank castings are put together loose just for a trial fit.

Railex 2009 Aylesbury

2009-05-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Made the annual pilgrimage to the Aylesbury Show last weekend. It never fails to offer top-class layouts and this year was no exception. I particularly wanted to see Faringdon by Stephen Williams, a fantastic layout full of well-observed detail and perfectly portraying the terminus as well as a wonderful scenic section on the way to the fiddle yard. It is everything a good layout should be...but then again I'm biased being a Great Western branch line devotee! The layout was operating in BR (WR) guise (on the Sunday at least) and ran beautifully. Rather than post the thirty-odd pictures I took of it on here treat yourself to Model Railway Journal 77 or part 3 of Stephen's series of books on GWR branch line modelling from Wild Swan Publications. This little cameo on the platform is very pleasing, portraying a slower pace of life in a world now vanished. Not one passenger with a mobile phone, no graffiti and not a hi-vis jacket in site!

Here we see a typical WR branch line scene with a 57xx pannier and B-set just arrived at Faringdon with a van in tow. The prototype for the distinctive station building still survives today, in use a a nursery.

One of the best 3mm layouts around is West Harptree by Mike Corp. It portrays a fictional GWR branch in North Somerset with a connection to the Somerset & Dorset, hence the appearance of this LMS 3F 0-6-0. This layout is always a delight to watch, particular attention is paid to reliable running and it shows.

The inspiration

2009-05-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Way back in the early days of this blog I mentioned that my new 3mm scale layout was inspired by a 4mm scale one from the early 1970's by John Flann. Here is a photo of "Little Hintock", a layout which has always been one of my favourites. My interpretation is called "Chipping Compton".

Not another pannier!

2009-05-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've built a fair number of locomotives and being a devotee of ex-GW branch lines a high percentage have been panniers of one sort or another. As any 3mm modellers reading this will know, if you wanted a 57XX type you used to have to either scratch build or use the old GEM kit. The GEM kit was (and still is) perfectly usable but when the Brynkits one came on the market its etched brass and resin construction seemed to make an even better looking loco achievable. Having already made an example of the 8750 series from a Brynkits etch I thought it would be nice to have another from the 5700 series with its older style cab. I'm taking my time with this one as it will hopefully become the staple motive power for the new layout and special attention will be taken to ensure it runs as well as possible. The following photographs and notes are not intended to be a guide to construction as the instructions provided are perfectly adaquate, they are merely here a a work log to show I've been doing something!

The first part of the kit to be completed was the cab sub-assembly which is mainly another fold-up unit apart from the rear end which just slots nicely into position. The trickiest part without a doubt was the beading around the cabside aperture. As an exercise to get back into soldering again after many months it worked quite well and I am particularly pleased with the look of the cab rear windows and their coal bars.

Next to be tackled was the running plate which consists mainly of 2 etches which are simply sweated together. The lower one incorporates fold-up spasher fronts to which the splasher tops are soldered. Side overlays include front and rear steps.

The kit uses an ingenious fold-up method and makes a really good entry-level kit for anybody new to chassis construction. It is pretty difficult not to assemble it squarely. This is the 14th one I've made using this concept and I must mention that I have removed the spring detail from the frames below the 2 front axles. This is done merely to allow my choice of pick-ups to be used and does not detract from the finished appearance.

New start

2009-04-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

After having another enforced long break from modelling I'm back with a vengeance. The wagon projects mentioned in the last posting (so long ago now!) have almost been completed as well as a couple of others. The new layout is still in the "flat pack timber" stage but the concept remains unchanged. To kick off what is really a relaunch of this blog here are a few photos which prove I have been busy at long last!

This ex-GW Iron Mink is from the Finney and Smith range and is produced for them by Cambrian.

This ex-LMS 3 plank open is from a 3mm Society kit produced by Parkside.

One of the "SNCF" type of mineral wagons produced for the 3mm society by Parkside kits.

First Modelling I've done in months!

2008-10-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I 've actually been doing some modelling for the first time in ages. With no layout at the moment and already having plenty of wagons I decided to build some more! The pictures show the current state of progress on the rake of Parkside and Finney & Smith wagon kits. The 3 minerals have just received a coat of body colour. Incidentally, I never use paints in the exact shades they come out of the pot, favouring toning down instead. Just take a look at a colour picture of a rake of wagons and you'll notice how faded they look.

New layout

2008-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

I'm about to start work on building a new layout in 3mm scale. Yes, it's another ex GW branch terminus with a track plan inspired by an early 1970's layout from John Flann called "Little Hintock". This has been featured in many magazines over the years and to me is a simple yet interesting design.

3mm Westfest 2008

2008-09-19T10:46:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending "Westfest", a gathering of 3mm area groups in the West Country. Amongst the many fine 3mm layouts on display was Steve Fackrell's delightful "Hennock". In a classic Western Region branch line scene a 14oo class tank complete with autocoach basks in the sunshine.

Welcome!

2008-09-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Not much going on here yet but this blog should shortly showcase my modelling exploits and much else.