Saturday, 15 April 2017
Heljan Manning Wardle models on Chelfham
It was a pleasant surprise that Andy Burnham of Peco was able to show us two of the forthcoming Heljan models and allow these to be run on Bob Barnards model of Chelfham station whist exhibiting at Rainford. Some pictures below .
A busy day at Rainford
A biannual event is a 009 society model show in Rainford, Cheshire coupled with an AGM by the 009 society.Although this was 2 weeks ago now I can share a few pictures here.
Bob Barnard and the North West area L&B group was kindly invited to attend with a Trust stand,where the aim is to broaden the public awareness to the new railway and to encourage new members and to sell a few L&B products along the way generating income for the trust. As a centre piece to the Trust stand Bob had brought along his newly completed and very nice cameo layout of Chelfham station. The model took centre stage on the stand and created a great deal more interest in the activities of the trust as a consequence. The layout is a compression of Chelfham to fit a smaller space, such as the Trust stand, and is built so it can be viewed either side. In addition, Bob has created the model to show the L&B station in its two distinct ownership periods. Two fiddle yards are either side of the station operated by cassette systems shown below. A well attended show made for a busy days operating and we are pleased to see the stand also generate welcome income for the Trust.
Bob Barnard and the North West area L&B group was kindly invited to attend with a Trust stand,where the aim is to broaden the public awareness to the new railway and to encourage new members and to sell a few L&B products along the way generating income for the trust. As a centre piece to the Trust stand Bob had brought along his newly completed and very nice cameo layout of Chelfham station. The model took centre stage on the stand and created a great deal more interest in the activities of the trust as a consequence. The layout is a compression of Chelfham to fit a smaller space, such as the Trust stand, and is built so it can be viewed either side. In addition, Bob has created the model to show the L&B station in its two distinct ownership periods. Two fiddle yards are either side of the station operated by cassette systems shown below. A well attended show made for a busy days operating and we are pleased to see the stand also generate welcome income for the Trust.
Monday, 3 April 2017
Back in Black coal shed.
It's been quite a while hasn't it since anything has happened down in deepest Devon on the rebuilding saga that is my layout of Lynton Station . However some progress can be reported over the next few posts . First up is some modest progress that is the coal shed. I think we can now say this particular building is more or less complete enabling me to move on to finishing the Goods shed on this module.
Some pictures here show the latest condition .
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Heljan L&B locomotive models on show
This weekend was the Warley Model railway exhibition and always a highlight of the year for me. I took some pictures of the Heljan Lynton locomotive model stock at the NEC and I had a chance to speak to the helpful Heljan team . They say the locomotive models will be in the shops in February 2017 . The first models are of 2 in Southern Livery and one in late period pre Southern independent livery. Heljan are planning to release further variants if the sales go well such that all locomotives will be available in each of the 2 liveries that were on show. Discussion was also had on the original variants and again , don't quote me , but could be a possibility. I asked about Lew and there is a tentative plan to also bring out this version. As regards the loading gauge, comments have been made as to whether these models might be slightly over scale? Noticeable when posed next to Peco coaches. However I notice my Backwoods models also stand a little proud of the Peco coaches when these locomotive models were posed next to the Peco L&B coaches . Although we can't measure these models in an exhibition setting, for me I'm convinced the Peco coaches are sitting slightly too low.
I share here a few of the photographs I took. The finish of these examples was very high. The paint finish is not high gloss but a very appealing satin finish . I was also very impressed by the lining, especially on Yeo in the mid-period L&B colour scheme. The dome also looks " right " and much better than the squeezed Backwoods version which I always cringe slightly at when looking at my own models . Well done Heljan and with DCC on board and at an affordable price I'm sure these will sell well. As an aside, if these models do sell well Heljan were saying other 4mm scale models of narrow gauge could be on the plans !
I was told Peco will be doing a full review in the Railway Modeller January edition.
Friday, 28 October 2016
The one with electricals, doors , spiders and thinking
It's been a long while since I provided any updates and I'm now pleased to share some modelling on the engine shed. The Summer came and went and my modelling enthusiasm did the same . Anyway, with modelling Mojo restored I can share a little modest progress.
The doors have now been fixed along with very tiny hinges made of paper. The electrical connections to the North side of the engine shed as well as the roof batons ( that are just visible just below the corrugated roofing have been added. The jury is out as to whether these electrical connections were for telephone connection. The batons however still need painting green . The area still requires ballasting , weathering and some enamel adverts applied as well as simple interior details like oil drums, cans , spiders and general accumulation of typical engine shed detritus.
In an effort to allow the module to be removable you can clearly see the holes for the screws that will enable me to remove the whole structure for any transportation or safe keeping. However I did not allow sufficient space for the door stops in doing so. So these are a little too close for comfort but it will have to be. The roof is just loose at the moment ( hence the scale 6 inch gaps) while I think over how to make this roof removable in case of any derailment inside ( caused by wandering spiders etc. ) . Now that thinking requires over with a) a beer and b ) another beer. Isn't thinking great ?
The doors have now been fixed along with very tiny hinges made of paper. The electrical connections to the North side of the engine shed as well as the roof batons ( that are just visible just below the corrugated roofing have been added. The jury is out as to whether these electrical connections were for telephone connection. The batons however still need painting green . The area still requires ballasting , weathering and some enamel adverts applied as well as simple interior details like oil drums, cans , spiders and general accumulation of typical engine shed detritus.
In an effort to allow the module to be removable you can clearly see the holes for the screws that will enable me to remove the whole structure for any transportation or safe keeping. However I did not allow sufficient space for the door stops in doing so. So these are a little too close for comfort but it will have to be. The roof is just loose at the moment ( hence the scale 6 inch gaps) while I think over how to make this roof removable in case of any derailment inside ( caused by wandering spiders etc. ) . Now that thinking requires over with a) a beer and b ) another beer. Isn't thinking great ?
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