tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42931758831576369142024-03-18T12:38:19.952+00:00Wood End and BeyondModeller, writer, blogger and professional muso.Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.comBlogger1607125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-74261255603653671592024-03-18T02:30:00.005+00:002024-03-18T02:30:00.291+00:00East Grinstead show<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_tXT1L6vhq_1hAsnCzErC9QpSCtNWbFQk3wZQvJuEpO0BPfcm12vBcE13MNELgOsjirqK9__e5cT3kEyHIMWsYjiZ6vv5HZJppABG95uwsEJDt0um5EUyNmPz54a-ZWCYbLa_7eJCwZ4oY8PRChuBZnIR6o4h6xxFFZyswai04O4T-nZZGDfqpim6hKIs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_tXT1L6vhq_1hAsnCzErC9QpSCtNWbFQk3wZQvJuEpO0BPfcm12vBcE13MNELgOsjirqK9__e5cT3kEyHIMWsYjiZ6vv5HZJppABG95uwsEJDt0um5EUyNmPz54a-ZWCYbLa_7eJCwZ4oY8PRChuBZnIR6o4h6xxFFZyswai04O4T-nZZGDfqpim6hKIs=w444-h262" width="444" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another free Sunday and with the M25 closed there was no way I was going to attempt going to Ally Pally... not that I wanted to. So just a hop and a skip up the road to East Grinstead. The website didn't look promising with the traders listed first (but then this is run by a trader) and no less than six narrow gauge layouts. I'm a long term NG fan, but this looked a tad unbalanced. No need to worry though as the vibe had been retained and there was some lovely modelling and plenty to buy should you have needed anything. Though a chat with an inside source suggested that while it was busy, people were keeping their wallets closed. This may have a knock on effect for next year, though I didn't really help matters that much with little more than the entry and tea paid for. All in all quite an inspiring couple of hours with a huge amount of chat and the usual onward discussions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Exhibition: 8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Parking: 9</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Catering:8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rucksacks: 0</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you've enjoyed this waffle, show the love. </span><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q" style="background-color: white; color: #3778cd; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-TVGQpLK6Xxn2IoDvNTvy3AaqyNwhzZPl0FFnTHf3Dwyn-SwWUxqZsRofvv52_FPvM_NStBieIoBxghv87FThYjlHb7y8ktDpc-e6BCVn9_1U1TUXxchWj7jZ-o00sdq3kiKXtg5HhF3YvpZT7AAhtBFVeBgoZdIX4B5It49xX4p4TaVFqlm0AAMm-Hg_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="485" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-TVGQpLK6Xxn2IoDvNTvy3AaqyNwhzZPl0FFnTHf3Dwyn-SwWUxqZsRofvv52_FPvM_NStBieIoBxghv87FThYjlHb7y8ktDpc-e6BCVn9_1U1TUXxchWj7jZ-o00sdq3kiKXtg5HhF3YvpZT7AAhtBFVeBgoZdIX4B5It49xX4p4TaVFqlm0AAMm-Hg_=w241-h298" width="241" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-45669202116346259382024-03-16T02:30:00.007+00:002024-03-16T10:11:15.293+00:00Saturday Ramble<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpBBlB2GH9X5lEhu4hvmbQkcAHixmXoJKpybxekOoliSOHi029nN9uvmAEN__iWa4Tv9sE9QOG4anIxwTa5HuIaIzQXEeyxZ4J-7JvUblh2FvFY2OOgigatObykzBNTXNjbslaqAoYy3rE5T8e1H5l89VXbrzq2b_FxUBlrWLe34cRvhIHeJfkZ5nqSahG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpBBlB2GH9X5lEhu4hvmbQkcAHixmXoJKpybxekOoliSOHi029nN9uvmAEN__iWa4Tv9sE9QOG4anIxwTa5HuIaIzQXEeyxZ4J-7JvUblh2FvFY2OOgigatObykzBNTXNjbslaqAoYy3rE5T8e1H5l89VXbrzq2b_FxUBlrWLe34cRvhIHeJfkZ5nqSahG=w419-h245" width="419" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>In a moment of madness I set <i>Seething</i> up a) to give it a run, but b) to set the fiddle yard support leg which I'd forgotten to attach. This needed a couple of 6mm holes drilled which took minutes, but the ensuing testing session took a little longer and turned into a bit of a loco service trip, the way that these things often do. The quick set-up for the boards was on the floor; so not ideal, but I found myself feeling that I'd been here before. This was after running the Norwegian at the weekend so perhaps a little case of extremes, but here I was with a FY to BLT layout in 009 built because it was quick. This exercise threw up the usual questions.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As previously mentioned <i>Seething</i> wasn't planned but was the result of some arm twisting from two people. The positives are are few days with friends and the use of a couple of buildings that were in the cupboard. The negative (singular) is that here I am with yet another small 009 BLT. If you peruse the tabs at the top of the page you will notice that this is a worn route; so much so that I'm not sure that I want to do it either now or at any time in the future. It's done, stick a fork in it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is another side angle that niggles me and I'm not pointing any fingers, but while I've always tried for the believable freelance route there has been a vast upshot in RTR 009 which plays against this. So much so that the current Peco layout build is designed to only work with FR gauged stock - anything else gets the chimneys knocked off. The new RTR is so good that even the most ardent 'modellers' can't resist it and it's getting a little same-y. This in respect to the endless GWR BLT style layouts with slate trains, and quarry Hunslets pulling L&B coaches - you get the drift. The individuality has all but gone. There are many exceptions of course, but bulk of 009 layouts seen at shows in recent times fall into this style. Thus the above layout is purely kits and bashes - no RTR. This also means that I am probably ready to move on from 009 for good. and will start off-loading stock in due course. What will replace this? Well there are a couple of short term ideas and a concept in mind, but this may well lean toward some very backward looking activity.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">If you've enjoyed this waffle, show the love. </span><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q" style="background-color: white; color: #3778cd; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q</a><br /></span> <p></p></div>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-49612843442044195352024-03-11T12:29:00.001+00:002024-03-11T12:29:17.728+00:00Wealden Railway Group exhibition 2024<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUUmGueCzNtJFMFNZ247IKEwSqAEQDXO_9bngh4MicryWSrrnAKU9aWx_xsQ8Z1eDe985tJB_emY4zOLKtgFOK2a-BgPFENZoO9NhUWKwTpf6pTtUudFBySp87J-0z0DzScNBO-bkYzS6dD82Ute3bd03IHMdq6-6aFxdw3ImiEKwFFJer7iqWCV_B6YAM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUUmGueCzNtJFMFNZ247IKEwSqAEQDXO_9bngh4MicryWSrrnAKU9aWx_xsQ8Z1eDe985tJB_emY4zOLKtgFOK2a-BgPFENZoO9NhUWKwTpf6pTtUudFBySp87J-0z0DzScNBO-bkYzS6dD82Ute3bd03IHMdq6-6aFxdw3ImiEKwFFJer7iqWCV_B6YAM=w457-h303" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In an unusually rash bout of being organised, a few thoughts on the Steyning show. In short; excellent (no marking as I'm not hitting this from a punter angle). The general thrust is that of small personal layouts and steers away from the usual club epics and box shifters giving a very different feel. It's more about chat and ideas rather than the impressive 'don't touch sonny' that some exhibitions promote. No doubt that Mr. Campbell will provide some photos on his blog to your right in due course, as he was also showing with the gorgeous 009 Hexworthy. For me the highlights were possibly well worn - Giles Barnabe's Shellsea, and Pete Bossom's Bulverhythe (now under Paul Hopkins' stewardship). Both mostly for the buildings; Giles above for probably the best example of how to take a flat piece of thin card print and turn it into a wonderful heavyweight brick warehouse. Among the many chats across the layout was the (below) remarkable 3mm scale GWR brake produced by Mike Davey. Not a commercial operation and in his words, he is still on the learning curve, but it shows what is possible and how it can open up a whole new vista for the modeller. