tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203402072024-03-19T05:30:31.373+00:00Phil's WorkbenchA daily updated blog typed by someone with painty hands, oil under his fingernails and the smell of solder in his nostrils who likes making all sort of models and miniatures. And fixing things. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-39598900265300537732024-03-19T05:30:00.019+00:002024-03-19T05:30:00.129+00:00Repaying my Dad, one kit at a time<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWrJDaWNRtCUFCfTrigjdfnJSlv05KXeBJzlscinooFx8wxMrWUo6y273yxFPbF-HPq7qWWKzB8A8XHBPfiztQwoX9pn0bF67tnDhTOE2aCSvZcbg7FDjBlRa8fFAfz-qesk2hswuRliHwfgAW2ZDxGzVTkGlfFCe8GuAHA5V7_p-e8kMPH3t/s500/Boxkite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWrJDaWNRtCUFCfTrigjdfnJSlv05KXeBJzlscinooFx8wxMrWUo6y273yxFPbF-HPq7qWWKzB8A8XHBPfiztQwoX9pn0bF67tnDhTOE2aCSvZcbg7FDjBlRa8fFAfz-qesk2hswuRliHwfgAW2ZDxGzVTkGlfFCe8GuAHA5V7_p-e8kMPH3t/s16000/Boxkite1.jpg" /></a></div>Young Phil benefitted from a Dad who had a repository of plastic kits, many of which he was allowed to build. When I say build, I was probably about 10 or 12, and while I could stick things together, and slap some paint on them, the results weren't great. I enjoyed them though.<br /><p></p><p>Needless to say, those kits helped turn me into the modeller I am today. I like to think my abilities with glue and paint have improved a bit, but we're all on a learning curve. </p><p>One range of kits I remember were the "Those Magnificent Flying Machines" set. My Dad was into aeroplanes, and had aquired these for some reason. And he let me build them. </p><p>Of course, time passes, and now these things are collectable. I've seen them on sale for £60 several times. We're into the buy it and stick the thing on a shelf world at that price, unless you are really keen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWbegvxz15XoX5ylHhRIlcsaa9rtl-zr0F5FAfwWfwmBE5RBYxa7BrZGalaFbBHxKHChw6TKS0hHJ5Hb6uUgg4nVcmyPk7NLWNoEwuJP8KkiUYWQ6UnKVtGfqY1FhAisexLtvsGnjZX6teyggtI4rUcl3TQK-VmL31hi3tPPanHnSzvsslnXw/s500/Boxkite2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWbegvxz15XoX5ylHhRIlcsaa9rtl-zr0F5FAfwWfwmBE5RBYxa7BrZGalaFbBHxKHChw6TKS0hHJ5Hb6uUgg4nVcmyPk7NLWNoEwuJP8KkiUYWQ6UnKVtGfqY1FhAisexLtvsGnjZX6teyggtI4rUcl3TQK-VmL31hi3tPPanHnSzvsslnXw/s16000/Boxkite2.jpg" /></a></div><br />But, I always felt a little guilty about sticking my way through these kits, and so when one turned up on eBay for sensible money, I snapped it up, and it became part of my Dad's birthday present a couple of weeks ago. <p></p><p>Quite what he's going to do with it is a conundrum. Parker senior is not exactly short of potential projects himself, so I think this is going to be a long way down the queue! </p><p>And no, I'm not looking to replace the rest of the set. Well, not unless I spot some more bargains...<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-22571141776131681992024-03-18T05:30:00.010+00:002024-03-18T05:30:00.134+00:00Mind your language!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcrlhf275zAbvy0YBDms3QCymVHHMO-SFy282o03kDpjExTAbw36S5oUs_jqE3fsHvSB4ZhTV7BvXfk6xTxZvvr4ZqHsNGX-wnVwjZM9h4V-1wRIWCe8x5MxvNQ18LLVsmmkPnEFG1A976wBzrMaLQCGNCeIpnTJ76JZ282m9u63hoMVX1JDr/s500/Paperwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcrlhf275zAbvy0YBDms3QCymVHHMO-SFy282o03kDpjExTAbw36S5oUs_jqE3fsHvSB4ZhTV7BvXfk6xTxZvvr4ZqHsNGX-wnVwjZM9h4V-1wRIWCe8x5MxvNQ18LLVsmmkPnEFG1A976wBzrMaLQCGNCeIpnTJ76JZ282m9u63hoMVX1JDr/s16000/Paperwork.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm clearing up some paperowrk from recent events, and found this from the Glasgow show. It's the instructions for the setup period.</p><p>There's nothing unusual in here - Hi-Vis etc. All pretty standard for shows in exhibion halls now. </p><p>But tucked away, "No swearing or use of offensive or rascist language on site."</p><p>I'm all in favour of the lack of rascist language, but who's policing the swearing? And what is the penalty? </p><p>Do different words attract different punishments? </p><p>Sadly, we didn't get the chance to find out. Although I heard a few people experimenting!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-38699694193184467892024-03-17T05:30:00.023+00:002024-03-17T05:30:00.249+00:00Rustival 2024<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53579344801/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rustival or bust"><img alt="Rustival or bust" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53579344801_ed8c793e9f.jpg" width="499" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><p> How good was Rustival? Very, very good. </p><p>Organised by three YouTubers, the idea was that less traditional classic cars would gather that the Motor Musuem Gaydon. Less E-Type jags (there were two) and more Mini Metros. </p><p>The thing is, the classic car movement is evolving. Stuff built in 1999 is 25 years old! Da kidz are driving "vintage" vhicles that I remember being introduced, or at least seeing everywhere when I was a kid. And by this, I mean boxy Volvos. </p><p>Indeed, I was one of the oldest people at the show. This suggests that far from fading away, classics are still popular. I enjoy reading some of the stories that are typed up and hung in the windows of the exhibits. </p><p>Not that I could read them all. With only a couple of hours, there's no way i could taking the best part of a 1000 cars that turned up. Far more than the organisers expected, and boding well for the future. I suspect there will be more than a couple of trade stands next year. Some autojumble would be both nice, and appropriate!