From Llangunllo to Llanbister Rd.

[Alan]

In a very different context Geoff, I think I know what you are going through. I thought for about 6-9 months about finishing Wencombe before starting Kingsbridge and about the same time about finishing with Kingsbridge which is probably why it has taken me so long to finish it. But my mind is made up and hopefully being much smaller the new layout will be "played" with much more than Kingsbridge has been and even more than Wencombe was. As you know I am not a loco builder or track builder but a humble RTR layout builder who wanted to "play" trains and perhaps I have found that Kingsbridge isn't as satisfying as I hoped it would be. I do have plenty of experience operating a shed style layout as I have been part of the operating team on my friends Salmon Pastures shed layout for the past 4 or more years and have felt quite happy operating that style of layout. Hence the change. It also gives me a chance to do something more urban which will be a new challenge.

 

[Geoff]

Thanks once again for offering your thoughts, and kind comments chaps.

I think that unless you are very "space rich" it is difficult to model trains in the countryside in 7mm, especially if you start wanting station platforms etc, it is surprising how much width it all takes up.
John

I always knew that it was going to be a tall order to model my sort of layout in 7mm scale, but the annoying thing is, I'm so close to finding a solution John. The plan based on Llansilin Road that I posted last week fits nicely into a space measuring 9ft 6 inches x 2ft, not big by 7mm standards, but it left me with very little space for a cassette deck. So I tried a little selective compression, and that is where it all went wrong. I was only trying to loose 18 inches, but in doing so I destroyed the open feeling that I had been seeking. Scrapping Llangunllo is not an option at this time, so no worries there.

..... if I were to give into temptation & buy a Dapol Pannier it would have to be a shunting plank. And I wonder just how quickly the novelty of a loco shuffling 3 or 4 wagons along a few yards of track would wear off....Maybe I best go the other way & invest more time in 2mm....!! I'm just so hopeless at making decisions!

Keith

I have the same concerns about a shunting plank Keith, that sort of thing holds little, if no interest for me. Though I know of other modellers who find shunting very satisfying, especially in the larger scales. Dropping down to 2mm scale certainly makes sense for modelling railways in landscapes, the trouble is my digits are no longer nimble enough, and my sight isn't what it used to be. So its a none starter for me, but good luck to you if you give it a try.

It all depends on what trains you want to model.

Exactly Geoff, if I could settle for an urban, or industrial setting, then I wouldn't have a problem, but that isn't for me.

But my mind is made up and hopefully being much smaller the new layout will be "played" with much more than Kingsbridge has been and even more than Wencombe was. As you know I am not a loco builder or track builder but a humble RTR layout builder who wanted to "play" trains and perhaps I have found that Kingsbridge isn't as satisfying as I hoped it would be.

I think you will be happy with a smaller layout Alan, not to mention smaller trains. As for being a humble RTR layout builder, I think you are selling yourself short there, your loco's and stock are nicely detailed, and weathered. You kit build, scratch build, and modify your models, as for wanting to play trains, well what's wrong with that? Its all about enjoying your hobby in the end, and it sounds to me that you are doing just that

Geoff

 

[Geoff]

Another day draws to a close at Llangunllo.....

 

[keefr22]

Wish I was there...

Keith

 

[Geoff]

Wish I was there...

Keith

Not today you wouldn't Keith, I have it on good authority that its been pouring down!

Here's a few more photos, which failed to upload yesterday....



For the main trees I've followed Barry Normans methods, ie) wire armatures coated with a plaster/ PVA mix. Foliage is from horsehair that as been teased out, and covered in a mix of Woodland Scenic's mid green, and burnt grass coarse turf. A little Carr's autumn leaves being thrown into the brew for good measure.





The current crop of trees are only experimental, and still work in progress. Another dozen and I hope to have produced some half decent examples.
The one here is meant to be an Ash, and the large one in the other photo an Elm. Others are meant to represent the 'bosky' sort of trees that are often seen around the perimeters of fields, and along railway cuttings, and embankments.
Could I make trees in 7mm scale, well the tallest I've made thus far are 5-6 inches high, now scale that up, its frightening!

 

[keefr22]

More lovely modelling Geoff - if those trees aren't already half decent I don't know what they are! It's been pouring down here all day too, so I think I'd still rather be in Llangunllo!

Keith

 

[Geoff]

My Comet A44 Driving trailer, finally took to the rails last week, and not before time! I've lost count of how many years I've been working on it?
Its an easy enough build, and had I not decided to rebuild the layout then it might have appeared earlier. I've still got to fit a regulator handle in the cab, make a screen wiper from brass wire, and finish the weathering. I've added a couple of extra details, such as the junction boxes, and cables at the driving end, lamp irons, and the auto control linkages below the buffer beam. The roof ribs are from a fine tape that Wizard Models provide for such jobs, though once sprayed you can hardly see them, but a little light weathering should help highlight it



Its an ugly beast, but is far more interesting than the usual auto trains that are so often seen in model form. Best of all they were only 57 ft long, so its an idea choice of coach for the space starved modeller.



