Keep it square.

This may look like taking an axe to cut balsa wood but hang on!
Card models need to be kept square and so this is where a hefty lump of iron- yes it is an iron- comes into its own.
this ensures that the card and its bracing stays where it is supposed to be- nor warped!
So as long as the object is kept square then the weight will make sure of it all staying in line- Plus it stops me having to do the ironing or light the fire!

Windows.

Short and sweet today!
After a tedious hour, the windows have been fitted in place.
The time taken has been worth it I am sure you will agree.
Seven pieces of microstrip in each window - the front door still has to be painted after being cut down from a part of a HO kit.
Starting to look like the prototype.
As an aside, I have recieved the booking forms for Warley so must complete and return.


Don't forget- Dorset Group Meeting this Saturday 2nd February at 1pm.

Adding the Brickwork.

Once the main walls have been cut out an acrylic terracotta paint is applied around the window frames.
The brick paper I am using this time is by Metcalf-PN100 N Gauge Red Brick- Flemish Bond.
This has a hint of age and seems OK for this type of structure.
My old friend Elmers Glue is spread evenly on the wall and the brick paper applied square- this is held flat to dry by one of my wifes Flat Irons of which she has a small collectiom- and they are heavy and Flat!

The Glaziers Arrive.

 The time for glazing has arrived.
Quite simple really. Small pieces of microstrip applied with MEK to plastic clear sheet.
This can be made to a snug fit with a little patience- but it is time consuming.
It is easier to make the windows whilst the walls are still in the flat. The wall is placed over clear plastic sheet and the strip cut to size in situ.
When the frame is complete it can be separated and the panes individually fitted- will show this later. 

It can be done with  strips of sticky label but my success rate at this method is nil so I will stick (sorry) with my usual method.

Dapol N Gauge Signal video.

Sorry for the delay but I have finally managed to video the Dapol N Gauge GWR lower quadrant signal working.
I have worked it through a couple of cycles so hopefully all questions will be answered as to its working.
Easily wired- a couple to 16V AC and a push to make switch for working.

Lets consider Fencing.

No not that sort- it hurts.
I mean the type that attempts to keep the riff-raff off the railway.
I know you have seen this picture before but it also illustrates the point of this post
.The fencing is PECO N Gauge with the pips for the uprights in the centre carved off. And I have used yards of it! The only thing with it is that when painted first the paint seems to crack and peel when fitted especially when undulating ground is encountered.   I have tried different sorts of paints and nothing seems to stick when moved. So it will be in the raw until I get time for a lot of dry brushing!

A Stationmasters House.

 I have volunteered to build a Stationmasters House for Nigel to adorn his layout 'St. Agnes'.
So, where to start- Oh no not buildings I hear you cry. This is always a problem when building a layout, you go through stages that unfortunately don't include rolling stock!
Anyway, back to the plot. Once again Adrian Vaughans book 'Great Western Architecture' comes to the rescue. There are plans of the dwelling at Henley-on-Thames which will fit the bill nicely but once again the drawings have to be rescaled to 3mm. As can be seen in the lower photo, the shell has been cut out and now needs the windows and doors apertures made. 

Another building nearly ready.

 Sometimes it is impossible not to name drop and this is one of those times!
Recently I have been having extremely informative discussions with Allan Downs centering on his comments on the structures made for Teignford.
He has persuaded me that the way to improve the look of the buildings and indeed improve my models is to apply separate  tiles or slates.
Well as I have remarked in a previous post I have taken his advice and the result- shown in the photos today really vindicates Allan's views.
Time consuming? Yes. Was it worth the bother? I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Luckily there is more wisdom which I hope can be
 imparted to me- I am really getting excited about the improvement and with such advice on offer I would be foolish to turn it down.
It goes to show that if you do then help is readily available- if Allan hadn't have seen my efforts then I would still be none the wiser.
So my advice is give it a go and show your results- it will lead to better things!

Roofs.