</p><p>Anyway, I need to chose a car to take away with me. Will it be the amphibious Land Rover? No, interesting, but too ugly. A Citoen with funky suspension? I think the DS is one of the most beautiful cars built, but no. </p><p>It's the Toyota Sera. I've heard of it, but never seen one for real. Now I have, I want those doors!</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53579344776/in/album-72177720315369959/" title="Sera"><img alt="Sera" height="451" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53579344776_2d49a688c4.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/albums/72177720315369959/"> </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/albums/72177720315369959/">There's a fuller selection of pictures over on Flickr. </a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-20309845139797187842024-03-16T05:30:00.011+00:002024-03-16T05:30:00.131+00:00Saturday Film Club: ”THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE” <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ni5NMlMOxG4?si=QFYl6v5cctmWhlO8" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe></div><p>This one will probably allow me to appear in the Facebook Dull Men's club, but stick with it. This 1982 documentary is wonderful, and watched with the benfit of hindsight, very dated. The micro pager that appears is the same size as a modern mobile phone for example. But who would have predicted advancements in that area in the early 80s? </p><p>More importantly, the moves to System X exchanges helped my late friend Dave win the Railway Modeller cup. As a telephone engineer, he found himself based in an exchange that has swapped mechanical switching for electronic, freeing up loads of space. In which he built his layout "Scotland Street Yard". An unexpected benefit!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-77387161735522172182024-03-15T05:30:00.009+00:002024-03-15T05:30:00.127+00:00Off to London<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjovPh-tDNedWqy4IdJukSLbsmEGfOLuuzhXaav2hEcqPVkn1SEXSVsmTCxwz6jRU9GyCcd8AAcqb9eJteg7oUcota-vco8c7l9c-PFD18IsBDkHCL6NZSs8S4y9K-0KxlAkGNGjrQT9U-sXz7mCPWgXRWwbKjW7ggw294Tiv0bmK3TgPO9TY8/s320/MeetPhil_london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjovPh-tDNedWqy4IdJukSLbsmEGfOLuuzhXaav2hEcqPVkn1SEXSVsmTCxwz6jRU9GyCcd8AAcqb9eJteg7oUcota-vco8c7l9c-PFD18IsBDkHCL6NZSs8S4y9K-0KxlAkGNGjrQT9U-sXz7mCPWgXRWwbKjW7ggw294Tiv0bmK3TgPO9TY8/s1600/MeetPhil_london.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>Time to get back on the road, after all I've had a whole weekend off this month, this time to Alexandra Palace in London. <p></p><p>The BRM roadshow will be in the magnificent hall, and I'll be on the end of the stand with some modemaking for you to enjoy. </p><p>Please bring along plenty of questions, I don't want to be lonely!</p><p><a href="https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/176979-the-london-festival-of-railway-modelling-march-18-19-alexandra-palace/page/6/">Full details of the show can be found here.</a> <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-33903873311972892562024-03-14T05:30:00.001+00:002024-03-14T05:30:00.187+00:00Garden Rail April 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EwRiu1qI_qyjeg885KUGiOm-Zx59MUYQ5ffdH9Gf_DBKLMdc67sd-Z0a-jDiL8leOGKbkQ5wHCB_Df8nf3lZOEe29XOniGSYF-NmXE6KeBzEnJOa4V9Fs20bi6yY-Dkc4Z5w3tbIg0EAft0El1Rl30nNvhjv-aJU_1WV1TiwGnrJfsKWNmK0/s694/Cover%20500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EwRiu1qI_qyjeg885KUGiOm-Zx59MUYQ5ffdH9Gf_DBKLMdc67sd-Z0a-jDiL8leOGKbkQ5wHCB_Df8nf3lZOEe29XOniGSYF-NmXE6KeBzEnJOa4V9Fs20bi6yY-Dkc4Z5w3tbIg0EAft0El1Rl30nNvhjv-aJU_1WV1TiwGnrJfsKWNmK0/s16000/Cover%20500.jpg" /></a></div>
<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">There are two influences on our lead
layout this month – owner Phil Clarke's love of the Lynton &
Barnstaple Railway, and a Spinone puppy who can demolish a train in
seconds! A high level line full of L&B locomotives ticks all the
boxes, and provides a substitute for driving real trains.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">On the workbench:
</p>
<ul><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Mark Thatcher looks a budget range
of kits</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Building a McEwan Pratt
locomotive, and something suitable for an estate railway</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Creating stunning buildings</p>
</li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Building a low loader wagon</p>
</li></ul>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Plus all the latest product news for
