tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68245416253341530542012-02-17T02:32:10.733ZFollow the progress as I build a small fictional Model Railway in my spare room.Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-86087652876184889862008-01-14T21:45:00.000Z2008-01-14T21:52:53.488Z

Having not done this for a while its not easy to know where to start. So far very little has happened regarding the layout, but progress has been made. Unfortunately, so far, it's all in my head.This is only a quick post, whilst I have 5 minutes, and I have the thoughts fresh in my head.I've spent Christmas imaging what will go where, what it will look like and trying to formulate a track plan.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-57152557526346162722007-11-20T11:27:00.000Z2007-11-20T11:33:24.137Z

Well the layout is no more. It's been Sold.Didn't take long mind. Put it up on RMWeb for Sale on Sunday evening, and Monday evening a Gentleman came along and took it away.I was sad to see it go, having been working on it for a good few years, but the promise of a larger permanent layout in the loft is certainly a big plus.Next stop is B&Q for some 2x2 and plywood to make a start on the loft.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-30572728553725251772007-11-11T16:23:00.000Z2007-11-12T14:55:39.918Z

Well it's been a long time since the last post, and that is because a lot has changed.The main thing is a house move, which put everything on hold. The bad news from this is that now the railway is in 2 pieces at the moment with nowhere for it to go.The good news is that I have inherited a large loft (20ft long) that is already fully boarded out with lighting.Hoorah!!!More to follow when time

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-91739565563292500912007-10-09T17:00:00.000Z2007-10-09T15:59:40.700Z

When laying track, especially flexi-track you often get gaps where the fish plates sit. On set-track from Hornby or Peco there is space built in to the track piece which the fish plate sits in to. On flexi-track this can not be done.The picture below shows a piece of my finished track with some sleepers missing. These were removed to allow for the fishplates.To remedy this problem. Take some old

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-11131232177443245672007-10-06T19:14:00.000Z2007-10-06T18:14:53.555Z

Having looked back through my posts I realised I'd missed an important part out of the layout construction. The laying of the track over a baseboard joint.This was something I had never done before and didn't how to do. As per my usual way, I started by asking questions on the forums, on what I needed and how to do it.What I learned was that I needed to remove the plastic sleepers from underneath

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-27668883226957583082007-09-23T21:47:00.000Z2007-09-28T15:44:25.768Z

Well not much has happened in the past coupe of weeks. But this past weekend saw a bit more progress.I managed to purchase some plasticard for the new platform surface. 5 sheets of 40thou plasticard were cut to size using the previous platform surface as a template. These were then stuck together to make a new top.I used such thick plasticard as I wanted to give the sense of thickness to the

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-19041835263015780282007-09-09T16:00:00.000Z2007-09-09T15:03:45.197Z

Having lived with the platform surface for a while, it just wasn't working. It was far to rough, with lumps, bumps and troughs dotted throughout the surface.I tried to smooth it by sanding it down, but all that was sanded was the sandpaper. I also tried to paint it with thick paint hoping the paint would fill the gaps, but this didn't work either.Having considered what to do for a while I decided

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-45884271662391042872007-09-07T19:43:00.000Z2007-09-07T18:44:04.888Z

For my platform surface I decided to try 'Concrete Paint' that I picked up several months ago from the Derby Model Railway Exhibition. The paint is made by Greenscene, and comes in a little tub.The paint itself is quite thick and gluppy and trying to use it as paint in the normal way did not work well.After a bit of experimentation with different ways of applying the paint, I decided the best way

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-23848644093153193202007-09-03T10:26:00.000Z2007-09-03T09:30:19.256Z

Sunday I managed to travel down the A52 to Grantham to visit their Model Rail Show. Never been before so I didn't know what to expect, and I couldn't find very much info on the web about what layouts would be there, so it was going to be a surprise.Once there the exhibition was well prsented with a good selection of layouts and traders. My favourite layouts where Yarborough and Whiteadder

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-72262971851357166932007-09-01T06:35:00.000Z2007-09-01T05:35:48.687Z

A recent purchase off of eBay is a weathered Bachmann Fairburn 2-6-4 tank engine. Even though these were never at Annesley Shed (as far as I know), they would have been seen travelling up and down the lines, were my layout is set.I couldn't resist this when I saw it. I love to see dirty weathered engines, even though this is probably a bit over the top in terms of weathered neglect, I still