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Svanda performed in its usual near perfect manner, with only operator (mostly me) error causing problems. With two exhibition enquiries forthcoming, the 'different' NSB Nohab powered train rolls onward despite now being noticeably heavier than more recent layouts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The WRG shows driven by Andrew Knights (with visitors from Glasgow yesterday) are a bright light proving how how the hobby is not dying, and while the RTR wibblers that hang around the forums complaining may be down in the dumps, there is a real passionate undercurrent of actual modelling just under the surface unencumbered and unaffected by industry comings and goings. Long may this little piece of flag-waving for it continue.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheK8Ue6kPMjNe7b105C8H94rxrW_eieL03xZcoJcuhQPC9wLvtQdP4QCr-M5LSnp4bTVp49h7PBXKabeErpLuojSGTyRneGoXSx918j8z8geJLcL2YSrSZpzvj9ZaSeymsqF6fhMH1hOvdAblaALpjyHHFW6hEg6ofdj2x7Lqxh860DHbaZaZP8vi7HXuB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheK8Ue6kPMjNe7b105C8H94rxrW_eieL03xZcoJcuhQPC9wLvtQdP4QCr-M5LSnp4bTVp49h7PBXKabeErpLuojSGTyRneGoXSx918j8z8geJLcL2YSrSZpzvj9ZaSeymsqF6fhMH1hOvdAblaALpjyHHFW6hEg6ofdj2x7Lqxh860DHbaZaZP8vi7HXuB=w372-h279" width="372" /></a></div></div><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-72363294742029176612024-03-05T15:30:00.000+00:002024-03-05T15:30:31.104+00:00Svanda goods shed fit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbDpsgIMjpJNtEEK-7-Xs1wizsnmyWAVucTh5OsJ4mkeLOPMYCnY4-0_dNyUSLUem2FmQ7Gl7DKeqbSdcsmEeNWDVneNBJr3RUQDkvlxCwzVGgLJ3V4zoC-lLiw1JE5Y0ty14QHqIz8dTh6TyDTAdUhVXDbj3ULz869PvmyAaGCjYjAZ8IZ3vLYShHf8bC"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbDpsgIMjpJNtEEK-7-Xs1wizsnmyWAVucTh5OsJ4mkeLOPMYCnY4-0_dNyUSLUem2FmQ7Gl7DKeqbSdcsmEeNWDVneNBJr3RUQDkvlxCwzVGgLJ3V4zoC-lLiw1JE5Y0ty14QHqIz8dTh6TyDTAdUhVXDbj3ULz869PvmyAaGCjYjAZ8IZ3vLYShHf8bC"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiheqN164ipfH6sTNk460IZ5bPpXs72Il9AQXlz3Jf4EpiTUHJ630XgsQxcBrF8XWMB9os8UwwNNLd1aOOAwPnYSlHsX2iayRqk99OTdzr8nxbh895QCiRVnXl4VOiQIohhFz1omXoLZKAs--0Xthw4ysSHKLM_Uu8f5uj5b-PejIXT0g95RgUKhhD-k4h" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiheqN164ipfH6sTNk460IZ5bPpXs72Il9AQXlz3Jf4EpiTUHJ630XgsQxcBrF8XWMB9os8UwwNNLd1aOOAwPnYSlHsX2iayRqk99OTdzr8nxbh895QCiRVnXl4VOiQIohhFz1omXoLZKAs--0Xthw4ysSHKLM_Uu8f5uj5b-PejIXT0g95RgUKhhD-k4h=w496-h279" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">The new goods shed for Svanda all fitted and bedded-in. This has made a remarkable difference to this end of the layout by opening it up visually. Which considering that the building is 20% larger than the old one is a surprise. There is a casual refurb underway now with new road surfaces and hopefully the addition of some new trees and newer scenic covering. This is being fitted in around the epic Peco 009 build of which more in due course. In the meantime don't forget that the above will be at the below this Sunday.</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPvAFk602k6ADwQEow5b6okLUMUX8yq80v4SyxdmO3-PAIGVuTe7DSHcCziczpSqS_Ulr4x-cP7HqtG8F5FPi_Q2B2DKP_OaZffUO6C49aiBOST7gSvA6DCgG_Ms6lZKd-rYs4zVH7P0JqCIEQi4DCxRBiXTXCSsA6eHjrf83GSTHaNn8912rvWrsxUsRm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPvAFk602k6ADwQEow5b6okLUMUX8yq80v4SyxdmO3-PAIGVuTe7DSHcCziczpSqS_Ulr4x-cP7HqtG8F5FPi_Q2B2DKP_OaZffUO6C49aiBOST7gSvA6DCgG_Ms6lZKd-rYs4zVH7P0JqCIEQi4DCxRBiXTXCSsA6eHjrf83GSTHaNn8912rvWrsxUsRm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="412" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPvAFk602k6ADwQEow5b6okLUMUX8yq80v4SyxdmO3-PAIGVuTe7DSHcCziczpSqS_Ulr4x-cP7HqtG8F5FPi_Q2B2DKP_OaZffUO6C49aiBOST7gSvA6DCgG_Ms6lZKd-rYs4zVH7P0JqCIEQi4DCxRBiXTXCSsA6eHjrf83GSTHaNn8912rvWrsxUsRm=w307-h447" width="307" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbDpsgIMjpJNtEEK-7-Xs1wizsnmyWAVucTh5OsJ4mkeLOPMYCnY4-0_dNyUSLUem2FmQ7Gl7DKeqbSdcsmEeNWDVneNBJr3RUQDkvlxCwzVGgLJ3V4zoC-lLiw1JE5Y0ty14QHqIz8dTh6TyDTAdUhVXDbj3ULz869PvmyAaGCjYjAZ8IZ3vLYShHf8bC"><br /></a></div></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-16374936329145453772024-03-02T04:30:00.000+00:002024-03-02T12:22:34.729+00:00Saturday Ramble: More death and disposal<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs-sVSmSH1_PJh9fAUpNqXrS80RudqX8HST0_t-9-P5seGC1t_-87zrAPLu28bmRx1QWEIsKI2ilOsKatSb3WxF5Oqt18Wy38gA3LFMsWTGtTNQMv4rUZ0r24-xdYIxINR8JbqIFZwsRxK3zcTcFJHyWD5C8BwNfFxi59HOmKDt25AyaqANnBFedpcPfG/s448/P3310084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs-sVSmSH1_PJh9fAUpNqXrS80RudqX8HST0_t-9-P5seGC1t_-87zrAPLu28bmRx1QWEIsKI2ilOsKatSb3WxF5Oqt18Wy38gA3LFMsWTGtTNQMv4rUZ0r24-xdYIxINR8JbqIFZwsRxK3zcTcFJHyWD5C8BwNfFxi59HOmKDt25AyaqANnBFedpcPfG/s320/P3310084.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the more controversial posts here of late has been the Swedish Death Cleaning proposal. Not only has this received a sensible number of hits, but has made me and others consider what we may be doing and in some cases it has generated a bit of a backlash. I suppose my thinking is for me (and suggest to others) to question the what's and whys of where the hobby is going. This in conjunction with considering how we deal with this on a personal level.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This is all with the background chatter of the demise of Hattons and the Warley show shenanigans among other trials and tribulations. I'm far from saying (as some in the forum-sphere) that this is the end of the hobby as even of late the fairly buoyant atmosphere at the Southampton show would suggest that we are far from being on the bones of our arses. There is however a subtle shift in play and my own feeling is that this is not unconnected with cost considerations. So if that's the hobby as a whole, where does that leave me? Well relatively untouched it would seem; my actual modelling in the very short term is funded by someone else (although we are certainly into piper and tune territory) and I have plenty of things in the cupboard. And there's the rub right there; we are back to the opening sentence.