the large scale modeller. Available from all good newsagents. <br /></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-24004376709151881172024-03-13T05:30:00.003+00:002024-03-13T05:30:00.144+00:00Warehouse Wednesday: PS Waverley<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5fcVAhEZPif0ny4hN0wq0rHeoYXsKnPr7IDH9BkDC6DkQhrHJ-NcbM7p3jdnK5SW4I90JeUGZt-u1iU9VrbwveoNwRa5yEpfVIfF89J90j4e4Fcx7kkpPZHeP7o7aTNyFx_LFZ5-ecQFnud1BkINjhnSwfziCulU7A30SXl8wvuVgVr3llYr/s500/Waverley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PS Waverley" border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5fcVAhEZPif0ny4hN0wq0rHeoYXsKnPr7IDH9BkDC6DkQhrHJ-NcbM7p3jdnK5SW4I90JeUGZt-u1iU9VrbwveoNwRa5yEpfVIfF89J90j4e4Fcx7kkpPZHeP7o7aTNyFx_LFZ5-ecQFnud1BkINjhnSwfziCulU7A30SXl8wvuVgVr3llYr/s16000/Waverley.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>One benefit of the Glasgow show is that the hotel and venue were a short walk apart. Better still, if I picked the right bridge to cross, I could see the PS Waverley tied up at the quayside. It's not every day you get to see the last ocean-going paddlesteamer at breakfast time!</p><p>I've never been on the Waverley. Really must make up for that ommission one day. <br /></p><p><a href="https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/">For more information, visit the Waverley website. </a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-30117844786974395312024-03-12T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-12T05:30:00.139+00:00Not too good to mess around with<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj7aCdw8CmTIYr4kVCPiSNGU9IQPaArGm_EGojClNF9KeaxjZMZSFW5Opw5iA0meKkFoS5LE18sz7yaP8ZE5hzWyp9RF6wr4_YYvMZ5bvtOiKdGuzgUgaTDJ_ZuC0taxJrML0lcAuE2WIoMpp2RJMtc6wUfe98h02DampMW84bGCiU6btxV-m/s500/Ruston1_clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj7aCdw8CmTIYr4kVCPiSNGU9IQPaArGm_EGojClNF9KeaxjZMZSFW5Opw5iA0meKkFoS5LE18sz7yaP8ZE5hzWyp9RF6wr4_YYvMZ5bvtOiKdGuzgUgaTDJ_ZuC0taxJrML0lcAuE2WIoMpp2RJMtc6wUfe98h02DampMW84bGCiU6btxV-m/s16000/Ruston1_clean.jpg" /></a></div>At the Midlands show, I managed to pick up something that I've wanted for a long while - a Tri-ang Big-big diesel shunter. <p></p><p>An odd beast, it's pretty much perfect for 16mm scale, and sits oddly with the O gauge items in the rest of the range. No matter, I've never owned one, but thanks to Elaine's Trains and a very reasonable price (£25), I now do. </p><p>I could have paid a fiver more and bought a much nicer example. One without a dodgy paint job. In fact it looked pretty pristine. Not mint, but really good. </p><p>Too good to mess around with. My plans for this (one day!) involve litle more than a better repaint, and some light detailing. I want a model that looks like a breathed on Tri-ang model. The sort of thing you'd have seen on 16mm layouts, when these things were newish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KAAQqpsC7-3iZoXEkp90Jm2BIoUCQJXFaRY3nYcq8fbakO2KM8q0DMRc57QP69zwZ71_wKAOLVnKoVWfu1GeGUA3lopnBIrl-Hb5qxJ-iEotvzY8JdB0OidBTMISu9MxjWtN4jah_Kmtqyrl5g5L8YWcCJHPbtPpdIAHe2mt91cfvP7aox1F/s500/Ruston2_clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KAAQqpsC7-3iZoXEkp90Jm2BIoUCQJXFaRY3nYcq8fbakO2KM8q0DMRc57QP69zwZ71_wKAOLVnKoVWfu1GeGUA3lopnBIrl-Hb5qxJ-iEotvzY8JdB0OidBTMISu9MxjWtN4jah_Kmtqyrl5g5L8YWcCJHPbtPpdIAHe2mt91cfvP7aox1F/s16000/Ruston2_clean.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Am I daft to think like this? I've only saved a fiver over buying the better model. But then this might have sat unloved on the stand (I doubt it to be fair, there's a demand for them) and I feel I can do stuff without feeling I'm messing up an original model. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-62459055778095784072024-03-11T05:30:00.015+00:002024-03-11T05:30:00.141+00:00Photos from the Midlands Garden Rail show 2024<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53579172066/in/album-72177720315358948/" title="St Trinians Wickham trolley"><img alt="St Trinians Wickham trolley" height="443" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53579172066_9cd348631d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><p>Yesterday, I talked about the Garden Rail stand at the Midlands show, but didn't mention the event itself properly. Lack of time when typing is my only excuse. </p><p>Anyway, what was the show like? Good. I enjoyed it, and so did a lot of other people. According to the organsiers, attendance was around 2000, most of whom visited on Saturday, which certainly seemed busy. Sunday was quieter, but still pleasent. The day to be there if layout watching and long discussions were your intention. </p><p>I didn't get much time for wandering, so I can't really comment on the layouts, other than to say I saw lots running at all times.</p><p>Cake was excellent. Day 1 was an apple and goo slice, and Sunday, a glutten free Victoria sponge. Chicken rolls both days too. I can't complain about the catering certainly. </p><p>Anyway, you want photos - <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/albums/72177720315358948/">there is an album here</a>. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-20298729137029660692024-03-10T05:30:00.031+00:002024-03-10T05:30:00.130+00:00Midlands Garden Rail Show 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqaIL483rAQp8f90molRYjoD9m3qIvhERXnFGdKvFnbClO0rfCxR_1Y3Rp2RflnckkLypt7mliIDn_OHePYh3bh8fi_NxZxVZ0GCLJbTRfGc2kx4V-iYhFtygBOZDFAQEu9G2jQdOWqhY2P4pf2S4H6_WpjSacv9CIWmq8OWxS1DSAyivNFhp/s935/Our%20STand1_small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="935" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqaIL483rAQp8f90molRYjoD9m3qIvhERXnFGdKvFnbClO0rfCxR_1Y3Rp2RflnckkLypt7mliIDn_OHePYh3bh8fi_NxZxVZ0GCLJbTRfGc2kx4V-iYhFtygBOZDFAQEu9G2jQdOWqhY2P4pf2S4H6_WpjSacv9CIWmq8OWxS1DSAyivNFhp/s16000/Our%20STand1_small.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some of my Glasgow time was taken up with a problem - what could I put on as a stand at the Midlands Garden Rail show? We'd booked a stand, but for various reasons, there wasn't anyone from the office to help man it. I was on my own. </p><p>A quick check with the organisers and I knew I had three 6ft by 2ft tables, and some electricity. A bit of measurement and I realised that a circuit of the tighted LGB track would fit. All it needed was decoration. </p><p>A couple of bags of compost, some potting grit for ballast, a roll of "grass" aquired in a workshop clearout, all topped with a couple of trays of flowers, and I had a solution - a cut-down "Layout in a day". </p><p>My pair of LGB Toy Train locos put in sterling service hauling a couple of flat wagons and a coach around all day. I did have to scrounge some Blu-Tack to stop the brnaded loads sliding around, but apart from that, it all went well. We even sold some subscriptions. Not bad considering the leaflets didn't turn up until Sunday, the quieter day. Thanks Evri for taking four days to perform a 24-hour service. </p><p>I'm quite pleased with the look of the layout. OK, it's simple, but shows that there's little in the way of limits to building a garden railway. Watching a train run in a circle is suprisingly realxing, according to the lady on the model engineering stand opposite!</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-78487314144919380992024-03-09T05:30:00.019+00:002024-03-09T05:30:00.138+00:00Saturday Film Club: Extension building at the L&WMRS<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZxum8y0b7A?si=73e2XE4RW2M0iSoN" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe></div><p>My model railway club is running out of space. Years ago, we built our clubrooms, by converting an old drying barn, and folishly thought that 3500 sqaure feet would be plenty. There was even talk of letting club members bring their own layouts along to help fill the space. </p><p>Now, we are crammed in like sardines. Something needed to be done, and for years, we'd had a plan to add a mezanine floor. A big, and expensive job, but adding a significant amount of space, and the only option other than moving - which would be even more expensive!</p><p>So, with some experts in the club who know what they are doing with all this, we have set to, cleared the place, and started work. I say "we" because despite my enthusiasm to be part of the team, I can't get time off to be there. Even weekends are filled with shows!</p><p>However, I can keep up with progress, thanks to these excellent videos showing the work going on. Please like and subscribe to them, so you too can enjoy this massive (for a model railway club) build. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dguObRzYqsk?si=ZBNV_uTXP7LuIEJQ" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-23342036663212467482024-03-04T05:30:00.007+00:002024-03-04T05:30:00.125+00:00Time for a break<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirldqCiXAtoc87BarnRT0paJDa2wXh1EvyUbTiADzJdB6CtJuXN5MKzRg-7vRjmbw6QwhHDS57DGFD6S3oJcsiP3nF4YwkdCOcpGR2TiUsWrcn6-QjzoAivzWMjBGLc1Asx-kw0palJD3qkN6PZg5Px7EfcFIGwPiFibq7QQRTjg1p2_7mV3z9/s500/Break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirldqCiXAtoc87BarnRT0paJDa2wXh1EvyUbTiADzJdB6CtJuXN5MKzRg-7vRjmbw6QwhHDS57DGFD6S3oJcsiP3nF4YwkdCOcpGR2TiUsWrcn6-QjzoAivzWMjBGLc1Asx-kw0palJD3qkN6PZg5Px7EfcFIGwPiFibq7QQRTjg1p2_7mV3z9/s320/Break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's that time again. I've been so busy recently that any thought of modelling for my own entertainment has been out of the question. <p></p><p>Two weekend shows on the trot hasn't helped. If I'm honest, I need to take a few days away from here as I'm so tired I'll just type even more gibberish than normal!</p><p>There are a few potential posts lined up, and hopfully I'll be back at the end of the week with something for you to look at. </p><p>In the meantime, there's a lot of links in the right -hand bar. You can't have read ALL of them surely? </p><p>See you later. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-81486993473174424882024-03-03T05:30:00.025+00:002024-03-03T05:30:00.237+00:00Glasgow 2024<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53563704669/in/dateposted-public/" title="Glasgow 5"><img alt="Glasgow 5" height="274" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53563704669_56a25102d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><p>The floor is hard, very hard. And three days, two of which are 10am to 6pm, makes for a long event. </p><p>Having said that, it's very friendly, and you see layouts that don't make it south of the border very often. </p><p>Trade includes all the main manufacturers, but otherwise is the same mix as any of the larger shows. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53563825450/in/dateposted-public/" title="Glasgow 1"><img alt="Glasgow 1" height="282" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53563825450_f3d4051bc7.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure what I expected really. Maybe a bigger event? It's a similar size to Ally Pally, but is always talked up to be a major event. Can't argue that it is a big event, but perhaps, like Niagra Falls years ago, the build-up made me expect more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mind you, if I'd paid to visit, I'd have been very happy. Six hours on the road is a bit much just for a visit, but a couple wouldn't be unreasonable, and would be rewarded with excellent entertainment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, it looks like we'll be going back next year! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45131642@N00/53563575353/in/dateposted-public/" title="Glasgow 2"><img alt="Glasgow 2" height="282" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53563575353_e211068abe.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-19612553432409291992024-03-02T05:30:00.006+00:002024-03-02T05:30:00.132+00:00Saturday Film Club: Hiroshima monorail<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zoBPNsJl9CQ?si=bOzxNGhh7RQU3wY7" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-1358263684139894722024-03-01T05:30:00.011+00:002024-03-01T05:30:00.133+00:00Midlands Garden Rail Show this weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrY0srP-I4SqqzRrkWHp9Qu7p9zsSw1Af6osvZ646sijOQ3mwUHLPQHlq6IFSq4BdBmpJZhHIzltHGWcnE78wkMoCe9e0g8LC-PE1KAVyaqF5XMdgux3_3asVVheNu9hRrznBr_oy5Ed5mr63_6FqCQuHKvzr5tN9_z6tNrRZJZjwlRMuqcuV/s1250/MGRS%20Logo%20RGB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrY0srP-I4SqqzRrkWHp9Qu7p9zsSw1Af6osvZ646sijOQ3mwUHLPQHlq6IFSq4BdBmpJZhHIzltHGWcnE78wkMoCe9e0g8LC-PE1KAVyaqF5XMdgux3_3asVVheNu9hRrznBr_oy5Ed5mr63_6FqCQuHKvzr5tN9_z6tNrRZJZjwlRMuqcuV/s16000/MGRS%20Logo%20RGB.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another weekend, another show. This time I'll be on the Garden Rail stand at <a href="https://www.meridienneexhibitions.co.uk/events/midlands-garden-rail-show">the Midlands Garden Rail show</a>. </p><p>As I write, I'm not actually sure what the stand will look like. The person who was organising it has had to go off sick, so I'm left to my own devices. I have a few ideas, we'll just have to see what transpires. </p><p>If you want to know more, come along to the show!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-21630547041083536012024-02-29T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-29T05:30:00.138+00:00Up on his wheels<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2T-52M7FFD863mqCQXo-spE8qmvCXM1JlJG7X6F7pdl_zJVrVEdxgTyy0xeA9iqbmkwnKsaVSydjEwiwETbyGLeIB0Lktzz3FsajdBSegi-YLuKTsQAMZdsCeQ40_sPcYHiFR20X-117B2NvbQ4z4VxPcvrAS-zL5WAj9EmWDbUW0lolEy4G/s500/Wheels%201_500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2T-52M7FFD863mqCQXo-spE8qmvCXM1JlJG7X6F7pdl_zJVrVEdxgTyy0xeA9iqbmkwnKsaVSydjEwiwETbyGLeIB0Lktzz3FsajdBSegi-YLuKTsQAMZdsCeQ40_sPcYHiFR20X-117B2NvbQ4z4VxPcvrAS-zL5WAj9EmWDbUW0lolEy4G/s16000/Wheels%201_500.jpg" /></a></div>This stage had me worried. It seems there is an error with the suggested wheels for the OO version of Ivor. If you use the suggested size, they overlap. Would the same problem exist in 7mm scale? If it did, that's an expensive problem!<p></p><p>Fortunatly, no. The Slaters 7862W's are a perfect fit. The flanges are prettyclose, but apparently this is correct. </p><p>One pair went together straight from the packet, the second needed a little easing with a square needle file to slide onto the axle. Even then, they are stiff, so a touch more work is required. </p><p>Now, if someone can tell me where my Allen key for the centres has vanished to. I'm sure it was in the drawer with Romford screwdrivers and back-to-back gauges. But not any more. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-56224226983730634822024-02-28T05:30:00.007+00:002024-02-28T05:30:00.138+00:00Warehouse Wednesday: Glasgow Harbour Tunnel<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUBzyglluYNWYSXB_OOpfRKFrUd6wkp241zoNQOv7MO7r3w_9oSq8DX5t1WmLk_CjikkeUB9cOlCrwn2_gaYgsjtT7hYezYvSvtTTL55E6LSFAZYabnSNZ026s3SzPmKRrIdX6yx_RF2YHk059tT9jGDbqeoZZyNSb_ShDiaS8TQFUUahah0f/s500/Rotunda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUBzyglluYNWYSXB_OOpfRKFrUd6wkp241zoNQOv7MO7r3w_9oSq8DX5t1WmLk_CjikkeUB9cOlCrwn2_gaYgsjtT7hYezYvSvtTTL55E6LSFAZYabnSNZ026s3SzPmKRrIdX6yx_RF2YHk059tT9jGDbqeoZZyNSb_ShDiaS8TQFUUahah0f/s16000/Rotunda1.