The Sheep Chronicles. A Sheep dips his hooves in various bucolic backwaters.
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Um.................
Well.........a chance encounter with Lady Margaret and an equally close encounter with a GEM body kit which could possibly become 1196 or 1192 but I need to check the bunker size of the kit v prototype locos to confirm which one will do.
Much to think about.
Rob
paulhb
Active Member
Brian T
Western Thunderer
That seem`s to be a common trait of the railway modeler...... me included.....
will wait and see what transpires
Brian.
Joe's Garage
Western Thunderer
Hmmmmm...."strange old branch lines...." Nice idea Rob
Julian
Julian
Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Afternoon all. It's been a while.....
Well, I'm calming down after Rapido's announcements yesterday which have provoked much thought. I was almost sick though. Rather over excited.
There are lots of things to interest this here sheep, albeit a little further down the line so there's still plenty of time to get one's breath back and review matters.
Firstly, the suggestion that Rapido will produce a 7mm J70 is great news. Subject to there being sufficent interest for them to commence production , I can see this ticking all the boxes for me. I'm already giving a little thought to how a possible layout could pan out. I'm kinda thinking my own W&Uesque layout meets Arun Quay..............but there's plenty of time to ponder. As I say, Rapido need to confirm if there's enough interest first. Once they've confirmed their position, I'll start the ball rolling.
Rapido's other 4mm announcements are also equally anticipated. Some are of course further away than others and I certainly don't expect any to miraculously appear in the coming weeks........thankfully.
The 04 is a great choice and the likely variants are exciting to say the least. The skirted jobs are obvious candidates to make their way to Chateau Sheep. Not only the early cabbed, skirted models as beautifully modelled by Chris H ( from the Sparkshot kit ) but the later skirted conversions using ex-Southern Region locos. However, even the 'standard' models will be of interest.
I've certainly developed a liking of Green BR shunters since starting to build Ewe and with the class 11/12 from Heljan, things are looking up for the shunteratski.
My only concern is that Bachmann are a retooled body and drop in wheelsets away from their own 04. The existing 03 chassis is perfectly acceptable, especially in Next18 format. Let's hope sense will prevail...........and no Felis catus are deployed amongst the Columba livia domestica......
The pre-grouping J70 train packs are just lovely things and certainly one in the GER Ultramarine blue livery will be ordered. Simply delightful.
On the back of this, the BR liveried tramway coaches are also 'must haves'.
All of this has made me look again at my current projects and future ideas. Even if the 7mm stuff comes to fruition in the coming years, I see no reason to step away from 4mm. Quite the opposite. Therefore, looking at what's going on at present..........
Firstly, if on my return to building layouts in 2015, someone had said I would now be modelling minor East Anglian railways, I would have laughed out loud.
However, as the forthcoming article on Ewe in next month's BRM alludes to, the seed for such interest had been unwittingly sown many, many years ago. I just didn't realise it. With it's first time out before the paying public looming, I'll be adding DCC to the J70s and hopefully weathering at least two of the three now available before that happens.
Yesterday though saw me taking stock of all things. I certainly have enough green diesels to have a decent stab at a proper, more expansive ex-Great Eastern BLT in the future, with only a W&M railbus ( re-issue this year pending from Heljan) and a possible Class 31 from Accurascale to complete the stud. The railbus is on order.
With classes 03/04*/05**/08/10***/15/16/24 and Derby Lightweight already in situ at Chateau Sheep it could easily be done and almost seems a pity not to. If I do, it will almost certainly be DCC and I'll have another go with Kadees, having learnt from my initial installation on Ewe.
* Bachman for now but Rapido to replace when available.
**Heljan but, later, taller NE cab version is only one done thus far. Squint and it's fine.
*** Re-number Hornby 08.
Of the existing layouts......
Sheep Dip is pretty much complete. Having come very close to moving the layout on earlier this year, I am glad I didn't and am pleased to report it's a keeper.
Future plans will see a Class 14 (re-issue by Heljan is imminent) joining the stud as I think one will look very much at home thereon. In addition there is a Kerr Stuart on the way apparently. The layout is of course very basic in operation but people seem to like it and I enjoy taking it out. At the other end of the motive power spectrum, we have the Great Western trio of 2x 2.4.0t and the 517. If I avoid any 'fittings' which are 'period specific ', I see no reason why Sheep Dip couldn't alternate between 1930s/1950s and late 1960s depending on the locos/rolling stock in use. There were, after all, overgrown railways in the 1930s............
Bleat again is pretty much done and I hope to add a few more bits and bobs ahead of Taunton at the end of October. Though it's a S&DJR layout, set in the 1950s, there's no reason why the changes can't be rung and it runs as a Southern Region layout. In fact, I'm contemplating this for day 2 at Taunton Railex using a selection of small Southern tank engines. Only other motive power to sort is the 1P...I do however need to pluck up the courage to weather it. That will complete the S&D side of things.
