4mm Cwm Prysor - Modelling the Bala-Blaenau Ffestiniog Branch

[FiftyFourA]

Tom,
I've just noticed the moniker 'TFModelling' 0n your posts, are you the same guy who was building a layout of York shed a few years ago as 50A?

If so, can you tell me what happened to it as I used to follow it on YouTube.

Peter

 

[7428 84J]

Hello Peter. Yes that is me. Leaman Road is sat in the garage gathering dust. The BR stock was sold long ago and I need to sell some of the buildings at some point.

 

[7428 84J]

Some more developments on Cwm Prysor. The layout is now 90% landscaped which has really altered the the look of things. What is nice is I'm able to see certain areas that I think will work well for recreating real photo locations.


The track in front of the platform edging was ballasted first, as I knew it would be difficult to get close to it once the platform was in place.



The Culvert entrance was laser cut from a piece of MDF, the original culvert is still there today running under what is now the A4212, so back in October I took some photographs up close (without falling into Llyn Tryweryn). Currently the DAS is being left to dry for a few days before I begin sanding it, to help defined the edges before beginning scribing.

 

[Alan]

Good to see progress being made Tom. What are you going to use for the more grassy bits?

 

[7428 84J]

Very much following the Gordon Gravett method of various static grasses as the basis. I initially will add PVA to the Mod rock, and scatters and tuffs to create a base and uneveness. First layer of fine static grass to give a greenish basis before using paler lighter colours on top. I'm modelling October/November so I'm taking that in account. I'm also using Raw Grass off cuts for longer wild moorland grass.

 

[Scale7JB]

That's looking great!

For the sub base of the grass, a dark green or brown, fibrous underlay or pipe lagging works very well under the static grasses.

JB.

 

[Alan]

As does shorn hanging basket liner, my own choice.

 

[Scale7JB]

Hi Alan, d'you know, I think I meant Basket liner. Thanks for reminding me..

It was many years ago now that we used it on West Mersea, but it worked an absolute treat.

JB.

 

[7428 84J]

Thanks all

These are the four books that are my 'bible' so to speak regarding scenic modelling. The Gravett book on landscaping is superb, which is the one I'll be focusing most on to depict moorland grass (thanks to Jim Smith-Wright for pointing me in that direction). Both Anthony Reeves's books are excellent additions (his method for lakes using paint/Klear and PVA is something I will be working with). Both Gravett and Reeves's methods for trees are similar too so I will no doubt be using aspects from both.



The only trees I'll be making mind are Scots Pines, which appear to have been used like markers along the lineside, roughly every 200-300 yards.

 

[Alan]

Hi Tom, any more progress. I suspect you've devoured those 4 books and are now on the verge of starting, especially now that Christmas concerts are well over.

 

[The Penguin Of Doom]

Hi Tom.

Obviously, I see your work on FB but it is nice to see you posting here with your updates too. It's coming along fine, shaping up to be a lovely layout!

Cheers.

Sean.

 

[Alan]

Hi Tom, I liked your article on wagons for Cam Prysor in the Feb edition RM. Also smashing photos by Tony that really show of your weathering skills.

 

[7428 84J]

Just an update on the current situation.

All change

Thanks

 

[oldravendale]

Tom.

Good luck. My thoughts are with you. My father died unexpectedly, but at a good age. I'm pleased to say that we'd done the things we wanted together and that is a great comfort when the day comes.

Brian

 

[Alan]

As Brian said our thoughts are with you. I'm intrigued as to your next layout. Looking forward to how it goes.

 

[Rob Pulham]

Hi Tom,

Sorry to hear about your father, enjoy as best you can your precious time together.

 

[Muddysblues]

Hello Tom, my thoughts are with you both, say all the nice things to your Dad while you still have the chance, it should give you both strength through the precious time you have together, these where the same things I got told to do off another modeller on the RMweb when I was facing the same circumstances with my Father just over 3 years ago, I am glad now that I heeded that advice, it gives me great comfort every moment I think about him.

Craig.

 

[40126]

Hi Tom

Thoughts with you mate. My dad passed at 65 of a heart attack. I never got to say goodbye. Your doing the right thing.

Steve