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>You won't be surprised that while In Glasgow, I took some photos of the interesting buildings to be found. First up is this round structure, with a matching one on the other side of the river. </p><p>My guess was that these were the ends of a tunnel, as they look very similar to those found on the Grenwich foot tunnel in that there London. </p><p>Two days later, I was proved right. <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67980670">The BBC published an excellent history of the tunnel, which still partly exists.</a> How handy is that? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK7lMjuBLkkVqLAfYXoSGIP6BRPo-qjOgZOToHGxxAKsxdOa1b9hKtHUfIvDkHgd5I09x7qXA9h0_6VxqqWmD0EVGOQwSRULfukbYNtGE68Hf7aR_9gMqI7UpbHSKb2JYXuLinCCJK3HNWeh4Bz1HJzgTjasutpxpF53Ruv7LyZZnFakUqLNh/s500/Rotunda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK7lMjuBLkkVqLAfYXoSGIP6BRPo-qjOgZOToHGxxAKsxdOa1b9hKtHUfIvDkHgd5I09x7qXA9h0_6VxqqWmD0EVGOQwSRULfukbYNtGE68Hf7aR_9gMqI7UpbHSKb2JYXuLinCCJK3HNWeh4Bz1HJzgTjasutpxpF53Ruv7LyZZnFakUqLNh/s16000/Rotunda2.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-76661633730099862512024-02-27T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-27T05:30:00.133+00:00Chassis built<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiDo4a5oujHC_KnfrMsbWnGmwK3gbCSuKV9SSUjKpBiYY7OEzAHYX9-v_HT_RNAyoXR8B4Q5aBOm6iDlIhre4bJj2sDJaHqyyznpGkSNdmdupsDDevGKXfOld2LuGr8sQ4P5unEm3lMLHIt0AGw21TbK-BreJPeHBvmMr1NpG1i82AYWzokTN/s500/Ivor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiDo4a5oujHC_KnfrMsbWnGmwK3gbCSuKV9SSUjKpBiYY7OEzAHYX9-v_HT_RNAyoXR8B4Q5aBOm6iDlIhre4bJj2sDJaHqyyznpGkSNdmdupsDDevGKXfOld2LuGr8sQ4P5unEm3lMLHIt0AGw21TbK-BreJPeHBvmMr1NpG1i82AYWzokTN/s16000/Ivor3.jpg" /></a></div>The chassis is bent up easily enough, and the accuracy is such, that the tabs and slots on the long footplate section fit together perfectly. <p></p><p>The bearings are spares from my stash, and two pairs of different styles, but they will work perfecly well. Oddly, one of each pair was a pig to solder in place. They turned black and had to be removed to be cleaned up again. The others went stright in perfectly. No idea why, but that's kitbuilding!</p><p>The bearings have been reamed out to provide free movement for the axles. A little more tidying up, and I'll be ready to fit some wheels. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-87495063261976733072024-02-26T05:30:00.015+00:002024-02-26T05:30:00.127+00:00Instructions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgVSJPGdyscVXrG3306S-KH8ehymJEUTnTo1s4TQbZWanHELeoUV4cTAqpdeftFAYBnTde7g7xpRvtMcmEDhgaEZ0hhjsB4aa-ZLNiNtk8l-J22GtljF5Lh_ISn_4pdBsguc8_HsKIFmKuslrzi9Ei9J5zlDwGREm9NjMvVKXKLQctLc44WF5/s567/Instructions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgVSJPGdyscVXrG3306S-KH8ehymJEUTnTo1s4TQbZWanHELeoUV4cTAqpdeftFAYBnTde7g7xpRvtMcmEDhgaEZ0hhjsB4aa-ZLNiNtk8l-J22GtljF5Lh_ISn_4pdBsguc8_HsKIFmKuslrzi9Ei9J5zlDwGREm9NjMvVKXKLQctLc44WF5/s16000/Instructions.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>I now know what I'm doing!</p><p>Having said I didn't have any instructions for Ivor, two sets have now arrived. One from the manufacturer, and another (thanks) from blog reader<a href="https://caffeine-train.blogspot.com/"> Mark A Greenwood</a>. I think a third set would have been supplied by a friend on Facebook, but I turned these down as two sets is plenty!</p><p>The are lovely. Perhaps not completely conventional, but great to look at. Loads of exploded diagrams and drawings extracted from the CADs used to design the kit, plus photos of a build, which proves it can be done. I think this is a builders kit, even though the prototype is pure fun. </p><p>Now, I just need to find some G1 handrail knobs. I'm sure I have some around here somewhere...<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-21857049831348875612024-02-25T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-25T05:30:00.138+00:00Lego loco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oTfVxtNsddd7S-RCVPxEdE3wVkNdQK6Q7gpENa3LuVuO8bO2PNCYVTAITbj6yq05YoMUPgz9NIkVPeFcYiVBAN8tB8OPMhKvrKzlQsDbaSd98-T2ZhjgJcD0V7HO3RcBmCXRBOO_oIIW7WDbFApX5HL3UYaA8HUDZVe6drFovQPk8gBMMwd_/s3594/Lego%20loco.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lego loco" border="0" data-original-height="2406" data-original-width="3594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oTfVxtNsddd7S-RCVPxEdE3wVkNdQK6Q7gpENa3LuVuO8bO2PNCYVTAITbj6yq05YoMUPgz9NIkVPeFcYiVBAN8tB8OPMhKvrKzlQsDbaSd98-T2ZhjgJcD0V7HO3RcBmCXRBOO_oIIW7WDbFApX5HL3UYaA8HUDZVe6drFovQPk8gBMMwd_/s16000/Lego%20loco.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another random photo filling the Sunday slot - a Lego industrial spotted next to an excellent copy of BRM. TBH, I can't tell you much about this I'm afraid, but I like the model. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-72760116432944653432024-02-24T05:30:00.005+00:002024-02-24T05:30:00.133+00:00Saturday Film Club: 19 Days in August<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nl5pzNIRu4k?si=FA6RCFIOPsb2PKYH" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe></div><p>A BBC Midlands programme covering the remodelling of Proof House Juntion, just outside Birmingham in the year 2000. </p><p>I can't imagine any TV company making something like this now, and to be honest, it has slightly limited appeal (but you lot are target market). Nice to see Don Jones of miniature Birmingham New Street fame too. <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-55871307200731036692024-02-23T05:30:00.001+00:002024-02-23T05:30:00.135+00:00Model Rail Scotland<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://modelrail-scotland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Model-Rail-Scotland-Logo-1024x165.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="500" src="https://modelrail-scotland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Model-Rail-Scotland-Logo-1024x165.png" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here's a first. All being well, as you read this, I will be taking park in Model Rail Scotland with the World of Railways stand. </p><p>Glasgow is a show I always wanted to do with Melbridge Dock, but never had an invite. It's a very long journey, a 5.5 hour drive I've not looking forward to if I'm honest, but we are exhibiting, and they need someone who can talk toy trains, so I'll load up the models and see how it goes. </p><p>If you are visiting, please say hello. And if there are any Scottish cakes going...<br /></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-59620579425936619942024-02-22T05:30:00.033+00:002024-02-22T05:30:00.129+00:00Water tower, platform and deckchairs in the Spring issue of BRM<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHTS1wxPrOvO07szy3K6q2PCSykKDFxWj3q_5OXHSvWp9DtQNo3l70kIvbKxF8bRKeyTA8NqAIhmPoKrO-MS27ZZtm2E7LW4dgkG2ZLmBvlZz_zI8CXkg0QNW321AXaubO9BBUeyekpQfjTIkeNRuKdYLHIQ7aLfZORiUtOnV9UKw4PSYEi_u/s500/Finished%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHTS1wxPrOvO07szy3K6q2PCSykKDFxWj3q_5OXHSvWp9DtQNo3l70kIvbKxF8bRKeyTA8NqAIhmPoKrO-MS27ZZtm2E7LW4dgkG2ZLmBvlZz_zI8CXkg0QNW321AXaubO9BBUeyekpQfjTIkeNRuKdYLHIQ7aLfZORiUtOnV9UKw4PSYEi_u/s16000/Finished%203.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>A real mix of projects in this month's BRM. I kick off with West Hill Wagon Works modern N gauge platform. Nice kit full of 3D printed detail, and probably the only way you can model a modern pre-fab platform, especially in N!</p><p>The kit doesn't include a way on and off as the prototype has the ground built up at the back - so I needed to build a similar bank. As ever, I've gone a little off-piste with the build, but there are good reasons for this. Anyway, slavishly following the instructions is no fun...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzKaEueszHT5L-wU7QO0aUlt_QA2vXAmrvQ_D-jj55y9ejDZoA3mKYCO2zHR9AsKTKs31gN1VBe8rdp4VXUdp5sSL7GCSmkdwKdHzFPywDYlh06_VSMkFsfKVrlJaxBpQUXjFNoBoxuYlL7xLW91EQ5h7MXg6dojbcIpoGrq3qfEsDlvjzLyg/s672/Finished%20tower%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzKaEueszHT5L-wU7QO0aUlt_QA2vXAmrvQ_D-jj55y9ejDZoA3mKYCO2zHR9AsKTKs31gN1VBe8rdp4VXUdp5sSL7GCSmkdwKdHzFPywDYlh06_VSMkFsfKVrlJaxBpQUXjFNoBoxuYlL7xLW91EQ5h7MXg6dojbcIpoGrq3qfEsDlvjzLyg/s16000/Finished%20tower%204.jpg" /></a></div><p>Jumping up to 7mm, a Skytex water tower. I like these resin kits, they are very accesible and not difficult to build, but hopefully I have finesed it a little. In addition, on BRM TV, I demonstrate how I painted the stone finish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xspOeBcfpTRp8Sdoa-wywbpgYBJjntZbXPC6hyphenhyphenWkOze-nprnJryp8CZRPtywwAXdx8hh1TGIIpMOfT9Uh5gMdeLveKlmPF6cVuNYgHCLHGPyWxbP2H6OFIcFOwPyccpFbikfilUpwddrTlqQ81Dopa-JEoSOwnJMZMoTeCV3n6URse6aa63a/s500/Deck4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xspOeBcfpTRp8Sdoa-wywbpgYBJjntZbXPC6hyphenhyphenWkOze-nprnJryp8CZRPtywwAXdx8hh1TGIIpMOfT9Uh5gMdeLveKlmPF6cVuNYgHCLHGPyWxbP2H6OFIcFOwPyccpFbikfilUpwddrTlqQ81Dopa-JEoSOwnJMZMoTeCV3n6URse6aa63a/s16000/Deck4.jpg" /></a></div><p>Finally, a bit of madness - etched brass 2mm scale deckchairs. These are Severn Models kits, which seemed like a good idea at the time. Fiddly? Very? Satisfying? Very much so. </p><p>I've also been out with the camera to capture some excellent layouts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQQaIWZILoffAylVPDaBpUo86iZD4rkBYKp3b1Cug5VCvuwocPT3aEmDA-vItsTBLxskovY9TKgLHKC14F-7KDmOJQ0zDlNywIHD9sgp61Np3SxBMo55VwFxZiiIaS135wAtzSAti37zX0whveiOZl0ww-ySYMdytyS2UnpFZLsyMNQJNFLOB/s500/Tytton%20Hall%20Yard%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQQaIWZILoffAylVPDaBpUo86iZD4rkBYKp3b1Cug5VCvuwocPT3aEmDA-vItsTBLxskovY9TKgLHKC14F-7KDmOJQ0zDlNywIHD9sgp61Np3SxBMo55VwFxZiiIaS135wAtzSAti37zX0whveiOZl0ww-ySYMdytyS2UnpFZLsyMNQJNFLOB/s16000/Tytton%20Hall%20Yard%205.jpg" /></a></div><p>Tytton Hall Yard - a real crowd-pleaser of a OO roundy-roundy. Well, it was at Doncaster where you couldn't get near it all weekend!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANOSL5lbjwk3rzFXf0aIpLN2DKlXI8-DsBIFl9518FCXasNvRG0Ojs_G6C3b2FMEmvMFpcH8n7p2Na5kKtCzYd3qSG9nQwRx8PVKtgr_NTaOLm4ZQMk6MPSLegim22TaRnBGBjQlv-10muWU5De03fvHZKLAXcHNBDMRgjRXH6qCvicDSoU-f/s500/Lower%20Hanworth%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANOSL5lbjwk3rzFXf0aIpLN2DKlXI8-DsBIFl9518FCXasNvRG0Ojs_G6C3b2FMEmvMFpcH8n7p2Na5kKtCzYd3qSG9nQwRx8PVKtgr_NTaOLm4ZQMk6MPSLegim22TaRnBGBjQlv-10muWU5De03fvHZKLAXcHNBDMRgjRXH6qCvicDSoU-f/s16000/Lower%20Hanworth%208.