In the wings we have a pre-grouping SE&CR light railway terminus. Not in any way discarded. Again, the motive power is pretty much in stock as are some wagonage. An alternative is a goods only layout set just after WW1. P and C classes represent the SE&CR. A Peckett could also pop in and shuffle about for good measure. It could easily happen. I have the track plan sorted for both eventualities........and my eye on a couple of structures...
So, despite my hint to the contrary yesterday, the above is part of the reason why there are no plans to build a new layout this Winter.
I've finally realised, there is already more than enough going on...........
Rob.
Well, I'm calming down after Rapido's announcements yesterday which have provoked much thought. I was almost sick though. Rather over excited.
There are lots of things to interest this here sheep, albeit a little further down the line so there's still plenty of time to get one's breath back and review matters.
Firstly, the suggestion that Rapido will produce a 7mm J70 is great news. Subject to there being sufficent interest for them to commence production , I can see this ticking all the boxes for me. I'm already giving a little thought to how a possible layout could pan out. I'm kinda thinking my own W&Uesque layout meets Arun Quay..............but there's plenty of time to ponder. As I say, Rapido need to confirm if there's enough interest first. Once they've confirmed their position, I'll start the ball rolling.
Rapido's other 4mm announcements are also equally anticipated. Some are of course further away than others and I certainly don't expect any to miraculously appear in the coming weeks........thankfully.
The 04 is a great choice and the likely variants are exciting to say the least. The skirted jobs are obvious candidates to make their way to Chateau Sheep. Not only the early cabbed, skirted models as beautifully modelled by Chris H ( from the Sparkshot kit ) but the later skirted conversions using ex-Southern Region locos. However, even the 'standard' models will be of interest.
I've certainly developed a liking of Green BR shunters since starting to build Ewe and with the class 11/12 from Heljan, things are looking up for the shunteratski.
My only concern is that Bachmann are a retooled body and drop in wheelsets away from their own 04. The existing 03 chassis is perfectly acceptable, especially in Next18 format. Let's hope sense will prevail...........and no Felis catus are deployed amongst the Columba livia domestica......
The pre-grouping J70 train packs are just lovely things and certainly one in the GER Ultramarine blue livery will be ordered. Simply delightful.
On the back of this, the BR liveried tramway coaches are also 'must haves'.
All of this has made me look again at my current projects and future ideas. Even if the 7mm stuff comes to fruition in the coming years, I see no reason to step away from 4mm. Quite the opposite. Therefore, looking at what's going on at present..........
Firstly, if on my return to building layouts in 2015, someone had said I would now be modelling minor East Anglian railways, I would have laughed out loud.
However, as the forthcoming article on Ewe in next month's BRM alludes to, the seed for such interest had been unwittingly sown many, many years ago. I just didn't realise it. With it's first time out before the paying public looming, I'll be adding DCC to the J70s and hopefully weathering at least two of the three now available before that happens.
Yesterday though saw me taking stock of all things. I certainly have enough green diesels to have a decent stab at a proper, more expansive ex-Great Eastern BLT in the future, with only a W&M railbus ( re-issue this year pending from Heljan) and a possible Class 31 from Accurascale to complete the stud. The railbus is on order.
With classes 03/04*/05**/08/10***/15/16/24 and Derby Lightweight already in situ at Chateau Sheep it could easily be done and almost seems a pity not to. If I do, it will almost certainly be DCC and I'll have another go with Kadees, having learnt from my initial installation on Ewe.
* Bachman for now but Rapido to replace when available.
**Heljan but, later, taller NE cab version is only one done thus far. Squint and it's fine.
*** Re-number Hornby 08.
Of the existing layouts......
Sheep Dip is pretty much complete. Having come very close to moving the layout on earlier this year, I am glad I didn't and am pleased to report it's a keeper.
Future plans will see a Class 14 (re-issue by Heljan is imminent) joining the stud as I think one will look very much at home thereon. In addition there is a Kerr Stuart on the way apparently. The layout is of course very basic in operation but people seem to like it and I enjoy taking it out. At the other end of the motive power spectrum, we have the Great Western trio of 2x 2.4.0t and the 517. If I avoid any 'fittings' which are 'period specific ', I see no reason why Sheep Dip couldn't alternate between 1930s/1950s and late 1960s depending on the locos/rolling stock in use. There were, after all, overgrown railways in the 1930s............
Bleat again is pretty much done and I hope to add a few more bits and bobs ahead of Taunton at the end of October. Though it's a S&DJR layout, set in the 1950s, there's no reason why the changes can't be rung and it runs as a Southern Region layout. In fact, I'm contemplating this for day 2 at Taunton Railex using a selection of small Southern tank engines. Only other motive power to sort is the 1P...I do however need to pluck up the courage to weather it. That will complete the S&D side of things.