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-78492869178166457752007-08-29T20:41:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:46:03.481Z

Bank Holiday Monday was spent visiting the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley in Derbyshire. This weekend was their 25th anniversary since opening up to the public, so they had some special events on.Below is a selection of photographs taken on the day of various motive power.Midland Railway Engine 158 on loan from National Railway Museum47401 'North Eastern' Preserved Class 47Preserved DMU at

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-5009668220109146882007-08-27T07:23:00.001Z2007-08-29T19:41:58.988Z

Last night I managed to finish the Metcalfe kit of the platform waiting rooms. They are really good and really easy to build, just need time and patience. Only made a few mistakes, but that was due to tiredness, but nothing to obvious.The finished model also looks good on the platform (which is yet to be completed). I think I will try and add a bit of weathering to it so it doesn't look so 'new'.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-69454249433163456682007-08-23T12:54:00.000Z2007-08-22T11:55:47.649Z

Just a short video taken a while ago when the Bachmann A4 'Sir Nigel Gresley' was fitted with a Lenz decoder.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-77904936090853227922007-08-20T22:42:00.000Z2007-08-20T21:42:44.290Z

Keeping wheels clean on your locos is an important job. Neglect it and you'll soon regret it. Also it is not an easy task. Wheels connected to a motor will not turn by hand, so how do you clean them?Well my preferred way, is to use my Rolling Road.Place the loco on the 'Rolling Road' and turn it on. Then using a cotton bud soaked in track cleaner, you can place the bud next to the driving wheels

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-32024371364076673292007-08-15T17:46:00.000Z2007-08-15T17:55:20.901Z

A few weeks a go I purchased some card board models from Metcalfe. They were on sale and very good value, so I thought 'What the eck, i'll giv um a go'. My plan was not to have cardboard models on the layout as I never found these realistic enough for my taste, but at the speed I'm going I thought these would serve 2 purposes:They would provide some good practice before attempting any scratch

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-16520132230439776312007-07-31T00:44:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:45:28.908Z

No further progress over the past 2 weeks due to being on holiday, enjoying the sunny weather in Southern France.Had a great time and managed to fit in a few train journeys. Even managed to travel on the TGV, which is something I've always wanted to do.Here's a few pics taken whilst away.TGV passing through Biot StationLocal TEN train stopping at BiotTravelled on the "Chemins De Fer De Provence",

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-44020701201951672452007-07-12T21:52:00.000Z2007-07-12T20:52:31.111Z

With so many models about, and starting from scratch, it's easy to buy everything you like without no sense of togetherness.This is were I started when I wanted to get back into the hobby. The excitement of a new loco was great, but it soon started to disappoint me, when things just didn't 'gel'. I looked at what others had made and achieved, and I wanted something similar, or to at least try for

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-36508868349141911082007-07-05T22:51:00.000Z2007-07-05T21:53:11.945Z

I recently purchased the Flying Scotsman in Experimental Blue from eBay. This fits in with my layout as it has the BR Early Crest on the tender. The loco originally came as a special edition Hornby set, produced for Marks & Spencers.The loco is the standard Hornby loco, just with a different livery, so the decoder fitting I would expect to be the same, which ever version you have.First task is to

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-43246011692745679112007-07-02T00:08:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:45:19.867Z

Sunday was spend at the Great Central Railway Loughborough. The weather didn't look good, so being sat on train seemed the perfect answer. As it turned out, we seem to miss the rain, so I did manage to take a few pictures.One of the events taking place was Queen Victoria arriving to open Rothley Station. A few pictures are shown below. The trains running were mainly diesel, which was slightly

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-2504075850983884612007-06-30T20:11:00.000Z2007-06-30T20:18:54.267Z

Below is the video I took just after I finished wiring the track and fitting my first decoder. This was the first run, and was the test to make sure everything worked OK.I took this after I visited a toy and train fayre and purchased the NCE PowerCab, a Hornby 8F (DCC ready) and a TCS decoder, which I fitted.Looking back at this I can see how much more I have done, even though there is still

