Teignford is on the straight and narrow!

 I will carry on the saga of building Teignford as I don't have the time to keep two blogs going. Until I can work out how to transfer the entries on the sister blog it will remain.
So- two new boards have been built, both with integral legs and 9mm ply tops.
Alignment is fairly good using my usual alignment dowels.
There is the option of having a branch line along the front of the fiddle yard but this has not been decided upon as it will cut down the amount of non railway infrastructure that I can display.

Legs

Support for any layout can be many and choices vary.
I always look for the simple way and believe that the system I use is about as basic as it comes.
The legs are attached to the baseboard with hinges and fold under and secured with a turnbuckle.
A plastic block, two holes one way and one the other, from most DIY outlets are attached- one to the baseboard frame and one to the leg. These are measured for positioning by a piece of steel which has been bent at 90degrees at each end.
The two ends simply push into the holes and to date have not come adrift. Simple provided the stays arn't left at home!

Cambrian Dogfish Ballast Hopper.

Robert has not been idle.This intricate kit has been started and the picture shows how he had progressed at our last meeting.
After checking that the stantion heights were all the same, assembly could be commenced.
Pin point bearings have been inserted into the Solebars and then the ends butt joined to each side , when cured the two halves are joined together to create a box- it has to be ensured that the axle boxes line upand the inserted axles are square.
The operators platform and the Vacuum cylinder end platform are also glued at this point enabling adjustment whilst the glue cured.
As can be seen, all is square and sitting correctly on the track- more after our next meeting.

GWR Mogul.

This ex-Gem kit is nearly completed. Built by Nigel Cullimore, it is not as originally intended.
Nigel has adapted a Collett goods cab instead of the closed cab that is included with the original kit.
This gives a variation to the norm and is well modelled.Still needing markings and cab plates it is a well observed piece of modelling.

3MM Society LNER 22Ton Lowmac NV.

The sprues with bearings fitted

 I think this is the fastest I have ever built a newly released wagon. Purchased lat weekend at the AGM, I thought I would try to build it at our May Group meeting.
With excellent historical and build notes from Paul Furner, the kit is well thought out and straightforward to build.
Observing the suggestions before commencing, such as removing obvious production necessities and opening out the axleboxes to fit pinpoint bearings proved to be good suggestions. Marking centrelines on the frames and underside proved to be invaluable also.Following the instructions was simplicity itself.

The underside after side frames and main floor assembled.

The sub chassis fitted to the mainframe.

 With the side frames fitted with the sub-chassis and wheels fitted,patience is needed to allow the solvent to cure.
If I have one criticism, it would be the brake blocks- they are ,to me, very fiddly to attach. I am still not sure that they are right, but they are fixed !

                                                                                  Getting out of sync!  

Detail of brake blocks.

 The headstocks almost fall into place, the axleboxes are fitted and then the sloping deck is attached. This is an extremely good fit being flush with the sides and headstock.
The buffers need thinning and the faces need a bit of filler, also the holes need opening out slightly and a snug fit can be achieved.
The final thing is to fit the finely moulded brake levers- the vacuum cylinders, it is acknowledged, may foul couplings so will be fitted later.
This was assembled in a coach at a closed railway station in under four hours- usual chat and banter included.
A recommended afternoons entertainment!

Add caption

Brynkits Cross-head and Slidebar.

Yet again anpther reason to visit the 3mm Society AGM.
Brian had been threatening these for some time and they have finally arrived. As follers may know, my favorite past time is not making valve gear. I just seem to have a mental block when cylinders are mentioned.
Hopefully these will be the answer. They come with comprehensive instructions so that should give me a shove in the right direction. All I need now is a 45XX cahssis and build it to replace one of mine.

Worsley Works Etches.

This is somthing I didn't know about.
Searching through Allan envelopes I came across these. I don't know if they are advertised but these are a super pair of etchings.
I have usually used pieces of plasticard to stand in for these roof plates but my next Western coach will sport these!
Cheap too at 75pence- I must ask Allan for some more.

Brynkits Etched Bogie Frames.

Bogie frames have been a source of frustration for some time. OK, we have the excellent compensated offerings from the 3mm Society but that is it really.
Others sold are not always the correct width causing the bogie sides to splay out and look most odd. I have used the old type axles that don't need bearings but find that this makes the coach drag, not what is needed at exhibitions.
So I have a set of these, Brynkits new bogie frames.I will build these fof coaches under construction and report back. Not the cheapest but if the measurements are right then its a small price to pay.

Bournemouth Group Meeting Tomorrow.

Quick reminder that we meet at The Pullman Coach, Avon Causeway Hotel, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6AS.
We start at 1pm and go on till about 5. No schedule this time but plenty of projects to get on with.

20,000 Views!!!

Thanks to all who regularly look at my ramblings- tonight has seen the 20,000th viewer. I have no way of knowing who you are but I hope to give a little enlightenment to what I,and others, feel is the Premier Scale.