In the wings we have a pre-grouping SE&CR light railway terminus. Not in any way discarded. Again, the motive power is pretty much in stock as are some wagonage. An alternative is a goods only layout set just after WW1. P and C classes represent the SE&CR. A Peckett could also pop in and shuffle about for good measure. It could easily happen. I have the track plan sorted for both eventualities........and my eye on a couple of structures...
So, despite my hint to the contrary yesterday, the above is part of the reason why there are no plans to build a new layout this Winter.
I've finally realised, there is already more than enough going on...........
Rob.
PaulR
Western Thunderer
I can completely empathise with these sentiments Rob. Since finishing Old Parrock my ideas have bounced around all over the place - I like everything I see! For a long time I researched an East Anglian layout idea based around a standard gauge version of the harbour branch of the Southwold Railway, along the River Blyth. Perhaps the J70 will be an excuse to revisit it in 7mm - So tempting...
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Hi Rob.
Exactly. I also suffer with that. It certainly accounts for the fact that I have three layouts with quite diverse subjects. 1950s S&DJR , 1950s/1960s ex G.E.R backwater and 1960s industrail though the later is pretty flexible. I could easily knock up a 1950s Southern Region BLT a lá Hayling Island and would not discard the idea of a Wenford Bridge inspired Cornish idyll.
The ultimate roundy roundy for me would either feature the South Western section of the Southern ( think Axminster ish) or Edington Junction on the S&D.
But..........I'm really hoping that Rapido will go ahead with the J70. That would definitely work for me. However, I'm concentrating on the 4mm projects until 7mm things start moving with the ex-Great Eastern trammy chaps.
Oh and whilst my 'expression of interest' has been made in respect of the BR versions, let's not completely discount the GER blue liveried examples, should they be produced....
Rob.
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Staying with the Rapido J70 but 4mm this time......
I've just fitted a Bachmann decoder ( 36-568A) to the first of the three J70s that will see use on Ewe and have been rewarded with really good slow speed running accompanied by a nice, gradual stop and start.
Lush.
Spent a nice hour playing....sorry, testing the chassis and all was well.
Two more to do but wondering if I should weather the body now as the chassis is a nice 'snug' fit........In other words, it's a bit of a bu@@er to remove...
Rob
I've just fitted a Bachmann decoder ( 36-568A) to the first of the three J70s that will see use on Ewe and have been rewarded with really good slow speed running accompanied by a nice, gradual stop and start.
Lush.
Spent a nice hour playing....sorry, testing the chassis and all was well.
Two more to do but wondering if I should weather the body now as the chassis is a nice 'snug' fit........In other words, it's a bit of a bu@@er to remove...
Rob
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
A second J70, 68225, has been fitted with a decoder. Same result. Smooth acceleration/deceleration and creepy crawly running.
68225 differs from the other two examples to be used on Ewe in that they are skirted whereas '225 has it's "gesticulating" ( copyright CK ) valvegear on show.
Referring to the regulations governing the locos used on the tramway, 68225 hardly complied with the requirement that " the machinery shall be concealed from view from all points above four inches from the level of the rails......." but H.C Casserley captured the little chap on the tramway in August 1950. That therefore is good enough for me.
It also presents a nice contrast to the skirted jobs.
In fact, I was so taken with it's running that I lost an hour simply playing trains...
Rob.
68225 differs from the other two examples to be used on Ewe in that they are skirted whereas '225 has it's "gesticulating" ( copyright CK ) valvegear on show.
Referring to the regulations governing the locos used on the tramway, 68225 hardly complied with the requirement that " the machinery shall be concealed from view from all points above four inches from the level of the rails......." but H.C Casserley captured the little chap on the tramway in August 1950. That therefore is good enough for me.
It also presents a nice contrast to the skirted jobs.
In fact, I was so taken with it's running that I lost an hour simply playing trains...
Rob.
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Afternoon all,
Well, looking back at the above, things have gone down a very slight rabbit hole and I lay the blame fairly and squarely at the feet of PaulR of Old Parrock fame..............
A chance perusal of ebay a couple of days ago and I came across a loco I've had at the back of my mind for some time. I, ahem, "accidently" pressed "buy now" and I am the lucky owner of one of the most outstandingly finished RTR locos of recent years...........Thanks Paul.
Bachmann's C Class in full Monty SE&CR livery.
I've also recently picked up a Hornby H class in identical livery for a ridiculously low price and it was this that started this particular ball rolling..
Nice pair.
Rob.
NHY 581
Western Thunderer
Hi Nick,
The Isle of Sheepy Light Railway and it's terminus at Lambsdown.
I know it well and yes, it is the inspiration behind this latest venture which I have no....cough....intention......cough......of starting on.........nope, not me.
Rob.