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">What I am definitely aiming for is an empty cupboard - well not so much empty as completed. The aim... is not to buy anything else, only in regard to finishing things off. Though the wheels may come off that point fairly quickly. The forward motion is very much one of a series of small-ish projects that would be easily completed and would be centred around using what is in hand with the afore mentioned 'only buying to complete' and not buying for a new project. These may form into an idea which has been well documented on these pages and is also fairly close to a certain local modeller's recent system. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a nutshell: use the general concept of the AotC (6 x 1' layout with a common new FY) and construct a series of home/exhibition pieces at the rate of one per year which would probably see me either retired or in a wooden box - delete as appropriate. We are into the 'pills for life' gag as there are really only about five or so possible ideas. This is at present just possible forward move (there is much to clear from the bench first) I may just call the exhibition layouts and make sheds from Wills sheet from now on or build a proper train set.</span></div>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-45449429840022265132024-03-01T01:54:00.001+00:002024-03-01T01:54:00.148+00:00Dublo Minories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s6BrN_QFOe4" width="320" youtube-src-id="s6BrN_QFOe4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">You know how I feel about this. There are two parts and a lot more behind it.</span><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-40271640125797656332024-02-27T01:04:00.002+00:002024-02-27T01:11:14.569+00:00IR quietly returns<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnOl8G4WwfJoqGJCRdh5etqaqiLjTAi8_0QYeO057p0t06ehLB53E8yQb1FBynqOd7-Z1RZJyRkgcoF3QQasHhBO1MBhySOLBHpHGb4_0kb3E7MJRSDh_3X2SmkjYXah79qe50xHLQKmQEqEIXwSjzUckZs7YgRRIGo4IUZi9i0i1QTsFSzrmdl56KbM/s600/Pub%20and%20Shop%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnOl8G4WwfJoqGJCRdh5etqaqiLjTAi8_0QYeO057p0t06ehLB53E8yQb1FBynqOd7-Z1RZJyRkgcoF3QQasHhBO1MBhySOLBHpHGb4_0kb3E7MJRSDh_3X2SmkjYXah79qe50xHLQKmQEqEIXwSjzUckZs7YgRRIGo4IUZi9i0i1QTsFSzrmdl56KbM/w439-h329/Pub%20and%20Shop%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> A little pointer came my way earlier in the form of a web link. Mr. R. has a habit of quietly wandering off from the interweb and then just as quietly wandering back, and so it is here. Easily the most influential proper modeller of my youth, he still grabs my attention. Forget all the so-called 'modelling' that comes in blue and red boxes from China and the blow-ins. If you want the real deal, go to the source.</span><p></p><p><a href="https://iainrobinsonmodelmaking.blogspot.com/">https://iainrobinsonmodelmaking.blogspot.com/</a></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-61761564712757251122024-02-26T11:49:00.003+00:002024-02-26T11:49:46.290+00:00A new shed for Svanda<p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QXaxnhyphenhyphenefk2ksVzcfNazw2G3t7n3-2gdIE5JDaCKxalHfINTCgq4xQpT4-S_HsE-Dq1jaBo8856TVn5bfcWunq1Q5XlH4C0n-FVaSpK3HR2neUEFzaVHtiidpe7ouP8RigSlbaJb_pscSWO0gIuZGaLyU3BKDWPicWNiNvUwJS8UVP0PLFbHN2UIr-NQ/s600/IMG_9781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QXaxnhyphenhyphenefk2ksVzcfNazw2G3t7n3-2gdIE5JDaCKxalHfINTCgq4xQpT4-S_HsE-Dq1jaBo8856TVn5bfcWunq1Q5XlH4C0n-FVaSpK3HR2neUEFzaVHtiidpe7ouP8RigSlbaJb_pscSWO0gIuZGaLyU3BKDWPicWNiNvUwJS8UVP0PLFbHN2UIr-NQ/s320/IMG_9781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">A final push has seen the new goods shed finished. Rather clean for my liking, but the prototype photos show a very spick and span building - very Scandinavian I suppose. I am as always on these occasions, only responsible for the final layer and the build is pure Mr. Hill with his liking for not wasting a scrap of plastic. Unusually I can't detect any CD or cassette case material in here, but is does include most other possible bits and pieces. The final coat being a mix of Humbrol and artist acrylics. Fitting will hopefully take place in the next 24 hours in time for the Steyning exhibition on the 10th.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsLkHxH13cFF5TO0Iod2CYFefkbJththaHPmy18d6vsHhI4vBdsot4JCIjb38hf1sgj2NuWrZScTJidxF5nRvOjfMcaNwZ119R33plpuzsmkDSzhAYw66PM26kQuc-re8nH6km9tdsfUCcE0x7fzEyTQmD5NDjbMuqcbfJNP8vF_N1BV8N4C-H_o0i-8J/s600/IMG_9770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsLkHxH13cFF5TO0Iod2CYFefkbJththaHPmy18d6vsHhI4vBdsot4JCIjb38hf1sgj2NuWrZScTJidxF5nRvOjfMcaNwZ119R33plpuzsmkDSzhAYw66PM26kQuc-re8nH6km9tdsfUCcE0x7fzEyTQmD5NDjbMuqcbfJNP8vF_N1BV8N4C-H_o0i-8J/s320/IMG_9770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-40577605871230509162024-02-21T00:28:00.000+00:002024-02-21T00:28:01.355+00:00Too much to do?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g5BOOSBZ2Blq-FjPQ_A33UmUK67hhe0bHecmdttExxOxrnxdUR4kcS7BVRiKDQlFg82uEwXwCd420W0GVtenq3VowEJqdWr5BfZkyFtA8L1s67W3wtibBUU6EirBArTOuVYNHcH5jOJx5gn99CNVXJFf5XCQZx-TVgiAIxZh_wP-bbz49NeY0b8vqVtg/s600/IMG_9764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g5BOOSBZ2Blq-FjPQ_A33UmUK67hhe0bHecmdttExxOxrnxdUR4kcS7BVRiKDQlFg82uEwXwCd420W0GVtenq3VowEJqdWr5BfZkyFtA8L1s67W3wtibBUU6EirBArTOuVYNHcH5jOJx5gn99CNVXJFf5XCQZx-TVgiAIxZh_wP-bbz49NeY0b8vqVtg/w464-h264/IMG_9764.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> I find myself in the position of too much to do at the moment, to the point where I spent near on12 hours standing today working on the 009 project. Bliss some would say, but only from the position of having a choice. There is a 16t mineral on the bench which is headed for Rhiw2 that needs finishing, not to mention a runner wagon conversion promised for an RM Junior Modeller piece that hasn't even been started. That's without the small pile of book reviews to work through and the goods shed for Svanda which needs to be done ASAP. So why did I spend a couple of hours on the above? Simple answer is that I happened upon a handful of sack mouldings in a tobacco tin while I was looking for something else and quickly decided that there was just enough to form some loads for the three 009 Society wagons purchased at Statfold last year. This now means that they are ready for the Beccles show in June, but now I have to make up some couplings... and so it goes on. </span><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-34358808373953107862024-02-12T00:57:00.000+00:002024-02-12T00:57:32.432+00:00Tenterden show<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9lk4BXIN8LZrKlO7iAx8xo6Bky7mgIaXGVAc2NCreegv2dhooZDjHB_5kRQ-E0OT8j9X4Zv3fdRLGcyHyACIlBlPt-9LmoFFlBwOmdD0naMbZfIWJAvIWliF315GwG3y2PT6oWQbpfdNGPknF2mjRy_JB43XLBbAXCqb86DCMc-RhMMhB5oAE7Ef8MByO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9lk4BXIN8LZrKlO7iAx8xo6Bky7mgIaXGVAc2NCreegv2dhooZDjHB_5kRQ-E0OT8j9X4Zv3fdRLGcyHyACIlBlPt-9LmoFFlBwOmdD0naMbZfIWJAvIWliF315GwG3y2PT6oWQbpfdNGPknF2mjRy_JB43XLBbAXCqb86DCMc-RhMMhB5oAE7Ef8MByO=w284-h284" width="284" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is one that I make a point of going to, despite...