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-21391420969843345192007-06-26T22:39:00.000Z2007-06-26T21:39:21.703Z

Last week saw the completion of my Sir Nigel Gresley, being chipped by Trains4u in Peterborough.I had been toying with the idea of completing the project myself, but decided against it as I could not forgive myself if I ruined the loco. This is by far my favourite loco, and far to precious for me to attack with a soldering iron!Therefore I contacted Gareth at Trains4u via the RMWeb forum, and he

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-69442715303866875332007-06-25T19:55:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:41:23.767Z

The next stage was the spray the whole of the finished structure in grey primer. This was done using grey plastic primer from Halfords. It comes in a large spray can and is easy to use. Just make sure you use it in a well ventilated area, and not near anything that you don't want to get paint on. It does travel!The grey primer gives an excellent even surface on which to use enamel paints.Once

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-68582188996091894252007-06-20T22:00:00.000Z2007-06-27T22:44:25.149Z

Well what a surprise I had yesterday evening, whilst reading through the latest edition of Model Rail.There on page 50 about half way down was a reference to this website and the web address!! It's nice to know some people feel this a worthwhile (albeit small) addition to the hobby. Also I can see from the number of visits recently that quite a few have decided to take a look.Well thanks for

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-27830409404061949042007-06-19T22:34:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:40:43.476Z

After producing the platform framework, the next step was to cover the platform sides with embossed plastic card (see picture left). For this I used 'Coarse Stone' from Wills. Several packs were purchased (4 packs with 4 sheets in a pack) and a strip of each sheet was then cut to the correct height. Also each section was the same from each sheet so the stone coarse work matched across the length

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-51042368663546567142007-05-31T22:21:00.000Z2007-05-31T21:20:52.759Z

The locos that can be seen at Oakton Vale mainly originate from Annesley Shed. I have a great book (more about that later) which lists all the locs that were allocated at Annesley.A bit of artist license has been used when selecting my locos, as not all locos that I have where allocated to Annesley at the same time. But because there are only so many RTR models that correspond to the Annesley

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-65255752095818485432007-05-29T16:44:00.000Z2007-05-28T20:51:32.774Z

Well, thanks to the typical bank holiday weather this weekend I have, at last, got around to doing more on the layout.This of course means that after a 2 week drought of no updates, 2 come along together.Over the past couple of days, due to being rained in, I have managed to progress the modelling and painting of my platform. The Ratio loco depot that I started to build has also progressed and I

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-6893107156561467552007-05-28T21:43:00.000Z2007-09-03T11:42:11.227Z

After creating the templates the next stage was to build a structure for the platform.I decided to build the framework of the structure from mount card. I chose this for several reasons, the main being it was I had a plentiful supply.The height of the platform was measured and strips of mount card were made to make a structure with side walls a lattice grid to give strength inside. Strips, the

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-79987858811836249962007-05-13T20:12:00.000Z2007-05-13T20:26:34.764Z

Having looked through what I've wrote about so far, there are very few pictures of the layout. So I thought I would post a few, just to give an idea of how far it has got… which is not very far! I hope to get more done in the following month, as the lack of progress is frustrating.Above - An overall view of the layout, looking from the station end towards the fiddle yard.This is the same view but

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-36689540208873709862007-05-10T18:01:00.000Z2007-05-10T18:05:39.577Z

Also just to let you know. Bromsgrove Models also provide a range of installation guides for fitting DCC decoders.They have quite a large list, far too many for me to copy here. So go take a look. They may just have the one you want.They also have a page with a list of DCC locos with CV settings, so you can fine tune the decoder.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-4664798238199577682007-05-07T08:09:00.000Z2007-05-07T08:17:52.919Z

Just read an excellent thread on RMWeb from Trains4U in Peterborough. He has kindly written and photographed a selection of instructions on how to fit DCC decoders to the following:Hornby Tender Drive A3Bachmann Turbostar 170 - with lighting kitBachmann CollettBachmann class 03/04Lima Diesel & Electric ChassisHornby class 86 - with lighting kitI thoroughly recommend them. They are well

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-74282840253218497482007-05-02T14:35:00.000Z2007-05-02T14:50:02.731Z

