Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
I must hasten to add there are benefits to doing work on a layout when not at home....
You can make more mess!
You can make more mess!
The Norwich & Mucklemouth Railway - Eastern Eccentricity in EM
- Thread starter Herb Garden
- Start date
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- Tags
- 4mm scale em gauge ger pre-grouping
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
So it's getting scary now.... Only 2 weeks to go and the layout looks almost the same as it did a year ago....
I'm just trying not to think about it and pretend it's all going to be fine!
The first bit of progress is that the mill bridge is now complete.
I'm quite pleased how this one has turned out!
Secondly the signal has a new plinth just needs painting and connecting up.
Last weekend in his infinite wisdom @Liver & Fry pointed out the river scene would look better if the rail bridge was wider.... Unfortunately for the timeline I had to agree so I've extended the bridge with another from the same kit as wide as I dared without the span width breaking some laws of civil engineering
And it's complete thankfully.... You can't see the splice any more I hope
Yeah doesn't feel like much but hopefully now I can get all these installed and the river scene can move forward.... Cutting it fine though
I'm just trying not to think about it and pretend it's all going to be fine!
The first bit of progress is that the mill bridge is now complete.
I'm quite pleased how this one has turned out!
Secondly the signal has a new plinth just needs painting and connecting up.
Last weekend in his infinite wisdom @Liver & Fry pointed out the river scene would look better if the rail bridge was wider.... Unfortunately for the timeline I had to agree so I've extended the bridge with another from the same kit as wide as I dared without the span width breaking some laws of civil engineering
And it's complete thankfully.... You can't see the splice any more I hope
Yeah doesn't feel like much but hopefully now I can get all these installed and the river scene can move forward.... Cutting it fine though
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well I'm trying not to think about it but this time next week Skeetsmere should have done it's first full day if exhibition... Yikes
This week progress has centered round getting the land form completed
The river scene has just been raw polystyrene for a long while now but with the completion of the bridge the work could finally start in making a river scene.
bases for the buildings have also been included in the scene.
You rarely get this view of the back of the layout!
And paint is applied!
This is all undercoat and the landscape and track will need texturing/weathering but it's a really significant step I've been waiting for for so long.
Latest step forward has been this evening to lay the bottom of the river bed hopefully all this helps seal the thing before the resin gets poured.
The question is what will the layout look like in a week's time.... Will it run? Will it look good?
Watch this space!
This week progress has centered round getting the land form completed
The river scene has just been raw polystyrene for a long while now but with the completion of the bridge the work could finally start in making a river scene.
bases for the buildings have also been included in the scene.You rarely get this view of the back of the layout!
And paint is applied!
This is all undercoat and the landscape and track will need texturing/weathering but it's a really significant step I've been waiting for for so long.
Latest step forward has been this evening to lay the bottom of the river bed hopefully all this helps seal the thing before the resin gets poured.
The question is what will the layout look like in a week's time.... Will it run? Will it look good?
Watch this space!
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well is been quite a week.
15 years ago 4 of us sat in my student flat eating pizza and planning a successor to my original OO9 exhibition layout Ryad.
Many years later and many successive attempts later and here we are... Although I'm the old one left of that original team of 4.
But let's go back a week and a bit ago. The Sunday before last I found myself at the Newcastle show helping to operate the late Iain Rice's Terice. When this had last visited the same show in 2012 it had inspired me to start off down my current trajectory of layout design so it was an honour and a privilege to have to opportunity to run the layout a week before my first layout in the similar style made it's debut.
Sunday last also saw the final undercoats on both boards
Ive had some annual leave for a while to use up so I took the week off to spend prepping the layout for its first proper outing. Looking back this was a very wise decision.
Monday saw the track across the river finally being joined.
I've been blessed in this project by having the help of many modelling friends and on Monday I had the help of scenic gurus Martyn and Peter who came round for a very enjoyable day static grassing.
The difference was astounding!