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Compared to some of the other shows in the South, i.e. some visited in the last few weeks it is, some would say, a bit of a poor contender. The feel is very old style and the exhibits are a bit iffy in places, not to mention a bit thin on the ground in two rooms. Why the effort to go then? Not this time, but it is minutes away from the KESR, so a train ride can be factored in, but I find the show strangely appealing. Not least as whilst there are a couple of major box shifters, the accent is on smaller dealers often loaded with second-hand and rummage boxes full of old Tri-ang and the like. Regulars will immediately get the attraction. If you are a scratch/kit-basher like me there is a wealth of material here at low prices. In the end the haul was some cheap Wills sheet and viaduct bits, a wagon and putty, though there was much I walked away from as tempting though it was, I have to keep the rein tight and only buy for specific projects. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Show: 5</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Parking 10</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Trade 10</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Catering 6</span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhns9t2gyIQSkkLM82RR72fjwrt3ElXCEBPHxN0CUacBU5Pes04fO3PBqEZA11RMbjsDZSFHRGGaULa9ATXkiie3W2O_gEnVQbXk6ikwdbHwITkBXQ0EGYUmrup4ttfL8pa-gBaQW_xMkfqb6IMKSUQyhDOd3fzVqH_PQFjV1WfINUSjhVMP1AB3uGO8aLz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhns9t2gyIQSkkLM82RR72fjwrt3ElXCEBPHxN0CUacBU5Pes04fO3PBqEZA11RMbjsDZSFHRGGaULa9ATXkiie3W2O_gEnVQbXk6ikwdbHwITkBXQ0EGYUmrup4ttfL8pa-gBaQW_xMkfqb6IMKSUQyhDOd3fzVqH_PQFjV1WfINUSjhVMP1AB3uGO8aLz" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-51490794119297567472024-02-10T17:33:00.000+00:002024-02-10T17:33:18.077+00:00Svanda Gods shed redux<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9b2-7oqRt3z0hYYgpBsZ98YwEjgPQ62FiGpU2uMB9TzUe9i2Wrp2ImWUaPnO2N441Ph_4pWQnKdsyThhbP6X_kA7Lx3wb39lqpSDpMgA85T8Dag34xjVeajNEHYK8Ik_J6AXmSgp0yJocmaiLWvKsdhclpvVZnNziwX_QehD_i6Wji3Z12RfZ6ZqeTd6z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9b2-7oqRt3z0hYYgpBsZ98YwEjgPQ62FiGpU2uMB9TzUe9i2Wrp2ImWUaPnO2N441Ph_4pWQnKdsyThhbP6X_kA7Lx3wb39lqpSDpMgA85T8Dag34xjVeajNEHYK8Ik_J6AXmSgp0yJocmaiLWvKsdhclpvVZnNziwX_QehD_i6Wji3Z12RfZ6ZqeTd6z=w394-h267" width="394" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9b2-7oqRt3z0hYYgpBsZ98YwEjgPQ62FiGpU2uMB9TzUe9i2Wrp2ImWUaPnO2N441Ph_4pWQnKdsyThhbP6X_kA7Lx3wb39lqpSDpMgA85T8Dag34xjVeajNEHYK8Ik_J6AXmSgp0yJocmaiLWvKsdhclpvVZnNziwX_QehD_i6Wji3Z12RfZ6ZqeTd6z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Our Mr. Hill has never been happy with the goods shed on Svanda citing it as non typical. So some thirteen years after the layout was built, a new plasticard </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">structure has emerged from the workbench of the same gentleman. Based on the extant shed at Mael it is somewhat larger, but lacks the platform of the original. The removal of the platform was somewhat problematic, but once gone</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> it was a fairly simple operation to realign the road surface and get rid of the original flock surface and replace with what I think is chinchilla dust and some static grass.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllgExdwzfEyotnpRVkYfML0C8vvuKCVRNA5kcILSznyx0Xm-cD9gKvICGin3p92yjSKwaR-seHY9CN-D26pVDqp3Xndd7JpFRkeD85YyBn6JEi-Sa_AdKouEC6U8-meVbMZD09EW4ZcKf5P9qWbd5pTCLbpOOEze-5puS12RjYIlCwQuBnaDwfRoTtivn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllgExdwzfEyotnpRVkYfML0C8vvuKCVRNA5kcILSznyx0Xm-cD9gKvICGin3p92yjSKwaR-seHY9CN-D26pVDqp3Xndd7JpFRkeD85YyBn6JEi-Sa_AdKouEC6U8-meVbMZD09EW4ZcKf5P9qWbd5pTCLbpOOEze-5puS12RjYIlCwQuBnaDwfRoTtivn" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-18392355312570970872024-02-07T13:20:00.003+00:002024-02-07T13:20:39.167+00:00Svanda at Steyning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1KWQcsKsTVvfYEmd02KW66Sv0ciwXYTCExlIS6lkwdheu2LY2LKC3fo8UFHYkrN_pnZ15eG-5eJqIDvzV2TEd96YC8LKc9eZAJmmHK2euvtI6XZMrsehkrUtEQiJfofuhhgVWPhIw20JzKlVlIhdNho7XrhM3PiGRvYXAVdrWPsgmajV9AjyR5_v1u_jf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="412" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1KWQcsKsTVvfYEmd02KW66Sv0ciwXYTCExlIS6lkwdheu2LY2LKC3fo8UFHYkrN_pnZ15eG-5eJqIDvzV2TEd96YC8LKc9eZAJmmHK2euvtI6XZMrsehkrUtEQiJfofuhhgVWPhIw20JzKlVlIhdNho7XrhM3PiGRvYXAVdrWPsgmajV9AjyR5_v1u_jf=w300-h437" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Great little show with different stuff and lots of chat. Svanda appearing. Do come and say hello. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Note to Mr Hill: this is four weeks away.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ49LejniJvhdOzoAKePEwevvSfmLikASX-1UjKeo7uQNVN3phFZG9gjA5xOSd6RxUtzUIPD-BfbImL0_KlXwt6VjHS0XNf3VF7dnOXmFdMqgzlFyTmdp2XOhw4-LBzA12HHFF3cWnzX16TQH6BIUr5BvMf0mstQkGzjvO1bRZWrkBSxU_NKEj1X5u4Ep8/s448/PA050486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ49LejniJvhdOzoAKePEwevvSfmLikASX-1UjKeo7uQNVN3phFZG9gjA5xOSd6RxUtzUIPD-BfbImL0_KlXwt6VjHS0XNf3VF7dnOXmFdMqgzlFyTmdp2XOhw4-LBzA12HHFF3cWnzX16TQH6BIUr5BvMf0mstQkGzjvO1bRZWrkBSxU_NKEj1X5u4Ep8/s320/PA050486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-75185517331712260122024-02-06T14:38:00.000+00:002024-02-06T14:38:01.965+00:00009 groundwork<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD2s6a2owyp4Bb_LX3m3rdsKn5nr4EkgB8aFklrKnmkULiE6OAMYKF0s6Q77L7g13SQN9V32r_6_deGR0ygNx1ghvR_X2FKrgMrkCGKJdvk6pCVC17S4jFHO_L-CE4E1hPwMJTk3_l4TwOb2vG1pT8Ku0q2WQynd_XBqozw4QnpuqnkCmdwdhLIP5V1xWr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2823" data-original-width="5472" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD2s6a2owyp4Bb_LX3m3rdsKn5nr4EkgB8aFklrKnmkULiE6OAMYKF0s6Q77L7g13SQN9V32r_6_deGR0ygNx1ghvR_X2FKrgMrkCGKJdvk6pCVC17S4jFHO_L-CE4E1hPwMJTk3_l4TwOb2vG1pT8Ku0q2WQynd_XBqozw4QnpuqnkCmdwdhLIP5V1xWr=w432-h223" width="432" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Getting some ground shape in place is always a good thing especially when the the picture in your head is in the lumpy side and you are staring at a flat board. The back boards had been cut quite a while back as part of the baseboard building process and these were painted and fixed using some enormous screws. With a bit of profiling at the ends, the shape could go in using... a shoebox. Well what else would you use? I always return to the root of Ahern and Freezer in these matters and this lightweight packing card is strong and more importantly, light to lift. The signature boy on the bridge is waiting to be fixed in place.