The body was sprayed with a Halfords rattle can of Ford Burgundy Red, then lined, and lettered with Modelmaster decals, a job that I'm in no rush to repeat. Some of the driving trailers also had an upper band of lining, others had just waist lining, or none at all. I was going to take the easy way out, but plain sides didn't really suit the model, which is a shame for I was only half mad when I started the job!



Meanwhile some silly bugger has taken a wrong turn, and is heading down the road to nowhere.

I think I've well, and truly laid the 7mm scale ghost to rest now. It was fun plotting, and planning, but I think I've made the right decision to continue modelling in 4mm scale. The new diorama idea excites me, and I've several other projects on the go, such as a part completed rake of Parkside 16 ton minerals, and at least another etched coach will be started soon. More trees are in various stages of construction as well.



Not sure which will get the nod first, the top etch is for a GWR Diag D117, from which the A44 trailers were converted, some being fitted with auto gear to make up a two coach set. The lower etch is for the E157, the sides being produced by Worsley Works, and designed to be used with Comet components.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[Khris]

Looks Great Geoff!

 

[Geoff]

Cheers Khris, I'm rather happy with it despite the finger burns when soldering the hinges in place!

 

[Geoff]

Thought there might have been a Bank Holiday excursion over the weekend, instead I watched the trees, and line side vegetation grow.



Recent rainfall has seen the undergrowth around the ditch spring up, and by the look of those clouds another downpour is rolling in.



I'm not sure about the copse behind the yard crane, something is definitely needed there because I damaged the back scene whilst moving the layout. I might develop the scene a little more by adding some shorter saplings, but then again, perhaps its best left alone. As usual, constructive criticism is always welcome.



I'm expecting a few more weeds to appear around the siding, and loop, but apart from that I think I'm almost there scenically.
The trick is in knowing where to stop, not sure if I've mastered that yet, but its easy enough to pull stuff up.



The to do list is getting shorter by the day, the signal base needs bedding in, and the long awaited operating pulleys need completing.
Does anyone know of some decent, clear photos of signal wire pulleys along a platform face? Some platform lamps are also needed, the station approach would benefit from a couple as well.

Enjoy what remains of your holiday weekend.

Geoff

 

[Dan Randall]

Try this Geoff....

signal wire pulleys on platform face - Google Search


Regards

Dan

 

[Geoff]

Try this Geoff....

signal wire pulleys on platform face - Google Search

Regards

Dan

Cheers Dan, I'm at a loss to understand why that didn't come up when I ran a search? I've no excuse for not cracking on with the job now, but I'm not looking forward to more burnt finger tips!

 

[keefr22]

constructive criticism is always welcome.

Not particularly constructive Geoff, but to me the copse looks fine as is. In fact I hadn't particularly noticed it until you mentioned it, I was just aware of a few trees being there and not in any way obtrusive or shouting 'look at me'! Which, to me anyway, is how good scenery should be...

More cracking photo's by the way, even if the only railway 'activty' is a solitary mineral in the siding and a disappearing autocoach!

Keith

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

The trick is in knowing where to stop, not sure if I've mastered that yet, but its easy enough to pull stuff up.

Nature doesn't stop - unfortunately the weeds keep on growing even if you pull them up!

Nice atmosphere of the layout with the unkempt air setting in .

 

[Geoff]

For a good few years I've been lighting the layout by means of three R63 warm white reflector spot lamps, which are suspended from the ceiling of my modelling room. The trouble is, they are getting hard to come by now, the latest LED replacements being all the rage. So when two of my old spots gave up the ghost I had no option but to try some of the new LED spots. This worried me because the colouring of the layout, and my models had always taken place under the old style spots.









Apart from the siding having been shunted, I can't spot any difference myself, sorry about the terrible pun

Geoff

 

[ceejaydee]

LED lamps take some getting used to but once you find the right 'temperature' then you wonder how you managed before they came along.
They run cooler and you'll save electricity too.

 

[Geoff]

LED lamps take some getting used to but once you find the right 'temperature' then you wonder how you managed before they came along.
They run cooler and you'll save electricity too.

They certainly do run cooler Christopher, but how am I going to top up my tan through the winter months
Joking aside I went for warm white, which the guy in the electrical shop assured me would be fine. Another advantage is the wider beam of light, which now reaches parts that the old R63 couldn't.

Geoff

 

[john lewsey]

This really is a beautiful piece of modeling
John

 

[keefr22]

I can't spot any difference myself

Thanks for shedding some light on the change Geoff, as I can't see any difference either, Llangunllo looks as lovely as ever...!

Keith

 

[Geoff]

Thanks John, you are too kind.

I see the puns are getting worse Keith Lighting can make or break a layout, fortunately the new spots are giving the same effect, so I can rest easy.

Geoff