Tuesday and Wednesday saw the mammoth task of tree foliage being applied.
I ended up smelling a lot of hairspray by the end of this task.
Thursday was spent installing trees and test running the layout. 407 did most of this work here which was sadly almost all the help she was going to give ....
The layout was packed up on Friday and we headed out into the wind, rain and darkness across to Cumbria.
What happened at the show? Wait and see...
15 years ago 4 of us sat in my student flat eating pizza and planning a successor to my original OO9 exhibition layout Ryad.
Many years later and many successive attempts later and here we are... Although I'm the old one left of that original team of 4.
But let's go back a week and a bit ago. The Sunday before last I found myself at the Newcastle show helping to operate the late Iain Rice's Terice. When this had last visited the same show in 2012 it had inspired me to start off down my current trajectory of layout design so it was an honour and a privilege to have to opportunity to run the layout a week before my first layout in the similar style made it's debut.
Sunday last also saw the final undercoats on both boards
Ive had some annual leave for a while to use up so I took the week off to spend prepping the layout for its first proper outing. Looking back this was a very wise decision.
Monday saw the track across the river finally being joined.
I've been blessed in this project by having the help of many modelling friends and on Monday I had the help of scenic gurus Martyn and Peter who came round for a very enjoyable day static grassing.
The difference was astounding!
Tuesday and Wednesday saw the mammoth task of tree foliage being applied.
I ended up smelling a lot of hairspray by the end of this task.
Thursday was spent installing trees and test running the layout. 407 did most of this work here which was sadly almost all the help she was going to give ....
The layout was packed up on Friday and we headed out into the wind, rain and darkness across to Cumbria.
What happened at the show? Wait and see...
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
The backscene is detachable and will remain so. The front facia is an integral part of the structure
Heacham
Active Member
What a fantastic layout this has become looks really good. It has inspired me to try and work a bit more on mine.
Simon
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
After fighting with the traffic leaving Newcastle and the weather over the pennines we made it to the show at 7:30pm
And we're setup and tested within the hour. This was pretty good going as it's the first time it had been setup with the drape and backscene as they only arrived on the Friday afternoon. This was followed by late supper and staying up even later to attach couplings to some of the newer pieces of rolling stock.
Saturday dawned and before the show had even opened 407 stopped dead on a test run and despite our best efforts didn't move again all weekend. So we were down to one loco for the whole weekend.
Luckily this loco was 151, well known to readers of this saga as a principal heroine. She just kept going flawlessly all weekend.... Never had to stop to clean the wheels or anything... Which was good news to be fair.
I'm unsure of how much milage she did over the weekend but she never stopped and finally at the end of the weekend she reached the end of the fiddle yard on the last departure from Skeetsmere.
Apart from the odd sticky s&w coupling, 407 failing and a fault with one of the lighting connectors that got fixed on the Sunday the whole system operated flawlessly which for its first proper show is an amazing achievement.
There is still much to be done but all being well Skeetsmere will appear at ExpoEM in Wakefield next year.
Thank you to everyone for your kind comments. I must stress that although I've done a lot on this project it has not been without help. This hobby is full of excellent folks who are willing to give their time to help. They are:
Anthony: backscene painting, NPCS and the other half of the Skeetsmere on tour team
John E: the wire cottage, barns, station and cattle dock
John T: the signal
Nigel: Skeetsmere House
Susanne: the drape
Ken: the road vehicle
Tom @ Plyable Design: Baseboard Manufacture
James: help with landscaping & servo programming and cattle wagons (nearly)
Peter & Martyn: Static Grass
Plus all the support from my friends in the EMGS, 2mm Association, GERS and here on WT
And most importantly Gemma: who's artistic eye has been a guide throughout the build and her patience with having a section of the Waveny Valley being constructed in our house.
But this no means the end of the story.... Far From it.... So stay tuned!