Unfortunately work has been really hectic over the past month, so not much, well no modelling has been completed. Hence the lack of updates.But just as a taster the following topics are still to come:Things to consider when choosing DCCMore about Annesley ShedTips on Ballast and pointsRealistic rusty railsCopper clad sleepersBuilding a curved platform part 2Also I plan to post some pictures of

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-49367637601379652892007-04-24T21:28:00.000Z2007-04-24T22:19:51.971Z

Oakton Vale station is based in a fictional town on the North Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire border.As the town name suggests, 'Oakton Vale' is built in a small valley, and the railway sits neatly in this valley in the surrounding town.The LMS Railway built the line through Oakton Vale in it's hey day and was part of a mainline that linked Nottingham directly with the popular Victorian destinations

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-22021361514029010302007-04-14T21:26:00.000Z2007-04-14T20:34:26.563Z

If you have seen the track plan (see above) and pictures, you will be aware that the layout is not just straight lengths of track.I thought it would be a good idea to have the track curve to add a bit more interest and so, therefore the platforms in the station area are curved. This at the time seemed a good idea, but when it came to the practicality of actually building them… not so much.Making

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-85331940603104568802007-04-03T12:31:00.000Z2007-04-03T12:35:49.971Z

Today, the French have shown the rest of Europe how it is done.A specially modified TGV has reached a top speed of 356mph, beating the previous record on rails by 36mph. As far as I'm aware I don't think in Britain we are anywhere near reaching those sort of speeds on our railways.Just goes to show what can be done, when you want to.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-88842488093391857652007-04-01T08:53:00.000Z2007-04-01T07:53:41.624Z

When I had to choose which system to go with, I originally chose DC, as I thought DCC would be a steep learning curve. But having spoke to others on forums and read a few books on the subject, I came to realise that for my project, DCC was easier that DC.As my layout is a simple end to end, with lots of maneuvering, It would require quite a few isolating sections to run my railway realistically.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-3145521742982240042007-03-25T14:54:00.000Z2007-03-25T14:15:15.913Z

When I started to build my model railway, one of the decisions I had to make early on is whether to go DCC or DC.DCC is Digital Command Control. And its major selling point is that you control the trains not the track. DC on the other hand is the traditional method that has been used for years.DC works by supplying power to the track and therefore any loco on the 'powered' track, moves. Therefore

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-26452522284689075442007-03-17T16:32:00.000Z2007-03-17T16:36:21.734Z

Just a quick post to show the picture of new Bachmann 108, taken at dusk, with the lights on.I really like this model, and it has quickly become one of my favourites. It doesn't sit in with my era for the layout, but it's great to have a model with extra working features, such a directional lighting and carriage lighting. It's something that you just don't get with a steam loco.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-56728674225301831612007-03-16T11:23:00.000Z2007-03-17T16:37:39.242Z

The other Saturday went to the National railway Museum in York. Took the little one (well I needed an excuse) and had a great day.View of the polished Mallard tenderI was very surprised though when I arrived, that it was free. What an excellent place, with things to see and do in the big halls, also demonstrations, talks and tours, and all for free. You can't beat that for value for

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-32665868229648587792007-03-14T01:51:00.000Z2007-03-14T01:55:56.039Z

This weekend is the Nottingham East Midlands Model Railway Exhibition, just down the road in Nottingham.I went last year for the first time and is was a good large exhibition with plenty to see and plenty of traders. I am hoping to go this year, probably on Saturday.If you are around the area and have the opportunity to go, I would recommend it.More info can be found on their website (click the

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-24593402150206177132007-03-08T17:40:00.000Z2007-03-08T17:40:02.288Z

Having managed to fit the wires underneath the boards and through the holes, the final stage was to solder the wires to the track and each other.Having not soldered before, I found this quite nerve racking. My 2 biggest fears being:Getting too much solder on the joint and it looking like a right pigs ear. Spoiling the layout from this day forwards.Not getting enough solder on (or as I later found

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-32149585976604296722007-03-06T00:29:00.000Z2007-03-06T00:50:00.875Z

This Saturday was spent at the National Railway Museum at York, and there I managed to get my hands on a new Bachmann 108 DMU in green. These are sold out everywhere so I was extremely lucky to pick one up.So this evening has been spent fitting a decoder. Not an easy task, mind. Unlike the steam locos I have been previously fitting decoders in, the problem was not to do with space. Fitting a