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm gradually getting to like this one even though I've got almost no suitable stock to run on it. That however is not the driving force behind it. </span><p></p></div>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-63946854265752043712024-02-02T09:35:00.000+00:002024-02-02T09:35:15.459+00:00Seething jobs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIkqjIsK4avsWjR2dHr-oEtNkaq3u_KLsDOW7wbG_6g8c7jqf992hS_es3J7tEd1R5RTk-dO3gu6hgLi1HeLdjf4IIsHTyzRP3n0-n6Dwmbqlw1O-7JGuKUKjEJmPHFkP0GIsqnVzmleMdxCcZ9lz2umy8-_z4XXXHlr6Ef6Fkzurb0XwF0d5iMK8ilOMs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIkqjIsK4avsWjR2dHr-oEtNkaq3u_KLsDOW7wbG_6g8c7jqf992hS_es3J7tEd1R5RTk-dO3gu6hgLi1HeLdjf4IIsHTyzRP3n0-n6Dwmbqlw1O-7JGuKUKjEJmPHFkP0GIsqnVzmleMdxCcZ9lz2umy8-_z4XXXHlr6Ef6Fkzurb0XwF0d5iMK8ilOMs=w426-h223" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> While the Peco grand epic is at the present the day job, odd fifteen minutes here and there are being put to use on a few round tuit jobs on <i>Seething</i>. Although the deadline is more or less the same, this is by far the more advanced but the little bits and pieces are getting ignored. Therefore, this week an effort to do things. The three in view here were repair the vac pipe on the bogie flat wagon, add a length of chain to same and put a set of Greenwich couplings on the GVT loco. These have both been around a while: the former built for the Small NG book, the later for the Welsh (both visible to your right). The horse and cart in the foreground, or more accurately the cart (from Dart Castings) was the only item purchased specially for the project, the rest coming from the 'one day' cupboard. The horse is another story which I may return to.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All of this will be visible at the Norfolk & Suffolk 009 member's day on June 1st for its first and final showing.</span></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-49905630482181242302024-01-30T22:13:00.002+00:002024-01-30T22:13:30.101+00:00Eastleigh show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcDL5TyyDvWGxx5HFDP42omu7Pq1dR6MG3BSDkeLNZ5-tXGJL8crH5gNq03IHgRG8MynwrUCVABwMVaPDPyyoxBSRei2utKQ0i5jWhnwbnhAEM6ftiAOP1Lh-qt4hneb_v8Ta2o82DXstzkxpZAePqVg4DdmvHl9QgUZ319Vyp7-lhdI56sOAmAmTX_nDR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcDL5TyyDvWGxx5HFDP42omu7Pq1dR6MG3BSDkeLNZ5-tXGJL8crH5gNq03IHgRG8MynwrUCVABwMVaPDPyyoxBSRei2utKQ0i5jWhnwbnhAEM6ftiAOP1Lh-qt4hneb_v8Ta2o82DXstzkxpZAePqVg4DdmvHl9QgUZ319Vyp7-lhdI56sOAmAmTX_nDR=w434-h236" width="434" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Like Goldilocks' porridge this is just right. The Southampton club have a reputation for turning out a good show and this was no exception. The exhibition manager has changed since my last visit, though if I didn't know that I wouldn't have noticed. The usual medium to high quality mix of layouts with a lean toward the finescale on one hand, but enough to keep a general family audience entertained. Trade was a good mix with not too many pure box shifters. Good to see a stand of ABS bits back on the scene and the ever expanding H&A Models who took a little money off me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Strangely my only issue was with food, but because the servings were a little heavy handed, and not because of quality, and the staff in this area were super friendly... unlike a rival show just down the road (maybe it's a scummers and skates thing. If you know, you know).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Show 10</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Catering 8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rucksacks 2</span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV8wH4uMAMuB64Rjnyw56ScWCChGw40FHR8N9-nS34a7Ho_uQ28rcdCV6lnZDykyidvkBGjj0927FclSpDT_fizJwX0zj7VtRgBdQozlHXlltjMmpaXvVDkiHGQBfP3b-shC7wzGESrZrxgZW6BoAg_OV5KKqmu58ao49C56oRgcYqAHZiA_rYfC1Ka_v8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV8wH4uMAMuB64Rjnyw56ScWCChGw40FHR8N9-nS34a7Ho_uQ28rcdCV6lnZDykyidvkBGjj0927FclSpDT_fizJwX0zj7VtRgBdQozlHXlltjMmpaXvVDkiHGQBfP3b-shC7wzGESrZrxgZW6BoAg_OV5KKqmu58ao49C56oRgcYqAHZiA_rYfC1Ka_v8" width="306" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-88783369383041663712024-01-21T20:01:00.000+00:002024-01-21T20:01:01.965+00:00Squeaky bridge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjazxZMzIzf_cHfg0mefJpOR3R7ObxfzeLIs1zH3assP33tzst49WYR3tMHX0jH8CU0FZTj8JWoPGVzJQEySzmPGGx3QxvNIIOeEtIwuVAgv9O_IGCOF0b0TL--Hc0FDUyUCKP2Z47rZepEpT6UXCWH-gczeBXew1HaWyqXxRewyJy8PksygEgOUhQfAyoe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjazxZMzIzf_cHfg0mefJpOR3R7ObxfzeLIs1zH3assP33tzst49WYR3tMHX0jH8CU0FZTj8JWoPGVzJQEySzmPGGx3QxvNIIOeEtIwuVAgv9O_IGCOF0b0TL--Hc0FDUyUCKP2Z47rZepEpT6UXCWH-gczeBXew1HaWyqXxRewyJy8PksygEgOUhQfAyoe=w408-h271" width="408" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">One of the boxes to tick on the Peco epic (I must settle on a name) was to make it generic and yet as un-generic as possible; and that it would use the brace of FR RTR that is now available. One of my pet peeves is the current crop of what are essentially narrow gauge GWR branch lines but running all the RTR small Welsh stock. If it was going to be an FR inspired layout, it had to look as though the loading gauge demanded the stock's styling. This meant some drastic chopping and would definitely preclude all the 'large Welsh' stock that will undoubtedly turn up, not to mention the Heljan L&B locos. The longest stock would be the Peco FR Bowsiders; here some pre-production items from the hand that designed them.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some testing with a Bachmann Dolgoch which just scrapes under the loading gauge and the FR coaches. All looks well thus far. What will be required is some proper stock for it.</span></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-73534354973883488712024-01-20T10:14:00.000+00:002024-01-20T10:14:39.829+00:00Back to the 009<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhshwZR-6GHeEw2Rag_OzSVDi2odpKbLIqKQvP25QG8YTlCs00imbFswOCX4mVjb-UBBJEbZV5qRFhyoxqvrYV0SBzDksSqR_zUdEbfHY2Kx7OAIfqTn8Jj5SdO7kwU9-TbENHFHPoE7bVwy6SofHk3yFxaDvN1R7kqrXK4rbdxPhf_BxB6DF4bD4gi-SmK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhshwZR-6GHeEw2Rag_OzSVDi2odpKbLIqKQvP25QG8YTlCs00imbFswOCX4mVjb-UBBJEbZV5qRFhyoxqvrYV0SBzDksSqR_zUdEbfHY2Kx7OAIfqTn8Jj5SdO7kwU9-TbENHFHPoE7bVwy6SofHk3yFxaDvN1R7kqrXK4rbdxPhf_BxB6DF4bD4gi-SmK=w391-h260" width="391" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Various other life issues have slowed the return back to the Peco 009 layout build, not to mention a rush brace of book review that were requested for the same company. It's like I never left. Some serious forward planning was required and with a couple of things jotted down, I settled on getting the tunnel mouths installed. These are the Peco NR15 humped bridge sides which will in fact allow for a FR Bowsider to clear even on a 9" radius curve. As opposed to the proper curved tunnel mouths in the same range which cut in too much at the foot. Kudos to Dick Wyatt as always for using these on Dovey Valley and pointing the way. The problem was that they were too bridge-y, so some butchery with a razor saw and a Stanley knife got them into constituent parts and with the addition of the matching stone sheet a squat square portal was created. </span><p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-9088581624389789942024-01-10T13:52:00.000+00:002024-01-10T13:52:19.205+00:00Demise?