Following on from my discussions with Allan Downes, I thought that I must put his suggestions into practise.
There followed an amount of time spent marking out card for tiles the right size- or so I thought- and an equal amount of time trying to cut them out.
The best laid plans eh? What transpired was a lot of irregular shapes, but, not one to waste a few hours work, I decided to give it a go anyway.
The result, for this building is particularly pleasing  (to me anyway) and having looked at similar aged buildings to me it looks right.
If that is good enough for Allan Downes- who am I to argue! Just need to find some Terracotta paint now.

Lister Engine.

This little model really comes to life once a lick of paint is applied.
These small machines were usually left out in all weathers and the paintwork suffered as a result.
Yes I know that the pipework should be copper- I used brass as it was open at the time!
This will be located in front of the barn and will add something different to the scene.

Finney & Smith Lister Stationary Engine.

First coat of paint after priming and undercoating.
This really brings out the wealth of detail that F&S have managed with this lovely model.
Elsewhere there has been a review by Phil Parker of other offerings in Hornby Magazine.
Ther is no way that I could build a replica of this model- seems a snip at a fiver.
Talking of Finney and Smith, have noticed a revamp to their website- click on the link to view.
http://finneyandsmith.co.uk/finneyandsmith/

A slight error!

 Sometimes things don't go as planned!
It has meant that the base of the industrial building would not sit properly in it's rightful place.
So out with more card and cut spacers to enable the building to sit squarely where it has to go.
Just have to make some formers and a bit more papier mache will finish the job before flocking begins.
And ther e was me thinking the wallpapering on Teignford was finished!

Fencing.

Hennock is at Astolat Exhibition- Guildford today!
Hopefully the snow won't prevent us getting there!
 I have decided that the fence which will surround the yard at the side of the Jasmine Inn will be something I haven't tried before.
Coffee stirers are ideal as the grain is fairly tight and the wood esily cut with a sharp knife.
The posts and rails are glued with good old Elmers glue before the boarding of thin card is attached.
The top picture shows the template of the yard with posts marked for construction purposes.
First piece will look better once creosoted and planted.

Let it snow ,Let it snow,Let it snow-NOT!

Here is the weather forecast- I've just been up on the Air Ministry roof and the snow is becoming heavier. This is a picture of my car ten minutes after last using it.
This gives me a dilemma- do I load the car and let the layout freeze for a day- or don't I?
The forecast is inconclusive for the roads between here and Guildford. I have already spoken to the exhibition organiser and he, as well as others in the area will keep me informed as to road conditions.
Hopefully the weather will improve and let us play trains tomorrow- if it doesn't then please accept my apologies as safety comes first.
Stop Press- Astolat Exhibition has been cancelled Tomorrow due to worsening weather conditions.

Advice well given!

 Co-incedence is a funny thing!
I had finished the barn and happened to look at one of the Model Railway Forums and to my surprise a name whose work I have long admired posted. None other than Allan Downes.
Several messages have been exchanged and Allan has been most complimentary about the layouts- even saying it inspired him to take up modelling again.
He did suggest one thing though. I have not got individual tiles/slates on my roofs.
So taking the suggestion I have cut some slates from thin card and started labouriously sticking each piece to the roof of the building which will stand next door to The Jasmine Inn. Is it worth it? Well I am quite pleased, however some may think otherwise- I'd like to know some opinions. Will give a slate by slate description as I progress.

Astolat-Guildford Exhibition.

Hennock will be at the Astolat Model Rail;way Exhibition on the 19th January 2013- hope as many in the area will visit and call by to say hello.
Most of the rolling stock discussed on the blog will be on show plus maybe a new item.
Hope to see you there.
The organisers have reluctantly cancelled this show due to worsening weather conditions.

