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!