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-87720775533593655532007-03-04T17:37:00.000Z2007-03-04T17:08:55.662Z

Having spent over a year building my layout and not getting far, I read with interest and awe this forum thread '6 Week Layout'.Absolutely fantastic and full of useful information on how to do it from those a lot more qualified than me. It just goes to show what can be done when you put your mind to it. Well done to all involved, what an excellent job.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-80856257587597630792007-02-28T22:53:00.000Z2007-02-28T23:16:39.713Z

Having completed the diagram the next stage was to get on with it.Holes were drilled in the baseboard, with the smallest drill bit I had to allow the wires to pass through (see picture left). This size, just so happened to be the perfect size for the wire, so I didn't have to worry about ballast falling through the holes at a later stage.The method of wiring used was a 'dropper and bus' system.

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-47687620689872487902007-02-21T00:50:00.000Z2007-02-21T01:08:21.021Z

Sunday was taken up with a visit to my first model railway exhibition of the year.The Festival of British Railway Modelling was held this year in Harrogate, and was this was my first visit to the show. First impressions where very good. Easy to find, plenty of parking, and easy to get round. They had left enough room in the aisles around the stands and layouts to get about.No pictures I'm afraid

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-55287718424851544122007-02-15T14:17:00.000Z2007-02-15T14:21:28.666Z

A recent purchase from ebay was a 3 coach set of the Hornby Master Cutler coaches.This train ran from London to Sheffield, so in theory it would have run close to my layout. Unfortunately as my layout is currently a terminus, it would not have made an appearance, but in the true spirit of "I'm in charge", the Master Cutler does so from time to time. Also they do look good behind my Brit.In the

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-51417392839688908392007-02-11T23:03:00.000Z2007-02-11T23:44:39.894Z

Having laid the track successfully the next part was the wiring.Having never done this before, it was going to be difficult. Especially as I had chosen to go DCC and did not have a clue what implications this had on the electrical side. As it turns out I believe wiring a layout for DCC is easier that conventional methods. There are n0 isolation sections to worry about, and therefore less wiring

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-29650504946337028292007-02-08T15:23:00.000Z2007-02-08T15:26:00.952Z

Anyone reading and following this blog, will realise that I'm trying to catch up to the present day with the progress of the railway. Currently I'm ballasting track, but on this blog I've only got as far as track laying. My plan is to write a bit each week, so eventually the 2 will be aligned.Due to the recent lack of updates on the blog, does mean that I have been busy in the evenings working on

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-62511332895602687992007-01-31T10:44:00.000Z2007-01-31T11:03:50.107Z

Just read about the the next generation of model railway control, is the next big thing after DCC?Well probably not, but some clever boffins at Hitachi have worked out how to control a model railway using your mind. Using your thoughts, and from looking at the picture, Frankenstein's night cap, you can control a model train on a layout connected to the hat.I think this could cause a bit of fun at

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-14256949439522720182007-01-29T23:05:00.000Z2007-01-29T23:36:19.552Z

Since the last post, there has been no further progress on the railway. Due to other commitments, construction has had to take a back seat.What has happened (railway related) is the posting of 30 odd items that successfully sold on eBay, and a trip to family in Maidstone.There we visited Leeds Castle, just down the M20. Had a pleasant day, and thought I would brighten up this post with the last

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-32327531555465200762007-01-25T13:26:00.000Z2007-01-29T23:22:41.477Z

Well today Bachmann have released their list of models they will be producing in 2007.Looks like an interesting list to me, and the full list can be found by clicking the title above. The things that are interest to me and my layout are:Jubilee 45611 'Hong Kong' BR Green E/Emblem 4000 Gal Tender Riveted04 Diesel Shunter 11222 BR Black E/EmblemR/Built Scot 46115 'Scots Guardsman'an' BR Green E/

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-2712531149523672102007-01-24T21:54:00.000Z2007-01-25T13:36:46.981Z