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiNJa3N5uF0M8E48DB3GGMrDASbeLfDd78oCzDRDcwFNE6eDvOjRTxkoloGbriwEdS2fEb0-PK1npoNOziLRTXk-U-ebYo0SBtFVoSyHgFHaH3K2e1DjxCDt95lCQJgA7L9dWV1r_YH8sa8J9U6BhaZZbKi0ATZFp5UA3LHVCrcLpYv4mlOiKJPX5MGyN3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiNJa3N5uF0M8E48DB3GGMrDASbeLfDd78oCzDRDcwFNE6eDvOjRTxkoloGbriwEdS2fEb0-PK1npoNOziLRTXk-U-ebYo0SBtFVoSyHgFHaH3K2e1DjxCDt95lCQJgA7L9dWV1r_YH8sa8J9U6BhaZZbKi0ATZFp5UA3LHVCrcLpYv4mlOiKJPX5MGyN3" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />On Monday night almost everyone in the known universe (or so it seemed) had an email from Hattons. This in itself was not unusual, but the information contained in it was a bit of a surprise. I'm not in the habit of perusing RMweb and the like, but I can imagine that the people who buy lots of stuff will be up in arms and scrambling for an alternative pusher.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Interestingly, included in the reasons given on the website are 'changing demographic' and Brexit. Or are we at peak price now and people are saying 'I really think that £300 for a DMU is too much?'</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Quite honestly a toss I do not give. It's a shop. The population as a whole would say toy shop and if you really dig down deep they'd be absolutely correct. Disregarding the history (and there is a little of this over on Phil's page) they have been of late the king of box shifters with a token shop front bolted onto a warehouse full of racking. So let's flip this around for a minute. In recent times, and by this I mean the last 20-30 years, people have endlessly bemoaned the demise of the local model shop and that wonder word... service. But then, happily pick up the phone to save £5 and order the item they desire from Hattons/Kernow et al, the ones with the big ads in the magazines. Result: these do well and the one-man-band local shops disappear. Will this change things? No, because this business will be picked up by Olivias/TMC/Cheltenham/Kernow and it will all be the same next month. The losers as ever will be the smaller retailers and the magazine advertising receipts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep calm and carry on. Maybe Railmatch will return.</span></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-18436156515476552332024-01-04T15:26:00.000+00:002024-01-04T15:26:31.988+00:00January thinking<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwIiHEOtF9HI1OCjpYrkshthaY0SR_WIIezrnoG9Po91dct4C3n6wL6qU5tLlKJLo5RAO8aMsxaiKLK88Xvm8q73kyyiHB8wJNy33-S_-TT9KCA7pAMf9m5BBmrivoTLMeVtouNBoebQeQg3Pk3diXCbEwT0502zHTWEeL-EW8phn9Z4lusHLTdmaRJ3y/s1279/P1180685.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1279" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwIiHEOtF9HI1OCjpYrkshthaY0SR_WIIezrnoG9Po91dct4C3n6wL6qU5tLlKJLo5RAO8aMsxaiKLK88Xvm8q73kyyiHB8wJNy33-S_-TT9KCA7pAMf9m5BBmrivoTLMeVtouNBoebQeQg3Pk3diXCbEwT0502zHTWEeL-EW8phn9Z4lusHLTdmaRJ3y/w409-h307/P1180685.jpeg" width="409" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">And so to opening again. I closed for the usual annual oh no it's not season. Either no one comes here anymore or everyone sussed this and (this time) didn't moan about it. TBH I did consider closing for good, but after six weeks of not touching a keyboard I needed something to get my fingers moving again. </span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So what now? Primary is to move quickly on with the Peco 009 build. This has laid moribund for the period and I now find myself wondering what the hell I was doing before the break and what it was that I'd planned to do next. The secondary is a more general thought pattern of what comes after that. There are only two shows this year (100% up on last) but one of those is more of a weekend away with mates with a 009 Society members day shoe-horned into the middle, so may not count. Much of this centres around June, nicely halfway and the forward thinking is for beyond that. Bisecting this is the WRG bash in March where <i>Svanda</i> will spring into life with upgrades by Mr. Hill (10 weeks, no pressure). All that aside, there is the usual day-jobby things of hitting bits of plastic and a little teaching. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The forward thinking post June is a recycled idea and ties very much to the questions in the post below this. The idea is remarkably similar to a certain local gentleman's past efforts and while I am sharply aware of this, I am also aware that I lack his outside box design thinking so there will be considerable differences.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With fingers woken up …. onward.</span></div>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-51561006241555050202023-11-18T06:00:00.001+00:002023-11-18T06:00:00.175+00:00Saturday Ramble: Swedish death cleaning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN65FNraKAmIdmVRfmphkq0DdBJj3srkj_Kia3s6zlMiEpkZhIGVpZTCe3LY5kEuOYl3XhEPedNwnnqHuODOo4183T2f2A2L5puKLOS0VywJAw6u0MKKejU2xnlZJLbLh9Uo6t64AOqY9f5a_rKzzUUxnVw3zoZwtMoLYcaLratfTzhylqNlo07F_ENoQc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN65FNraKAmIdmVRfmphkq0DdBJj3srkj_Kia3s6zlMiEpkZhIGVpZTCe3LY5kEuOYl3XhEPedNwnnqHuODOo4183T2f2A2L5puKLOS0VywJAw6u0MKKejU2xnlZJLbLh9Uo6t64AOqY9f5a_rKzzUUxnVw3zoZwtMoLYcaLratfTzhylqNlo07F_ENoQc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Stuff: Age: Ratios: Probabilities: Individually meaningless, but combined they create an interesting set of questions. I'm not yet in the bracket of old, but there is a lighter significant birthday in the near-ish future and this does push this combo into a sharper focus. This alongside watching our Mr. Hill's frustration in clearing the effects of a deceased relative with a lot of things that may have come in useful one day, but now certainly won't. This is not an entertaining watch and the heated moments relayed to me solidify my thoughts on this matter. Particularly when there are items such as lathes and pillar drills which I thought would be snapped up but appear to be useless. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The forth of my keywords; probabilities, is the hardest to define. The third, is the end result. How much of this stuff will we ever use? You know, the one day things that we can't bear to throw out. My worst should but can't is the set of American stock that was bought at low cost in the 90s and which would be astronomical to replace at current prices. Is there a plan for it? No. I can't settle on one that makes me actually push the go button. The ratio is the time expected/stuff in stock/desire. Even if I continued at the current build rate and enjoyed the physical ability to do so, I've probably got 15 more layouts to build. That's the maths. The probability is a lot lower, as is the storage capability for these. So I'm building to sell. Is that what it comes down to? Building things just to dispose of them to build more purely to use the 'stuff' up. There must be a better way as that doesn't sound very enjoyable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Much of this is down to the fact that there is no grand opus - I'm not that sort of modeller. One wonders how much 'one day' stuff Peter Denny had in stock when he popped. Is this just the butterflies like me or do the one man/one project bods also suffer from this problem?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The title of this post is intriguing (look it up) essentially the idea is more about clothing/drawer contents and the like that lifestyle TV is so fond of. We are in a similar, but wildly different game as there is much more emotion tied up in modelling than a pair of M &S trousers. How do we keep doing what we do for as long as possible, without any excess at the end for others to clear and dump in a skip? Think that won't happen? Think again. Your prized work is going to landfill and there will be nothing you can do about it. There's a way to square all this, but I've yet to work out what it is.</span></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-20286364782927182842023-11-15T10:24:00.010+00:002023-11-15T10:24:00.142+00:00Let's go railway modelling...<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF4kgT4oTd3nXrUNlvMrMoRrQ_eTvP17Zc0ctmbd6b7W6Sn9oIybCgrqzlZ1kuSCYiHUehvN0OAAI5UfneX3lIo7kMh2NzECT0nbHzEX5N5nkC42WT9d3NUJWIZsbiJhU2TcBkDZfAEzKQhcZyMKm5ZXpBPRmm0OHHgxZyFy8Kcdx_NPf8wwj5rU0OwdDP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="414" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF4kgT4oTd3nXrUNlvMrMoRrQ_eTvP17Zc0ctmbd6b7W6Sn9oIybCgrqzlZ1kuSCYiHUehvN0OAAI5UfneX3lIo7kMh2NzECT0nbHzEX5N5nkC42WT9d3NUJWIZsbiJhU2TcBkDZfAEzKQhcZyMKm5ZXpBPRmm0OHHgxZyFy8Kcdx_NPf8wwj5rU0OwdDP=w216-h282" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm hesitant about this, but it would be easy to let it be the elephant in the room. I wrote the main text back in 2019 and the whole gist of the project was for it to be a general book that would appear in bookshops, not just via the model trade and obviously to tie up with the Channel 5 Challenge series. Events move on, as do characters, and I only realised that it had been relaunched when the phone and emails arrived last week as it appeared on the RM editorial. So here it is with me grinning stupidly and wearing the spare specs. I have to admit I prefer the more subtle original cover below, but note that the AotC makes an appearance on both. Of all the layouts I've built...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is of course a team effort and <u>most</u> of the work was done by Tim Rayner, young Craig and Steve Flint, graphically steered by Adrian and the art dept. chaps. At the time of writing I have not seen a copy so I can't comment further, but of course, do rush out and buy one from Smiths or wherever.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZbKJXH2RDDh9K112tc0yIGaVKS-zTmRgRS7URnFS-0v36c0OXJRMKV1kD0kCQ7Fjy0SoNreuzyorUz5g9dkJN_TFOlQgmuR2m3bdAAXmw1KuH65l8NGjJb-HAAO9lNq-3JeM8YlJ0cdUVdB4Ep030cUk6zjj8v5bnc3eJTdZ4NGPwq6VnUPnxMCfdt9tc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="616" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZbKJXH2RDDh9K112tc0yIGaVKS-zTmRgRS7URnFS-0v36c0OXJRMKV1kD0kCQ7Fjy0SoNreuzyorUz5g9dkJN_TFOlQgmuR2m3bdAAXmw1KuH65l8NGjJb-HAAO9lNq-3JeM8YlJ0cdUVdB4Ep030cUk6zjj8v5bnc3eJTdZ4NGPwq6VnUPnxMCfdt9tc=w253-h321" width="253" /></a></div></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-37506399972523490572023-11-14T10:23:00.000+00:002023-11-14T10:23:27.328+00:00Tolworth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYXAd8lhNc5laM5ZY8VPBx7AALubGPkfKiQa0MQhH6IxXGg9DaQDgJUacX2J0e-YvPboRvdqrqc2VXiGf2T5GI4dFgMbJwX1eHt9w6aY1YboHUHYFWQ6ZcCFs_871DH4CLJJLHmURQw4AJzABOCIFVys9WGPjBg5nB5mfPGbFxhDLr_LPLsM3N8o0WpiT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhYXAd8lhNc5laM5ZY8VPBx7AALubGPkfKiQa0MQhH6IxXGg9DaQDgJUacX2J0e-YvPboRvdqrqc2VXiGf2T5GI4dFgMbJwX1eHt9w6aY1YboHUHYFWQ6ZcCFs_871DH4CLJJLHmURQw4AJzABOCIFVys9WGPjBg5nB5mfPGbFxhDLr_LPLsM3N8o0WpiT" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">'Check the ULEZ compliance.' This was a new pre-show trip question. Easy enough, you just punch your reg' number in to the website and you get a yes or no. Interestingly the exit onto the A3 post show was no easier and there seemed to be no drop in traffic whatsoever. Draw your own conclusions.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tolworth is a regular trip both as exhibitor and punter. Well organised and without glitches. The FOH cafe is limited and we had previously discovered a great 'caff' around the corner which has become part of the day... in fact we went there first. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wonder if I have become a little jaded. The layouts were in the med-high bracket, on a par with Farnham a couple of weeks back with a good mix, though low on N and continental, but nothing that truly inspired. I understand that is more about me than the layouts. One complaint (again) was not the quality, but the complete nonchalance when it came to operation in many cases. The above, being run mainly by junior club members was fast and slick and gave a real lineside feel. On the flip Kensington (two down and essentially doing the same thing) was absolutely stunning, easily the stand-out in modelling terms, but I don't think I saw one train leave or arrive without breaking or derailing. Heartbreaking stuff. If you've put that much effort into the very high class modelling then...?? One thing I did take a closer look at was Roy Hickman's scenic stand which for once wasn't crowded. Old school and reminiscent of Mike Gill's work in RM in the '70s and '80s, but was almost my 'ping' moment. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Show 8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Parking 6</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rucksacks 4</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Catering (off-site) 11.