Flaxfield- A bucolic 1950s Suffolk backwater

[Osgood]

I see young George (who appears to be picking his nose) has cut his right knee?

Isn't it just. I gather from Mrs Santa that Lightmoor's recent publication "Railways with a Colourful Past" has been despatched from the North Pole which I'm rather looking forward to if the colourisation of Pilton Yard in 1926 is anything to go by.

I was certainly not disappointed, Martin - a very nicely laid out book

 

[Joe's Garage]

I think both George and his mate have been scrambling around in the undergrowth, judging by the state of their legs!!
Lovely photos of a lovely railway.
Julian

 

[NHY 581]

Morning all,

By way of reassurance, Flaxfield only doth sleepeth.

There's quite a bit going on of a non-railway nature which inevitably has not just impacted on a start being made on Flaxfield but also on the other smaller projects such as Blackwater Pier and Seahorses which will be documented on the main layout thread in due course.

In the meantime, we may well see smaller parts of these projects emerge so do stay tuned.

Rob

 

[NHY 581]

Morning all,

Well, in something of a major step forward, I've requested a quote from Grainge and Hodder to supply the boards for Flaxfield. The scenic board for the terminus will be 145cm x 40cm which is the maximum I can accommodate in the Room of Doom and more importantly, get around the bend in the stairs in the event of an exhibition appearance, and therefore, fit in Maurice the MG.

The fiddle yard board, thanks to the anticipated short train length, will be 90cm x 40cm.

Rob

 

[NHY 581]

Update. Quote is agreeable and order has been placed.

 

[Mike Walker]

Will it be ready for SWAG?

 

[NHY 581]

Will it be ready for SWAG?

Hi Mike.

Yes, but I'm not saying which year !

( And it's pretty tricky being the organiser on the day and playing with a trainset so it's unlikely to appear )

Rob

 

[Mike Walker]

Was only joking, Rob!

 

[Alan]

Excellent news.

 

[Willl]

Exciting stuff Rob. Is it a canopy / cameo style board or will lighting gubbins be added later?
Will

 

[NHY 581]

Exciting stuff Rob. Is it a canopy / cameo style board or will lighting gubbins be added later?
Will

Hi Will,

The intention is that Flaxfield will follow the Cameo style. Full boxing in as per usual. However, whilst I'll cut the backscene, end boards etc, they are not finally attached until the scenic work is well advanced, if not finished. I prefer to keep things as accessible as possible for as long as possible.

When I built Ewe, I didn't actually see what it looked like under layout lighting until a week or so before it's first show. Risky in terms of how colours will look, but it generally works out.

The boards are a month or so away, at least, so in the meantime I can hopefully start working on individual components.

Rob

 

[NHY 581]

Morning all,

Well, it feels like a start has been made on Flaxfield and, dare I say it, I'm looking forward to the arrival of the boards.
The other exciting thing is the announcement by Rapido of a ready to run, ex GCR 15T six wheel brake. These cropped up in East Anglia with examples seen on the Framlingham and Tollesbury branches, with one even guesting on the Wisbech and Upwell.

GCR 15T Brake Van – Rapido Trains UK

rapidotrains.co.uk

So that would appear to see the branch brake van sorted out though I also have examples of Toads E and B available. In fact, the Toad B is one of the things to be worked on whilst awaiting the boards.

The remaining structures will however get some attention. I have a grounded van body and a wooden store for the platform to start with before moving onto the engine shed, coal stage and stores etc.

And then we have the J15s.......

So plenty to occupy me.

Rob.

 

[James Spooner]

Morning all,

Well, it feels like a start has been made on Flaxfield and, dare I say it, I'm looking forward to the arrival of the boards.
The other exciting thing is the announcement by Rapido of a ready to run, ex GCR 15T six wheel brake. These cropped up in East Anglia with examples seen on the Framlingham and Tollesbury branches, with one even guesting on the Wisbech and Upwell.

GCR 15T Brake Van – Rapido Trains UK

rapidotrains.co.uk

So that would appear to see the branch brake van sorted out though I also have examples of Toads E and B available. In fact, the Toad B is one of the things to be worked on whilst awaiting the boards.

The remaining structures will however get some attention. I have a grounded van body and a wooden store for the platform to start with before moving onto the engine shed, coal stage and stores etc.

And then we have the J15s.......

So plenty to occupy me.

Rob.

And there is one thing no self respecting East Anglian railway can have too many of, the trusty J15…



(And if you think I have a collection, George @herbgarden of this parish, has dozens of them…)

 

[Overseer]

And there is one thing no self respecting East Anglian railway can have too many of, the trusty J15…

View attachment 235028

(And if you think I have a collection, George @herbgarden of this parish, has dozens of them…)

Very nice. The comparison shows how good the Hornby model is, apart from the unfortunate horizontal boiler handrail knobs which really distract my eye.