And we're setup and tested within the hour. This was pretty good going as it's the first time it had been setup with the drape and backscene as they only arrived on the Friday afternoon. This was followed by late supper and staying up even later to attach couplings to some of the newer pieces of rolling stock.
Saturday dawned and before the show had even opened 407 stopped dead on a test run and despite our best efforts didn't move again all weekend. So we were down to one loco for the whole weekend.
Luckily this loco was 151, well known to readers of this saga as a principal heroine. She just kept going flawlessly all weekend.... Never had to stop to clean the wheels or anything... Which was good news to be fair.
I'm unsure of how much milage she did over the weekend but she never stopped and finally at the end of the weekend she reached the end of the fiddle yard on the last departure from Skeetsmere.
Apart from the odd sticky s&w coupling, 407 failing and a fault with one of the lighting connectors that got fixed on the Sunday the whole system operated flawlessly which for its first proper show is an amazing achievement.
There is still much to be done but all being well Skeetsmere will appear at ExpoEM in Wakefield next year.
Thank you to everyone for your kind comments. I must stress that although I've done a lot on this project it has not been without help. This hobby is full of excellent folks who are willing to give their time to help. They are:
Anthony: backscene painting, NPCS and the other half of the Skeetsmere on tour team
John E: the wire cottage, barns, station and cattle dock
John T: the signal
Nigel: Skeetsmere House
Susanne: the drape
Ken: the road vehicle
Tom @ Plyable Design: Baseboard Manufacture
James: help with landscaping & servo programming and cattle wagons (nearly)
Peter & Martyn: Static Grass
Plus all the support from my friends in the EMGS, 2mm Association, GERS and here on WT
And most importantly Gemma: who's artistic eye has been a guide throughout the build and her patience with having a section of the Waveny Valley being constructed in our house.
But this no means the end of the story.... Far From it.... So stay tuned!
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Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
She is a wonderful loco.... And runs superbly despite the abuse she has had over the years.
Although if we had had a pound for every time someone told us we had forgotten the front coupling rods......
Marc Dobson
Western Thunderer
It was great to see the layout in the flesh this weekend.
Marc
Marc
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well things at the sidings are returning to a new normal. It's taken me a couple of days to unwind and relax after the previous week's and I have to keep telling myself that I can slow down and not model so fast.
So with the end of the year approaching I thought it would be nice to get a few projects that are near the finish line completed. And I've started with 227.
I'm using my usual method you will have seen in use on 407 and 510 layering up acrylic paint to create depth and texture. Here the base coat is done.
Some forced highlights
More forced highlights....
First contrast wash applied
Second wash applied and some tidy up done ready for lining. It doesn't look perfect at the moment but neither did any of the others at this stage... Roll on the lining!
So with the end of the year approaching I thought it would be nice to get a few projects that are near the finish line completed. And I've started with 227.
I'm using my usual method you will have seen in use on 407 and 510 layering up acrylic paint to create depth and texture. Here the base coat is done.
Some forced highlights
More forced highlights....
First contrast wash applied
Second wash applied and some tidy up done ready for lining. It doesn't look perfect at the moment but neither did any of the others at this stage... Roll on the lining!
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well it's Sunday again and I'm now settling into a nice modelling rhythm.
This week's project was painting the locomotive shed... Layers and layers of paint have created an effect I really like.
The benefits of working in natural wood on a building like this is that with some sanding and distressing the wood stats to show through the black giving a very nice weathered appearance
I
In other news Skeetsmere has now been reassembled. The lighting cables repaired (again) and I'm able to run trains.... Which has allowed for some more layout shots as well as some unlikely visitors to the branch
This week's project was painting the locomotive shed... Layers and layers of paint have created an effect I really like.
The benefits of working in natural wood on a building like this is that with some sanding and distressing the wood stats to show through the black giving a very nice weathered appearance
I
In other news Skeetsmere has now been reassembled. The lighting cables repaired (again) and I'm able to run trains.... Which has allowed for some more layout shots as well as some unlikely visitors to the branch
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well another weekly roundup at the sidings...