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEfjjk-YiQx6ZLnmCiEYh4QzvoYBBPmhHAzNYxy-7LuaRSb32idGAfOTPCDOx19EBPyWYyWkbd_DlWUtfKHXe56sgwBvmeA9CpU5-RiW1wfKInuPlZoKjyk6Ss-2ikmPJC3z-S9asbATxe1XGcLSW1Xiw79OElyIPdGes6LKNJZ3nCu0M-L2NrK3UAQ1fq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEfjjk-YiQx6ZLnmCiEYh4QzvoYBBPmhHAzNYxy-7LuaRSb32idGAfOTPCDOx19EBPyWYyWkbd_DlWUtfKHXe56sgwBvmeA9CpU5-RiW1wfKInuPlZoKjyk6Ss-2ikmPJC3z-S9asbATxe1XGcLSW1Xiw79OElyIPdGes6LKNJZ3nCu0M-L2NrK3UAQ1fq" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqJbnRCD0et1LSnR9e5KtPeYeJxDf_zNH0M8Ox-B6MSoBFfXU8WOfxyaFmkdEL3edpW1Vv3joiUss4u0-YNMHYh4D32QYbgKMgJG8fEUWse3JixQAaOmkfP8vrzfPBqdn7sY92zIAmatyg3IXdEHprTN1iGKZur3A7Bm_gDZdr0RCzUYy1-tnsqdpG_Lkl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqJbnRCD0et1LSnR9e5KtPeYeJxDf_zNH0M8Ox-B6MSoBFfXU8WOfxyaFmkdEL3edpW1Vv3joiUss4u0-YNMHYh4D32QYbgKMgJG8fEUWse3JixQAaOmkfP8vrzfPBqdn7sY92zIAmatyg3IXdEHprTN1iGKZur3A7Bm_gDZdr0RCzUYy1-tnsqdpG_Lkl" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieXX_pS0pF4ugmqH2HKYDNXV56Wx16El7TnWF_hvH0RTr3XKOEcQu_KkMQ1OHuDBjsO_3FvAY0p1YX8vFqARfSHL5BLCdUqrdLZPn-RExs35E_jrOkdj0cR5WkxeE36EwOgSsV7ywobG4GI6TM9rqLgOUGfYwAWtpoR4xr1JxHhOxkAAP6NKsVqDaNtCeo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieXX_pS0pF4ugmqH2HKYDNXV56Wx16El7TnWF_hvH0RTr3XKOEcQu_KkMQ1OHuDBjsO_3FvAY0p1YX8vFqARfSHL5BLCdUqrdLZPn-RExs35E_jrOkdj0cR5WkxeE36EwOgSsV7ywobG4GI6TM9rqLgOUGfYwAWtpoR4xr1JxHhOxkAAP6NKsVqDaNtCeo" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-33408839751901855212023-11-10T13:09:00.004+00:002023-11-10T13:09:59.265+00:00Rhiw running session<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUpf1jeTFu9dG3UFCQm-VDwIRSRomKxDlW7v17cErxrSNczu0G8G9LVU_61ssUW-cr5grrDYvUbEGbW0zWrWRpGKBn2I7oiPDFvdTb6obfDgv9r447lgectP0A9KHdnot1INQ6DGYDf5HRqqfI4d6_vhxaIbDKW7BM43_8U2fQAE7xyZ3umCiBt3Sc8jnH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUpf1jeTFu9dG3UFCQm-VDwIRSRomKxDlW7v17cErxrSNczu0G8G9LVU_61ssUW-cr5grrDYvUbEGbW0zWrWRpGKBn2I7oiPDFvdTb6obfDgv9r447lgectP0A9KHdnot1INQ6DGYDf5HRqqfI4d6_vhxaIbDKW7BM43_8U2fQAE7xyZ3umCiBt3Sc8jnH=w499-h296" width="499" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> A decision was made to have regular running sessions for the current exhibition animals. This rather than the last minute check before a show. This week Rhiw came out of the box and some of the new stock was introduced, the short wheelbase picking up a couple of bumps in the industrial part of the FY that had been quickly laid with scrap code 100 in the spring. This can be rectified in comfort.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Class 121 (from a Lima conversion) stands at the platform awaiting custom.</span></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-50217400740899673312023-11-06T19:00:00.003+00:002023-11-06T19:00:00.137+00:00Parkside vac-braked minerals<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ru8Oq6hLtdsAjRu5ggvdgAWS4HDI6s5_uDEZHi2h8glvwyqkqoC-zaZxCpLUIqh1wTXPtHt9YzE8N-l9q6049k2iIwvjPaI1ik45-CG2IFGI5_HFo8s2H8GWUwH8Q4qoRvIrZ7K7bBrMIJ0uYnPBrAxMf77tavgft1B6dcfiSGxWdAxqp_Y74EiHiR9p/s800/IMG_9406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="800" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ru8Oq6hLtdsAjRu5ggvdgAWS4HDI6s5_uDEZHi2h8glvwyqkqoC-zaZxCpLUIqh1wTXPtHt9YzE8N-l9q6049k2iIwvjPaI1ik45-CG2IFGI5_HFo8s2H8GWUwH8Q4qoRvIrZ7K7bBrMIJ0uYnPBrAxMf77tavgft1B6dcfiSGxWdAxqp_Y74EiHiR9p/w543-h331/IMG_9406.JPG" width="543" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The weekend saw a push to get a rake of vac-braked 16 tonners painted up. These representing what must have been the last use of these on scrap traffic. With four left to do it was a case of looking at Paul Bartlett's excellent wagon photo site and drawing some inspiration. Nothing fancy involved; Parkside PC19 kits built more or less as per the instructions and painted (mostly) Games Workshop Morfang Brown. One got a wash of Humbrol 33 before the ModelMaster transfers went on. Then two greys and orange dabbed on with a cheap brush with the bristles cut down. Proper Saturday afternoon modelling. Couplings to add and we're good to go.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgkLK9EsjPg2nYj07UnAqI-EeScmZEgfzc8iqOtH0moxcWnHYtFBKxCRyCgRyBUGuLiJBpCdf2pVB_mC-qUTw5UoiKI5in6Eksu6RPfOYH5Oq49kRUtRnk5ZzmzOJif7lNWWDilG5Nj1HkRj5nXhiGHI6XUKUSgGMN4Dnz4uezHzJ9rkQcrk7uP7_eHOu/s800/IMG_9410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="800" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgkLK9EsjPg2nYj07UnAqI-EeScmZEgfzc8iqOtH0moxcWnHYtFBKxCRyCgRyBUGuLiJBpCdf2pVB_mC-qUTw5UoiKI5in6Eksu6RPfOYH5Oq49kRUtRnk5ZzmzOJif7lNWWDilG5Nj1HkRj5nXhiGHI6XUKUSgGMN4Dnz4uezHzJ9rkQcrk7uP7_eHOu/w623-h203/IMG_9410.JPG" width="623" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293175883157636914.post-67364667491304662472023-11-05T11:20:00.000+00:002023-11-05T11:20:31.773+00:00Seething station<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5BdCAkjW2yAcnQSStFmql8O2MNb7FHWwMcDzhWTinfWdWSp0m9fni2oM7eQBVdb1O5sr7pFL4ee34zC3Q5oZQkiqlUfPG8BK7bK8iQUZnJOJFFJAccju3GJQF7Nl9cQGJSe05EJRlHLv7bwZyd7AzkpMGp4dL1e-Q7_V4yqQe2RwgolyBcv4Uo5gtr7T" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5BdCAkjW2yAcnQSStFmql8O2MNb7FHWwMcDzhWTinfWdWSp0m9fni2oM7eQBVdb1O5sr7pFL4ee34zC3Q5oZQkiqlUfPG8BK7bK8iQUZnJOJFFJAccju3GJQF7Nl9cQGJSe05EJRlHLv7bwZyd7AzkpMGp4dL1e-Q7_V4yqQe2RwgolyBcv4Uo5gtr7T=w411-h294" width="411" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Only a few details and some scenic patching to do now, all well ahead of the deadline of Beccles on June 1st. Most of this scene is either s/h junk or other peoples chuck-outs. I bought a bag full of tatty trees off a club stand and refurbed a couple with some fluff to finish the corner. The figure is again club stand fare and is the obvious Airfix (there are two tobacco tins worth of various Airfix and Slaters bits to work through and this reduces the pile by one. The Wills station building is a chuck out from Greg Dodsworth. This was disassembled and rebuilt with a lamp room extension and my now favoured black plasticard glazing. The slightly unlikely sited post box is from the same source and is from the Dart range. Added here purely to add a splash of colour to catch the eye. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The greenery is again a chuck out, mainly from the bundle of stuff given to me by John Wright when he gave it all up and moved back westwards. This comprised of static grass, flock and the Wills cottage kit that appeared (and indeed still exits) on <i>Tal-coed.</i> The layout now sold means that the cottage has effectively followed its original owner to Somerset. Hedging is cheap scouring pad covered in flock and bushes are horsehair treated in the same fashion. In short: a few friends generosity and some careful purchases mean that (including track) this scene cost time and about £20. My answer to all those bleating about how expensive it's all become, is that I totally agree, but it's more about how you approach it, more than how deep your pockets are.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">If you've enjoyed this waffle, show the love. </span><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q" style="background-color: white; color: #3778cd; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisford2Q</a></p>Chris Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126638769396595508noreply@blogger.com1