3MM Society Mixed Traffic January 2013

The latest edition of the 3MM Society Journal-Mixed Traffic, is to hand.
In a packed, practical issue we are treated to a description of scratchbuilding Junction Bracket Signals by Trevor Lloyd-Lee. The article includes sourcing and suppliers of materials needed but also prototype notes.
John Sutton demonstrates that the thigh is the limit with forming of the Saddle Tank on Amble Junctions recently available Hunslet Austerity/LNER J 49 kit.
Discussions are invited for a proposed Loco Chassis jig which need not prove too expensive.
Add to this some superb images of Peter White's 'Masham', informative Q&A and Blastpipe and yet another well balanced edition has been produced.
There is also the latest update on the Society Shop and on this subject there is an obituary for the Society's Trading officer of fourteen years, Andy Green. I fully echo the comments made and always had a good rapport with Andy-I was pleased to be one of those who 'got' his sense of humour.

Lighting Rig.

This mess of wire is what lights up 'Hennock'
The two yellow cylinders are transformers that convert 240volts down to 12.The lamps themselves are reclaimed by my electician friend Nigel.
This keeps potentially dangerous voltage away from us whilst we play trains.
The four lamps are held in an old curtain vallance made redundant due to the out break of blinds in this house. This is kept aloft by a couple of white skinned metal  tubes which slot into holders on the back of the baseboards.
'Hennock's' name is attached by Velcro to the front which also is adorned with exhibitions we have attended.

The things we buy!

This, probably a copy, I picked up at a car boot sale years ago.
Whilst the railway concerned has little interest for me, it does have a certain something.
Nostalgia- now thats something to look back on!
Makes you wonder how many took up this offer- did it rain?
I hope not due to the attractive price of the open carriage against that of the closed.
Just think that this all happened in 1855 and that we are all still open to a bargain!

Just a nice picture.

One can just imagine sat on this wall waiting for the next Engine Shed resident to arrive.
I wish I could use photoshop et al but I can't.
It looks as though something is going to happen- everything is in place- just the imagination keeps the thought alive.
Enlargements can be cruel and expose the inaccuracies but this picture just about has it all in my mind.
Anyway- it's my trainset!

Keeping it simple.

Call me sad if you like but this is the way that all my kits are kept prior to building.
These examples are of Kitmaster Mk1 coaches- I have several that arn't complete so they are stored in boxes with labels. As parts are added they are crossed off the label and eventually I have a complete set of parts to complete a kit rather than have lots of half built efforts hanging around.
This I do with all my models, nothing worse than starting something on a cold winters night to find that you have no wheels etc.
Just an idea that might help someone.

All packed away!

 The loft is looking much tidier lately- if you saw it before then you would understand!
Hennock is ready for its next outing to Astolat Exhibition at Guildford. Easily erected now there is space and ready for track cleaning and checking- must restick a window sill on the signal box!
Teigtnford leans against the wall supported by the retaining bolts which keep the ends off the ground.
I must say that the new ladder made it easier to lower Teignford and soon we will see if Hennock is as easy!

Keeping it in mind.

If, like me, things slip the mind, perhaps you have a system to remind you of things that need doing.
When, having returned from an exhibition, there are those little jobs, such as broken coupling s, which need doing but can easily slip the mind.
I have a repair shelf. Originally a display cabinet for larger die-cast models, this is an ideal size for many 3MM models.
Quite simply the damaged wagons are placed on the shelves and when using the soldering iron orsuperglue it is easy to do these jobs at the same time. Languishing in the stock box usually mean these jobs are forgotten until the next show!

Google Earth?

 Recently I have been looking at Google Earth in a different light.
My Granddaughter had an i-pad for Christmas and we spent a lot of time looking at our various houses and favourite locations.
This led me to thinking of the possibility of making our creations just a little more believable. Now I am no computer genius, far from it, but I would suppose with some skulduggery more could be done to provide a history for our railways.
A quich aerial shot of Hennock gives such an idea creedance don't you think?

January Dorset Group Meeting.