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>At Doncaster 2023, I shot the 009 and OO layout, Lower Hanworth. Square layouts provide lots of angles to work with, and I think I've managed to produce some views that you can't easily see at a show. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6XYHwQBZxlIdQtUYV0to_ssCYbSXIHkp-J5HxVOkzFWrkOXaHtZfUJH6_Xe2kjCQKkr75pRF61jmpPVsodeFtjNpCIaxDn520PufJXt9VwRczygGa35372ZuH9KAJEz1flNz9-RBgd8-uVl7LAImiuk8HZNMlOTzFZuoebKKMs9wn0W8ZMms/s500/Hay%20Town%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6XYHwQBZxlIdQtUYV0to_ssCYbSXIHkp-J5HxVOkzFWrkOXaHtZfUJH6_Xe2kjCQKkr75pRF61jmpPVsodeFtjNpCIaxDn520PufJXt9VwRczygGa35372ZuH9KAJEz1flNz9-RBgd8-uVl7LAImiuk8HZNMlOTzFZuoebKKMs9wn0W8ZMms/s16000/Hay%20Town%203.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>Finally, Hay Town, and attractive GWR "might have been" terminus. Very pretty, and with loads of well-modelled detail. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-59381982103499705472024-02-21T05:30:00.018+00:002024-02-21T05:30:00.139+00:00New techniques<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFKtKtXmEACoCTuCbfAzox9WwT_zEJ64-FZnWL1JVjmOyPUSUZADVNGIPRZt2EfePGRwuqAoDdG1VT-QBpHF1hKT0fMNDKWznzfC4luIGOLtfER2oYYLx42dlUvqiE6RmfBbbQGUGwzwvtzCA8jA4MMDuLgyvYJS0QZ4LZ2AvnHFkZhjioEDR/s500/Ivor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFKtKtXmEACoCTuCbfAzox9WwT_zEJ64-FZnWL1JVjmOyPUSUZADVNGIPRZt2EfePGRwuqAoDdG1VT-QBpHF1hKT0fMNDKWznzfC4luIGOLtfER2oYYLx42dlUvqiE6RmfBbbQGUGwzwvtzCA8jA4MMDuLgyvYJS0QZ4LZ2AvnHFkZhjioEDR/s16000/Ivor2.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>There's a slight snag with building Ivor. The power to half the sockets in our house are electricity-free. Two electricians have investigated, and the second one is coming back to have another look and see if he can fix it for more than 14 hours. </p><p>Of course, my workbench is in the dead zone, so soldering has to be carried out with the gas torch, which demands a slightly different technique to the Antex. The joint has to be prepared, fluxed and a little bit of solder put in place. Then hold it all together and blast with heat. It's not as easy, but I've managed to get some joins made - at the cost of two burnt fingers!</p><p>You might ask why I don't use the soldering iron attachment instead - simple it seems to take forever to warm up, and I couldn't be bothered to wait. Anyway, blowing solder around joints is good fun!</p><p>So, it works, but I'll be glad when the power returns to the sockets!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20340207.post-90991184554789006032024-02-20T05:30:00.032+00:002024-02-20T05:30:00.133+00:00Ivor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIkehEHcQutNOn3bzMOwZy-gKNnBQ_U38ldIPuZEYmIVTCgE5MFssOSWqVOj3FT8UhXmjiBjShlVU-M9zqjL_O0BtECQMz6b8MFsDVpyWD2peJn2NF5iznVYRfKhzDleBO7ZQv6SzBSNtGDQ-S_Uf0Hj2tWnGCYHib9rLuA-MwZehebmDxBoY/s532/Ivor1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIkehEHcQutNOn3bzMOwZy-gKNnBQ_U38ldIPuZEYmIVTCgE5MFssOSWqVOj3FT8UhXmjiBjShlVU-M9zqjL_O0BtECQMz6b8MFsDVpyWD2peJn2NF5iznVYRfKhzDleBO7ZQv6SzBSNtGDQ-S_Uf0Hj2tWnGCYHib9rLuA-MwZehebmDxBoY/s16000/Ivor1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Time for another loco kit, well the Sentinel has stalled, and I'm enjoying the soldering. <a href="https://phd-design-etchings.co.uk/products/ols/products/7mm-ivor-the-engine">The PH Designs kit</a> has been in my stash for several years. Bought as a present, one of those things you appreciate, while knowing it means quite a bit of expense to buy all the other bits required to finish the job. </p><p>Anyway, my thought had been to use the gearbox from the Senetinel, but on opening the box, I'd already sourced one from somewhere, so all I had to get were the wheels Slaters 7862W. Ordered direct from the maker, they arrived the next day, and I just ignore that they cost nearly 50 quid! O gauge isn't cheap. </p><p>Ivor the Engine was my childhood TV train. Thomas existed only in books, TV was in the future. I liked the quiet, home-spun style. And I loved the dragon, Idris. </p><p>Anyway, the kit is a mix of brass and nickel-silver parts, with details 3D printed in resin and cast in metal. What I don't have is any instructions, although such a simple (I hope) model shouldn't require them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVQ9rElVjbC-xi2N6Hh3IHT6KvEcfc_B5gBUZB_ibjEtP6u4inGakgl3yK6VPRjtMnPbcnUUl1TmMBJaVRuWawPOJOL40T72mdv9F89h-0VbM8fxQBo0I16lMxGuH3IMDfr3-J0h46K_DEvyGfF-3DHT8na0tvP5hnGR42C68IqgktUoUcxRk/s500/Ivor1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVQ9rElVjbC-xi2N6Hh3IHT6KvEcfc_B5gBUZB_ibjEtP6u4inGakgl3yK6VPRjtMnPbcnUUl1TmMBJaVRuWawPOJOL40T72mdv9F89h-0VbM8fxQBo0I16lMxGuH3IMDfr3-J0h46K_DEvyGfF-3DHT8na0tvP5hnGR42C68IqgktUoUcxRk/s16000/Ivor1a.jpg" /></a></div><p>If all else fails, I know Ian Mellors has built one, and will be happy to answer any questions. <br /></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1