4mm Jan's 4mm Workbench - Look Out! It's the ModelU Men

[Steph Dale]

Jonte,

That's interesting. Geometrically-speaking 'points of tangency' is more accurate than 'chord', but I've never heard the former used as part of the railway vernacular.

Steph

 

[oldravendale]

In fact the term "chord" in railway terms was in use in the late 60s/early 70s at least (and I don't mean the 1870s. When the GCR north of Nottingham was closed a "chord" was installed between the Midland main line at Loughborough and the old GCR formation going north to service the MOD at Ruddington (since closed and now part of the "new" GCR) and the plasterboard works at Rushcliffe - still very active and having trains brought in now over what has become the GCR North, although I believe on a track parallel to the heritage railway - it's a long time since I've been there and I may be wrong about that. However, that connection has always been referred to as "the chord".

In the long term the sad thing is that the embankment north of Loughborough Central Station was used to provide the spoil, so not only has there been a need to provide a new bridge over the Midland main line to join both GCR lines, but the embankment will have to be reinstated on a slightly different formation due to building works which encroach on the original formation.

B

 

[Lyndhurstman]

Handsome chaps, Jan, or perhaps they’ve merely benefited from your artistic enhancements. The shading on the overalls is especially impressive.

I’ve given up trusting to maps, Jan, especially with regard to old railway lines. Most unreliable

Adore those precise early Nineteenth century terms such as ‘the chord’. The term ‘points of tangency’, believe it or not, was assigned to the broad curve that aligned the old GWR route from Liverpool to Warrington, with the bridge that crossed the Mersey prior to reaching the town, although I’ve no idea why. Still, it strikes a chord.

Jonte

Hello Jonte
Thank you. I couldn't comment on their pre-rattle beauty, but the mouldings that Alan Buttler has created - with the help of willing volunteers - is quite incredible. They've lost a bit under the blat of primer, and they're a bit eyeless at this remove, but I haven't the solidity to bring light to their gaze. My time on the footplate gave me a good understanding of what happens to the blues of a bib and brace, and the old Faithful overalls. The only issue is buying colours online; they don't always appear as they do on screen. And some of the constituents in the mix are El Cheapo craft acrylics (colours include ‘Periwinkle’... ) from the ironmongers in Callington (a.k.a Aladdin's Cave),

A point of tangency? Blimey. I knew there was a reason that I disliked Tech Drawing back at secondary school! I could never keep the paper free of smudges..... They've always been chords in my head. But then Watkins Wharf is me doing things (or more often not doing things....) of my own a-chord

Cheers

Jan

 

[jonte]

El Cheapo paints are as good as Daler Rowney’s finest in the hands of an artist such as yourself, Jan. Your observations of the footplate variety have certainly paid dividends in your quest for realism.

Coincidentally, I planted a Periwinkle in the front garden yesterday afternoon before my long drive to deepest Dorset from where I write, and where I shall spend a pleasant 48 hours or so.

I’m not acquainted with the art of Tech Drawing, Jan, which is just as well as no doubt it’s just something else I’d be rubbish at.

As for the term ‘points of whatever it was’, I’m afraid that academic stuff’s lost on me. Clever chaps these early railway engineer types.

Good to hear from you.

Kindest,

Jonte

 

[Lyndhurstman]

El Cheapo paints are as good as Daler Rowney’s finest in the hands of an artist such as yourself, Jan. Your observations of the footplate variety have certainly paid dividends in your quest for realism.

Coincidentally, I planted a Periwinkle in the front garden yesterday afternoon before my long drive to deepest Dorset from where I write, and where I shall spend a pleasant 48 hours or so.

I’m not acquainted with the art of Tech Drawing, Jan, which is just as well as no doubt it’s just something else I’d be rubbish at.

As for the term ‘points of whatever it was’, I’m afraid that academic stuff’s lost on me. Clever chaps these early railway engineer types.

Good to hear from you.

Kindest,

Jonte

Hello Jonte,

An artist?Me? I don't think so. But thank you.

Dorset,eh? Not far away. We've been holding the good weather for you. No charge We've just spent a day (and the fiscal equivalent of upper and lower limbs) at RHS Rosemoor in North Devon. Suddenly, my regular bits and bobs purchases on EBay don't seem so outrageous

Have fun!

Jan