 Firstly I must appologise to those present that I forgot my camera. A new venue and I was looking forward to relaying some images of our new home- moving on!
Six members attended and the general concensus was that we have made the right move. Further for some I know but the facilities far outweigh the disadvantages.
Nigel brought St Agnes to do some more wiring- the layout is due to appear at the Bournemouth Show but so far no official invite has been forthcoming- very unprofessional!
Dave has decided to use proprietry track on his Irish Narrow Gauge layout due to issues with his handbuilt track. Robert was working on his 'O' Gauge bridge for the Purbeck Group layout. Colin produced his latest purchases, LSWR M7 and coaches.
I took the opportunity to move the starter signal on Teignford. This involved making a slot in the platform and a new hole in the baseboard for it to fit. Thanks are due to John Boocock for pointing this out before I went any further- power of the Blog!
Altogether a fruitful afternoon with ample space and good refreshment facilities- Roll on February 2nd when we have our annual Bring and Buy.

Light Relief.

A quick break today so out with the beer.
Hobgoblin is one of the better beers available in tins and with four cans for £4 in ASDA its a temptation one cannot ignore.
Did I make a NYR about beer?
NO CHANCE!
Last year was the most successful year for the blog- somewhere around 80 visitors a day! Not bad for a scale specific subject  and one of which I am very proud. I may not be the best modeller around but hopefully I have inspired someone to have a go and some of my methods have helped. I am humbled by your perseverence and would like more feedback as to what I can help with- over to you!

Long Grass.

Having used Woodland Scenics throughout the grassed areas, I was considering what to use for some longer strands.
Some time ago, at a Car Boot Sale, I got hold of a mat of long grass, made I think by Noch.
This is woven together and appears to have a thin foam rubber base. It is the devils own to cut as, even when held down under a stout piece of metal, it tears rather than cuts.
However, it is worthwhile to persevere as it has saved a fortune on, what would otherwise need, a static grass applicator.
This you just cut to size- drop of Elmers and plonk into place. The same is used behind the barn.

Trains are running.

First through the cutting is a Collett Goods but this time hauling a 'B' Set.
Some fencing has been installed but there is still about another three feet to be planted.

More photos on the other site- click Teignford on the left hand side.

RAC Box.

Nestling in the corner adjacent to the fiddle yard entrance will be this lovely models home for the foreseeable future.
It is one of those classis 'I have a spare corner' scenarios and this one literally is a couple of square inches.
First, mark where the box is to be placed-draw round the base, bit of dust for some gravel by the front of the box.
Then a coat of brown paint and cover with flock. When dry-coat of Elmers and more flock- this is then added to with the aid of spray glue-glue box in place et voila!

Furzebrook Meeting Tomorrow 5th January 2013.

Right Away?

 Took my life in both hands and drilled the hole for Teignfords' starting signal (Think thats correct).
Dapols finest now graces the area adjacent to the platform ramp and I must say that I think it looks ok.
As I have remarked before, the signal as supplied scales out at 18ft in 3mm scale.
From what I have read this was a standard GWR height for this type of structure.
I will probably recess the base a little before covering with scatter but had better make sure the thing works first-Roll on next Dorset Group meeting!

Settling in nicely!

 Slowly,over the Christmas break, I have started to bed in some of the buildings.
With an aborted try at creating a rough lane in front of the Inn I thought it about time that I tried again.
This time I used the dust that is always present in a bag of real ballast. This means that the tea strainer comes out and the lot is sieved so that the dust is separated from the decent sized chips.
The surface of the lane is given a light brushing of ground colour and given a sprinkling of dust before it dries. The surplus is Hoovered off (This Hoovers name is Henry so not really a real Hoover) after drying. Then a liberal coat of neat Elmers Glue brushed to an even coating. Then cover with more
dust and again when dry Hoover ( No I won't go through it again) the surplus off.
This has left an interesting surface, which, with a bit of weathering will look the part.
By the way- can you spot the Yeoman Models Telephone Box?
The flora is again by Mininatur- I must look for these again as I have tried to replicate them but too fiddly.

Don't forget Dorset Group Meeting this Saturday 5th January at Furzebrook Village Hall- Start 1pm.

2013!

Wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year.

A new venue for the Dorset Group awaits- hope to see some of you in the coming months- you don't have to work in 3mm Scale to learn something new!

Best wishes

Steve 

Right-back into the loft and find some more plans and sort out a couple of bits of damage to Teignford!