With the cork underlay decided upon it was now time to get on with things.The cork was purchased from the local DIY shop along with PVA glue with fixing it down and a start was made. First of all the cork tiles where laid across the boards loosely. This is so I could plan my layout on top and mark where the cork needs cutting.The track was laid on top and temporarily fixed by pinning it between

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-27943934777543887082007-01-23T00:34:00.001Z2007-01-29T11:05:58.904Z

Spent the evening parcelling up coaches and wagons that I've sold on ebay, before going on to surf the net.You Tube is a great source of information for modelling and certainly whiles away the time.Found this fantastic film from the 50's of a loco getting stuck in snow drifts. enjoy…

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-3858756704952516912007-01-20T16:10:00.000Z2007-01-23T12:50:07.176Z

As this was my first time at building a model railway, as opposed to a train set, there is a lot to find out about different techniques and materials. The next question I had, after completing the baseboards, was the choice of foam underlay or cork.Again, forums on the internet provided the advice and information I needed. Discussing this with many different modellers gave rise to many different

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-70849055247455947802007-01-16T21:43:00.000Z2007-01-16T21:43:17.015Z

In February 2006, I purchased the latest Railway Modeller, which came with one of those little booklets they include every now and again. This particular edition was on 'Baseboard Construction'. Excellent.Having read their recommendations, I constructed the baseboards using the method of 2x4 and 2x2, and plywood top.Not being a joiner this was my first attempt at actually building a structure

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-86457832416739482672007-01-13T14:26:00.000Z2007-01-13T14:59:19.514Z

I thought it was about time I let everyone now a little bit more about the layout. I knew what space I had, the baseboards had been constructed, but to come up with an interesting track plan with very little experience was not an easy task. Having spent many nights and many sheets of paper sketching different possibilities, I started on the internet looking for help.The first place I found help

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-1875633149421890932007-01-11T22:52:00.000Z2007-01-11T23:01:04.572Z

Yesterday was a good day. Travelled to a meeting in London via GNER. Great stuff, thoroughly enjoyed it and I get paid for it as well!At Kings Cross Purchased BRM mag (Jan issue), which comes with a guide from Dapol about their plans in 2007. Whilst browsing through the many wagons they hope to release each month in oo, I came across my dream wagon…Sherwood Colliery - Mansfield!!!A local wagon,

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-20845700243533006412007-01-09T00:45:00.000Z2007-01-09T00:46:06.224Z

Having been given permission by my better half that the spare room could be used to house a model railway, I set about trying to make a start.The first hurdle I had to overcome was aesthetics. I could not build something in the room that looked ugly and spoilt the room (I should have tidied up before I took these pictures!). It could not be permanent as the room was used for guests now and again,

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-4843930764802128702007-01-07T19:44:00.000Z2007-01-07T21:59:09.339Z

This weekend has been spent, going through old and unwanted model railway stock that no longer fits in with the period I have decided to model.It's quite amazing how long it does take to go through and accurately describe the item, as well as take a selection of photographs. This evening, I have managed to put up what I have done so far which is as follows:Hornby LMS Stanier Brake End Coach 00

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-68323957372144213212007-01-05T01:47:00.000Z2007-01-05T09:16:34.003Z

On the 1st January the new 2007 models from Hornby were officially released.Having read a some of the comments made on other websites and forums it seems a lot of people are disappointed with them. Not me though. I suppose as I have very few locos to begin within it's a lot easier for me to add to my collection.Looking through there is certainly a few that catch my eye and will be added to my

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-40482172738248640182007-01-04T14:04:00.000Z2007-01-05T00:49:44.475Z

One of the hardest choices to make when building a Model Railway is its location.Some people just like to build scenery and building and run their favourite trains, but I wanted to put mine in a setting, to give a sense of belonging.This allowed me to research and find prototypical buildings and, locos and stock on which to base my purchases.With some much RTR stock out there, when I first

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824541625334153054.post-24148886575107663212007-01-02T13:48:00.000Z2007-01-04T17:28:18.611Z

Hi, and welcome to my little space on the Internet, where I will be letting anyone know (who is interested) on the development and building of my Model Railway.I hope others who wish to build or are building a model railway will find it a useful resource on how to (and how not to) build a model railway and a way of sharing information.I decided to build my model railway about this time last year,

Nigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040057749292196610noreply@blogger.com0