This week's project has been painting and weathering the Diagram 17 open from my range of kits
Unfortunately I've realised that I've lettered and numbered the wagon in the earlier style and I think that means I've got the wrong central door hinge and door bang.... Must check but given the nature of the kit it should be easy to change before I put the final coat of matt varnish on
I've said this before but the most important aspect and enjoyable too is making things looked lived in. Sometimes maybe we make everything look too neat.
However I have had a bit of a setback this week. When I painted 227 I tried a new acrylic primer... Initial trials went well but a couple of weeks later the layers of paint were starting to peel off the metal sections of the loco in large pieces.
There was nothing for it but to remove it all and start again.
Luckily it came off very easily and the resin parts were not effected by the peel.
It's now well on its way to being back where it was a couple of weeks ago.... Just some shading and highlighting to go
Hopefully there will be less deja vu next week
This week's project has been painting and weathering the Diagram 17 open from my range of kits
Unfortunately I've realised that I've lettered and numbered the wagon in the earlier style and I think that means I've got the wrong central door hinge and door bang.... Must check but given the nature of the kit it should be easy to change before I put the final coat of matt varnish on
I've said this before but the most important aspect and enjoyable too is making things looked lived in. Sometimes maybe we make everything look too neat.
However I have had a bit of a setback this week. When I painted 227 I tried a new acrylic primer... Initial trials went well but a couple of weeks later the layers of paint were starting to peel off the metal sections of the loco in large pieces.
There was nothing for it but to remove it all and start again.
Luckily it came off very easily and the resin parts were not effected by the peel.
It's now well on its way to being back where it was a couple of weeks ago.... Just some shading and highlighting to go
Hopefully there will be less deja vu next week
Dave Sutton
Western Thunderer
You really need an etching primer on the brass/metal, I use a Halfords rattle can version which works well.
2mm Andy
Active Member
Having had similar problems a few years ago with some etched 2mm mineral wagons, I've recently acquired a bottle of this;
Haven't had a chance to test it in anger yet, but it seems to get good reviews.
Andy
VMS AX04 Metal Prep 4K 30ml
VMS AX04 Metal Prep 4K - 30ml Model paints, especially water-based types, may have trouble adhering to metal parts. It’s quite easy to scuff the surface and paint or primers peeling from large metal surfaces such as tank skirts is not uncommon Metal Prep 4K is a primer for photo-etched and other...
homeanddistant.com
Haven't had a chance to test it in anger yet, but it seems to get good reviews.
Andy
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Well it's been a bit of an two steps forward one step back week....
Firstly in answer to your questions
In terms of primer I have resorted back to humbrol #1 enamel which works well enough for winter projects.
And so to lining number 227. I'm using a method shown to me by Mike one of the demonstrators at Workington using draughting inks to apply the lining through rotring pens rather than paint. It works well with a white base coat then red and black over the top.
I've tried to cut a corner using permeant marker pens over the White ink to get the lining and although the results are pretty good subsequent varnish has caused the marker pen to run... So much for permeance.... I'm just waiting for some more inks to arrive so I can finish the job and get on with the lettering.
In the meantime let me introduce you to Filby. Named after the Norfolk Broad where I learnt to successfully capsize sailing craft I built this muir hill tractor from the branch lines kit back in 2016/2017. Currently it's the smallest standard gauge loco in the Canary Sidings fleet. However it has languished in a box since I converted to EM in 2022. Well until now.
The issue with conversion to EM was the fact I had added unprotoypical outside frames for some reason when I built it and these were added so close to the wheels that regauging was impossible. But this week I plucked up the courage to do something about it.
The power pack for this loco is a tenshodo spud easy enough to regauge and although a little bit high geared for the application careful decoder programming has made it a pretty decent shunter. On more recent models like the ruston 48 I've build much lower geared chassis for them but as this ain't broke I'm not fixing it.
