Another quiet day

Since first building the layout 7 years ago there have been quite a few upgrades not only to the buildings but also the landscape so I thought of  posting an update of the approach to the terminus. There are still a couple of things to upgrade like the signals so hopefully as time allows I will be able to carry them out. The publications that have influence me most are by Barry Norman,Gordon and Maggie Gravett, Model Railway Journal and The AJRM (Branchline Modeller) and being a member of the NSW Model Railway Club another source of inspiration is viewing other blogs attending exhibitions forums and seeing other modellers layouts in all prototypes and gauges. All for now

 

 

NEW SDS BOGIES UNDER AN OLD MLV

The first kits I bought back in 1989 were 2 Rails North  MLV’s so with the new SDS Models 2AE bogies I decided to install them to the vans, a bit of fettling to the bolsters and for $14 a pair complete they run very smoothly. As I have an AR kits MLV I will give it the same treatment down the track. All for now.

SIGNAL AT CROOKWELL

As there are no modelling projects to share signals seem to be always a fascinating topic. On a field trip to Crookwell back in 2004, with good friend Richard Grace, to the extensive remains of the  Crookwell terminus, on the approach stands this very good example what I believe to be a McKenzie Holland tapered timber signal. This one has a few variations especially the counterweight position when compared to say the one at Boorowa. On closer inspection the Crookwell counterweight appeared to have been moved.

 

 

WILLIAMSDALE a micro layout

Williamsdale is a location on the Queanbeyan to Cooma Bombala railway on the NSW ACT border. The model by Peter Street is only about 1.5 metres in length and 450  millimetres deep.

Armed with plans and photos of the location Pete has created a great little layout, a type of  which is seldom modelled. The track plan is of the main line and a siding with loading bank. The next step, Pete tells me, is a backscene with lighting the type seen in the publication Cameo Layouts by Iain Rice and back issues of Model Railway Journal which is ideal for someone with very limited space. This layout deserves to be published in the AMRM or AJRM with an article to explain how it has been achieved.

Here are just a few photos taken a couple of weeks ago, another visit is planned to take more of the overall layout.

ANDIAN MODELS BLV KIT

On an expedition of discovery an Andian BLV, which was bought in 2012 at the Armidale Convention,was found just about 80% finished, yes in a box. So here goes with the new camera.A bit more detail to the underfloor and a decal then it’s done.

Trying out a new camera

HOLD DOWN POINT LEVERS

 

At the Liverpool exhibition in October I asked Anton of Uneek Castings if it was possible to cast his #600 levers in brass as the original white metal levers had a tendency to bend and ultimately break. Today I received  3 packs with 3 in each packet from him so I am hoping these being a lost wax casting are more robust. I believe these will be available soon in packets of 3,they are a 1 piece casting. All that remains to be done is to remove the sprue, spray grey etch primer and paint them white.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.