Sunday 28 February 2010

Test track

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Saturday morning was spent clearing parts of the garden where the railway will go (bye bye huge hebe and a few other assorted plants plus most of a green wire fence).

Later it was raining outside, so we decided to try putting together some track to get an idea of the space we’ll need and how wide the concrete foundations will need to be.  As can be seen above the design of peco points leaves a little to be desired when you want to attach plain track onto the diverging ends!  But we made do for now.

The kids had great fun zipping waggons along the track.

It also allowed me to check all my waggons’ back to back measurements.

Fun was had by all.

Friday 26 February 2010

Skipping along

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One binnie skip wagon made up.  A great kit, easy to put together and very nicely designed.  I will get more.

Wednesday 24 February 2010

16mm association

The latest edition of the 16mm magazine arrived today along with a CD containing a load of videos of 16mm garden layouts in action – wonderful.

Given that it is £17 for a year (4 issues of this high quality mag) plus extras like the free book they gave out this year too, I have to say that the 16mm association puts the 009 society in the shade somewhat.

Prince meet Rough Pup…

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Monday 15 February 2010

Slate quarry office

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This was picked up at the Solihull G scale exhibition on Saturday.  I hope you’ll agree that it will make a lovely little slate quarry site office.  It’s cast from concrete, so no chance of it taking off in high winds!

Monday 8 February 2010

De Winton rods

One of my Dad's friends has kindly offered to etch the steel coupling rods for the De Winton in nickel silver for me.  Massive thanks!  It's a good job in a way as we have noticed that the wheelbase has changed due to my chassis extension I had to do.  This was to fit the brass chassis to the resin body correctly (the resin was too large).  The new rods will therefore be 1.1mm longer.

Thursday 4 February 2010

Gladstone

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The cant rails and end top pieces have now been attached.  These are not perfect, but frankly it is impossible to get them perfect given the fact that the cant rail supplied was bent all over the place.  However I am generally pleased.  The next step is to cut and install thin pieces around all the window openings for strength and to provide a lip for glazing.  and yes you’ve guessed it, these are not pre cut for you – another very time consuming job ahead!

Monday 1 February 2010

Gladstone comparison

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Progress on the Gladstone is slightly more advanced that seen above as one of the top rails is now glued in.

Just for fun you can see that a 009 version of the same carriage is rather smaller!