I had modified the bogie to be compensated, basically elongating one set of axle holes but this meant that it ran with the worm drive carrying the full axle load and although it worked it's not a great solution so yesterday I added a Simpson spring on each side of the rocking axle and this seems to have eased the load on the gears.
Work has now started on carefully cutting away the framing.... It's looking much more like a Muir hill now.
With the festive season approaching work is being done in other quarters ....more in this later....
Firstly in answer to your questions
I do use this in summer months but the one downside with doing all the modelling in a spare room is that I can't make smells or do spraying indoors.... Then I'm reliant the weather being dry and warm but not too warm at the weekend cos at this time of the year I only see daylight on Saturdays and Sundays
Now that does look interesting I will have to try.
In terms of primer I have resorted back to humbrol #1 enamel which works well enough for winter projects.
And so to lining number 227. I'm using a method shown to me by Mike one of the demonstrators at Workington using draughting inks to apply the lining through rotring pens rather than paint. It works well with a white base coat then red and black over the top.
I've tried to cut a corner using permeant marker pens over the White ink to get the lining and although the results are pretty good subsequent varnish has caused the marker pen to run... So much for permeance.... I'm just waiting for some more inks to arrive so I can finish the job and get on with the lettering.
In the meantime let me introduce you to Filby. Named after the Norfolk Broad where I learnt to successfully capsize sailing craft I built this muir hill tractor from the branch lines kit back in 2016/2017. Currently it's the smallest standard gauge loco in the Canary Sidings fleet. However it has languished in a box since I converted to EM in 2022. Well until now.
The issue with conversion to EM was the fact I had added unprotoypical outside frames for some reason when I built it and these were added so close to the wheels that regauging was impossible. But this week I plucked up the courage to do something about it.
The power pack for this loco is a tenshodo spud easy enough to regauge and although a little bit high geared for the application careful decoder programming has made it a pretty decent shunter. On more recent models like the ruston 48 I've build much lower geared chassis for them but as this ain't broke I'm not fixing it.
I had modified the bogie to be compensated, basically elongating one set of axle holes but this meant that it ran with the worm drive carrying the full axle load and although it worked it's not a great solution so yesterday I added a Simpson spring on each side of the rocking axle and this seems to have eased the load on the gears.
Work has now started on carefully cutting away the framing.... It's looking much more like a Muir hill now.
With the festive season approaching work is being done in other quarters ....more in this later....
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I've got one of these little Muir Hill kits to build and have considered fitting it for DCC (which I've only used for my German H0 up to now) in the hope of gaining better running, so thanks for helping me make the decision!
Simon.
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
So last Sunday before Christmas and 3 working days left this year
This week's focus has been on painting some Christmas presents for a family member. If anyone can recognise the characters?
With the push to get everything done before the festive break work has been slow on the railway front but Ive been playing trains which has given more opportunities for some photos. #151 stealing the limelight again crossing the bridge with a short goods train.
And having crossed the bridge she crosses the mill lane. Needs to tweak those tree roots at some point.
Mainline traction at Skeetsmere in the form of 510.
Whilst 151 sits in the sidings behind the platform.
On shed after a hard day's work.
Merry Christmas Folks!
Simon what I will say is I had to adapt the kit somewhat to fit the decoder. Mainly hollowing out the bonnet from underneath.... It does work through. Probably wouldn't use a spud motor bogie if I was doing it again. But that's just preference.
This week's focus has been on painting some Christmas presents for a family member. If anyone can recognise the characters?
With the push to get everything done before the festive break work has been slow on the railway front but Ive been playing trains which has given more opportunities for some photos. #151 stealing the limelight again crossing the bridge with a short goods train.
And having crossed the bridge she crosses the mill lane. Needs to tweak those tree roots at some point.
Mainline traction at Skeetsmere in the form of 510.
Whilst 151 sits in the sidings behind the platform.
On shed after a hard day's work.
Merry Christmas Folks!